When The Door Slams
The Lord says, "Listen to me, those of you who try to live right and follow the Lord. Look at the rock from which you were cut; look at the stone quarry from which you were dug. Look at Abraham, your ancestors, and Sarah, who gave birth to your ancestors. Abraham had no children when I called him, but I blessed him and gave him many descendants. Isaiah 51:1-2
The corrupt politician brought disrespect and great shame to American history, which we continue to relived generations after generations. As Christians, we ought never to overlook our heritage. An awareness of our American heritage helps us to understand our identity, and gives us a sense of where God is leading us.
The Israelites had a rich heritage. Their nation began as a result of Abraham and Sarah's faithfulness. The generations that followed included Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph as their faithful leaders. God richly blessed His people and made them prosper. God continued to show favor on the Israelites by leading them out of Egypt into a prosperous land of their own.
God established His nation through some of the must awesome miracles in history. God continued to provide strong leaders, such as Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Deborah, Samuel, David, and Solomon. He sent mighty prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Unfortunately, in Isaiah's day, God's people had reached a point where they had forgotten their heritage. They lived as spiritual charity cases rather than as heirs to a rich heritage and members of a royal priesthood.
Think about this: Your spiritual heritage is even richer than that of Isaiah's generation. Your spiritual ancestors include Mary the mother of our Lord Jesus, John the Baptist, the disciples, the apostle Paul, and a host of saints down through the ages. Even more important, you look to Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. You may have a family of American heritage that goes back several generations.
Do you see the full picture of God's redemptive work? God's plan involves you and me, just as it has included each Christian throughout the centuries. God wants you and me to participate in his continuing work to redeem a last word. Our obedience today will provide a legacy of faithfulness to the generations that follow.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires (Galatians 5:24). I have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, who is being renewed in full knowledge according to the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:9-10). I know that I abide in Christ, and He in me, because He has given me of His Spirit (John 4:13).
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
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