There is no doubt it has been read, quoted and preached an innumerable amount of times since the precious word of God has been in the hands of His children. I am referring to the portion of scripture found in 1st Timothy 1:15 where the Apostle Paul describes himself as the foremost of sinners. The verse reads, "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."
Paul was not the first to be made God conscience regarding the depth of his sinfulness. In Job 42:5-6 we see Job declaring "I have heard of the Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now m eye sees Thee; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes." And in Isaiah 6:5 Isaiah writes, "Then I said, woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."
In 1st Corinthians 15:9 Paul wrote that he was "the least of the apostles" and that he was "not fit to be called an apostle" because he had persecuted the church of God. To the churches in Galatia he had spoken of how he had persecuted "the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it." In Ephesians 3:8 Paul included the entirety of believers when he stated that he was "the very least of all saints" and yet had been privileged, through grace, to preach the riches of Christ. Indeed, Saul of Tarsus had caused much harm to the body of Christ and to many of its members and their families.
Webster's defines "foremost" as meaning "first in a series of progression" and "of first rank or position." I recently found myself considering Paul's assertion that he was the foremost of sinners. Don't get me wrong; I am not questioning the inspired word of God but just considering the words Paul was moved to write. Was he really first in the line of many and did he actually rank at the very top as the worst of sinners?
Perhaps it was not really his rank amongst sinners that Paul spoke of when he declared himself as the foremost. In 2 Corinthians Paul admonished against measuring or comparing ourselves with ourselves. I suppose that if we did measure ourselves with ourselves, we would come up with a list progressing from the least to the greatest of sinners. Maybe Paul would be at the top of that list and maybe he wouldn't. But the measurement is the "stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ."
And so, was not "foremost of all" sinners Paul's rightful place, his only place, as he looked upon the glorious Christ? In awe, as he considered Jesus and His holiness, aware of his own sinfulness and his salvation by grace, could he have placed himself somewhere other than the foremost? I suspect that Paul may have company in the position as foremost. Is it not the position that will readily be taken by anyone who is granted a heart knowledge of the truths of Christ, His righteousness, salvation by grace and forgiveness of sins?
If you or I would dare gaze wholly on the righteous One, we might also be inclined to declare ourselves as the foremost of sinners and join Paul in crying out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Paul rightly declared himself as the foremost of sinners. As we look upon the glories of our Savior, as revealed through God's holy word, you and I will join him there.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 12:3. It is here where the Hebrew author was inspired to give us some tremendous words of exhortation and encouragement as he writes of Christ. "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow wearing and lose heart." Oh, what a wonderful savior we have! Will you consider Him today? And will you consider Him all your tomorrows?
Earlier in this chapter we saw the Christian life described as a race that we are called to run with endurance. In other passages of scripture we see our life in Christ described as a fight, a battle, a war. We are involved in Christian service and find ourselves in the face of much opposition. In 2 Corinthians 7:5 we see Paul giving some descriptive words regarding such matters. "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." And in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul wrote the following in regards to his life in Christian service. "Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches."
Some may teach that weariness or losing heart comes only from getting our eyes off of Christ or by trying to accomplish His will in the energy of the flesh. Although this can be true, I would suggest that it is not always so. Useful service for the Master, or running the race set before us, can be difficult and trying. Although I made reference to some of Paul's words above, we could find countless examples of brothers and sisters in Christ who have labored long in following Christ amidst trying circumstances. Loss of heart and weariness are realities that face those who desire the high calling of being bond-servants of Christ.
Praise God that He has provided a remedy, or perhaps even a preventative measure for growing weary or losing heart. We are to consider Jesus. Have you grown weary in service for Christ? Consider Him. Have you lost heart in serving Christ? Consider Him. Webster's provides the following definitions for the word "consider". To think about carefully. We need to do that of Jesus. To regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way. We ought to do so of Jesus. To gaze on steadily or reflectively. Oh, how we need to do so of Jesus! Let us each one consider Jesus. He is worthy of our consideration!
We have new life in Christ. We have abundant life from Him. But He has called us to be servants. We will find great joy in serving Him in a multitude of varying ministries. You may be poured out and used up as you fight the good fight of faith and look to finish your course. If you find that you are growing weary in Christian service, take time to consider Jesus today. He is our strength. If you find yourself losing heart, do not put if off but consider Him now. Doing so will encourage your heart. Get into His word and read about Him. Think carefully about Him. Regard Him in an attentive and kindly way. Steadily gaze upon and reflect upon Him. This is God's gracious provision for us to not grow weary and lose heart. May we heed His invitation to consider Jesus.
