NOT WORTHY?

Thursday, January 31, 2019

NOT WORTHY?

Luke 7:2-6

2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.  3 And when he [the centurion] heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.  4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

           How would you conduct yourself in an interview with Jesus? Access by prayer has been so abundantly granted that the relationship has become rather casual. A cup of coffee with Jesus might describe the ease with which we approach Him. All the while seraphim flutter about crying Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.

           John Baptist, of whom Jesus said there was no greater man born (John 11:11), thought himself to be unworthy to loose the strap of Jesus’ sandal. John knew his place and his purpose when he said “He must increase but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

           Oh, how I enjoy the comforting nearness of Jesus but I must never forget that He is God and I am made worthy only by His shed blood. Such privilege cost me nothing but it is a gift of great price.

Dear Lord, I can come to you at any time with any burden and I’m sure that you will be there. I am sure that you will receive me, will hear my petitions, and answer them most beneficially for me. I say with the Psalmist that “I am a worm” and you reply as you did to Jacob that you will help me anyway. Oh, righteous and most Holy, thank you for noticing and loving this piece of rubbish and lifting me to a place of honor by thy great sacrifice. AMEN

NO POWER BUT OF GOD!

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

NO POWER BUT OF GOD!

Rom 13:1

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

           These words must have echoed in the mind and soul of America’s founding fathers. Yet the circumstances of their citizenship began to look more and more like slavery. Their property was not secure because England could billet soldiers in private homes without the owner’s permission. Taxation was such a burden that it frustrated ambition. It became more profitable to toss their tea into the sea than to pay the tax. There was no avenue for grievance.

           “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

           It has never been easy to balance “subjection” to governmental powers with “submission” to the will of God, but here we are again. Life – of the unborn, liberty – of our citizens, and the pursuit of happiness through religious liberty and moral purity are once again being eroded from beneath our feet. I wonder if we have the courage to break the shackles again.

           For now, at least, we are urged to pray “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:2)

Dear God of battles, tyranny once again awakens and we are caught between subjection and submission. Let us pray without ceasing but let us bear our arm if necessary. AMEN

HE’S ALL I NEED!

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

HE’S ALL I NEED!

Isa 41:10-16

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

In these verses God promises…

1. His PRESENCE for the lonely!

One translation says: “Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.” (v.10) Anxiety is the companion of the lonely. When we are abandoned we long for a companion either to challenge our opinions or to confirm them. Jesus promised to be that constantly abiding friend we need.

2. His POWER for the helpless!

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (v.10) He is our strength when we are weak – help when we are out of resources – and support when we fail and fall.

3. His PROTECTION for the vulnerable!

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in this world. Those who would abuse them should pay close attention to what the Bible has to say about God’s love of widows and orphans!

Ps 68:5

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

4. His PURPOSE for those who feel useless!

I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. (v.15)

Dear Lord, thank you for being all that I need today. When I bring to you my long list of deficiencies you give to me your long list of supplies. AMEN