Green Pastures and Still Waters
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The subject of “standing with God,” or, how to be “right with God,” or, how to be “saved,” has been at the center of debate and theological conversation for years. The problem is generally the result of extremes, as someone has said, “Poor theology is found in the ditches.” When we try to make salvation all about man, we ignore a large body of Scripture that teaches we are unable to come to God without His help. When we try to make salvation all about God, we ignore a large body of Scripture that is summarized by the invitation, “Whosoever will may come.” Accepting both sides seems contradictory, but, if we believe that God knows what He is doing and that His Word explains the part we can know, we have to be content with some mystery. God is drawing people to Himself and enabling them to say yes, (as we’ll see on Sunday, Lord willing). Yet, if we do not call upon the name of the Lord we cannot be saved. Of course, knowing that God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth means that He is not leaving anyone out that wants to be brought in. I don’t understand how it all works but I do know this; God loves you and wants to save you. He will help you if really want Him…you wouldn’t want Him if He didn’t help you. If you haven’t already, do it now, ask God to save you…”Whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord will be saved.”
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One of the drawbacks of being made in the image of God is that we forget that some of His attributes are not communicable. In other words, we can be like God in love, rightness, compassion and blessing. However, we cannot be like God by being in two places at once, knowing everything or controlling the environment! He is God—we are not. Sometimes we have really great ideas; they may even be for God’s glory and the good of others. However, God is not obligated in any way to bless our ideas. Some ideas are from Him and should be pursued with perseverance. Some ideas should get trashed. Some ideas are ill-timed. Since we are not on a mission for God but rather, on a mission with God, it is wise for us to figure out how to join His work. This coming Sunday, Lord willing, we’ll study a passage where God said, “No.” This can be painful and even frustrating, but if we understand that God actually “knows a thing or two because He has seen a thing or two,” we’ll relax and learn to join His activity. When God says no, we may be on the verge of a great opportunity.