Preparing to Come Before God

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

Generally speaking, the majority is usually wayward. This was true in the days of Noah (Gen 6:5-12). It was true in Sodom and Gommorah (Gen 18:20-33). It was true in the wilderness (Num 26:65). It was true in Elijah’s day (1 Ki 19:10), Malachi’s day (Mal 3:16-18), and our day. As Jesus said, “wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at” (Mt 7:13). Therefore, it is often the task of the believer to “save himself from this untoward generation” (Acts 2:40).

AN UNPLEASANT, YET FAMILIAR, ENVIRONMENT

King Hezekiah was charged with such a task.  Prior to his reign, the people were in ruin as a result of wicked leadership, namely, Ahaz. 

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord: this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, "Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me." But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the Lord God of his fathers. (2 Chronicles 28:22-25)

Something needed to be done and quickly. Repentance was in order and, as always, it had to be immediate; “while it was still called today.” This was as needful a time as any, so Hezekiah called an assembly...and God showed up.

PREPARING THE PEOPLE AND THE PLACES

Men are not permitted to come before God while defiled. They cannot, “come as they are” when “as they are” is defiled. They must prepare themselves to stand before God. They must be washed, they must be cleansed, they must be purged from all things that corrupt. This is what salvation is all about. Salvation prepares us to stand before God. And God uses the assembly of the saints in His purpose of preparing the people. This truth is seen in Hezekiah’s work in preparing the priests to once again minister in behalf of men in things pertaining to God (Heb 5:1).

He Opened the Doors. There was no time to waste. The very first thing on the king’s agenda was to open up the way to God’s presence. And so, “in the first year of his reign, in the first month, [he] opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them” (2 Chr 29:3).

Gathering the Priests. Next, Hezekiah gathered the priests and Levites together (2 Chr 29:4). The work that needed to be done in order to prepare the people before God was not a work he could do alone, so he gathered others. The work to be done was not something that could be done with only a few; Hezekiah needed many men, but not just any men, he needed the men of God. Knowing that “the Lord hath chosen [them] to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that [they] should minister unto Him and burn incense” (2 Chr 29:11), Hezekiah gathered “the priests and Levites” together so he could speak to them. 

Sanctify Yourselves and the House. Holy people are required to do holy work. The priests and Levites, having neglected their ministry and followed after Ahaz, were far from holy. Hezekiah charged them, “sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God” (2 Chr 29:5). 

God is not honored by worship and praise offered by unholy people. In fact, it is detestable to Him. He has said to His people through Isaiah the prophet, “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot [endure]; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting” (Isa 1:13). Before Hezekiah could restore temple worship he had to gather together the priests. And before the priests and Levites could minister unto Him, they had to sanctify themselves and the house of the Lord. 

Carry Forth the Filthiness. The Holy places must be cleansed from filthiness if God is going to accept what is done in them. Not only did the people have to be holy but the vessels and tabernacle itself had to be cleansed, and that with blood. The priests could not simply wash themselves and go offer sacrifices. They had to “carry forth the filthiness” (2 Chr 29:5) that was resident in the holy place as a result of the sins committed during the reign of Ahaz. 

Sin Defiles Everything It Touches. The necessity of the sanctification of the priests and Levites and the holy place was due to the defilement caused by their iniquity. 

For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken Him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs. Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel. (2 Chronicles 29:6-7)

The people has sinned and had forsaken God. They were extremely busy in religious things but they were not worshipping God. They turned their faces from His house. He was not prominent in their minds and was being neglected in hearts. They worshipped and served other gods in His stead. The places that were set apart for God they used to serve others. The result of all of this was defilement and corruption. They couldn’t just repent. They couldn’t just stop their wickedness and start to live to righteousness. While this was required it was not ALL that was required. The people and the places had to be cleansed, sanctified.

