Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, August 5, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-08-05-2017

This is devotional thought number 43 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: The New Me

Here’s the final question for consideration on this subject: Of what am I assured if I make a sin mistake after I’ve dedicated my life to God?

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1–2).

We have talked a lot about faith, holiness, and love over the last several weeks. All of these come with huge responsibilities. When we accept God’s love, He empowers us to be holy, by faith. This is no mere judicial treatment of the matter. God does not wave His hand over our lives and declare us holy without us covenanting to actually live that way. It’s holiness in action.

Unfortunately, even holy people make mistakes at times. Moses took God’s glory and struck a rock signifying that Jesus needed to be smitten twice. Moses failed. Elijah feared and fled from Jezebel after winning with God against 850 false prophets on Mt. Carmel. Elijah failed. Abraham tried to help God keep His promises by having sexual relations with Hagar. Abraham failed. King David took a loyal soldier’s wife and then conspired to murder him. David failed. Shall I go on? No. I think that’s enough. Notice that I did not pick weak examples from Scripture. All of these men were stalwarts who had given their all to God, but in moments of weakness, succumbed to their sinful desires. Do also note that each one of these men recovered. Each of them got up and moved forward with God, never looking back. How?

Our theme text underscores a special kind of love, which God has for us. He loves us so much that those who surrender to Him can live above sin. That’s love! He loves us so much that if we make mistakes after we’ve surrendered to Him, He makes provision for our recovery. Not only did Jesus give His life and overcome the grave to save us initially, but He also did so that we could overcome missteps along the way. Because of Jesus’ powerful advocacy, we can confess and forsake our sins. He will then cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Then, when the accuser, Satan brings a charge against us, Jesus will flash His righteous covering over our lives and nullify the enemy’s charges. Jesus did not go through all the trouble of saving us just to walk away and leave us if we mess up. Yes, He is well able to keep us from falling, but He is also capable of lifting us up and dusting us off if we do fall again. We don’t want to take Him for granted, but we should thank Him for being willing to work with us as we journey toward the kingdom. That’s assurance I can be happy about.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)