God spoke to my heart, and he showed me that my life is a lot like that.
How often do I think that He is taking too long to do something?? I decide to just handle things my own self. I take matters into my own hands. Thinking that I know what it best, and what timing is best.
The earrings and gold that they had belonged to the Egyptians. God provided the plunder for them as he brought them out of Egypt. They used these blessings from God to create an idol. How often do I do that? God blesses me... and I turn around and allow His blessings to come before my worship of Him??
God quickly pointed out to me that I tend to make up excuses for my actions as well. And... I bet they sound about as ridiculous as Aaron's excuse did. Now... even if Aaron could have "gotten over" on Moses... I cannot "get over" on God. He not only sees my actions, but my heart that motivated them.
I was quite convicted. But... I realized that is where the similarities in our stories end.
When God's anger burned against them for their idolatry and disobedience, Moses stepped in to intercede for them. Later Moses said, "Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin." Well... It is Jesus Christ that intercedes for me. And...my Jesus didn't come to say, "Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin." He came to make atonement for the sins of the world.
Hebrews 7:25 tells us that "He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them."
Isaiah 53:12 tells us that "He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Hebrews 2:17 says "For this reason he had to be make like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people."
I find comfort in the fact that Jesus is there interceding for me when I get ahead of God, when I use His blessings inappropriately, and when I make up crazy excuses for what I have done. Jesus lives to intercede for me. Not only that... He came to make atonement for my sin. And... He did make atonement for my sin, and yours. I just love my Jesus.
1Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared in give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
9 comments:
It's been an awesome week, I can't wait until we get together tomorrow.
I am sooooo glad He did not say, "Father, let me go be crucified, and perhaps make attonement for Regina." He came and it's a done deal. Sealed with His Spirit that lives within me.
See you tomorrow.
thanks for your post. I too get "impatient" with the Lord , run ahead and then regret the move. He moves in His time.
Blessings!
Ouch! You're hurting my toes, Lynn. You're so right...praise God he puts up with our trying to step ahead of him...and then lovingly forgives us when we wise up. Thanks. I needed this!
Oh Lynn, what a message! I needed to read this today. I have definitely felt that God is taking too long to do something and I get impatient. I'm constantly battling the urge to attempt to take matters into my own hands. I typically resist that urge. But then... taking blessings from God and making them into idols. Oh wow. Am I guilty of this? Time to do some soul searching.
I'm about to start "Stepping Up" in a Bible study group this week. I am sooo anxious to see what Truths are there for me to discover.
Amen!
Hebrews 7:25 tells us that "He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them."
Praise God! Hallelujah!! I won't go into detail about what is going on with me today, but let me tell you that I needed this message and especially this Scripture. You know, I can't believe how blessed we are to live on this side of the cross. When I read a passage of Scripture like this one...my soul is overwhelmed with what it actually means. Can you believe that the one who its said, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us!" That this Word, this God for whom and by whom all things were created...that He now actually intercedes for ME??? How is that possible? How is that He would bother to talk to the Father about a worthless person such as myself. "When I think about the Lord...it makes me want to shout!!"
Whoa! Great post! It stepped a bit on my toes, but it was needed! Praise the Lord for Jesus' intercession and atonement! Have mercy, Father!
I am currently living through a gracious do-over the Lord is providing, but not without consequence for the sin that got me here! That's tough, but needed, to make it 'stick'! I do not want to go around this mountain again! But I find I am still getting impatient and expecting MY timing to be His timing and it NEVER is!! Amen?
Anyway, I am thankful you commented on my blog...I love that I found you! Your blog is beautiful! And your words are straight from the mouth of God! Thank you!
Jesus interceding for me was a visual breakthrough as it relates to my prayer time. Every now and then, a verse I've read a hundred times suddenly breathes new life and a light bulb goes on. I like to visualize Jesus interceding for me...especially on those occasions when I don't know how to pray.
So much good stuff in the study...
peace~elaine
Amen!
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