ODB: fragile existence
November 12, 2009
READ: Job 1:8-22
We should not trust in ourselves but in God. —2 Corinthians 1:9
The geological features at Yellowstone National Park fascinate me. But when I walk among the geysers, I’m aware of how close I am to danger. I am walking atop one of the largest, most active volcanoes in the world.
When I read the book of Job, I feel as if I’m walking through Yellowstone on a day when the volcano erupts, exploding the earth’s fragile crust and bringing disaster.
Like tourists at Yellowstone, Job was enjoying life. He was unaware that only a hedge separated him from disaster (Job 1:9-10). When God removed that hedge and allowed Satan to test Job, his life exploded (vv.13-19).
Many believers live in circumstances where it seems as if God, for some reason, has removed His hedge of protection. Others, also for reasons unknown, live in relative calm, seemingly unaware of their fragile existence. Like Job’s friends, they assume that nothing bad will happen unless they do something to deserve it.
As we learn from Job, however, God sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people. Although disaster can strike at any moment, nothing has the power to destroy those who trust Christ (2 Cor. 4:9). No disaster can separate us from God’s love. — Julie Ackerman Link
God’s love still stands when all else has fallen.
(2 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
Loading ...ODJ: to the rescue
November 12, 2009
READ: Exodus 14:5-31
Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today” (v.13).
Back in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned and slinked off into hiding, God came looking for them. Commencing with these words spoken to Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9), God launched the largest rescue mission known to man. Though we—the human race—betrayed our Creator and fell into the grip of sin and Satan, God did not turn His back on us. Even before He pronounced judgment, God promised that One (whom we now know was Jesus) would eventually come, defeat Satan for good, and rescue us from the kingdom of darkness (v.15).
God’s desire to liberate the human race is one of the central themes of the Bible. The exodus, where God dramatically delivered the Hebrew slaves from the bondage of Egypt, is the crowning event that points to God’s ultimate intentions in the Old Testament.
After 400 years of slavery, Moses showed up on the scene and demanded that Pharaoh let God’s people go. When the king refused, God unleashed one terrible plague after another on Egypt (Exodus 7-12). Finally Pharaoh relented and granted the Israelites their freedom. After a short time, however, he changed his mind and pursued them with a vengeance (14:5-9).
The next part of the story is my favorite. Pinned against the shores of the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army bearing down on them, Moses assured the people: “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today” (v.13). God drowned Pharaoh’s entire army in the depths of the Red Sea—“not a single one survived” (v.28).
God rescues. Through Jesus, He desires to save us and bring us back to Himself—so we live for Him and strive to spread His rescuing message to others.
—Jeff Olson
How has God rescued you? What will you do today to communicate His saving message to others?
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Right Intentions For Attending Church
By Julian Abraham, 19, Singapore
I’m a follower of Jesus Christ but I don’t follow His teachings.
Sounds strange? Ironic? Familiar?
As a Christian, one of the subtlest yet deadliest ways to fall into sin is skipping weekly church service. Why? The influences week in week out from sources like school, friends, television, movies, advertisements, Internet, magazines and books are not always spiritually healthy. Especially considering the influences of the mass media on youth culture. It often connects coolness with smoking, sex, drugs, rock, Satan-related styles, vengeance, aggression, rebellion, etc. In a way, attending church not only provides the right influences but also lead the weary, the griever and the lost to the ultimate Solace.
That is notwithstanding that we go to church with the right motive. Some of us go to church with the purpose of having fun and an opportunity to hang out with friends. Others go with intentions to get into a relationship. Although none of the reasons above are in and of itself wrong, yet they should never be the main purpose for attending services or church activities. The primary purpose should be to find God in our lives, to grow closer to Him, and to grow stronger in our inner man (Ephesians 3:16). So make it a point to go to church weekly and go with the right intentions. Who knows, you might just find yourself enjoying it!
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
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