Thoughts for another day

Nov. 26, 2009

Today's verse: Judith 5:17,18. As long as the Israelites did not sin in the sight of their God, they prospered, for their God, who hates wickedness, was with them. But when they deviated from the way He prescribed for them, they were ground down steadily… (NAB –Catholic. Copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Our above verse suggests quite coherently that our sins, block our blessings and further on if you read, when we repent God relents from His anger and turns from His wrath. Ever wondered what the connection is between defeat and sin? Well, this understanding is well camouflaged by the world who simply refuse to believe that the cause of all misery is sin. Rarely does a preacher touch the subject of sin. It has no benefit to him or perhaps to his congregation is his contention. But allow me to say: it is our sins that keep our God away from us. It is our sins that make our God shed tears in silence and loneliness. It is our sins that wrenched the life out of the Lamb of God in a most heinous and gruesome manner.

My friend, it’s convenient to talk about the hand of God and how good He is and how much He blesses us and how we can lead prosperous lives. It’s inconvenient to tell people they’re sinners and be subject to their ire resulting in an empty collection box! And who’s concerned about God anyway? They tell me, as long as all are happy, what is my problem? I met a gentleman recently to promote Bible reading and the man kept telling me how happy he is, etc. His view was that as long as he thanks God for all God has done in his life; God is happy (!) and blesses more. Were I to suggest, shouldn’t he get to know God more intimately, it wouldn’t even be an embarrassment for he doesn’t know the subject and the view he holds clouds every conflicting thought. The sad thing is, he’s content with his view and will have tons to talk about why he needn’t know God more (more? Does he know God at all!) Wasn’t Eve content with the devil’s suggestion that she will be like God if she ate of the fruit?

Fact of the matter is we need to know God and not just ritually or on the fringe, but intimately. Then we will know how terrible our sins are and the shock of sin will grip us so that our hearts will be torn, when we see His tears and loneliness. Then will we know that our blessings are held back because we are separated from Him by our sins and work to please God. We will please Him not to seek His blessings but just to enjoy His awesome Presence and relax at His feet.