God Alone

"There is something about this God of Israel unlike any other deity of the ancient Near East: You either worship him “only” or not at all” (Bill Arnold, The NIV Application Commentary, 1 & 2 Samuel, Kindle edition, Loc. 2612).

The preceding quote caught my attention as I doing some reading in preparation for a recent sermon.  The more I reflected on the statement, the more convinced I became that it strikes at the heart of why much of the world reacts strongly against the God of the Bible.  He demands exclusive worship.

This principle is found throughout the Scriptures.  The Ten Commandments of the Old Covenant were headlined with this sentence from God: “You shall have no other gods before (or besides) Me” (Exodus 20:3).  Later, as Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses reiterated the exclusive nature of serving God: “You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.  You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you” (Deuteronomy 6:13-14).  Jesus reaffirmed the concept in His own ministry as well (Matthew 4:10; 22:36-38).

And that’s the rub.  Most of the world (and, sadly, many professing believers) only want God IF they can worship\serve Him AND someone or something else.  They wouldn’t say it that way, but that’s how it works out.  God AND financial security.  God AND country.  God AND politics.  God AND success.  God AND materialism.  God AND religion.  God AND ???

But if you are claiming to worship\serve the God of the Bible, it can only be God AND nothing!  He is an exclusive God.  He shares His throne with no one.  It’s non-negotiable.  This truth cannot be made more palatable just because our world rebels against exclusive claims.  Perhaps a periodic review is in order.  Am I allowing ANYTHING to divide my whole-hearted devotion to my God?  If so, then some temple-clearing is also in order.  My God desires ALL of my heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).

God loves you!

Mike

What Does Holy Look Like?

In a post at wineskins.org entitled “What Do We Know Of Holy?”, Paula Harrington addresses how hurting people as well as those with whom we disagree are often mistreated in the body of Christ. In her opinion, much of the problem can be traced to a lack of active holiness in the lives of God’s people.  After offering some scenarios in which an inappropriate response was given, she has this to say:

“What does holy look like when you’re faced with someone who doesn’t interpret Scripture the way you do? It looks like laying down your stones and choosing grace instead. That may mean withdrawal but it never means cruelty. What does holy look like when someone has been offended? Regardless of your opinion on the subject, holy looks like listening and trying to understand someone else’s viewpoint and story...In every relationship holiness looks like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It’s thinking Jesus and inviting him into every situation” (http://wineskins.org/2017/09/18/what-do-we-know-of-holy/).

  “Holy” is one of those religious words that are easier to talk about than to practice. We are more comfortable with discussing it than doing it.  Active holiness is far more difficult because, at that point, our living must begin to mesh with our knowing.  I find it instructive that the Bible doesn’t tell us to “know holy” but often encourages us to “be holy” (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

  Those of us who set apart for God’s purposes are called to exhibit holiness in all that we say or do.  That can be a tall order.  If you are like me, you find it easier to respond in kind to someone who mistreats you. It’s easier to be vengeful instead of forgiving.  But that isn’t how a holy person should react.  Harrington’s last statement in the post goes like this: “Church, it’s time we step up. We are God’s people. We know holy. Let’s start living it. The world is watching.” I agree.

God loves you!

Mike