September 16
Isaiah 22:1-24:23 | PS 60:1-12 | Prov 23:15-16 | Gal 2:17-3:9
Years ago I had an employee who was living an ungodly lifestyle, claiming to be a Christian, yet she claimed that her god would understand and approve of what she was doing. I simply asked her who her god was, since the God of the Bible though would still love her, would disapprove. We got into a discussion, not combative. Roughly two years later she gave her life to Christ as her Lord and Savior. Most people live their lives outside of a relationship with God. They remain “fine” as long as they get to live their lives as they choose, according to their values, their sense of right and wrong, perhaps associating with any of a number of religions. Though most would never admit this, they are their own god. They don’t need a Bible, since they have essentially written their own version. This is the opposite of what God calls us for. He is God, we are not. He gets to make the rules, we don’t.
Consider this amazing verse in 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 our relationship with Jesus, we become vessels for Him, we get out of the way. This is the basis for relationship with God, trusting Him for His mercy and grace, not relying on our works or reasoning. He emphasizes this in 2:21, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” This is life in Christ. But most in our nation resemble those prophesied about in Judah before they were taken into Babylonian captivity in Isaiah 22:12-14, “And in that day the Lord God of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, For baldness and for girding with sackcloth. But instead, joy and gladness, Slaying oxen and killing sheep, Eating meat and drinking wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Then it was revealed in my hearing by the Lord of hosts, “Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, Even to your death,” says the Lord God of hosts.”
Yes, we live in these times now. What was the iniquity for which there was no atonement? It was the sin of ignoring God. This is the most prevalent sin of our times. We can point to any of a number of problems. But whether many want to admit this or not, our world is preoccupied with self and anything it takes to preserve self. Some might feel badly about an issue, might even donate to a cause, but as long as life continues along the path of their choosing, few are moved to do anything about the sin of ignoring God. Please re-read Galatians 2:20. If this is not you, then please do something about it while there is still time.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: