In the last few days I have been thinking about the way the Lord works in our lives, and how different that is compared to how we think He would work. Our ideas of God’s interactions with us can be all over the place, even for those of us in the Church, for we are not immune to misunderstanding, deception, and bad or incomplete teaching. I find that we struggle to really grasp the idea of Grace, the truth of the Gospel, and the invitation to relationship.
This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans that are so full of good news, and helpful perspectives, that they have really helped me to embrace a deeper understanding of how good God really is towards me. Here are the verses - Romans 8:31-39 NIV:
[31] “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
First, the simple truth - God is for us! He is not against us (ver. 31).
Say that again, God is for us!
God is for me!
He withholds nothing from me! (ver. 32)
He has given His best (His Son Jesus) for me! (ver. 32)
No one can bring ANY charges against me, for I am chosen and justified by God! (ver. 33)
Jesus is standing at the right hand of the Father interceding for me. (ver. 34)
In other words Jesus is defending me, pleading His case for me! He is the one who chose me and justified me, and who has applied His righteousness to me!
When I think about this, I see a heavenly courtroom, and Jesus is on my side (my defender). He is the one pleading my case!
And if He is my defender, who is the one bringing charges? According to Revelations 12:10, the accuser of the Brethren (Satan) is the one bringing charges, or in our case we would call him the “prosecutor”.
Revelation 12:10 NIV: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”
This picture has helped me so much, for there are many times the thoughts entering my mind are accusations, and I know exactly where those accusations are coming from, and who they are coming from.
Often times the accusations are aimed at me, things like:
“You aren’t worthy!”
“You have disqualified yourself!”
“Don’t you remember the terrible thing you said or did? God will never accept you!”
“You are damaged goods, there is no hope for you, you might as well quit!”
If I start down one of these paths, my mind will be filled will all sorts of memories, almost like I am opening up a trash bag of all the bad things I have thought or done in the past. Again, according to scripture this is not coming from the Lord, but from the enemy of our soul!.
It is at times like these, that I hold onto the truths in Romans 8!
Equally important, I need to apply these same verses to all of my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ! Clearly God feels the exact same way about them as He does me!
I often find that I have thoughts about others that would be much more in line with the accusations of the enemy, than the truth expressed in Romans 8. I find myself judging them, being offended at their sins, or even the idea that they might sin! I see all sorts of imperfections in them, and find myself agreeing whole-heartedly! I find myself thinking that I don’t want to be in relationship with them, etc. Yikes!
One time I was really being swept away by this thinking and the Lord interrupted my judgment and accusations, and asked me, “which side of the courtroom are you on?”
I realized that I was on the side opposite of Him! (That’s what the yikes is about!)
I immediately repented and asked that He forgive me for joining the accusations against the Brethren! I prayed for His perspective, His mercy and His grace!
Finally, there are other times where the thoughts that enter my mind are accusing God of wrong doing! Times where I am having difficulty, or things aren’t working out the way I thought they would! I find that I am very susceptible to grumbling and complaining!
At times like these, I find that I am acting much like the Israelites after they were led out of slavery in Egypt, and complaining about the manna! Their life was difficult, and they were wanting to go back to Egypt for better food! They were complaining about God’s plan and provision!
I have found myself doing this multiple times! Thoughts like the following:
“I can’t believe God’s plan for me led to this dead-end job!”
“I have been praying for this for years and God hasn't done a thing, clearly He doesn’t love me!”
“I have done so much for God, and now this happens, He clearly doesn’t care for me!”
“I have done so much for God, I deserve a blessing and instead I get this…”
“God didn’t heal this person I love, so he isn’t a good God after all!”
“How could God let this happen to me?”
I could continue on, but I think the point is clear! I often find myself agreeing with these accusations about God! Again, I have had the Lord interrupt my complaints and ask me, “Sam, which side of the court room are on?”
Yikes!
Incidentally, this is the exact same type of accusation that Eve listened to in the Garden!
In summary, I have found that living my life with this understanding has helped me immensely to think correctly! I have found myself on the wrong side of the courtroom too many times, and recognizing that I am in league with the enemy rather than the Lord has definitely helped me battle through the war in my mind to get myself on the Lord’s side.
I have been helped greatly and my prayer is that we would all step over to the Lord’s side, for our own view of our lives before Him, and our attitudes towards others in the Body of Christ!
Lastly, I have been greatly helped in my ability to hold onto my faith in God, seeing His goodness in the midst of difficulty, and seen my hope rise!
My prayer is that the Lord might help us all! Lord, have mercy on us, extend your grace to us! Thank you for Your grace, your mercy, Your forgiveness and you intercessions for me!
Amen and Amen!
Amen Sam!
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