As I was reading through the book of Numbers last night, I came to the portion where Moses commanded the people to keep the Passover at the appointed time: the 14th day of the first month. Men approached Moses with an important question. Certain men had been deemed unclean by the Law because they had come in contact with a dead body. However, they desired to keep the feast and offer the appropriate sacrifice to the LORD - but were unclean. Numbers 9:8 reads, "And Moses said unto them, "Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you." God spoke to Moses and told him that those deemed unclean under ceremonial Law could keep the Passover on the 14th day of the second month, as long as it was carried out in precisely the same way as it should have been done a month earlier.
What struck me about the passage were the words of Moses when faced with this dilemma. If I was in a situation like Moses, I would have said something like: "I'll ask God about that in prayer and see what He says." But Moses said, "Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you." Moses recognized that God already knew the situation. He didn't need to explain the whole background concerning these men before God. God was fully aware of their need for wisdom and guidance even before asking. Jesus says in Matthew 6:8, "...For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking we need to inform God of what is going on in our world, even as the disciples rushed to Jesus in the midst of the storm saying, "Don't you care that we are perishing?" Jesus knew. It was only in desperation they would cry out for His aid and then He could work miracles.
The second thing which captured my attention is the Hebrew word translated "hear" in this instance. It is "shama," which in the Strong's Concordance is described as: "to hear intelligently, often with implication of attention and obedience." This word is also translated in the KJV as: "hear," "hearken," "obey," "publish," and "understand." It carries the idea of carefully hearing with the purpose and intent to obey fully the directive given. Throughout our days we hear a lot of things. We don't believe, trust, or obey everything we hear because that would be foolish. We immediately sort out what directives we will heed and what we will ignore. It is a very dangerous place to be when we do the same with what God says. Only disaster will follow those who read God's Word and pick and choose what they will "hear."
How often do we not hear God speaking because we are not listening! We do not stand still to hear what God says, but rush about and walk according to the way which seems right to us at the time. The scripture says that there is a way which seems right to a man, but the end of it is death. We also read that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God. How critical it is to stand still and hear God's voice with intent to fully obey. Let us say someone has asked you for advice. You offer them wise counsel which they decide to ignore completely. After this cycle is repeated over and over, at some point you will withhold your wisdom from such a fool who has no intention to act according to your word.
We have all been that fool with God. God does not offer advice: He offers divine wisdom and knowledge from His infinite stores. God holds forth righteous judgments and commands according to His character. He plainly says what is the right and wrong way for a man to live in relation to God and others. Jesus has become wisdom for all who believe, as it says in 1 Corinthians 1:30. Jesus says of the Holy Spirit whom has now been sent in John 16:13: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." We should not take the written Word of God nor the promptings of the Holy Spirit "with a grain of salt," but see them in truth as the words of life: words which must be obeyed.
Romans 11:33 says, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. It is time for us to seek the LORD, stand still, and hear what He says with intent to obey. It is in this place where we discover His perfect will.
21 March 2012
19 March 2012
Who's Your Master?
When people think about slavery, a variety of thoughts and feelings are invoked. In the United States, the fight over slavery is one that affected the whole nation. Quoting history.com, "In 1865, the U.S. House of Representatives passes the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in America. The amendment read, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude...shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." It is not uncommon to meet people to this day whose ancestors were either slaves or slave owners. Some people are shocked that slavery still exists in many forms in the world today. The truth is, slavery is as prevalent, oppressive, and destructive as it has ever been in the world's history.
Consider these excerpts from Webster's Dictionary (1828 edition) concerning the the noun "slave:" 1) A person who is wholly subject to the will of another; one who has no will of his own, but whose person and services are wholly under the control of another; 2) One who has lost the power of resistance; or one who surrenders himself to any power whatever; as a slave to passion, to lust, to ambition." We often think of slavery as when a person is either sold, acquired, or forced to work against their will for nothing to show for it but their life. Slaves are not paid and are denied rights and freedoms others enjoy. There is a slavery more sinister than being sold like an ox at an auction and working for a cruel master: the slavery of sin. Satan and sin are cruel masters which lead to eternal death.
