09/08/2024
We spoke yesterday regarding the commandments and our need to follow them, but some will argue that in our fallen state (since the Garden of Eden) that we are incapable; is that true? Are we doomed to failure by the failures of Adam and Eve? Well, if that were ever true, then most certainly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has solved that inability.
Paul, in writing to Timothy gives him, and us, encouragement when he writes:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
And when he writes to the Corinthians he gives us the answer we seek...
“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 KJV
We can, and must, obey the commandments, and are in no way encumbered by sin as long as we have Jesus as our Lord, savior, and redeemer. God never asks of us more than we can do. If the job seems too difficult and we are struggling, then our prayers call Him into action; He makes provision through His Grace, Mercy, and promise. Just as He sent an angel to Jesus as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He likewise tends to us.
Prayers… they are the 911 calls of our spiritual lives. Prayer brings God to our rescue when we are in need. Every prayer is carried before the throne and when prayed in faith, and within the will of God, there is nothing more powerful. When we are teetering on the verge of breaking a commandment... say, not honoring our mother and father, or coveting; then our prayers will call God to our assistance and if all of heaven's legions are required... He will commit them. God never fails us and always stands by His word.
““I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”
Hebrews 13:5-7 NLT
The question is not whether we can obey God's commandments... The question is WILL we obey God's commandments. Will we pray honestly and earnestly for assistance or just mouth the words after our minds have already been made up? Will we halfheartedly ask God for help as we continue to walk unabated towards sin? Was that what King David was doing as he gazed across the rooftops at Bathsheba? Did he even ask for the strength to resist? We find the answer to this question in scripture... he did not.
“It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house.”
2 Samuel 11:2-4 ESV
This morning I pray that our faith, and search for the will of God, will lead us into righteous prayer. I pray that when temptation is almost overwhelming that we will stop walking towards it and pray for God's intervention and strength. We can obey God's commandments, and I pray that we never lose sight of that reality. God is faithful... are we?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for sending us help when we call out to you. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who gives us understanding, and the angels that you send to strengthen us. You are merciful Father, and your Word speaks to us in times of temptation and trouble. Help us to hear your voice and to obey the things you say. Help us to find strength in our faith, and trust in your promises. Teach us to turn to you, and drop to our knees in prayer when the dark one tempts us, and plies us with his lies. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is true to your every promise, and who is with us always through thick and thin. Holy are you who time and time again leads us through our trials, and great is your grace and love for us that prompted you to send your only begotten Son to redeem us. Hear our prayers Holy Father, as we pray them in the face of every temptation, every moment of weakness, and as we are confronted by our doubts. Wash us clean of our sins with the blood of Jesus, and the victory over death He has won. Let his face be what you see when you look at us in our moment of judgement, and His love when you look deep into our hearts. Call us worthy, and say that you are pleased with us, but know that we can do nothing except through Jesus Christ, and that all the glory belongs to you. Lift us up Father, and seat us at your table forever, and then bless us with your presence for all eternity.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen!
“And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
John 3:16-17 CSB
Rich Forbes