04/03/2020
The world is writhing under the torment of Coronavirus, and other plagues, yet those known as men of God are remiss in mentioning His name In association with these times. Perhaps this explains why the call for every soul to return to God in the places of worship is so faint. Are the believers praying fervently as if they trust in God’s ability to save us in these times of plague, or has their faith become so watered down and weak as to be useless? Have we turned to other men, and governments, as we cry out “Save us!“, when we should be looking to God and saying such things as “Forgive us Lord!”, “Rescue us from this scourge!”, “Strengthen our faith!”, “Heal our land!”, and “Jesus is worthy! Hear our prayers in His name!”?
“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,”
2 Peter 2:9 ESV
When Man had lost his way in the Bible, and turned his back on God, God corrected him. We read these stories... He looked to Noah to build an ark, and then flooded the earth. When Sodom and Gomorrah had become so vile that there was only one good man there, He saved Lot, but rained fire on those cities. And likewise, when men erected the tower of Babel in order to reach Heaven He scattered them across the earth, and changed their languages! So what is different about our God today? Has He suddenly evaporated, leaving us to our own devices, does He now accept vile practices, or is He just as He was in those days?
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.”
Hebrews 13:7-9 ESV
We have sought to reorder His Word today, even in our churches. This is in an attempt to justify our unfaithfulness; thus we have turned away from Him. We have even looked upon God’s Word and called it myth. Did we think that this too would go unnoticed, and unpunished, in His eyes?
“knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV
Much like Sodom and Gomorrah, we have turned wantonly to vile practices in sexuality, and abominations. We have also consoled ourselves in the killing of our unwanted children, worshiping ourselves in the process. Haven’t we systematically been denying God’s commandments... calling them into question as it suits us to do so? Did we believe that this could go on forever without punishment or correction?
“You shall say, 'Hear the word of the Lord, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing such disaster upon this place that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind—”
Jeremiah 19:3-5 ESV
As men and women of God we need to pray fervently, and call out for God’s mercy. We need to hold the Word of God up as Truth, and accept Jesus as Worthy, Righteous, and Holy. We need to reach out to the world, and deliver not only a word of warning, but also the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
“"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 ESV
Are we ready to do this? Are we ready to see God in all His Sovereignty, and Glory? Are we ready to warn our fellow men of His coming judgement, and correction? Are we prepared to call one another back from the brink of destruction, and into the saving grace that God has provided us through Jesus?
Miracles continue today, God Still heals and answers prayer today, and yes... God corrects us today as well.
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”
Hebrews 12:5-7 ESV
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for the love you have for us that you should care enough for us that you would discipline and correct us, and realign our behavior with your Word, and expectation. Thank you Holy Father for strengthening us in our faith, and helping us to grow stronger when we are teetering on the verge of unbelief. Open our eyes Lord to your presence in the plagues, famines, and droughts that you allow to befall us, and remind us to return to you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Hear our prayers once more as we reach out to you in contrition, and ask your forgiveness, and rescue. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us enough to correct us. Great are you who is long suffering, and extends your hand in mercy to those who have sinned, but now return to you. Praised be your name for your Son Jesus who you sent to redeem us that none might perish. Merciful are you for the plagues that ravish the world, and bring us to our knees before you where we might find forgiveness, and healing. All glory is yours Father; you are glorified by our salvation, redemption, and by the saving grace that flows from Jesus Christ in unmerited abundance! We return to you now in the face of this plague, and ask for your mercy... heal our bodies Father, and heal our faith, spirits, and souls, so that we can reenter your presence, and remain there in peace, and righteousness, forevermore.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 ESV
Rich Forbes