Every so often messages given by Ryan or communion thoughts given by one of the brothers touch on the very subject I was planning on discussing in the 'C. I had written this yesterday, and had to chuckle during Ryan's message today as he hit on some very similar points. So for some of you, this will be a familiar topic with some similar conclusions, but for others it will only be a bit deja vu if you listen to Ryan's message found on our website — www.toledochurchofchrist.com. (What? It's been like 3 weeks since I've shamelessly plugged something. I can only keep it in for so long.)
EXODUS 9:27-30 - NIV
Something I find interesting about Pharaoh, is that all during the plagues he never once seemed very intimidated. Yes there was reverence and some awe shown about God’s power, but never did he give me the impression he ever realized how big, how powerful, and how omnipotent God was. It’s almost like he never got that God could smite him out of existence at any time, (despite being told this in 9:15) instead of going through the hoops of doing the plagues, not-so-subtly reminding him of His power while giving him a chance to repent. (He's lucky I wasn't God. I'd have been much more poignant with my plagues. I'd have turned him into a hamster and Moses' staff into a your average one-year-old with a fixation with putting everything into its mouth. A couple hours of being gummed to death and he'd have figured it out.)
That same mindset seems to be around today, though, when you discuss some people's faith in God. Most of the time they’ve seen what God can do, they understand and believe that God can answer their prayers and do mind-blowing miracles, but they don’t believe God will do them. (At least not to them directly.) It's almost like they believe God is an all powerful Genie with “Phenomenal cosmic powers”, but just like the line in Aladdin He has, “an itty, bitty living space.” There’s a limit or a catch to that power, chained to whoever holds the lamp and restrained by a few provisos, which creates a disconnect between God's power and them.
Take a look at Peter and some of the other disciples, and you’ll see a good example of this dichotomy. One of the biggest differences between them was Peter’s unwavering trust in Christ. When Jesus walked on water, something He never mentioned being able to do or that anyone else could, Peter just believed in that ability and never doubted it could be applied to his own life (at least not initially). Even when Jesus rebuked Peter with those famous words, “Get behind me, Satan,” it wasn’t for doubt or lack of faith. Peter really believed Jesus would die, something he didn’t want to happen, and was willing to defend that belief in Jesus’ words to the death.
So where’s your faith? Are you pharaoh, knowing God’s power but never believing it will affect you directly? Are you more of a Thomas, who has strength at times (John 11:16), but still lacking complete faith? (John 20:24, 25) Or are you a Peter, so bold in your faith and trust that God can and will do anything, even physics bending, science defying miracles, that you’ll die on that belief?
Pharaoh's lacking faith lead to tragedy. Thomas' initially prevented his rejoicing in God's power and glory and perhaps limited his walk. But Peter's propelled him at full speed to the feet of Christ and resulted in him receiving the keys to the kingdom. (Matthew 16:19) Be like Peter. Unshackle your faith in God, and reshape everyone around you's view of His power.
JOHN 14:12 - NIV
THINGS TO NOTE: Single's Event on Sat
THIS WEEK:
Monday - wishes it could pay bills with dryer lint instead of money
Tuesday- Pray for our brother's recovery and for the family of our lost sister (in KY)
Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ
Thursday – Study deeply about your faith and how make God's power a reality in your life
Friday- No Bible Talk // Wii Party at Justin's at 7:30
Saturday – Singles Event in Columbus at 5:30 - dress casual for devo, dinner, and dancing
Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC
Brett "If I were a genie, an 'itty, bitty living space' wouldn't really be an issue" Hibbler
Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great resource!
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