04/03/2025
This morning I am contemplating those things of faith to which we have become blinded by our religion or liturgical practices. I recall the words of Jesus regarding Jerusalem and ask myself if this could happen to us as well. Could our religion become a hindrance to us? Are we building liturgical or religious walls between those who are seeking redemption, salvation, and a relationship with our Lord?
“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.”
Luke 19:41-42 KJV
In the day of Jesus there was Judaism; there was one temple, one faith, and yet the truth of Christ was hidden from it. Today in Christianity there are many churches, and many religions practiced among them; one Jesus, but many beliefs as to how best to serve Him. So I ask myself... would Jesus weep today?
Our faith is not the responsibility of a church or someone else, it is our own personal duty to seek out God and worship Him, and it is left up to us to study and discern the best way of approaching Jesus. It is up to us to obey His Word precisely. Our churches can help, but they can also hinder if we are not careful.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:12-13 KJV
Let me ask you a question as you think on this scripture... are you worshipping as the Bible instructs, or are you making up rules to help you in your piety that have nothing to do with God? As we go about seeking God and how to worship and follow Jesus, it is tempting to try and help Him with rules and regulations to do things which in our eyes will help us in that regard, but beware lest we usurp His sovereignty and place ourselves at odds with Him. Heaven help us if our manmade rules discourage a lost soul from accepting Jesus… from believing.
King Saul sought to modify the Word of God that was given him for instruction and it cost him his anointing, his crown, and his life. So what did Saul do? Let's listen to what God told him to do...
“Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”
1 Samuel 15:2-3 KJV
And indeed King Saul went and conquered Amalek, which was as God had commanded, but then he modified what he had been told to do... he spared Agag, and allowed the people to take spoils, even of the animals. But God was displeased...
“Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord? And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:19-22 KJV
When we take it upon ourselves to modify the Word that the Lord has given us, then we too have taken on the cloak of Saul. In that day the Lord our God stands against us for this transgression, and although we might go through the motions of worship; God is not with us.
“And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. And Samuel said unto him, The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.
And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.”
1 Samuel 15:26-28, 35 KJV
Do we cause the Lord to regret the anointing He has bestowed upon us? Do we add or detract from what He instructs? Do we decide that we know more than God and seek to rule before Him? Do we take the teaching of Jesus that was meant to serve Him, and turn it into something that serves ourselves? All of these things should be considered seriously as we seek out our own salvation, and build the churches and religions that are meant to serve God.
Fear and trembling would have saved King Saul, and they can save us today. Following God's Word to the letter and adding no stumbling blocks, or removing any perceived obstacles from it will insure our anointing... and the pleasure of God. His Word is perfect, and not subject to our modification. Let’s pray fervently before we take a single step beyond what is written or what we have been given.
“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.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Philippians 2:12-16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your Holy Word, and I pray that there never comes a time when I depart from it. Help me Father to adhere to your commandments, and to keep them just as you have given them. Lord, let me not place a stumbling block before myself or others of those who seek you. Dear Lord, let your Word be my way, and all the joys and tribulations that you have set to face me as I travel this path of faith be for my benefit and instruction. Never let me lose sight of your sovereignty and always yield to you. In my moments of piety, let them be of you, not of my own design and making, for those made of man are false... even as those of you are true, and wonderful. I Tremble this day, and fear for my salvation, guide me Father in your Word, and let me hear the voice of your Son Jesus as he pours your grace over me, forgives me in your authority, and instructs me to go and sin no more. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who is perfect in your ways and rule with all authority. Holy are you who is all wise and knows all things. Help me Father to lean on you and not on my own understanding or desire. Open my ears and heart to your Holy Spirit as I search out your divine will for me, and direct me in how I should best worship, obey, and praise you. Hear this my prayer Lord God, and correct me if I should bend your word in any way. Teach me so that I will please you in all that I do, and redirect me if I should impair another soul as it seeks you. I pray these things today as I seek you and bow down before you in humble obedience. Call me your child and help me to stay centered on the road you have prepared for me. I pray this in the name of Jesus, and ask that only your will be done.
Amen, Amen, Amen!
Supporting Scripture:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 ESV
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
Psalm 119:105-107 ESV
Rich Forbes