Heaven is God's throne and the earth His footstool. He has the power to raise up kings and depose them, to overthrow nations and establish them. God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand and gave them land in Canaan by lot. It is interesting to me God made Israel a great nation with clearly defined borders. God could have given His people all the land on the planet, but He didn't. He established boundaries for His people, something we ought to consider in our own lives too. We should be content with our station and all God has graciously provided instead of always seeking to expand. Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Not only did God provide boundaries for the land of the nation Israel, but He provided them His Law. God's Law was to govern people's actions, words, duties, and the worship of God. Left to their own devices and driven unchecked by the lust and wickedness of people hearts, they would become as the godless and wicked nations before them. God instituted government, a priesthood, and morality upheld by Law which set bounds on what is good or evil. These statutes were good but had their limitations: law cannot make a man righteous or provide salvation, for it can only condemn. Jesus Christ, who established a New Covenant in His blood is the end of the Law for righteousness for all who believe (Romans 10:4). We have liberty in Christ, but this liberty also has boundaries.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." He continued on this theme in 1 Corinthians 10:23: "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." We should not do things merely because we can or they are considered "legal." Those activities which prove not to be a help, anything which brings us under its power, and does not build us up in holy faith should be off-limits for us - just like we trespass when we go beyond our property line. It is no longer the Law of Moses which provides these boundaries, but the fear of God, the Holy Spirit in our hearts, and love. Love is the "bond of perfection" which is to govern and guide our words and deeds.
God is infinite, yet He has wisely given us limits. Instead of seeking to always expand our circle of influence, let us be content to bless and love those with whom He has united us. Paul learned in whatever state he was to be content (Philippians 4:11), and having food and clothes we ought to be pleased. The exhortation in Hebrews 13:5 also comes with a reminder of how blessed we are in Christ alone: "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Let us be content with our homes (whether owning or renting), land, job, marriage, and family. We have a Saviour Jesus who will never leave or forsake us, and in Him is everlasting love, acceptance, and life. Should times of increase come, let us not set our hearts on more but rest in the One who gives us all things.
Not only did God provide boundaries for the land of the nation Israel, but He provided them His Law. God's Law was to govern people's actions, words, duties, and the worship of God. Left to their own devices and driven unchecked by the lust and wickedness of people hearts, they would become as the godless and wicked nations before them. God instituted government, a priesthood, and morality upheld by Law which set bounds on what is good or evil. These statutes were good but had their limitations: law cannot make a man righteous or provide salvation, for it can only condemn. Jesus Christ, who established a New Covenant in His blood is the end of the Law for righteousness for all who believe (Romans 10:4). We have liberty in Christ, but this liberty also has boundaries.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." He continued on this theme in 1 Corinthians 10:23: "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." We should not do things merely because we can or they are considered "legal." Those activities which prove not to be a help, anything which brings us under its power, and does not build us up in holy faith should be off-limits for us - just like we trespass when we go beyond our property line. It is no longer the Law of Moses which provides these boundaries, but the fear of God, the Holy Spirit in our hearts, and love. Love is the "bond of perfection" which is to govern and guide our words and deeds.
God is infinite, yet He has wisely given us limits. Instead of seeking to always expand our circle of influence, let us be content to bless and love those with whom He has united us. Paul learned in whatever state he was to be content (Philippians 4:11), and having food and clothes we ought to be pleased. The exhortation in Hebrews 13:5 also comes with a reminder of how blessed we are in Christ alone: "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Let us be content with our homes (whether owning or renting), land, job, marriage, and family. We have a Saviour Jesus who will never leave or forsake us, and in Him is everlasting love, acceptance, and life. Should times of increase come, let us not set our hearts on more but rest in the One who gives us all things.
No comments:
Post a Comment
To uphold the integrity of this site, no comments with links for advertising will be posted. No ads here! :)