Earlier in this chapter we saw the Christian life described as a race that we are called to run with endurance. In other passages of scripture we see our life in Christ described as a fight, a battle, a war. We are involved in Christian service and find ourselves in the face of much opposition. In 2 Corinthians 7:5 we see Paul giving some descriptive words regarding such matters. "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." And in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul wrote the following in regards to his life in Christian service. "Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches."
Some may teach that weariness or losing heart comes only from getting our eyes off of Christ or by trying to accomplish His will in the energy of the flesh. Although this can be true, I would suggest that it is not always so. Useful service for the Master, or running the race set before us, can be difficult and trying. Although I made reference to some of Paul's words above, we could find countless examples of brothers and sisters in Christ who have labored long in following Christ amidst trying circumstances. Loss of heart and weariness are realities that face those who desire the high calling of being bond-servants of Christ.
Praise God that He has provided a remedy, or perhaps even a preventative measure for growing weary or losing heart. We are to consider Jesus. Have you grown weary in service for Christ? Consider Him. Have you lost heart in serving Christ? Consider Him. Webster's provides the following definitions for the word "consider". To think about carefully. We need to do that of Jesus. To regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way. We ought to do so of Jesus. To gaze on steadily or reflectively. Oh, how we need to do so of Jesus! Let us each one consider Jesus. He is worthy of our consideration!
We have new life in Christ. We have abundant life from Him. But He has called us to be servants. We will find great joy in serving Him in a multitude of varying ministries. You may be poured out and used up as you fight the good fight of faith and look to finish your course. If you find that you are growing weary in Christian service, take time to consider Jesus today. He is our strength. If you find yourself losing heart, do not put if off but consider Him now. Doing so will encourage your heart. Get into His word and read about Him. Think carefully about Him. Regard Him in an attentive and kindly way. Steadily gaze upon and reflect upon Him. This is God's gracious provision for us to not grow weary and lose heart. May we heed His invitation to consider Jesus.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 12:2. This verse concludes the sentence began in verse one and includes a most valuable instruction for the believer in Christ; each one who is running "the race that is set before us". In the fist verse the writer spoke of our need to "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us." In this second verse we see the importance of "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" is the Divine instruction given by God through the Hebrew writer. When you think about it for a moment, you may find yourself asking the question; "Why would we not fix our eyes on Jesus?" As people who desire to heed the biblical call to live by faith, Christians should long to fix their eyes on Him. He is the author of faith. He is the perfecter of faith. And as people who are called to a life of endurance, there has never been another who has endured more than Him.
Oh, the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus! Of course, this is not a mere speculative suggestion but an admonition with great significance. It seems evident that if our eyes are fixed on Him they will not be fixed elsewhere. And I cannot suppose otherwise, that if our eyes are not fixed on Him, they will be fixed on matters of much less importance. He is not difficult to find. Seated in glory, He sits at "the right hand of the throne of God." I suppose that our hearts must be fixed on Him before our eyes will be. Scripture tells us that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." May we earnestly ask the Holy Spirit to make Him our treasure.
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" speaks of an ongoing, continuous processs. It is not a one time matter. Many, or dare I say all of us who have fixed our eyes on Jesus for a time have found our hearts and minds straying elsewhere. With soberness, alertness and discernment we should acknowledge that there is a spiritual battle for our affections. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life". May we heed the admonition and in our hearts long to fix our eyes on Him!
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" is the Divine instruction given by God through the Hebrew writer. When you think about it for a moment, you may find yourself asking the question; "Why would we not fix our eyes on Jesus?" As people who desire to heed the biblical call to live by faith, Christians should long to fix their eyes on Him. He is the author of faith. He is the perfecter of faith. And as people who are called to a life of endurance, there has never been another who has endured more than Him.
Oh, the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus! Of course, this is not a mere speculative suggestion but an admonition with great significance. It seems evident that if our eyes are fixed on Him they will not be fixed elsewhere. And I cannot suppose otherwise, that if our eyes are not fixed on Him, they will be fixed on matters of much less importance. He is not difficult to find. Seated in glory, He sits at "the right hand of the throne of God." I suppose that our hearts must be fixed on Him before our eyes will be. Scripture tells us that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." May we earnestly ask the Holy Spirit to make Him our treasure.