In our natural state every man is sinful, "sold under sin." Even as wicked Haman had condemned the Jews to die, so sin has doomed every person who draws breath. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are either slaves of God or Satan. You might say, "Wait a second! I don't even believe in Satan! How can I be serving him?" "Warlock" Jack Malebranche, a member of the Church of Satan in an interview shown during "Way of the Master" episode 19 explained, "On a certain level, Satan is a part of ourselves that we tap into. When we say, "Hail Satan!" to a certain extent, I'm saying, "Hail me!" Jesus says in John 8:34, "...Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." If you have sinned, than you are therefore a slave to sin. If I live for myself, I sow to the flesh and will of the flesh reap corruption. The wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God in the torments of hell.
But God in His mercy, made a way for slaves to be set free - even under the Old Covenant! In Leviticus 25, we read how a kinsman could redeem a slave from slavery. Leviticus 25:48-49 reads, "...After he is sold he may be redeemed again. One of his brothers may redeem him; 49 or his uncle or his uncle's son may redeem him; or anyone who is near of kin to him in his family may redeem him; or if he is able he may redeem himself." No one is able to redeem himself from the power of sin and death. In His love, the Father sent the Son as a Redeemer, not only for His Jewish countrymen, but to be the sacrifice for sin for all who believe throughout the world! John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Jesus instituted the New Covenant in His blood so all who repent, place their faith in Him, and become His disciples shall be given eternal life through Him.
Everyone in this world is a slave. We may not have been bought or sold with money, but we are either slaves of sin or righteousness. Romans 6:16 states, "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" Who is your master? This question cannot be answered with words: only your thoughts, actions, and life will provide an adequate answer. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Today is the day of decision. Choose to serve God, for He is a worthy LORD and Master who rules with love.
Consider these excerpts from Webster's Dictionary (1828 edition) concerning the the noun "slave:" 1) A person who is wholly subject to the will of another; one who has no will of his own, but whose person and services are wholly under the control of another; 2) One who has lost the power of resistance; or one who surrenders himself to any power whatever; as a slave to passion, to lust, to ambition." We often think of slavery as when a person is either sold, acquired, or forced to work against their will for nothing to show for it but their life. Slaves are not paid and are denied rights and freedoms others enjoy. There is a slavery more sinister than being sold like an ox at an auction and working for a cruel master: the slavery of sin. Satan and sin are cruel masters which lead to eternal death.
In our natural state every man is sinful, "sold under sin." Even as wicked Haman had condemned the Jews to die, so sin has doomed every person who draws breath. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are either slaves of God or Satan. You might say, "Wait a second! I don't even believe in Satan! How can I be serving him?" "Warlock" Jack Malebranche, a member of the Church of Satan in an interview shown during "Way of the Master" episode 19 explained, "On a certain level, Satan is a part of ourselves that we tap into. When we say, "Hail Satan!" to a certain extent, I'm saying, "Hail me!" Jesus says in John 8:34, "...Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." If you have sinned, than you are therefore a slave to sin. If I live for myself, I sow to the flesh and will of the flesh reap corruption. The wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God in the torments of hell.
But God in His mercy, made a way for slaves to be set free - even under the Old Covenant! In Leviticus 25, we read how a kinsman could redeem a slave from slavery. Leviticus 25:48-49 reads, "...After he is sold he may be redeemed again. One of his brothers may redeem him; 49 or his uncle or his uncle's son may redeem him; or anyone who is near of kin to him in his family may redeem him; or if he is able he may redeem himself." No one is able to redeem himself from the power of sin and death. In His love, the Father sent the Son as a Redeemer, not only for His Jewish countrymen, but to be the sacrifice for sin for all who believe throughout the world! John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Jesus instituted the New Covenant in His blood so all who repent, place their faith in Him, and become His disciples shall be given eternal life through Him.
Everyone in this world is a slave. We may not have been bought or sold with money, but we are either slaves of sin or righteousness. Romans 6:16 states, "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" Who is your master? This question cannot be answered with words: only your thoughts, actions, and life will provide an adequate answer. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Today is the day of decision. Choose to serve God, for He is a worthy LORD and Master who rules with love.
Ready for the Storm?
