As a church, we have been studying the robust book of Hebrews. If you’ve listened to any of the sermons, you will have noticed that Hebrews comes with a ton of encouragement. But at the same time, it also has many warnings. Consider Hebrews 3:12:
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”
Over the years, I have found that this “turning away from God” isn’t always sudden. In my experience of following Jesus (for the better part of my life) I have found that it certainly CAN BE sudden. It can be something devastating to our life of faith, like adultery or addiction.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” — Psalm 46:10-11
Do you realize that it has been over two years since COVID entered our reality? Our last regular church service (before we temporarily closed) was March 8, 2020. Undeniably, the two years since then have been unlike anything I’ve ever known.
“…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV84)
Not long ago, I taught about the reality of heaven. It reminded me how amazing heaven will be compared to this earth. We have such a blessing waiting for us. This truth hit home for me during a particularly powerful experience a few years ago.
Without a doubt, I am convinced that Jesus holds me. This truth permeates the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation). Here’s a snippet of verses:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
“Though they stumble, they never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” — Psalm 37:24
“He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” — Colossians 1:17
I’m fascinated by the story about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). An angel directed Philip to a certain road and chariot (that was passing by). One of the Ethiopian Queen’s court officials was in the chariot. He had returned from worship in Jerusalem. While he rode, he read the scroll of Isaiah out loud.
Philip ran to him and asked, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” The official replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” He invited Philip to sit with him. Philip then explained the Good News of Jesus Christ. The official saw some water and wanted to get baptized. As soon as Philip baptized him, the Bible tells us, “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”
God answers prayers. Certainly, we’ve all experienced Him answering specific prayers in the past. In faith, we eagerly wait for unanswered prayers in the present. This verse helps me; the Bible says that God not only hears our prayers but actually listens to them.
“But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.” — Psalm 66:19 (NLT)
“But all who listen to me will live in peace untroubled by fear of harm.” — Proverbs 1:33
There is a way to live that leads to harm, fear and restlessness, isn’t there? Most of the time, it’s the result of us listening to ourselves, to lies, or to negative influences. We need to ask ourselves, “Who am I listening to?” when we get a pit in our stomachs and a tinge of fear rattling our emotions.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” — Daniel 3:16-18
You remember the scene? Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar made a statue 90 feet high. Then, he gathered all of his officials (including these three, faithful men). He told everyone to bow down and worship his golden image. In fact, it was a capital crime not to worship the idol. And famously, these men did not. Undeniably, their response to the king was remarkable for three reasons.
Three Remarkable Reasons
First of all, they didn’t feel a need to justify themselves to the king. (“…we have no need to answer you in this matter.”)
Secondly, they knew God could save them. They just didn’t know if God would save them. What fantastic faith!
Thirdly, (and maybe the most remarkable statement of all from these men) “But if not.” Essentially, even if God doesn’t save us, we will still not bow down and worship your idol.
Think about that. Those three men submitted their plans to God’s plan. Even if God’s plan was for them to suffer a horrific death by immolation (being burned alive).
What a challenge for us. How much of my obedience to God is linked to Him following my plans for my life? By contrast, those three men obeyed God, without knowing if He was going to save them. “But if not.” May we all obey God — not because He follows our plans, but because of who He is!
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
I love starting a new year reading in Genesis! The Creation story certainly affirms my faith and always excites me.
I remember taking a drive with my family years ago. While in the car, we saw the most amazing rainbow I’ve ever seen. Actually, it was a double rainbow, cascading against the Wasatch Mountains. The colors were brilliant. They absolutely surpassed my imagination. In awe, we pulled our car off the road a bit, got out and just stared.
When we got ready to leave, we noticed dozens of cars had pulled off the road to park (just like us). Other awestruck people had their cameras out, all marveling at the incredible sight. I was reminded of Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Glory to the Lord
Just looking at God’s Creation (observing a rainbow He made) somehow gives glory to the Lord. There is an inaudible voice declaring, proclaiming, communicating and explaining to us that God is awesome. He is glorious. That rainbow was a shout to the world from God. “Hey, I’m here — I created this earth, and I will also judge it!” Our universe didn’t just happen by itself. Rainbows are a reminder of that fact.
We need to spend time learning, observing and seeking the truth found within the Creation. Our reality is simple. God created it all. Simply put, as we observe His handiwork, our awe of God will grow and we will glorify Him with our lips.
Is God’s Creation glorious? The heavens eternally declare, “Yes!” For this reason, may we see and declare the glory of God this week, as we observe all that He has made.
“But as [Joseph] considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:20-21
Jesus will save His people from their sins. That might be the greatest statement anyone has ever made. Indeed, we remember this fact as we celebrate Christmas!
