To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While this is good, sometimes nigh is not enough. God’s intentions are not just to be near the brokenhearted but to do something about it. We can come into the presence of God heartbroken and leave brokenhearted. It is not enough to be near; He wants to heal the brokenhearted. It is not enough to be content with being close to God; we must be all in with God.

To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While this is good, sometimes nigh is not enough. God’s intentions are not just to be near the brokenhearted but to do something about it. We can come into the presence of God heartbroken and leave brokenhearted. It is not enough to be near; He wants to heal the brokenhearted. It is not enough to be content with being close to God; we must be all in with God.

To be nigh means to be near. God is as close as the mention of his name. Often knowing that God is near is enough to sustain us and calm our storm. The closeness of God is a beautiful thing. Our text says God is nigh to the brokenhearted. While this is good, sometimes nigh is not enough. God’s intentions are not just to be near the brokenhearted but to do something about it. We can come into the presence of God heartbroken and leave brokenhearted. It is not enough to be near; He wants to heal the brokenhearted. It is not enough to be content with being close to God; we must be all in with God.

Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship.

Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship.

Brother Starks continues our extended cruise series on Discipleship.

At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesus uses is more accurately translated as enthusiasm and eagerness. The intent is to portray a letting go of the old law and taking hold of the new law and kingdom of God. This passage describes a transformational time that would take them past a sacrifice at an altar that would grant temporary rest and propel them to the cross, providing eternal life and forgiveness. He describes a transition from professing the old law and possessing a new life. This verse describes an attitude that we must possess. We must break out of old beliefs and habits that have held us in check. Beliefs of past failure, not measuring up, and being too far from God. We must lay that aside and take hold of God’s promise forcefully and not let it go.

The law would allow them to get close to God, but not too close, and only through a priest on their behalf. There was always a distance. His gospel message gives us direct access to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.

At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesus uses is more accurately translated as enthusiasm and eagerness. The intent is to portray a letting go of the old law and taking hold of the new law and kingdom of God. This passage describes a transformational time that would take them past a sacrifice at an altar that would grant temporary rest and propel them to the cross, providing eternal life and forgiveness. He describes a transition from professing the old law and possessing a new life. This verse describes an attitude that we must possess. We must break out of old beliefs and habits that have held us in check. Beliefs of past failure, not measuring up, and being too far from God. We must lay that aside and take hold of God’s promise forcefully and not let it go.

The law would allow them to get close to God, but not too close, and only through a priest on their behalf. There was always a distance. His gospel message gives us direct access to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.

At first reading, Matthew’s recording of Jesus’ words sounds radical and extreme, almost militant. Using the word violence is jarring and stark, but the original word in Greek indicates taking something forcefully and not letting it go. The word Jesus uses is more accurately translated as enthusiasm and eagerness. The intent is to portray a letting go of the old law and taking hold of the new law and kingdom of God. This passage describes a transformational time that would take them past a sacrifice at an altar that would grant temporary rest and propel them to the cross, providing eternal life and forgiveness. He describes a transition from professing the old law and possessing a new life. This verse describes an attitude that we must possess. We must break out of old beliefs and habits that have held us in check. Beliefs of past failure, not measuring up, and being too far from God. We must lay that aside and take hold of God’s promise forcefully and not let it go.

The law would allow them to get close to God, but not too close, and only through a priest on their behalf. There was always a distance. His gospel message gives us direct access to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.

Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. The events in New York, Washington DC, and the field in Pennsylvania have become part of our collective story. The devastation and ruin of that day brought every American together in a way that, sadly, only a great tragedy can. The 911 memorial on the former World Trade Center site contains mementos and items salvaged from the ruin of the fallen buildings. On that morning twenty-one years ago, thousands woke up not knowing the destruction that would come their way that day. There is an enemy who tries to bring devastation to God's people to shake their faith and turn them away. On that day, tragedy and ruin came very quickly. Often, tragedy in our lives comes much more slowly. The enemy picks away little by little, and over time the structure of our lives can crumble. In our text, Amos recounts the fallen tabernacle and vows to rebuild what was in ruin. God’s people had decided that it was time to clean away the rubble and build. The cleanup at Ground Zero took nine months, and the construction of the 911 memorial took five years. The clean-up began almost immediately to clear away the ruins and start the healing process. We had to pick up the pieces and remove the constant reminder of the tragedy that the ruins represented. God gives us a way to clean up our ruin and begin rebuilding. We have to raise up the ruins.