Determination to Recover. Hezekiah, a holy man of God, was burdened by the condition of Israel. Their waywardness vexed his soul and God’s punishment upon them was more than he was willing to bear. He knew the reason for their suffering, “the wrath of Lord” was upon them. Hezekiah was determined to correct this condition. “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us” (2 Chr 29:10). Oh, that their were more men today who would have this in their hearts.

Be Not Negligent. Hezekiah’s charge to the priests and Levites was simple, “be not now negligent” (2 Chr 29:11). Their charge was not to do something foreign or unknown to them. Their charge was to do exactly what they were chosen to do. No man-made philosophies or strategies of recovery were necessary. They didn’t need a program of steps to take them from here to there. What they needed was to do the first things, the things they were chosen to do.

PREPARING THE PEOPLE TODAY

Through this account we can see the things that are required for a defiled people to recover themselves and once again serve their Lord acceptably. The doors to God must be open. The priests must be gathered and sanctified. The house of the Lord must be sanctified. Sin and its guilt and defilement must be put away. The people must be determined to recover themselves and they must not be negligent in walking according to their calling. No assembly of saints can be pleasing to God until the people themselves are pleasing to Him. God will not accept offerings until the ones offering the gifts are accepted. In Christ, we are accepted (Eph 1:6). In Christ, we have access to the Father (Eph 2:18).

Obtaining Mercy and Finding Grace

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

There is a Difference. Something that seems to have eluded the minds of many church goers today is the truth that grace and mercy are two different things. Many use the terms interchangeably. They define mercy as having sins forgiven and they define grace as having sins forgiven. As a result of this little or nothing is being said about the true grace of God. The grace by which we are saved!

God is "the Father of mercies" (2 Cor 1:3) as well as "the God of all grace" (1 Pet 5:10). When He manifested His glory to Moses, He said, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful AND gracious..." (Exod 34:6). His mercy and His grace work together in our salvation. He is patient, forgiving, compassionate (merciful) as well as giving, helping, strengthening, and supplying (gracious). It is very necessary that believers understand these things so that they might come boldly unto the throne of grace to "obtain mercy" AND "find grace to help in time of need".

Obtaining Mercy. Jesus, having been touched with the feeling of our infirmities, is able to have compassion on those that are tempted. He knows what it is like to have a frail body and to dwell in an evil world. He knows the temptations that come with living in such a place; "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 Jn 2:16). He has been touched with the feeling of infirmity. He was "made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest...for in that He hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted" (Heb 2:17-18). Jesus does not condemn us because of our weakness. Instead He gives us access to come boldly to the throne of grace that we might obtain mercy from the One that was tempted in all points like as we are. It is as though the Lord says, "I know the suffering you are enduring by being tempted. I know what you are facing. I will not condemn you for this. Instead, I will give you what is necessary to overcome."

Salvation is "by grace" (Eph 2:8) and God gives us grace because He is merciful. He does not condemn us because we are in a "time of need." He shows us mercy then supplies our every need "according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Php 4:19).

Finding Grace to Help. Finding grace is finding Divine help. It is God's supply of all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). When a believer is tempted, or "in time of need", he is exhorted to come to the throne of grace. It is here that he can find grace to help him escape his temptation while remaining unspotted by the world. Jesus is able to "succor" him (Heb 2:18), giving him exactly what he needs in the hour of temptation.

"God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Cor 9:8). Grace is a worker, it is an enabler. Grace enables you to do what God requires you to do. Grace does not just forgive your sin, grace causes you to overcome your sin. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Tit 2:11-12). Grace is sufficient for such a work.

A Ministration of Jesus Christ, Our Great High Priest. Temptation is a test, to be sure. It is an examination of faith. If your faith is strong, you will pass the test by not succumbing to the temptation. If your faith is weak, you will fall victim to the temptation and will sin. This is a manifestation for you that your faith is not as strong as it needs to be. At this point confession and repentance are required.

