A couple of years ago our family was invited to a resort in Cancun. Some of our children went, the older ones (who had a choice) didn't. After seeing the pictures and hearing the stories I think they wish they had. The truth is, they were more content with what they knew (staying home) than going away. They didn't know what they were missing!
The same is true as it relates to God. We don't know what we're missing! It's much easier and more comfortable to continue where we are, with what we have than to strike out and risk loss, rejection, the unknown...
In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself when He rescued Israel from Egypt using Moses, Aaron and multiple plagues. He didn't leave them, but parted the Red Sea and continued to meet their needs despite complaints and mutiny. That's the kind of God He is. Once a slave people, He gave them laws and ordinances to govern their behavior and provide forgiveness of sin. But it wasn't enough.
Over time they turned to idols and idol worship--can you say nightclub? Buffet? Immediate gratification? Distraction?! We all have our go-to comforts and joys; things that fulfill us momentarily, things that change our behavior because we want more or we want to avoid them altogether. Yes, these are our modern-day idols. And guess what, when you're happy with staying home, you won't want to go to Cancun either.
But, God says, when you see Me, you won't need petty distractions and escape mechanisms. You will have Me and you will see your treasure much differently. "Precious" rings turn your fingers green; lewd comments taste like coffee grounds; front-row seats are as cages.
As in the New Year's entry on HeartQuencher, the key to seeing life as it really is is not to work and toil and extend effort to escape the things that hold us back. The key is to look to Jesus as He really is, to long for and read His Word and see Him. It is as we see Him that the "things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
O satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)
Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (Psalm 119:18)
[I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18)
O Lord, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)
[I pray that God] would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)
[I pray that you] will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10)
Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? (Romans 8:32)
This blog came to mind as I've been working my way through John Piper's list: 9 Ways to Pray for Your Soul.
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| moonpalaceandhotel.com |
The same is true as it relates to God. We don't know what we're missing! It's much easier and more comfortable to continue where we are, with what we have than to strike out and risk loss, rejection, the unknown...
In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself when He rescued Israel from Egypt using Moses, Aaron and multiple plagues. He didn't leave them, but parted the Red Sea and continued to meet their needs despite complaints and mutiny. That's the kind of God He is. Once a slave people, He gave them laws and ordinances to govern their behavior and provide forgiveness of sin. But it wasn't enough.
Over time they turned to idols and idol worship--can you say nightclub? Buffet? Immediate gratification? Distraction?! We all have our go-to comforts and joys; things that fulfill us momentarily, things that change our behavior because we want more or we want to avoid them altogether. Yes, these are our modern-day idols. And guess what, when you're happy with staying home, you won't want to go to Cancun either.
But, God says, when you see Me, you won't need petty distractions and escape mechanisms. You will have Me and you will see your treasure much differently. "Precious" rings turn your fingers green; lewd comments taste like coffee grounds; front-row seats are as cages.
As in the New Year's entry on HeartQuencher, the key to seeing life as it really is is not to work and toil and extend effort to escape the things that hold us back. The key is to look to Jesus as He really is, to long for and read His Word and see Him. It is as we see Him that the "things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
O satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)
Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (Psalm 119:18)
[I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18)
O Lord, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)
[I pray that God] would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)
[I pray that you] will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10)
Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? (Romans 8:32)
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