06/09/2020
We say that Jesus abides in us, and we in Him. We also say that He abides In the Father, and the Father in Him. Believing these statements to be scripturally true, and claiming them for ourselves, then we must also believe that the scripture which says that God is light, and in Him is no darkness is truth too. So, the first statements tell us that by abiding in Jesus we too abide in the light of God, and that He is in us as well, but where will our continued sinning leave us? Do these jaunts into the darkness separate us from God? Are we choosing our humanity over our spiritually transformed selves; darkness over light?
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
1 John 1:5-6 ESV
When Abraham and Lot went their separate ways, where did they make their homes? They were nomadic by nature so in the Bible we often read words like “pitched his tent” to tell us this. Abraham dwelled in the land of Canaan, but Lot chose the plains of Jordan to be his, and pitched his tent towards Sodom. .. a city of wickedness and sinners. How about us? When we choose where we will abide, are we pitching our tent in the cities of that dark place?
“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”
Genesis 13:12-13 KJV
It is up to us to make the choice of where we will live, and with whom. When Lot decided he wanted to go his own way, and be separated from Abraham, he was given his choice of land, and he chose the rich plains of Jordan that also contained Sodom. Abraham looked at what was left, Canaan, and did something much different regarding his home... he consulted God, and worshipped Him.
“Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord.”
Genesis 13:18 KJV
Sometimes sin entices us, and looks like the best place for us. When we choose with earthly eyes, like Lot did, we can make what looks like a good choice, a logical choice, and even a wise choice, only to find that our decision has led us into darkness.
“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.”
Genesis 13:10-11 KJV
However, God’s ways are not our ways, and if we lean on Him He can take the less appealing, or the harder path, and bless us as we walk it. The man in us might want the plains Of Jordan, but God waits for us in the wilderness, on the rocky faces of mountaintops, or even the Plain of Mamre.
“And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.”
Genesis 13:14-15 KJV
Righteousness is not always the choice a man will make. Sometimes he will look at the appealing nature of sin, and pitch his tent towards it. When Lot chose the plains of Jordan, he thought he had hit the mother lode, a land of flowing water, good grazing, and fat sheep, but what awaited him there was something quite different, and unforeseen... temptation, sin, and darkness. He neglected his faith, and didn’t seek the will of God when he should have.
So here we are today; we are abiding in our faith in Jesus, but one night Satan comes to our tent, and whispers in our ear. He looks to tempt us by showing us an easy access to riches, wealth, and lives of Leisure. He talks to us about our current hardships, and the long road of faith, but he is a liar, and what awaits us if we chose what he offers is darkness. Lot didn’t chose the plains of Marme because that land was rough, and he didn’t trust in God’s provision if he lived there. Instead he chose the plains of Jordan; seemingly easy, but in it was a raging lion... Satan’s lie, and it was waiting to consume him, and his family. How will we choose today? Will we make a lie our choice; even a small white one, and wonder why our life has grown dark?
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5 KJV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus in whom we choose to abide, and thank you for abiding in us because He abides in you. Keep us from temptation Lord, and steady us in your Word as we make our choices each day. Don’t allow Satan to sift us Father, but hold us tight to your chest, and protect us there. Teach us to seek you in all of life, and speak to you without ceasing. Help us should our humanity raise its head, and cause us to slip. Lead us home through Jesus by our contrition, and the tears of a humble heart. Forgive us, and return us to the brightness of your light. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is not only with us, but in whom we abide. Praised be your name for your love and kindness that comes for us in mercy and grace. Great are you on the battlefield of this spiritual war that rages around us, and we find victory in you. Hear our prayers Father, and witness our worship before you... now, and forevermore.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:6-9 KJV
Rich Forbes