Jesus, as our high priest, ministers in our behalf to deliver us in our time of need. His work is not just to deal with the sin after it is committed but to aide us in never committing the sin in the first place. He "will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Cor 10:13). At the throne of grace we obtain mercy from the Lord: He is patient with our infirmity and weakness, and we find grace to help: He strengthens us to overcome. While weak in the flesh we grow "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 2:1). We are empowered by our great High Priest and wage a good warfare against the wiles of the devil.

Illustrated. Believers are much like the woman caught in adultery. We have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and we stand before Jesus. We, like that woman, were fit to be stone. But Jesus intervened. He said to the Pharisees that accused her, "he that is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone" (Jn 8:7). When no one was left to condemn her, Jesus spoke to the woman, saying, "neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more" (Jn 8:11). She needed to obtain mercy and find grace to help in her time of need...and she received both.

The woman had committed adultery but Jesus did not condemn her or stone her. He had mercy upon her. Then, being the source of all grace, Jesus gave her a command that only He could enable her to keep. The words "neither do I condemn thee" were a declaration of mercy. The power given by God through Jesus to "go and sin no more" is grace. Mercy forgives the sin, while grace enables you to overcome it; mercy sympathizes with weakness, while grace strengthens.

While the law was given by Moses, "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (Jn 1:17). The grace of God is "in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 2:1) and anyone who is accepted by Him will have full access to this that they may stand in it (Rom 5:2; 1 Pet 5:12). Therefore, brethren, let us "come boldly to the throne of grace" fully confident in the sustenance found there, "that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Love...Believes All Things

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"Love...believes all things" (1 Cor 13:7)

Love is "a more excellent way" (1 Cor 12:31) and abides forever (1 Cor 13:13). Love covers a multitude of sins. God is the personification of love as it is written, "God is love" (1 Jn 4:8). But here we want to consider that love "believes all things".

It is not as though love is naive and ignorant of truth and therefore believes things that are not true. That would be absurd. The point is that when we love someone we assume the best from them. In our minds they are innocent until proven guilty. We give them the benefit of the doubt. Love is not quick to condemn a brother, it is quick to defend a brother. 

Love is necessary especially when communicating with others. Admittedly, sometimes it is hard to say things exactly the way we see them. At times accurate words escape us and regrettably, there are times when we say things we simply do not mean. This is when love is necessary. Love will allow the hearer to assume that the speaker "meant well," and will allow for clarification. Love does not jump to conclusions about wrong motives. Love does not foster an atmosphere of doubt or criticism. Love assumes the best. Love “believes all things.” 

This "spirit" of love is evidenced in the apostles expectation of good things from the people of God. The apostles assumed that the saints would say and do the right things and if they slipped up it was simply a mistake and not from wicked intention. This does not mean that they took sin lightly, but it does mean that they believed that God could bring repentance and enable the people to mature in Christ. (The same attitude is needed in the churches today.) 

The way this attitude is expressed in Scripture is by the phrase "I have confidence in you in the Lord" (Gal 5:10) or "we are confident in the Lord concerning you" (2 Th 3:4). Their confidence was not simply in other men, but in the Lord working through other men. How could the apostles say things like this. How could they say, "We are convinced of better things concerning you, things that accompany salvation" (Heb 6:9) after they rebuked the saints for their tendency to backslide? Were they ignoring the truth of the situation? No. They simply believed that God was able to perfect the good work that He began in those believers. They were confident in His ability to change them and their willingness to be changed. They were not being blind or naive. They were believing all things because they loved God and loved the brethren. 

Do not let your first instinct be toward accusation or condemnation. Do not listen to people speak simply waiting to critique their certain mistakes. Love! Look for the good. Look for spiritual life. Look for right things to be said. Be confident that though many that name the name of the Lord, today, are weak or even dead spiritually - they do not have to stay that way. Like Ezekiel, when we consider if the dry, dead bones surrounding us can live, let us respond, "Lord, you know" and then get to preaching what God can do (Ezek 37).

