I am often undecisive, and I know it is not a good attribute. It hinders you from being excited on what lies ahead and makes you focus on a lot of “what ifs” that might happen. For instance, I remember the time I have to make a decision on what I would take as a degree in college.
That was not one of the moments I particularly like, but also, I did not regret the choice I made. God is different from the way we think. As it is written in Isaiah, 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thought (ch. 55 ESV).
On this week’s insight, I will challenge the believers to renew and restore their commitment to their Creator. While for the unbelievers, I will dare you to take that first step. As the late Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step”4.
Scripture
2 Chronicles 14-15 & Revelation 4
Overview
2 Chronicles 14-15 – “This was another brief and tumultuous dynasty in the northern kingdom of Israel, constantly at war with King Asa of Judah and eventually Syria. During this time, Judah was ruled by Asa, a good king who instituted religious reforms to tear down pagan shrine and restore worship of the lord in Jerusalem”1.
Revelation 4 – entitled the throne of God2. “Moving from the condition within the churches in Asia to the future of the universal church, John sees the course of coming evens in a way similar to Daniel and Ezekiel. Many of these passages contain clear spiritual teachings, but others see beyond the ability to understand. The clear teaching of this book is that God will defeat all evil pin the end. We must live in obedience to Jesus Christ, the coming Conqueror and Judge”1.
Observation
2 Chronicles 15:12 KJV And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;
Revelation 4:11 KJV Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Application
Everyone has faith, but the question is not about having faith. It is where one puts their faith and why. A good comparison will be between evolutionists and creationists. The former lies its faith on nothing created everything and that everything happened by chance. While the latter, have their faith on God as the creator of the world, and all that is within and without.
How do these two groups of people came up with their decision? It boils down to their acknowledgement, or the lack thereof, of God’s sovereignty above all.
Renewal and Restoration
2 Chronicles 15:12 tells us how Jerusalem, particularly the southern Kingdom under King Asa, reestablished their covenant to the God of their fathers (also read “God Warns Us. His Love Is Knocking On The Door“). We, as Christ’s believers, can relate to the Israelites. Often other people think that Christians think highly of themselves.
On the contrary, genuine Christians would profess that everything that they do in their life is not for their own merits, but for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). True Christians, comprehend that their works are the fruit of the salvation given by God to them (James 2:18). This includes their admission that they are sinners and needs a savior, who is Jesus Christ. And their dependence on God as their Creator and Lord.
Challenge: Take the First Step
Not believing in Christ as the Savior and not believing in Him ever existed are different, but also the same. This is a result of people having a hard time to let go of what they are used to, or plainly speaking, to let go of the world (John 17:16).
Trust me, I was in your shoes at one point. I do recall having lots of questions and rationalizing statements.
But God’s love is beyond what our human brain can wrap around. We sometimes ask “How can God allow bad things to happen to good people?” Rather, what we should be asking is “How can God still allow good things happen to wicked people?”
So without delay, set aside your pride (Psalm 10:4) and humbly ask Jesus to reveal himself to you. Further, speak to Him and let Him know that you want to get to know Him. And, accept Him as your Lord and Savior.
God is worthy of Glory, Honor and Power
Let us admit that we are not good, for no one is good except God alone (Luke 18:19 ESV). Therefore, if God alone is good hold fast to Him (Romans 12:9 ESV) and He will deliver you from the hands of the wicked (Psalm 97:10 ESV).
Correspondingly, He deserves our praises and loyalty for without Him we are not here. God is the reason why we are alive for He has created us (Genesis 1). Moreover, He is the reason we are no longer slaves to sin (John 3:16). We have hope for the future because to be with Him is our future (1 Peter 3:15). Only if we repent, accept Jesus and commit our lives to Him who is glorious and powerful.
Prayer
God our Creator, We thank You for creating us in Your image and likeness. Thank You for saving us from the slavery of sin through Jesus Christ, Your Son. And thank you for sending us the the Holy Spirit to direct us towards You. Lead us Lord on how You want us to glorify and honor You. May you guide us and lead us not to any harm and deliver us from every evil.
Reveal Yourself, O Lord, those who does not know You. Govern them in getting to know You.
All these we humbly pray through Jesus Christ. Amen.
