02/03/2020
As we walk in the way of the Lord we become stronger in our faith. When we experience the hardships and suffering of life God is provided with opportunities to increase us, and in this way, as we are approaching life in a righteous manner, God not only helps us, but also rewards our belief. However, for those who walk contrary to the way of God there is no betterment, or reward... only self awareness, the pain of conviction, vain attempts to return to joy by their own doing, and destruction at the hand of their self determination.
“The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.”
Proverbs 10:29 ESV
Before the fall of Adam and Eve, they walked around naked in the Garden of Eden and found nothing wrong with being unclothed. They had one commandment... don’t eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. For so long as they obeyed this commandment they were innocent in all things.
“And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.”
Genesis 2:25 ESV
But then the age of innocence ended in disobedience, and after eating the forbidden fruit they saw their actions in a very different light. Suddenly, in their newfound knowledge they saw their actions, and the world, in a new way... they saw the good, but now saw the evil also.
“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.”
Genesis 3:7 ESV
This is where we are today, fallen, and aware of our shortfalls, but as we strive to return to a righteous relationship with God, He doesn’t abandon us; He provides us with clothing, and the means to do so through His Son Jesus. In this way we make certain steady progress towards purity... not of our own effort, but by our return to obedience, His help, His covering, and His grace.
“And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.”
Genesis 3:21 ESV
However, to those who decide to continue on in their evil ways... to remain in their fallen state... there is no return to righteousness, nor to a renewal of relationship with God; only destruction. They have chosen the world and their own ways in it over God’s way, and the return to righteousness, and the innocence which is faithfully sought by those who believe, remains only a convicting reminder to them... a shadow cast over them by the fall because they are no longer blind to the truth.
“Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind." Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains.”
John 9:39-41 ESV
So as believers we are meant to walk in the light, in God’s way, and to seek out our salvation in fear and trembling. In this way our prayers are heard, our faith is increased, a righteous relationship with God is restored through Jesus Christ, and we receive our reward.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for clothing me in the perfect sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ, and for having called to me as I hid myself from you In shame, and in the knowledge of good and evil. Help me Lord to obey your commandments, and to answer to your voice in all things... in all my ways. Hear my prayers as I lift them up for Those who are lost in the world, and in their own self centeredness. Help me to reach out to those that are ashamed as they hide themselves in loin clothes of leaves, and to tell them of your loving provision, mercy, and grace. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who has given Your Son to die for us... even though we were sinners. Great are you who sees the innocence beneath the shroud of disobedience we have donned, and has breathed your mercy on us. We praise you Lord for leading us back into your ways, and responding to our need for a restored relationship with you. We worship you, and love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. All glory is yours Heavenly Father, and we know it best by your grace which flows out to us through Jesus Christ. Hear our praise, our prayers, and our cheerful voices as we sing out to you now, and forevermore... give us your joy, and eternal peace as we lift our arms to you.
Rich Forbes