November 10
Ezek 21:1-22:31 | PS 108:1-13 | Prov 27:12 | Heb 10:1-17
I think back, and how often I have debated others pulling out my trinkets of data. Cite the authors, the type of study, the numbers of patients, and the conclusion. This data is imperfect at best, even for the best of studies. The person being presented the data often doesn’t care, as they are busy thinking of their rebuttal if they disagree. As time has gone on, realizing the inadequacy of the studies, along with the tremendous bias of the editors of the journals, as those in charge deem what is fit to print, I have stopped this. Jesus showed us how to debate, so vividly during His interaction with Satan in the temptation in the desert, in Matthew 4. The only citations He quoted were from the Bible. Likewise, the world may deem us simpletons, but if we want to cite something true and reliable, quote God from His Word. Instead of stepping forward in my own strength, I would rather step forward as God’s child. The world might disrespect this, others might not be swayed, but we answer to Him, receive our strength from Him, get our guidance from Him, so why not rely on Him and trust Him, as He alone is worthy to be trusted.
We read in Ezekiel 22:30, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” God gave this message through His prophet describing the leaders of Israel. Are we better than they were? No! I wonder if God is looking now to see who it is that will stand in the gap. Israel fell. Judah fell. Many look at their own little lives, perhaps their little communities and deem themselves safe, thinking God would never do this to us, thinking themselves good. We read in 21:3, “and say to the land of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I am against you, and I will draw My sword out of its sheath and cut off both righteous and wicked from you.” When earthly judgment comes, it comes against everyone: all ages, all genders, all walks of life, and, yes, even those who think they are living good lives.
We read in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Our righteousness rests in Jesus, in Him alone. If you doubt this, we should look seriously at Romans 3:10, “There is none righteous, no, not one;”. So whether it be at home, at the workplace, in our neighborhoods, etc. let’s all stop trying so hard to be cute and smart. We don’t bring that much to the table. Our righteousness is from Him and our words should be from Him. Why would we want to stand on our own when He promises to be there with us and give us His words. If we want to stand in the gap, it will not be in our own strength, but in His strength, fearless, bold, caring little for anything else.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: