06/16/2019
What are the things that that our Heavenly Father has given us? Today is Father’s Day, and it is appropriate that we should always remember it on a Sunday. As Christians we have two Fathers, one who is earthly, and another who is Spiritual. Each of these has a role to fill in our lives, and certain gifts to give us. Each teaches us, and makes us to be something more than we ever thought possible.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8 ESV
Today I want to talk about our Heavenly Father who fills every niche of our earthly lives, and whose Spirit abides in us to teach us by His love of every spiritual thing. I also want to touch on what He requires of us as we are taught to reflect His character and wisdom.
Let’s begin with this particular scripture from Micah in which God tells us what He expects of us. Before we decide to do anything, whether it is to go see a movie, or enroll in a college, we want to know the price... what will it cost us... what must we give in return, and is the price worth the gain. It may have been subconscious, or you might have wrestled with this question of faith outright, but you did this same thing in determining if you would enter into covenant with God the Father, and Jesus Christ the Son. You asked yourself what it was going to cost you, what it was going to provide you, and if you could make the payment.
So in reading this scripture we learn of three things we are expected to do; three coins that must be paid. The first coin is stamped on its face with the word “Justice”, but what does this mean? This means that we are to live in accordance with God’s commandments, ideals, character, and will. We are to be obedient to the precepts of God. If we can’t place this coin in the palm of God, then the other two are moot. This is our commitment to truth, and righteousness, and we see it in such places as the Ten Commandments. On the back is written the word “Obey” because what is justice without obedience to it?
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”
1 John 5:2-3 ESV
By reading this verse we understand the Words printed on the second coin. The second coin is stamped on its face with the word “Love”, and on the back with “Kind”. Once we decide to live by God’s justice, and obey it, then we can begin to Love Him, and to be Kind as He is. This is a payment, and an expectation, because it doesn’t come easily to us and requires much sacrifice, and endurance.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV
The third coin we give as payment is stamped “Humble” on its face, and “God” on the reverse. We understand by this coin that we are to put away our pride, and give to God our humility. We are to be humble in our ways, and before Him. If we can commit to these things, to humble ourselves in justice, obedience, love, kindness, and in giving up our pride, then we can at last begin to worship God, and understand that the final Word “God” leads us to our beginning with Him.
“And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38 ESV
Now that we understand the cost of accepting God as our Father, and Jesus as our Redeemer, in accepting Faith, we can make the decision as to whether we are prepared to make this commitment, and receive the Good that God offers us. We receive in return God’s Goodness, and such things as His provision, forgiveness, grace, mercy, kindness, attentiveness, healing... the list is so long, but of all these things He offers us, the greatest is His Love. Our scripture today uses the word “Good” to describe the attributes, characteristics, and person of God... are they worth the three coins you must place in his hand?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love that paves the way for every good thing you give us. Thank you Holy Father for the immensity of the treasure you heap upon us... all for just the three coins you expect in return. Thank you Lord for not only making our debt light, but promising to help us to bear it. Thank you for sending you Son to lift the burden of sin, and the punishment of death from us. Thank you for your Mercy, and for your Grace which is given freely to us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God, our Father, who loved us even before we knew to love you. We praise your name Father, for perfect is your justice, promise, love, kindness, humility, and the hand you extend to us. Your glory is made perfect in your grace, and witnessed in every good thing you provide. Hear our prayers, and the sound of our worship as we lift up our offering, and place it in your hand.
“And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever."”
2 Samuel 7:28-29 ESV
Rich Forbes