The Leftovers

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This week we delve into the Kingdom of God, drawing inspiration from Hebrews 11 and the faith of Old Testament figures like Moses and Abraham. These figures lived with an anticipation of a homeland, representing the Kingdom of God, which drove their extraordinary acts of faith. Barnabas, a lesser-known New Testament figure, exemplifies Kingdom values through his radical generosity and support of Paul, demonstrating immense faith and commitment to the early church. The early church's theology was deeply rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, viewing it as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and a call to participate in the new creation. In contrast, the Western church often treats the Kingdom of God casually, focusing on personal satisfaction rather than living in the light of the resurrection. Practical steps to embrace the Kingdom include leveraging resources, intentional daily living, and exercising spiritual gifts to advance God's work on earth.

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Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, experienced a life filled with trials and divine interventions. His early dreams of greatness led to jealousy and betrayal by his brothers, who sold him into slavery. Despite these hardships, Joseph's faith and integrity remained steadfast. His journey from a pit to Potiphar's house, and eventually to a position of power in Egypt, showcases God's favor and Joseph's resilience. Joseph's trials were instrumental in shaping his character, transforming him from a prideful youth to a wise leader. His story underscores God's sovereignty, illustrating how God can use even the most challenging circumstances for a greater purpose. Parallels between Joseph and Jesus Christ further deepen our understanding of redemption and salvation. Joseph's declaration, 'What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for my good,' encapsulates the essence of his journey and God's redemptive plan. This narrative encourages us to embrace our trials, seek God's face, and trust in His perfect plan for our lives.

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Gratitude is emphasized as a biblical mandate, illustrated through the story of the Israelites in Numbers 13 and 14. Their lack of gratitude and pessimism led to severe consequences, preventing them from entering the Promised Land. This narrative underscores the importance of maintaining a grateful heart and trusting in God's promises. The mission of the twelve spies sent by Moses was to survey the land of Canaan, but ten returned with a pessimistic report, spreading fear and rebellion. In contrast, Joshua and Caleb's positive report exemplified faith and confidence in God's word. Faith and pessimism are opposites; faith is rooted in trust in God's character, while pessimism stems from fear and doubt. Practical steps to cultivate gratitude include knowing God's word, remembering His works, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and practicing gratitude daily. Embracing gratitude can transform our outlook and spiritual journey.

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Ephesians 2:1-10 offers a deep dive into the concepts of sin, sanctification, and salvation. The passage begins by painting a stark picture of our condition before Christ, emphasizing that we were 'dead in our trespasses and sins' and highlighting the personal responsibility we bear for our actions. It then transitions to the transformative power of God's mercy and grace, explaining that despite our sinful state, God made us alive with Christ. This act of grace is a gift, not something we can earn through works. The passage concludes by clarifying that while we are not saved by works, we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This understanding encourages believers to live a life of gratitude, transformation, and active faith, reflecting the love and mercy of Christ in their daily lives.

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Hebrews 11 offers profound insights into the essence of faith, emphasizing that faith is not the absence of doubt but the choice to believe despite uncertainties. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, trusting in God's greater plan, illustrates faith beyond human understanding. The chapter also highlights various heroes of faith who endured immense trials, demonstrating that faith often involves sacrifice and perseverance. The promise of new creation in Revelation 21:1-7 serves as the ultimate anchor for our faith, assuring us of a future where God will dwell with humanity, eradicating all pain and suffering. This perspective encourages us to trust in God's character and plan, even in the face of trials.

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Faith, as discussed in Hebrews 11, is not about the absence of doubt but about trusting God despite it. True faith is taking God at His word and living expectantly for His promises, unlike modern-day fideism which equates faith with manifesting desires. Hebrews 11, the 'Hall of Fame of Faith,' showcases biblical figures like Abraham, who trusted God's promises even without seeing their fulfillment. Misplaced faith, such as in Word of Faith theology, can lead to crises when expectations aren't met. True faith focuses on God's proven loyalty, not the size of our belief. Deconstructing and reconstructing faith is crucial, especially through suffering, which can draw us closer to God. Embrace 'even if' faith, trusting God even when circumstances don't change, and reflect on areas where you need to rebuild your faith with proper guidance.

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The theme 'God Loves to Visit Prepared Places' is deeply rooted in Scripture, highlighting the importance of preparation and sacrifice. Solomon's act of offering a thousand sacrifices and his desire to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant exemplify going above and beyond in devotion. David's response to God's 'no' by gathering materials for the temple teaches us that our preparation can pave the way for others. Biblical examples like Noah's altar, Moses at Mount Sinai, and the construction of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple show that sacrificial preparation invites God's presence and blessings. In the New Testament, the church is described as a bride prepared for Christ, emphasizing the need for personal and collective readiness for God's return. This week, challenge yourself to create a prepared place in your life for God's presence through intentional prayer, worship, and openness to divine interruptions.