No matter how much warning is given, inevitably people are not ready for when disaster strikes. There are times without number I have seen interviews of people talking about their near brush with death because they did not evacuate in time to ensure their safety. Whether speaking of a tsunami, flood, fire, hurricane, there is a common phrase said by those interviewed: "It just happened so fast. We didn't have any time." Please don't misunderstand my point: many times tornadoes, earthquakes, or fires can be so fierce and unexpected that there was not even enough time to jump into the bathtub. I don't want to trivialize or appear to blame victims in any way for being swept up in a disaster.
But the brutal irony is that in some disasters which require rescue or some lose their lives, time was actually on the side of the victims. Their death was preventable, had they heeded warnings in a timely manner. In some cases, warnings of severe weather patterns were broadcasted many days before the storm hit land. There was plenty of time for filling sandbags, boarding up windows and doors, and loading up the car. The government sends messages telling people they must evacuate. Patrol cars drive up and down streets blaring the warning of the imminent disaster from patrol cars. In extreme cases, officers walk up to every door to ensure the message is heard loud and clear: the storm is coming, it is bad, and time is running out.
There always seems to be some people who disregard the warnings and decide to "ride out the storm." When the fire is roaring towards a home, some choose to stay to fight back the flames from their doorstep with a garden hose. Others delay because they are unsure if the warning is valid. Perhaps they had evacuated once before only to have the hurricane miss their area completely. Just like people question the warnings of the government and weather service, people question the warnings in the Word of God. Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment..." Every person of the seed of Adam will certainly face death because of the consequence of sin. For this reason king Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." Every man will be judged not according to his own relative standard, but according to God's standard of perfect righteousness. Romans 6:23 teaches us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." One sin damns a man to hell for eternity, because it is a grave act of rebellion and wickedness before a holy God.
I am convinced that there are professing believers and proud heathens alike who will be snatched into an eternity in hell quite unexpectedly. The warnings had been broadcast, the message had been played over and over to the point where people weren't affected any more. In their heart they say, "Time is on my side" and do nothing concerning their eternal salvation. But who can know when their soul will be required of them? What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul? There are plenty of people who call themselves Christians who will experience the fires of hell because they have been tricked by the deceitfulness of sin. They sow to the flesh, reap of the flesh corruption, yet think because they said a prayer, believe in God, and read a Bible they are saved.
When Jesus wrote the letter to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22, He revealed their true condition. They were convinced they were living righteously, honouring God, and glorifying Him. Their wealth and health was a testimony of God's favour because He approved of them. They were deceived, being far from God. Revelation 3:17-20 reads, "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." God has given us His Word, prophets, teachers, each person his own conscience, and sent Jesus to be the Saviour of the world and shine bright in the darkness.
Think of it! A storm of judgment is coming for those who practice sin in the church, for such shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21)! The patrol cars have blared the warning, and see the blackened clouds building off the coast! Last of all, Jesus Himself knocks at the door, calling out, seeking to save those who are lost. He offers Himself as a sacrifice for sin so all might repent, believe on Him, and live for Him. If you will not respond to the warnings of scripture or Jesus Christ Himself, how can you be saved - you who are like those in Laodicea? Will you even now lay hold of the promise in Hebrews 9:27-28: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."
Are you eagerly waiting for Jesus Christ? Or drunk with sin do you say, "Not yet, O LORD." Praise God that He is patient and faithful. Time rushes away at the speed of a cyclone. Will you listen to the words of Jesus Christ and build your life upon Him as your Rock of Salvation and follow Him to the end? Or will you build upon the sinking sand of worldly desires and aspirations? Jesus says it best in Matthew 7:21-27: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
But the brutal irony is that in some disasters which require rescue or some lose their lives, time was actually on the side of the victims. Their death was preventable, had they heeded warnings in a timely manner. In some cases, warnings of severe weather patterns were broadcasted many days before the storm hit land. There was plenty of time for filling sandbags, boarding up windows and doors, and loading up the car. The government sends messages telling people they must evacuate. Patrol cars drive up and down streets blaring the warning of the imminent disaster from patrol cars. In extreme cases, officers walk up to every door to ensure the message is heard loud and clear: the storm is coming, it is bad, and time is running out.
