I've been thinking a lot about Ecclesiastes 1:9 this past week. It says, "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun."
It's true.
I've also been thinking a lot about how issues in our Society today, were issues that every Society before us also faced; and how God's Word provides everything we need to give us wisdom and guidance to discern each issue.
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" 2 Peter 1:3
How can something that was written thousands of years ago, read as if it was written just yesterday?
1-Because God never changes: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8
2-Because God's Word is alive: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
3-God's Word is eternal: "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25a
An NBA Star died this past week. It's tragic no matter how you look at it. But what is more tragic, is the accolades and praise he is receiving by the type of lifestyle he lived. Every News sound byte began by giving us his name and what he was most known for. The tragedy behind such accolades is because he was not known for the basketball team he played for, he was not known for his Stats and successes on the court. No; every sentence spoken by the Newscaster concerning the death of this NBA player began with these words: "The first openly gay player in the NBA."
As Interviews with this player played across the screen, each Interviewer praised his openness concerning his lifestyle. It seemed as if his sin was all they wanted to talk about.
The Apostle Paul dealt with this same type of wickedness. The wickedness of taking pride in one's own sin. Philippians 3:18-19 says, "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)"
The Apostle Paul warns against those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Who are the enemies Paul is talking about? Those people who openly boast about and take pride in things that they should actually be ashamed of.
The Apostle Paul discusses this again in Romans 1:32. "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." You can read the sins listed by the Apostle Paul from verses 26-31. Paul describes a culture of depravity, warning that people who not only commit sins, but 'approve of those who practice them' are acting directly against God's righteous decrees.
In 1 Samuel 6:20b, the men of Bethshemesh said, 'Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God?'
The answer: No one.
Every Sinner and Saint will bow the knee when we come face to face with God.
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11
Friend-be careful who you praise. Be careful who you give accolades to.
This sinful world may have praised this man's lifestyle...
But our Holy God does not...
But that's just me!
No comments:
Post a Comment