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" speaks of an ongoing, continuous processs. It is not a one time matter. Many, or dare I say all of us who have fixed our eyes on Jesus for a time have found our hearts and minds straying elsewhere. With soberness, alertness and discernment we should acknowledge that there is a spiritual battle for our affections. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life". May we heed the admonition and in our hearts long to fix our eyes on Him!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Today, as I continue to "blog" through the book of Hebrews, I am privileged to begin the 12th chapter. In the first verse we read, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us". This single verse of scripture is one of those in which considerable time could be spent on the matters it speaks of. Intending to keep my thoughts somewhat short, I will endeavor to do so in spite of the wealth of topics that are found here.
There is a race that is set before us and of this we can be certain. It is a race that is unlike any other we have been in or have ever seen. Entrance into this race came about through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Regardless of how well we may be "running", this race is set before each believer. There has never been a more important race for the runner to run well. If we haven't already, we ought to consider and act upon the instructions that God has given us through the Hebrew author in today's passage. They were given to assist us in the race. They were given by divine inspiration from the One who has gone before us.
To run well we will need to consciously "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not given a list of these "encumbrances" but are directly told to lay them all aside. Yes, all of them. They are various and innumerable. Simply put, they are anything that weigh us down, impede or hamper us from living for Christ. They are unnecessary burdens in our life that work contrary to a desire to be surrendered to His will and to walk in a manner pleasing to Him. The things that encumber us may not be bad or evil in and of themselves. But if they negatively effect our running the race, they are an encumbrance to us.
In addition to "every encumbrance", we are called to lay aside "the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not told specifically what this sin is. Some will suggest that this sin differs from believer to believer. They maintain that each one of us has a particular sin issue that we struggle with or are entangled by. Given the individuality of each believer, I think there is some truth to this. But I also think that there is a sin "that so easily entangles us". All of us. It is the sin of living according to the flesh and not by faith. As we run the race
that is set before us, I suppose that nothing will entangle us more quickly than the flesh and its desires.
Again, in order to run well, both of these matters need our attention. The "encumbrances" will hold us back and wear us down as we try to carry them along in the race. And sin will entangle us. Bad things can happen when the runner of a race becomes entangled. He or she may trip for just a moment before they regain their composure and are back running well. They may trip and be thrown off course for a time. The time may become prolonged. Or the runner may actually fall and scuff a knee or a hand. Or they may fall harder and break an arm or a shoulder. Because we are all in the race and no one is running alone, the entangled runner may affect the other runners as well. He or she may cause others to stumble, others to fall, others to be hurt. Oh, that for Christ we might run free of encumbrances and entanglement.
I must include a final thought on this passage; one that I would consider myself neglectful if I did not. We are called to run this race with endurance. It may not be short and it will not be easy. Some are misleading of this truth. We may have the opportunity to be in this race for only a short period of time or for many, many years. But He does not ask us to run in our own strength. He offers us His. It provides for great endurance. He affords us His divine power. Of the One who endured the cross it is said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". May we heed the words of the Hebrew author as we run the race set before us. Through Him let us run well!
There is a race that is set before us and of this we can be certain. It is a race that is unlike any other we have been in or have ever seen. Entrance into this race came about through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Regardless of how well we may be "running", this race is set before each believer. There has never been a more important race for the runner to run well. If we haven't already, we ought to consider and act upon the instructions that God has given us through the Hebrew author in today's passage. They were given to assist us in the race. They were given by divine inspiration from the One who has gone before us.
To run well we will need to consciously "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not given a list of these "encumbrances" but are directly told to lay them all aside. Yes, all of them. They are various and innumerable. Simply put, they are anything that weigh us down, impede or hamper us from living for Christ. They are unnecessary burdens in our life that work contrary to a desire to be surrendered to His will and to walk in a manner pleasing to Him. The things that encumber us may not be bad or evil in and of themselves. But if they negatively effect our running the race, they are an encumbrance to us.
In addition to "every encumbrance", we are called to lay aside "the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not told specifically what this sin is. Some will suggest that this sin differs from believer to believer. They maintain that each one of us has a particular sin issue that we struggle with or are entangled by. Given the individuality of each believer, I think there is some truth to this. But I also think that there is a sin "that so easily entangles us". All of us. It is the sin of living according to the flesh and not by faith. As we run the race
that is set before us, I suppose that nothing will entangle us more quickly than the flesh and its desires.
Again, in order to run well, both of these matters need our attention. The "encumbrances" will hold us back and wear us down as we try to carry them along in the race. And sin will entangle us. Bad things can happen when the runner of a race becomes entangled. He or she may trip for just a moment before they regain their composure and are back running well. They may trip and be thrown off course for a time. The time may become prolonged. Or the runner may actually fall and scuff a knee or a hand. Or they may fall harder and break an arm or a shoulder. Because we are all in the race and no one is running alone, the entangled runner may affect the other runners as well. He or she may cause others to stumble, others to fall, others to be hurt. Oh, that for Christ we might run free of encumbrances and entanglement.