There always seems to be some people who disregard the warnings and decide to "ride out the storm." When the fire is roaring towards a home, some choose to stay to fight back the flames from their doorstep with a garden hose. Others delay because they are unsure if the warning is valid. Perhaps they had evacuated once before only to have the hurricane miss their area completely. Just like people question the warnings of the government and weather service, people question the warnings in the Word of God. Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment..." Every person of the seed of Adam will certainly face death because of the consequence of sin. For this reason king Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." Every man will be judged not according to his own relative standard, but according to God's standard of perfect righteousness. Romans 6:23 teaches us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." One sin damns a man to hell for eternity, because it is a grave act of rebellion and wickedness before a holy God.
I am convinced that there are professing believers and proud heathens alike who will be snatched into an eternity in hell quite unexpectedly. The warnings had been broadcast, the message had been played over and over to the point where people weren't affected any more. In their heart they say, "Time is on my side" and do nothing concerning their eternal salvation. But who can know when their soul will be required of them? What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul? There are plenty of people who call themselves Christians who will experience the fires of hell because they have been tricked by the deceitfulness of sin. They sow to the flesh, reap of the flesh corruption, yet think because they said a prayer, believe in God, and read a Bible they are saved.
When Jesus wrote the letter to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22, He revealed their true condition. They were convinced they were living righteously, honouring God, and glorifying Him. Their wealth and health was a testimony of God's favour because He approved of them. They were deceived, being far from God. Revelation 3:17-20 reads, "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." God has given us His Word, prophets, teachers, each person his own conscience, and sent Jesus to be the Saviour of the world and shine bright in the darkness.
Think of it! A storm of judgment is coming for those who practice sin in the church, for such shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21)! The patrol cars have blared the warning, and see the blackened clouds building off the coast! Last of all, Jesus Himself knocks at the door, calling out, seeking to save those who are lost. He offers Himself as a sacrifice for sin so all might repent, believe on Him, and live for Him. If you will not respond to the warnings of scripture or Jesus Christ Himself, how can you be saved - you who are like those in Laodicea? Will you even now lay hold of the promise in Hebrews 9:27-28: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."
Are you eagerly waiting for Jesus Christ? Or drunk with sin do you say, "Not yet, O LORD." Praise God that He is patient and faithful. Time rushes away at the speed of a cyclone. Will you listen to the words of Jesus Christ and build your life upon Him as your Rock of Salvation and follow Him to the end? Or will you build upon the sinking sand of worldly desires and aspirations? Jesus says it best in Matthew 7:21-27: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
15 March 2012
A Broken Vessel
In Gene Edward's book A Tale of Three Kings, he shows how God breaks a man before He uses Him. David is cited as a chief example of a broken man and the means God uses to break men: circumstances, people, being misunderstood and wrongly judged. On Wednesday night I heard a message on brokenness. A man who is self-assured, self-confident, and self-reliant is unfit for use in the hands of the Master Potter. There is no salvation in self, only destruction. God is wise, loving, and good to break us from what kills us.
As pastor Drew preached from the Word concerning Moses and Peter, he used a clay pot smashed by a hammer to illustrate the breaking process. Moses was raised as a prince in Pharaoh's house and had all the benefits of royalty, while his countrymen toiled under harsh oppression in Egypt. God used being misunderstood by the Israelites, fleeing for his life from Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian, and 40 years of tending the sheep of his father-in-law to break him. Peter was a confident, brave man whom Jesus called to follow Him. Peter was humiliated by denying Jesus Christ after bragging that he would face prison and even die for Jesus. Moses and Peter are numbered among those men and women of faith whom God shattered before He could use for His glory.
A point of emphasis which I appreciated in the message is that breaking is not a one time thing. The milestones along the path of Christian experience for me are the points of breaking, not the points when I stood in church, came forward for prayer, or raised my hand in response to an invitation in a service. I have been broken by my own sin and grave offense before God, broken by death of loved ones, broken by being deceived and lied to, broken by hurtful words and betrayal, broken through the power of God's Word and Holy Spirit, and broken through witnessing the pain of others. The ways that God breaks a person are all ordained by God to accomplish His purposes for our good and His glory. If we believe that God is supreme over all, we cannot fault His means or methods. When God breaks a man, that is an Ebeneezer stone along our path towards eternity in Christ: that is where God most helped us. Brokenness is the only way to completion and sanctification in Christ.