Some Thoughts About Melchizedek

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6; 7:17,21)

The significance of the question, "Who is Melchizedek?" comes from the fact that Jesus is made a high priest after his order. Most of what we learn of Melchizedek is found in Hebrews chapters 5-7 and he is referenced to teach us concerning Jesus Christ, our High Priest. Melchizedek is not some obscure character in the Bible, although he seldom finds his way into the average preaching agenda. However, the Scriptures actually exhort us to "consider how great this man was" (Heb 7:4). That is our aim here - to consider how great Melchizedek was and in so doing, better understand Jesus, who was made "after the similitude of Melchisedec" (Heb 7:15).

The Genesis Account. All of the record of Melchizedek is found in only 3 verses in the book of Genesis. Abraham had just defeated Chedorlaomer, king of Elam in order to rescue his nephew Lot who had been taken captive along with many others in Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham "brought back all the goods, and also brought again his [nephew] Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people" (Gen 14:16). Kings from other nations came to visit Abraham to congratulate him and offer him gifts. Among them was Melchizedek.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth, and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand." And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:18-20)

This is the account...all of it. And it may seem somewhat insignificant at first glance but this encounter, and Melchizedek himself, becomes a focal point in the epistle to the Hebrews, in doctrine of Christ our High Priest, and in the necessity of a new covenant.

The Psalmist Speaks. In reference to Melchizedek, the psalmist records a statement made by God to His Son, Jesus. It is recorded in the one hundred tenth psalm.

The Lord said unto my Lord, "Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: Thou hast the dew of Thy youth." The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." The Lord at Thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of His wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, He shall fill the places with the dead bodies; He shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall He lift up the head. (Psalm 110)

The Father, here, appoints the Son as "a priest for ever". This is a promise made with an oath (Heb 7:21). God had determined that His Son would be like Melchizedek, "a priest of the most high God" on the basis of an appointment - "the word of the oath" (Heb 7:28) rather than the way priests were appointed under the law. Under the law priests were made priests by being born into the tribe of Levi and the high priests were descendents from Aaron. But Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi, yet was still a high priest. This is similar to Melchizedek. Thus, "after the similitude of Melchizedek there [arose] another high priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For He testifieth, 'Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek'" (Heb 7:15-17).

The Apostles' Doctrine. While the book of Genesis records the actual account of Abraham's interaction with Melchizedek, and the psalms recorded the decree, it was the apostle's who really opened up the significance of this man. The book of Hebrews speaks of Melchizedek in chapters 5 and 7 because the book of Hebrews is declaring to us that "we have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man" (Heb 8:1-2). Melchizedek is mentioned because he is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. If it weren't for Jesus being our high priest, we would have never heard of Melchizedek.

Here are some of the things the apostles' doctrine has declared to us concerning Melchizedek:

• He blessed Abraham. "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better" (Heb 7:7). This shows us that Melchizedek was better than Abraham.
• Abraham gave him tithes. The law teaches us that it was the Levites, the priesthood, that received tithes from their brethren. But Melchizedek was not from Levi, in fact, he was before Levi. This shows us that he was a high priest, not according to the Law, but according to his call from God. The implications of this is that the Levites, who would descend from Abraham, actually paid tithes to another high priest. (Heb 7:4-10)
• He was a priest of a different order. This shows the impotence of the Levitical priesthood. It could not make men perfect. Men needed another high priest, one after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 7:11)
• A change in priesthood means a change in law. When the priesthood changed, in the ordination of the Levites as priests rather than the firstborn males, it marked the beginning of what we call the old covenant. For, the Levitical priesthood was part of the Law of Moses. But when a priest from another order, of Melchizedek and not Levi or Aaron, arose - that is, Jesus Christ - this too marked a change in the law. When Jesus entered into the more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, the new covenant began. (Heb 7:11-28) 
• He was the king of righteousness. The name "Melchizedek" means "king of righteousness". "Melchi", meaning "king" and "zedek" meaning "righteousness. (Heb 7:2)
• He was the king of peace. "Salem" means "peace". Melchizedek was the king of Salem and therefore, the "king of peace". (Heb 7:2)
• He had no genealogy. Melchizedek was "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life" (Heb 7:3). The absence of the record of this man's life, either beginning or ending, shows us that he was "made like unto the Son of God". Not that he was eternal but the lack of his record was a type of Jesus.

