Weariness abounds but even in the midst of it, as the old hymn declares, “He abides”! Father, I plead that I will be greatly aware of Your abiding presence with me! Amen!
Romans 11:11-12 (<<click here to read the passage)
One thing that weighs heavily on my heart is that so-called followers of Christ place themselves above others. In today’s culture believers seem to be so full of themselves that they degrade, berate, and hold themselves to be superior to those who don’t believe. Where is the love? Where is the mercy and grace?
May we learn to humbly submit ourselves to the example of Christ Himself.
The passage of Scripture that we read today in our services was from Philippians 2:1-13. Here is a portion of it.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. v3-13 NIV
Where does our pride come from? Not from Christ, I can tell you that much…
As one example, and there are many, Paul points out that Israel stumbled and fell, but like all of us, they are not beyond redemption. One reason God extended salvation to the Gentiles (non-Jews) was to show them what they missed out on, creating a yearning within them to claim it as their own.
Verse 12 causes me to stand back and wonder just what God has in mind!
Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. NLT
Lord Jesus may that day quickly come! What blessings will we share in?!
July 23rd, 2023, Sun, 8:47 pm