I must include a final thought on this passage; one that I would consider myself neglectful if I did not. We are called to run this race with endurance. It may not be short and it will not be easy. Some are misleading of this truth. We may have the opportunity to be in this race for only a short period of time or for many, many years. But He does not ask us to run in our own strength. He offers us His. It provides for great endurance. He affords us His divine power. Of the One who endured the cross it is said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". May we heed the words of the Hebrew author as we run the race set before us. Through Him let us run well!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
As I conclude the 11th chapter of Hebrews in today's short thoughts, I will include the lengthy portion of scripture that is found in verses 32-40. The author concludes the chapter as he writes, "And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect."
"What more shall I say," the author writes. He could go on providing various accounts of a seemingly endless list of those whose faith was worth noting. Time itself would be his only barrier in doing so. But under divine inspiration he has already spoken clearly regarding the importance of faith and the significance of what God can achieve in and through the lives of those who live by it. Each of those who have been mentioned by the
Hebrew writer, whether by name or generically, had faith as their common tie. A faith that was God's conduit for working in their lives.
We should note that faith was seen as the key in both glorious times of accomplishment and in times of great difficulty. I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul's words regarding the learning of contentment and the secret thereof. There should be no doubt that rightly understood and rightly placed faith is necessary for contentment. We may never find ourselves in a situation where, by faith, we would refuse our release in exchange for torture, but faith will always be the high road to take. May our faith ever increase as we
grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!
"What more shall I say," the author writes. He could go on providing various accounts of a seemingly endless list of those whose faith was worth noting. Time itself would be his only barrier in doing so. But under divine inspiration he has already spoken clearly regarding the importance of faith and the significance of what God can achieve in and through the lives of those who live by it. Each of those who have been mentioned by the
Hebrew writer, whether by name or generically, had faith as their common tie. A faith that was God's conduit for working in their lives.
We should note that faith was seen as the key in both glorious times of accomplishment and in times of great difficulty. I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul's words regarding the learning of contentment and the secret thereof. There should be no doubt that rightly understood and rightly placed faith is necessary for contentment. We may never find ourselves in a situation where, by faith, we would refuse our release in exchange for torture, but faith will always be the high road to take. May our faith ever increase as we
grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be from Hebrews 11:31. It is here that we read, "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace." For me, this has been somewhat of a thought provoking passage as I see God inspiring the Hebrew author to write of the faith of a harlot.
It is quite a list of names that Rahab is mentioned in the midst of. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel. Perhaps the human writer even struggled to include her as he was moved to pen this account of Rahab's act of faith. But God would not only include her, He would make certain that the writer included the descriptive words that follow her name. The harlot. Although He had use no descriptive words for the other 15 persons named in the chapter, He would do so with Rahab. We read and believe that all scripture is inspired by God and that it is profitable. I pray that my comments on this verse might only assist in seeing the profit God can give.
I will start with the more obvious; that faith made the difference for Rahab. Because of faith she "did not perish along with those who were disobedient". Faith continues to make the difference today. It is faith that has made the difference in my life and in the lives of all who believe. By God's grace and through faith, we too will not perish with the disobedient, but have eternal life! As we read in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
It seems to me that God included the description of Rahab as "the harlot" without hesitation and even for a purpose. And although I would never claim to know exactly why He chose to do so, I would like to share a couple of thoughts that I have had regarding this matter. Perhaps it reminds us that faith is not always as obvious as we might expect. Or that faith is not limited too those who we might determine should possess it. And it is surely a reminder that the choices we make in life regarding our conduct and behavior will often be the means by which we are described or identified. And may we never forget that God is able to cause faith to be wrought in the life of anyone.
When I looked up Webster's definition of harlot, I saw that it made a reference to the word prostitute. I then found that one of the definitions given for prostitute was "to devote to corrupt or unworthy purposes". I immediately thought of my own life. Before I had come to know Christ by faith, I too had been devoted to corrupt and unworthy purposes. And now, with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I can sing the words from that wonderful hymn, "What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart".