Was Melchizedek Jesus? Based upon the last three bullet points, many have concluded that Melchizedek was Jesus in the flesh before Jesus was born. He was an apparition. Being that the Scripture does not expressly say that he was Jesus or that he wasn't Jesus, I will give my opinion: I think Melchizedek was a type of Jesus, but not Jesus.

Reasoning based upon the translation of his name is not sufficient. Melchizedek, being a type, was a king of peace and a king of righteousness. But Jesus would be THE king of peace and THE king of righteousness. His name alone does not make him Jesus any more than Adonaizedek's name makes him Jesus. ("Adoni" means "Lord" and again, "Zedek" means "righteousness". This man too, was the king of Jerusalem, the "city of peace").

Reasoning based upon the absence of his genealogy also gives us a good type of Jesus but we shouldn't conclude that Melchizedek WAS Jesus from this, as shown above. He was made LIKE UNTO the son of God in this was but was not THE SON OF GOD. Jesus would actually be eternal and live for ever and be qualified to be "a priest for ever" who is able to save for ever those who draw near to God through Him for He "ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25).

It was "in the fulness of the time" that God "sent forth His Son" and this was when Jesus of Nazareth was born. He was "made of a woman" and "made under the law" (Gal 4:4). Melchizedek would not fit this description. There are many things very significant about "the word" being "made flesh" and dwelling among us (Jn 1:14). For when this occurred the Scripture could be fulfilled that His name would be called "Immanuel" meaning "God with us". Can this be said of Melchizedek?

Melchizedek was a type, or foreshadow, of Jesus. And a great one at that. This is the declaration of Hebrews 5 and 7. For Jesus, like Melchizedek, was a king and a priest. But Jesus was of a much higher order just as the substance is always better than the type. For in Jesus the Scripture is fulfilled that says,

Behold the Man whose name is THE BRANCH; and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the Lord; even He shall build the temple of the Lord, and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (Zechariah 6:12-13)

Behold, Jesus the Christ. He is a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus Came to do the Father's Will

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"I have come...to do Thy will, O God" (Heb 10:7)

When Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14) He did so with a purpose - to do the will of His Father. He would not be preoccupied by seeking worldly prominence or prestige. He would not be deterred from His purpose in order to attend to the many needs of men. He had bigger things to do. Our problems, frankly, are not big enough for Him. One account reveals a man who approached Jesus with his family and financial problems and Jesus replied, "Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?" (Lk 12:14). Men don't need Jesus for such matters and He didn't stoop to address them, for they were not His work. He came to do the will of God, not man. 

He came to do the things which no one else could do. He came to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb 9:26). He came to "give His life a ransom for many" (Mt 20:28). He came to bring justification, "peace" and "access...to grace" (Rom 5:1-2). He came to reconcile the world to God (2 Cor 5:19). He came to "give eternal life" to whomever God gave to Him (Jn 17:2). These things are far greater than clothing, money, family and the like. These are unseen things, spiritual things, and as such, eternal things. 

Jesus came to accomplish the will of God. He did the will of God when He was on earth saying, "it is finished" and "I have finished the work Thou hast given Me to do" (Jn 17:4). And, He is still accomplishing that will today, from the right hand of the Majesty on high. He is now "bringing many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10). He is now "bringing us to God" (1 Pet 3:18). He is now mediating the New Covenant and making intercession for the saints. He is a Good Shepherd leading the people of God beside still waters and into green pastures. 

