Forgiveness

A Quick Decision Can Lead To Lasting Consequences {Matthew 14}

2:05 PM

 



Matthew 14


When Herod the Great died, each of his sons became a ruler, also called a “tetrarch”, over 1/4 of his kingdom. His son, Herod Antipas, governed over the areas of Galilee and Perea. Herod had a half brother named Philip. While in Rome visiting Philip, Herod met Herodias, the wife of Philip, and the two fell madly in love. And that forbidden love led Herod to make a decision that resulted in the murder of a beloved man of God, John the Baptist. a decision Herod deeply regretted.


John the Baptist had a ministry near the Jordan river. There he preached the coming of the promised Messiah, and baptized people in the name of the Lord. When John learned of the union between Herod and Herodias, who had since divorced their respective spouses to marry each other, he preached against the marriage. Such a union was forbidden in Jewish law. Herodias was furious over John’s public disapproval, and had Herod throw John in prison. In her hatred, Herodias wanted John dead, but Herod, being afraid of a rebellion by the Jews, refused. And so Herodias tricked Herod into murdering John and presenting his head to her on a platter. Caught up in desire and running on passion, caused Herod to make a decision that would haunt him the rest of his life.


Even the best of us fall victim to making mistakes in the passion of a moment that can lead to a lifetime of consequences. I think of Moses who in a fit of anger sinned against God and lost his chance to enter the promised land. (Deut. 32:51-52) Or David who in the heat of desire slept with another man’s wife, resulting in murder and the death of David’s son. (2 Sam. 12:13-18) And Samson who in a moment of frustration told the secret to his God given strength, causing him to be captured, blinded, and killed. (Judges 13-16)


We all make decisions in the heat of the moment that end up as mistakes. We all fall short and need forgiveness daily. Fortunately, God’s grace comes in an abundant supply. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He does not accuse, nor remain angry forever. He does not deal harshly with us, but instead is faithful to forgive our never-ending sins. (Psalm 103:8, 1 John 1:9) And although God may let us reap the consequences from the decisions we make, His unfailing love for us is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. A love in full display through His Son Jesus Christ who, regardless of the mistakes we’ve made, stands ready to welcome us with open arms and not a pointed finger.




God's Calling

There Must Be Some Mistake {Jeremiah 1:1-4:31}

12:00 AM


Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, and author of the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations, was the son of Hilkiah, a Levitical priest from the small village of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. He was a prophet who served God during the rule of kings, Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. The Lord called Jeremiah to deliver prophecies to the unrepentant people of Judah. He warned them of their soon to be bondage by the Babylonians, and begged them to repent of their sins and turn back to God. 

Although he faithfully served God for over forty years, when a youthful Jeremiah first heard God’s voice he did as many of us do; he questioned God. After all, being so young there was no way he could go out and be the voice of the Lord! He cried out, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak.” (vs. 1:6) He thought, “There must be some mistake. I can’t do this.” But there was no mistake. God knew exactly what He was doing. For in His perfect plan, He created Jeremiah just for this time and this purpose. 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (vs. 1:5) God knew the purpose He had for Jeremiah because He knew Jeremiah, and us, even before the first beat of our hearts. Think of that! And not only did God fearfully and wonderfully create us (Ps. 139:14), He knows us by name,(John 10:3), how long we will live, (Ps. 139:16), and all we were created to be. (Eph. 2:10) And before we are born, He sets us apart for the purpose that is uniquely ours. 

Whatever that purpose may be, we can trust that God never intends for us to accomplish it alone, nor in our own strength. When Jeremiah faced the daunting challenge ahead, God reassured him saying, “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” (vs. 1:8) “They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you.” (vs. 1:19) Although the task God gives may not be an easy or enjoyable one, (Jeremiah himself faced hatred and persecution), God does promise that when we walk in obedience, He will never leave or forsake us, (Heb. 13:5) will be our refuge and strength, (Ps.46:1), and will make all things possible. (Matt. 19:26).

“Each time God calls a servant into action, He essentially says, ‘You can be strong and courageous because I am with you. Victory isn’t about your abilities, your strength, your skill, your armor, your gifts, or your dedication; it has to do with My presence. You can be strong because I will be strong in you.’” (Dr. Charles Stanley)

No matter the calling, whether it be as simple as helping a friend in need, or as hard as delivering a message of doom to a nation, the next time you hear God’s voice, don’t ask, “Who me? There must be some mistake!” Remember you were created to be the perfect person for the job, and if God sees you to it, He’ll see you through it. So, as the Lord said to Jeremiah, “Gird up your loins and arise!” (vs. 1:17) There is work to be done!