August 3, 2010

Judges 17

“Now I know that the Lord will be good to me, since I have a Levite as a priest.” How does the New Testament put it, “1But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2For men will be . . . 5having a form of godliness but denying its power.” What could be more pious our godly in appearance than using your own money to hire your own personal priest? Wow God! Look what I am doing for You! Can we get a little Quid Pro Quo going here? Maybe a little tit for tat? I have done this; surely You will be good to me. Sounds ridiculous does it not? In 2006 Time Magazine had as its cover story, “Does God want you to be Rich?” It was an expose on prosperity teachers of many mega churches in the USA. I wonder if their mindset is any different than Micah’s.

What do we think of the glory of God when we operate in such a fashion? The man is not condemned. Or is he? Snuggled in the midst of this story is the theme statement of Judges, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” It is not that everyone did what was right in the eyes of a Glorious God. Micah’s problem was that his eyes were fixed upon His own glory. Does God want to give good things to His children? Certainly, that is part of His glory. But the primary good which He wants to give us is Himself. It does not come as a Quid Pro Quo agreement. It comes as a demand on His part, “Lose your life.” Then He gives us His. That is not a Quid Pro Quo relationship; we get the greater end of the deal. It is an exchange of our life for His life. Worldly riches are a small thing in comparison. Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

Romans 6

What is the glory of Jesus? He allows and yes, even desires, that you and I should be identified with Him! He, being eternal, causes us to be identified with that human part of Him that was crucified 2,000 years ago and that was raised from the dead 3 days later. Because He died, we died. Because He lives, we live. Because He lives and walks in righteousness, we should live and walk in righteousness. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are slaves of God because of His gift to us. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor John