March 1
Lev 24:1-25:46 | PS 44:9-26 | Prov 10:20-21 | Mark 10:13-31
The more innocent the child the more they tend to follow the guidance of their parents without question. As we mature we are taught to question authority, to make decisions for ourselves. We must realize that though in the world which is full of evil and pitfalls reasoning and rejecting is oftentimes necessary, this is not the case with God. To follow God, we must understand who He is and who we are. He is always right. His character is perfect. He will never give bad advice or send us down the wrong path. We need to embark on our relationship with God as a child, and remain in that relationship in child-like wonder. Except for a few poetical books in the Bible, the words of Scripture are exactly as stated. God doesn't need us to reinterpret them or develop a theological theory based on them to be argued or debated between Christians. How amazing is our God, who possesses all of the knowledge and wisdom in the universe to place His loving direction for us simple enough for us, His children to grasp, if we are only willing.
We read in Mark 10:13-15, "Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Innocent and eager to be touched by Jesus, not considering the implications, etc., this is the heart of those who can be reached by Jesus. But immediately after this we see an interaction with a rich, young ruler, who by all accounts lives a fairly exemplary life, but we see the conclusion of their interaction in 10:21-22, "Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." Now there was a conflict. This man had to choose between the God of the Universe, and the god of money, and he chose money.
The Bible is God's love letter to us. He gave it to us, so that we can approach Him daily and relate to Him, and follow Him. There are way too many debates on Calvinism vs Armenianism, or this "ism" or that "ism", or this end time view or that end time view. We must decipher that which is taught by man and that which is plainly spoken forth from God's Word. There is so much in the Word which is straightforward, in which debate makes no sense. Often it is pride which propels people to debate theological stances rather than simply follow His guidance. The truth is, though few are willing to admit this, we are just not that smart. But He is. Come to Him daily. He doesn't want to confuse you. He loves you, that's why He created you. Take off the shackles of self, and come to Him as a child.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: