The Devotional - A Look at the Book #752

by Jesse Abel

Psalm 19:12 – Fire which never says enough, Proverbs 30:1-33 reminds me that the wisdom of Agur is describing a search for the cleansing of error found in the heart of mankind and revealed in an obedient but fallen Creation being held in the grip of God’s curse. Genesis 3:17-19

Good Morning

Recently in the local prison we have been sharing a study on being Secure in Christ. The study guide is published by New Tribes Mission of Sanford, Florida. I would like to share this morning with us a thought that comes from lesson four of this study guide. It reads: “God made man manager over God’s creation, but man did not submit to God’s authority”. End of quote.

Is mankind today; “dull of hearing” Hebrews 5:11 or is there a lack of preaching the word of God in seasons of time that call for a certain Word from God? Have we stopped rebuking, exhorting and convincing our fellow saints with all long suffering? Have we placed on the dusty bookshelf the sound doctrines of the past because our young future saints have itching ears?

I heard a contemporary song just over two years ago in a church that we attended then. It went something like this. “You are God; You are God, You are God” Let me ask just a simple question here. Does God have to be reminded over and over and over again that He is God, I THINK NOT, but to give minimal credit to the song… MANKIND DOES.

From the fall of man in the Garden we have rejected God’s authority, and true there have been seasons of time when we have been submissive. But let one small dart from Satan come flying at us individually or as a nation and watch our submissiveness go out the window. Exodus 14 through Exodus 15 records the Red Sea Crossing. What a miracle for all of Israel to witness and be a part of. Yet three days pass and when fresh water could not be found, in Exodus 15:24 we witness the people Israel murmured against Moses and God.

Submission to God for you and me and our nation is at best; only partial and mainly rebellious. Is there a deliverance from this dullness of submission to God’s authority? Well, I am glad you asked! Yes there is… His Name is Wonderful, His Name is Counselor, His Name is Mighty God.

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

We know from the New Testament writers who were listening to the Holy Spirit that this Man is Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God and He alone qualifies to rule over Creation because He alone is fully submitted to God and totally obedient. Believing in Him is our first step of faith that qualifies us to be partakers of His Righteousness and Authority. Hebrews 3:7-15.

As believers in Jesus we must be willing to hear with our ears what the Holy Spirit teaches and then our ears will not become dull or itchy. Matthew 11:1-19 is an event that unfolds in the life of John the Baptizer when he failed to rest in faith. In Revelation 2 and 3 there are seven challenges to the seven churches all ending with these words. “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”

We should get back to the basics 2 Timothy 4:1-5.