In Genesis 3 we encounter a cosmic tragedy. Man chooses to reject His Creator. By his actions he says that he does not need God or that God is not enough. And the consequences could not be any more tragic. Fear and pain and strife and fruitless toil enter into the world. Relationships at every level are disrupted: the battle of the sexes begins, God is sending man out or away instead of drawing Him into His presence. What a mess!
And yet, amidst this troublesome scene, there is mercy, for every part of the judgment on sin has the potential to teach man that they need the Lord; that He, and He alone is sufficient for life. When we encounter a fearful situation, or pain, or strife in relationships, or when our work is a daily struggle....each of these has the potential to show us our weakness, even our sinfulness, and to direct our attention to the One who is sufficient, Jesus Christ. It is His presence in our life that is foundational. Through repentance (turning from living life on our own and neglecting God) and faith (placing our trust in Christ and His righteousness) we can be reconnected to the life-giving presence of Christ through His Spirit, and taste the fullness of life that God designed for His creatures. Father, thank you, that even in the midst of judgment you have merciful purposes. Sanctify each challenge of this day so that it causes us to look to the One who is our sufficiency in all things - Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Ezra 3 talks about the re-institution of the altar, the sacrifices, and the feasts after the remnant had returned to Israel from Babylon. Vs. 3 talks about how the offered the morning and evening sacrifices "...even though they feared the surrounding peoples."
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenge this is to me, and should be to all of us, to live my life in a God-fearing and God-honoring manner - no matter of how I might feel about others in my life and how they might feel about me or do to me.
Vs. 12 & 13 talk about how loud the praise of the Israelites was when they praised God for the laying of the foundation for the rebuilt temple. Vs 13 says it was so loud that the sound was heard far away - I find myself asking of myself - is my praise of and for God heard by others?