There is no doubt, that in addition to her act of faith, God was keenly aware of Rahab's entire life, including her life of harlotry. He would have known of the emptiness and shame that such a life would have brought her. And yet He seems unashamed to have named her and her act of faith in this passage of scripture. I am reminded of a sobering truth. The God of creation, The Omniscient One, knows our every thought and deed. Even the intentions of our heart are not hidden from Him. But again, faith has made the difference and the One who has sanctified us is not ashamed to call us brethren. May we be the most grateful of all men.
It is quite a list of names that Rahab is mentioned in the midst of. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel. Perhaps the human writer even struggled to include her as he was moved to pen this account of Rahab's act of faith. But God would not only include her, He would make certain that the writer included the descriptive words that follow her name. The harlot. Although He had use no descriptive words for the other 15 persons named in the chapter, He would do so with Rahab. We read and believe that all scripture is inspired by God and that it is profitable. I pray that my comments on this verse might only assist in seeing the profit God can give.
I will start with the more obvious; that faith made the difference for Rahab. Because of faith she "did not perish along with those who were disobedient". Faith continues to make the difference today. It is faith that has made the difference in my life and in the lives of all who believe. By God's grace and through faith, we too will not perish with the disobedient, but have eternal life! As we read in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
It seems to me that God included the description of Rahab as "the harlot" without hesitation and even for a purpose. And although I would never claim to know exactly why He chose to do so, I would like to share a couple of thoughts that I have had regarding this matter. Perhaps it reminds us that faith is not always as obvious as we might expect. Or that faith is not limited too those who we might determine should possess it. And it is surely a reminder that the choices we make in life regarding our conduct and behavior will often be the means by which we are described or identified. And may we never forget that God is able to cause faith to be wrought in the life of anyone.
When I looked up Webster's definition of harlot, I saw that it made a reference to the word prostitute. I then found that one of the definitions given for prostitute was "to devote to corrupt or unworthy purposes". I immediately thought of my own life. Before I had come to know Christ by faith, I too had been devoted to corrupt and unworthy purposes. And now, with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I can sing the words from that wonderful hymn, "What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart".
There is no doubt, that in addition to her act of faith, God was keenly aware of Rahab's entire life, including her life of harlotry. He would have known of the emptiness and shame that such a life would have brought her. And yet He seems unashamed to have named her and her act of faith in this passage of scripture. I am reminded of a sobering truth. The God of creation, The Omniscient One, knows our every thought and deed. Even the intentions of our heart are not hidden from Him. But again, faith has made the difference and the One who has sanctified us is not ashamed to call us brethren. May we be the most grateful of all men.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Initially I thought that I would not comment specifically on the passage of scripture that I will now use for today's short thoughts. In Hebrews 11:30 the author references one of the more famous Bible stories when he writes, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been circled for seven days". As I thought about this verse a while longer, I sensed God speaking to me about an important truth found here. What initially was a verse I was not going to comment on at all, became one that I felt necessary to do so.
It is really just a reminder of a great truth about God that most believers have already come to know. There are times when God accomplishes His will in ways that seem beyond human reasoning. He seems to do so more often than not. We should not be alarmed when we find that God's ways of accomplishing a particular matter is out of line with the conventional ways of men. His ways are only bound by His divine attributes. The forces of nature that He created do not bind His ways. His ways cannot be bound by academics or human intellect. They are not bound by political correctness. They are not bound by man's own assumptions.
Oh, what a privilege is ours to know the One who is Creator and Sovereign. Perhaps He will not ask you to march around the walls that you come upon in this life and blow a trumpet and shout a great shout for those walls to fall down. But as you place your faith in Him, He may bring down those walls you encounter in ways that defy human logic. The One who walked on water and caused the gale force winds and breaking waves to be still with a word, is for us. May we grow to trust the ever faithful One more and more and rejoice in His glorious ways!
It is really just a reminder of a great truth about God that most believers have already come to know. There are times when God accomplishes His will in ways that seem beyond human reasoning. He seems to do so more often than not. We should not be alarmed when we find that God's ways of accomplishing a particular matter is out of line with the conventional ways of men. His ways are only bound by His divine attributes. The forces of nature that He created do not bind His ways. His ways cannot be bound by academics or human intellect. They are not bound by political correctness. They are not bound by man's own assumptions.
Oh, what a privilege is ours to know the One who is Creator and Sovereign. Perhaps He will not ask you to march around the walls that you come upon in this life and blow a trumpet and shout a great shout for those walls to fall down. But as you place your faith in Him, He may bring down those walls you encounter in ways that defy human logic. The One who walked on water and caused the gale force winds and breaking waves to be still with a word, is for us. May we grow to trust the ever faithful One more and more and rejoice in His glorious ways!
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