While many preach "a Jesus" today that primarily solves all of our problems and wants us healthy, wealthy and wise - one who is focused on fulfilling our desires...it is the real Jesus that accomplished the desires of God. The real Jesus pleases the One who sent Him. The real Jesus does the will of the Father and in so doing, He brings salvation to man - for that is the will of God, that none should perish but all come to repentance. That is the Jesus, I am talking about! For if in the end, the will of God is not done, it really doesn't matter what else happens. But then, of course, Jesus did the will of God and satisfied His Father (Isa 53:10). Now that God is pleased, we can enjoy lives of blessing and favor from Him. 

A Reminder of God's Power and Rule

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

He alone is God. He dwells in unapproachable light. He is "able to save forever" those who draw near to Him through Christ. He is able to "make a way" in your wilderness. He is able to present you faultless and unblameable with exceeding joy before His throne. This is who God is. Do you know Him?

He alone is able to save and destroy. He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He speaks, and things happen. The hearts of kings are in His hand and He can turn them which ever way He pleases. He is able to make all things work together for your good. He is able to make dead things live. He is able to make the blind see. He is able to make light shine out of darkness. He determines something and no one can annul it. No purpose of His can be thwarted. He is a very present help in the time of trouble. He is our refuge and strength. This is who God is. Do you know Him?

He can cause you to walk in His statutes. He can give you the desires of your heart. He can make the mountains into plains, the crooked places straight, and a sea of water as dry ground. When your hungry, He can provide manna from heaven. When you are thirsty, He can provide water from a rock. When you are stuck in miry clay, He can lift you up and set your feet upon a rock. When you are weak and weary, He can cause you to mount up with wings as eagles. This is who God is. Do you know Him?

He is a shelter in the storm. He is a covert from the wind. He is a sun in the cold and a shield in the heat. He is mighty. He is righteous. He is compassionate and gracious. His lovingkindness abounds from generation to generation. He is faithful and He has made many precious and magnificent promises. He is a consuming fire. He is a loving Father. He is light. He is love. He is the judge. And He is the One with whom we have to do. This is who God is. Do you know Him? 

One Thing

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

We live in a culture that moves fast. Multi-tasking is now a chief skill. But there is still the need for keeping the main things the main things. While the world will seek to distract you and gain your attention, be determined to set your mind on "one thing" - that is, the main thing.

DAVID - "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple" (Ps 27:4). David had a large family and was king of Israel. No doubt, there were many things that were requiring his attention and yet, he still sought after just "one thing". It was his goal, his aim, to dwell in the presence of God forever. He did not want simply have an affection for the temple, he had an affection for God. He wanted to behold the Lord's beauty. Moses had the same desire when he beseeched the Lord, "show me Your glory". With this "one thing" mentality David found great comfort and blessing and we are not surprised to learn that he was, indeed, "a man after mine own heart" according to God.

PAUL - "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Php 3:13-14). The apostle Paul was a busy man and had a past that could have haunted him. He referred to himself as the "chiefest of sinners" in one place. But he would not be distracted by what happened before. He described his life as consisting of "one thing" - that is, forgetting what lies behind him and pressing on to what lies ahead, even Christ Jesus his Lord. He would not be moved from this quest and it governed his every moment. In an effort to finish his course and complete his mission he would spend every moment striving to make it to heaven and bring as many people with him as possible. He had "one thing" on his mind.

JESUS - "And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but [only] one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her'" (Lk 10:41-42). While Martha was concerned about "many things" it was Mary who was honored for her "one thing" mentality. Martha was busy with "religious activity" (if you will) serving the Lord, preparing a meal, tending to the house. But it was Mary that was drawing near to Jesus, Himself. God is always the point of true religious activity. Where God is pushed to the background, you are only left with distractions (even if they are done in the name of Jesus). Jesus does have preeminence in these days - first place in all things. He is the "one thing" that is needful. When He is speaking, the good thing to do is to be still and hear. 

Do not be led astray today. Only one thing is necessary. When our lives come to a close we will give an account of what we did with this life. You want to be able to say, "I sought after one thing. I sought after the Lord my God". And take heart, for those who diligently seek Him, will find Him.