God says in Jeremiah 23:29: "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" Whether the hammer that breaks us is a devastating illness, people, betrayal, being misunderstood, slander, bigotry, or Satan himself, we need to recognize that it is simply a tool in God's hands. When we are broken, a temptation is the resent or hate the tool God uses. Instead of hating God or the implement He chooses to use, we must determine to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. What did Paul say? Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Faith in God and recognition of His guiding hand brings comfort even in the midst of trials. When our broken bones are being set back in place, God holds us closely and whispers sweet comforts to our hearts. Our pain is overshadowed by the healing in His wings, the love from which nothing or no one can separate us from.
Romans 8:35-39 reads, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." There is only one person who can separate you from the love of God: you! You can choose to reject this love, this healing balm which God freely has given to us through Jesus Christ. We can wallow in our pain, lash out in anger, and flee from the hand of God because we do not trust Him. We resent Him for allowing suffering. We can become bitter, cynical, jaded, hateful, and filled with self-pity. But God's love remains. It is an active love which pursues all wandering, fleeing, failed men to their graves. It is a sacrificial love revealed in Jesus Christ as He died for our sins on the cross.
God didn't leave His love for man in the heavens, but sent Jesus so His love could be revealed and received by all who are willing. Broken bones grow back stronger, and faith in God and our love for Him is strengthened when God breaks us. Instead of hating the instrument He chooses or the means He uses, may we receive His love and love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy!
As pastor Drew preached from the Word concerning Moses and Peter, he used a clay pot smashed by a hammer to illustrate the breaking process. Moses was raised as a prince in Pharaoh's house and had all the benefits of royalty, while his countrymen toiled under harsh oppression in Egypt. God used being misunderstood by the Israelites, fleeing for his life from Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian, and 40 years of tending the sheep of his father-in-law to break him. Peter was a confident, brave man whom Jesus called to follow Him. Peter was humiliated by denying Jesus Christ after bragging that he would face prison and even die for Jesus. Moses and Peter are numbered among those men and women of faith whom God shattered before He could use for His glory.
A point of emphasis which I appreciated in the message is that breaking is not a one time thing. The milestones along the path of Christian experience for me are the points of breaking, not the points when I stood in church, came forward for prayer, or raised my hand in response to an invitation in a service. I have been broken by my own sin and grave offense before God, broken by death of loved ones, broken by being deceived and lied to, broken by hurtful words and betrayal, broken through the power of God's Word and Holy Spirit, and broken through witnessing the pain of others. The ways that God breaks a person are all ordained by God to accomplish His purposes for our good and His glory. If we believe that God is supreme over all, we cannot fault His means or methods. When God breaks a man, that is an Ebeneezer stone along our path towards eternity in Christ: that is where God most helped us. Brokenness is the only way to completion and sanctification in Christ.
God says in Jeremiah 23:29: "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" Whether the hammer that breaks us is a devastating illness, people, betrayal, being misunderstood, slander, bigotry, or Satan himself, we need to recognize that it is simply a tool in God's hands. When we are broken, a temptation is the resent or hate the tool God uses. Instead of hating God or the implement He chooses to use, we must determine to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. What did Paul say? Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Faith in God and recognition of His guiding hand brings comfort even in the midst of trials. When our broken bones are being set back in place, God holds us closely and whispers sweet comforts to our hearts. Our pain is overshadowed by the healing in His wings, the love from which nothing or no one can separate us from.
Romans 8:35-39 reads, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." There is only one person who can separate you from the love of God: you! You can choose to reject this love, this healing balm which God freely has given to us through Jesus Christ. We can wallow in our pain, lash out in anger, and flee from the hand of God because we do not trust Him. We resent Him for allowing suffering. We can become bitter, cynical, jaded, hateful, and filled with self-pity. But God's love remains. It is an active love which pursues all wandering, fleeing, failed men to their graves. It is a sacrificial love revealed in Jesus Christ as He died for our sins on the cross.
God didn't leave His love for man in the heavens, but sent Jesus so His love could be revealed and received by all who are willing. Broken bones grow back stronger, and faith in God and our love for Him is strengthened when God breaks us. Instead of hating the instrument He chooses or the means He uses, may we receive His love and love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy!
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