December 31, 2014
It can never be said that reality is sugar-coated in the Bible. Few words are as rough and raw as these: “There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; There is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me … My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me.” (Psalm 38.3-4, 10)
This is just a sampling of the words of a deeply remorseful sinner named David, a man categorized as a man after God’s heart (Acts 13.22). As is plainly evident from these painful words, this was hardly a high point in his life. The record of his despair over personal sin is plainly here for all to see and note.
It has become increasingly clear to me that the Bible is not a record of people of impeccable character and actions. The faults and flaws of God’s faithful people is anything but whitewashed. But, what is especially evident is that these imperfect people of faith were overcomers through the grace and power of Creator God, and their legacy stands and shines for us to see. If we get hung up on their flaws we miss the point entirely. Their example stands as an encouragement to this present generation of flawed believers. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12.1-2) Among the overcomers is none other than Jesus our Lord, who - although uniquely sinless - had His own very real struggles and battles. He, as well as all overcomers in faith, serve as witnesses and examples, urging us on to be overcomers.
The lament of King David, recorded in Psalm 38, candidly reminds us that the life of faith isn’t alway a life of victory. There are setbacks and defeats. But, if we get lost in the details of failures and miss the big picture of overcoming in faith and grace, we miss the most important part. God’s flawed people prevail through His strength.
No one need remind us of our imperfections; each of us are keenly aware. In the biblical journal of the lives of God’s people, we easily identify with similar flaws and faults. But, as we do so, we find the resources of our Creator Father, as did those who have gone before us.
It’s been said that the church isn’t a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners. We each are fellow patients, seeking health and healing. When fellowship is at its best, there is abundant love and support to help overcome. And, there is always a focus on the biblical record of the victorious overcomers as an example and encouragement to us all.
Whatever your struggle or battle today, may the raw and honest words of people such as David remind you of similar struggles, but ultimately point you to the source of strength and help that also provides victory.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
This is just a sampling of the words of a deeply remorseful sinner named David, a man categorized as a man after God’s heart (Acts 13.22). As is plainly evident from these painful words, this was hardly a high point in his life. The record of his despair over personal sin is plainly here for all to see and note.
It has become increasingly clear to me that the Bible is not a record of people of impeccable character and actions. The faults and flaws of God’s faithful people is anything but whitewashed. But, what is especially evident is that these imperfect people of faith were overcomers through the grace and power of Creator God, and their legacy stands and shines for us to see. If we get hung up on their flaws we miss the point entirely. Their example stands as an encouragement to this present generation of flawed believers. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12.1-2) Among the overcomers is none other than Jesus our Lord, who - although uniquely sinless - had His own very real struggles and battles. He, as well as all overcomers in faith, serve as witnesses and examples, urging us on to be overcomers.
The lament of King David, recorded in Psalm 38, candidly reminds us that the life of faith isn’t alway a life of victory. There are setbacks and defeats. But, if we get lost in the details of failures and miss the big picture of overcoming in faith and grace, we miss the most important part. God’s flawed people prevail through His strength.
No one need remind us of our imperfections; each of us are keenly aware. In the biblical journal of the lives of God’s people, we easily identify with similar flaws and faults. But, as we do so, we find the resources of our Creator Father, as did those who have gone before us.
It’s been said that the church isn’t a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners. We each are fellow patients, seeking health and healing. When fellowship is at its best, there is abundant love and support to help overcome. And, there is always a focus on the biblical record of the victorious overcomers as an example and encouragement to us all.
Whatever your struggle or battle today, may the raw and honest words of people such as David remind you of similar struggles, but ultimately point you to the source of strength and help that also provides victory.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:29 AM
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