In Mark 1:24, it reads "“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?"
Even in the midst of our sin and rebellion against His will, God chooses to persevere in relationship with us. Yes, it is a wonder that God bothers with humanity.
From one point of view, we have done little but disappoint Him. Yet, even in the midst of our sin and rebellion against His will, God chooses to persevere in relationship with us. I do not think we will ever fully understand the depth of His love for us until we meet Him face to face in heaven. The least we can do now is attempt to gain some sort of understanding of His love so that we can respond to it as best we can.
Perhaps this is because He desires that all of us come to the knowledge or revelation as to His true nature and identity in our own time and at our own speed. Sometimes the best way to learn something new is to learn it bit by bit rather than just be told the answer. One of the challenges we’ll always face in proclaiming the Gospel to others is allowing them the freedom to respond in their own time and own way. (Kerygma)
The common cause of our rebellion against God is whenever we pass through a stage of experiencing pain and suffering. During these times, we often ask the Lord, "Why do you allow such things to happen to me?"
Bible tells us that even our Lord Jesus Christ was not spared to undergo such pain, humiliation, suffering, and even death, so that all of us may be saved. Salvation of mankind was made perfect because He suffered and died for us in the cross. (Hebrews 2:10)
In Philippians 3:12-13, Paul gives us an important insight into becoming complete or mature in Christ, Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected (or complete); but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
As believers, we must realize that we have a way to go. We have not arrived. There are still some things ahead. We still must press on.
But some people have the idea they have arrived. They don't need to grow anymore; they don't need to study anymore; they don't need to increase anymore.
It is like the true story of a young neighbor who was talking to Albert Einstein at a dinner party. She asked, "What is it exactly that you do as a profession?" Einstein looked at her and said, "I've devoted myself to the study of physics." And in shock she replied, "Studying physics at your age? I finished my studies a year ago!"
Unfortunately, that is the attitude many Christians have today about their spiritual growth. They think they have finished. Instead, our attitude should be like 95-year-old Pablo Casals, considered to be the greatest cellist that the world has ever known.
A young reporter asked him one day, "You're 95. The world considers you to be its greatest cellist; and still, at 95, you practice six hours a day. Why?" To which he responded, "Because I think I'm making progress."
Friend, you have not arrived. Set your goal to be making progress every day. That is how you will become mature in Christ.
In times of pain and suffering, take time out to focus on what God has done for you in the past and start counting your blessings. When you do this on a consistent basis, you will be able to move forward with great confidence and faith, remembering what God has done for you… and what He can accomplish in your life again.
Instead of rebelling, ask yourself, "What have I done to repay God's goodness and generosity to me?"
No comments:
Post a Comment