November 4
Ezek 10:1-11:25 | PS 105:16-36 | Prov 27:1-2 | Heb 6:1-20
Oswald Chambers wrote, "The passion of Christianity comes from deliberately signing away my own rights and becoming a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Until I do that, I will not begin to be a saint", in reference to Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." In a recent message at our church, the glory of God was discussed. We can not be separated unto Him, until we stop reflecting ourselves, and instead become mini-reflectors of God's glory which resides within us. His glory can only reside within us when we empty ourselves of self, and are filled with the holy Spirit. Though many can't fathom this, this is the reason for our existence, to give glory to God.
As we read through the prophets, we encounter frequent comparisons between God's true prophet and the multitude of false prophets. The true prophet spoke forth that which was true, given to him from God, whether popular or unpopular. The false prophets, sought relevance and popularity, and reflected themselves, their message, their culture, and not God. We read in Ezekiel 11:2-6,12, the false message of the false prophets and the difficult message given to God's true prophet who was to deliver God's unpopular message, "And He said to me: “Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity and give wicked counsel in this city, who say, ‘The time is not near to build houses; this city is the caldron, and we are the meat.’ Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man!” Then the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said to me, “Speak! ‘Thus says the Lord: “Thus you have said, O house of Israel; for I know the things that come into your mind. You have multiplied your slain in this city, and you have filled its streets with the slain.”...And you shall know that I am the Lord; for you have not walked in My statutes nor executed My judgments, but have done according to the customs of the Gentiles which are all around you.” ’ ”
God knows how difficult this change is for us. That is why He sent His Son to die for us, to make this transition possible for us. He doesn't ask us to jump through a bunch of hoops, do a bunch of good works. He simply asks us to submit to His Lordship, and allow Him to do the work, as we read a glimpse of the New Covenant in Ezekiel 11:19-20, "Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God." If you take the moment to read the introductory verses in the letters of the New Testament, you will read Paul, Peter, John, James, Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Every other relationship, such as being Jesus' half brother for James and Jude, being one of His 12 chosen apostles for Peter and John, no longer seems significant or relevant. It is all about His glory, and for us we are here to reflect His glory.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: