Do we get the wrong impression from the examples set before us?
This could apply to many things. God has given us many examples of those that have lived before us in the Old Testament. Jesus was and is our perfect example. People then, and people now; get the wrong impression from Jesus’ example. This is not Jesus’ fault. He has given us the freedom to choose. We can choose to remain firm in our wrong thinking; or we can repent. Or… We can choose to reject the Truth, just as many did long ago. They rejected Him at their own peril; as they tried to twist His words and His actions.
Can mercy come before a judgement has been rendered? If so; what are you receiving mercy from?
Can peace come where there has been no war? If there is no struggle; then peace from what?
Can love cover a multitude of sins where no sins ever remained? Without sin or wrong; what would love cover?
Can we learn a lesson we are unwilling to learn; through someone else’s experience?
Or… Do we have to endure the hardship in order to understand the lesson?
What good is it to go through trial and hardship to be trained up in the way we should go; if we refuse the wisdom gained in the training? If we reject the Truth; is the truth beneficial to us at all?
The way of a transgressor is hard. If our way is hard; should we not at least consider the possibility of being a transgressor? If our own heart condemns us; is this not a clue? If nature itself condemns us; shouldn’t we listen to its testimony?
What are we to say to Job? Was not God more concerned with Job’s heart, motives and understanding; than with Job’s stuff? Or was God unwilling to try Job; because it would affect his stuff?
Wasn’t satan’s accusation against Job concerning why Job worshiped God? Wasn’t it about Job’s reason for worship, and his motives? Did Job really serve God because things went well with him?
If Job’s “stuff”, even coming down to preserving his own body and family was more important than Job’s worship, heart motives, and understanding towards God; the story of Job would read very differently! Don’t you think God would have (and did) protect Job’s most valuable interest? Did not God only protect; but put on great public display the thing of most value in Job’s life?
Weren’t these the things that remained during and after the refining Fire?:
True worship. Trust and Faith in God. Faithfulness to God. True love. Honor. Thankfulness. Righteousness.
God has destroyed cities because of their wickedness (Sodom and Gomorrah). God has saved cities because of their repentance from their wicked ways (Nineveh). God has even allowed His chosen people to be destroyed, taken captive, pillaged, and burned by their enemies (because of their continued disobedience). God has rescued His people and exacted vengeance on their enemies (those that have enslaved and tortured them); because of His people’s repentance and return to Him.
Yes the rain of those judgments fell on the just and the unjust. The just indeed lived by Faith. Their faith was ultimately unaffected in the midst of the judgements (if anything it grew stronger, and was put on greater display).
Judgement comes in response to wrong thoughts, words, and actions. Faith remains during and after the purification. When all that is unnecessary is gone and vanishing away; Faith stands unwavering.
If we refuse or say we are unable to do the following will not all our ways end in error?:
“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 Amplified Classic Edition
God has given each one of us the ability to do this; but will we refuse correction?
Would we rather be right in our own eyes; than to actually be right?!!
Why do we refuse to learn the lessons, in the history laid out before us? The crucible is right there before us; bringing enlightenment to our path.
When our daughter was young we would tell her and entreat her with this:
“We would much rather you be able to learn from someone else’s mistakes; than to have to endure them yourself.”
Likewise God’s Word encourages us:
“For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.”
Romans 15:4 Amplified Classic Edition
“The things that happened to those people are examples. They were written to be warnings for us. We live in the time that all those past histories were pointing to.”
1 Corinthians 10:11 Easy Read Version
I encourage, I implore, I pull against the damning flow; that we would snap out of it!
If we are asleep; WAKE UP!
Let’s learn CORRECTLY from the examples laid out before us! Not simply taking our “own” lesson from the example; but THE LESSON that is intended!
Much love to you guys! Stay and be encouraged! Be determined to see clearly!
Learn the lesson, laid out before us!
It is for our great benefit!
September 5th, 2017 by Eric