Whenever a tsunami warning is given on the northern coastline of Maui, Hawaii, the people living in Hana rush up the side of a mountain to a high place of safety. Nearby is a tall wooden cross that was placed there many years ago by missionaries. For their physical safety, people run to the area where the cross is located.
THE FOLLOWING IS BY ANNE CETAS (FOR: Our Daily Bread; 4/8/12)
In a similar way, all of us need a place of spiritual safety. Why? Because the Lord gives us these warnings in His Word: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Hebrews 9:27 states: “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” We might not like to think about what the consequences of our sin will be as we face a holy God, but it’s a serious thing “to fall into the hands of the living God” (10:31).
The good news is that out of love for us, the Father has provided a place of safety! He sent His Son Jesus to die so we wouldn’t have to be separated from Him forever (Rom. 5:8-10; Col. 1:19-22).
Because of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, that place of safety is available. Have you run to the cross?
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain. —Bennard
To escape sin’s curse, run to the cross.
READ:Hebrews 10:28-39
King James Version (KJV)
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
As Christians, we must thoroughly convince ourselves that, as Christ revealed to us, “our kingdom is not of this world”. Life here is an audition for what is to come. We have chosen our “character”, an imitation of Christ, and desire to live in eternity with Him through a grateful performance here according to the biblical “script” we have been given.
However, when we look at history and see how the world treated Jesus (as in “The Passion Christ”) can we then really expect anything better? We can be assured many will want us to be “handed over”, ridiculed, and persecuted for our imitation of Him as it is not acceptable here. The evil one, the Deceiver, is still at large at this time and will not tolerate allegiance to the Creator’s rules or His Son’s teachings. The rule of Satan here is to be content with the way things are because this is it, this is all there is to it, make the most of it however you can, no restraints to your human desires, be all you can be, do unto others as it pleases you to do. Don’t deny yourself; deny God, deny eternal love, deny the cross, deny eternity. And many are those who do just that.
“Many are called, few are chosen.”
“Be ye perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Without Him we are nothing but we believe that with Him all things are possible.
One thing we must remember is this; we are in a battle for the souls of men whom God desires to be returned to Him. We are at war! There is no retreating or deserting. We are guaranteed victory but not casualties. Our only weapon is the Truth and every sacrifice or wound is in honor of it. Maintaining its power and might within us requires consistent prayer, meditation, and devotion to our duty and His just cause. Be sworn to do all that will be asked of you for we can also be assured that our “leadership” can not fail and our “reward” will not be taken from us.
Standing for Christ is standing by Him. Standing by Him is standing by His Word. He has said “he who is not with me is against me” and again “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. Our strength must be in Him for we are but human and the enemy, the deceiver, is very strong, like a wild beast set to devour his prey. However, Jesus rebuked him three times with but the “Word” alone and sent him on his way. Gods Word is truth. It is our eternal weapon and our shield never to be forgotten, never to be overcome.
Lord we pray that you will give us wisdom to know you, a heart to love you, and the will to serve you for we have put our trust in you and your word. Our lives are now in your almighty hands.
bill sr: very beautifully stated…thk you for sharing…
Bill, Sr. Thank you for your writings. I very much appreciate your prayers at the end of your comment. Have a peaceful day.
Your sister in Christ, Betrayed!!!
betrayed: agreed…