I actually wrote this blog a few years ago. Its longer than usual; it will take you two or three minutes to read. But in light of our present challenges, I encourage you to read this. I believe you will be lifted and challenged. HOW TO MAKE GOD ANGRY / Reflections on Not Trusting God In my morning times with the Lord Ive been reading through the Old Testament. Looking again at the history of Gods dealings with His people, it jumps out that God was angered with ancient Israel because of their idolatry, their stiff-necked rebellion, and their unbelief. Psalm 78 recounts the children of Israels sagas of skepticism. Even after God had dramatically caused water to gush from the rock, the people essentially said, Yeah, He produced water but Ill bet He cant give us meat in this wilderness. It was posited in the form of a half-mocking question: Can God spread a table in the desert? (Psa. 78:19, NIV). Gods response to their faithlessness was swift and strong. Therefore the Lord heard this and was furious; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel, because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His deliverance (Psa. 78:21-22). God demonstrated His authority over the environment with a deluge of manna and a blinding rain of quail. He also gave these skeptics something else -- spiritual famine. He gave them their request [for meat], but sent leanness into their soul (Psa. 106:15). Here is the Psalmists verdict: How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again, they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel (Psa. 78:40-41). Their unbelief thwarted their own deliverance. In this sense, they limited God. Thats one indictment I dont want over my life. These Old Testament stories were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Ro. 15:4). A serious caveat unfolds from these stories for our situation and our times. There is way too much wilderness whining coming out of people, churches, and ministries. Well, with the economy the way it is . . . In this kind of climate, we cant even think about growing; were just trying to hold our own. Obviously, well have to cut back. Confessions of faith are being subverted by declarations of doubt. Are we making God angry? Are we limiting the Holy One of Israel? Life sees to it that we walk through some deserts. But while we may be walking through the desert we are not subject to the desert. We belong to another Kingdom and we are subject only to King Jesus. While others die from the blazing heat, we live under Gods protective cloud. While those not in covenant with God perish from the cold, we are warmed by a pillar of fire. God provides and spreads a table in our desert! You may have lost your job. Your investments may have tanked. But I have a message for you. If you belong to Jesus Christ youre going to get through this! Youre not going to starve. Your needs will be met. And theres a Promised Land in your future! Lets not tempt God by unbelief. Lets not limit the Holy One of Israel. Watch your words -- and trust your King for supernatural protection and abundant provision.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 16:42:48 +0000
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