Bible Reading: (Ezra 8:22) For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
From where does our aid come? The Christian response is always, "God, of course." But is that where we are looking for help?
In a recent conversation with teens, I discovered that their beliefs are a long ways from the Scriptural teachings. One, they believe that money comes from the government, and not God. I suppose that is somewhat understandable, since our money contains governmental logos.
Ezra didn't even want to ask the King for help lest his faith seem hypocritical. He has preached that God can help - and has the power to protect His own. Would that be true? Then why ask the King for assistance? Would that not be the same as doubting God's abilities?
Yet, the argument is given that God can use whom He will in His provision and protection. While that may be true, it is also true that these sources of provision and protection are the objects of one's faith rather than God in too many cases. One gives faith in God lip service, while expecting that the government, friends, or family are the only means by which the aid must come. They trust the creature rather than the Creator. In so doing, they rely on the wrong source, and testify of the wrong God.
May we be jealous of God's glory enough to trust Him rather than these fleshly arms of support. See if He is not able to supply your needs abundantly!
Bro. Greg
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for reading my post. Add your comments. They will be reviewed by me before being posted, so if you don't want them seen by everyone, just say so in your comment. Please be respectful; I don't post comments with profanity of any kind. Look forward to hearing from you.
Pastor Greg