Message from Scripture: 2/6/2021

Our message from Scripture today is Ex. 20:3. “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

What kind of god do you serve? Most people would quickly respond “The God of the Bible,” but is that always true? Is it possible some invent the kind of god they want, much like those in times of old? The prevalent picture of God by most people today is of a kindly, old grandfather, who smiles and blesses everyone in every aspect of life. He is quick to hear every prayer, deeply understanding, and compassionate. He naively and gently laughs off our indiscretions, being too loving to condemn anyone. His patience knows no end, as He warns and threatens, but never sees His them through. He is too loving to send anyone to hell. He may or may not see what we do, but our sins really do not matter much to Him. In the end, He pardons all, no matter how badly one has lived, and ushers us all into heaven.

No one wants to diminish the inexhaustible love and grace of the God of heaven, but the above picture of a god is not the God of the Bible!  The God of heaven is a just God, who recompenses every man according to His deeds (2 Cor. 5:10). He has a cross for us to bear, and holds us accountable if we do not bear it. Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). He also said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:14). It all comes back to the real issue of whether we wish to accept the God revealed in the Bible, or wish to manufacture one of our own. To make up a god that suits us is no god at all. We need to know what Scripture says, because that’s how the one real, true, and living God reveals Himself and His will, His love, and grace, and mercy, for life to us. Have you spent time in His word today? Why not do so, and let Him encourage you in what life is all about. How great is that? God bless.

Robert