God is not only a jealous God, but He’s an inspirational one too. I feel privileged every day to have so much grace extended my way. I read about His crucifixion last night, and it was heart wrenching. So many people think over and over again: “Oh, I’ve read the story 1000 times. It’s no big deal anymore”. I had this mindset for the longest time. But, you know, you have to remember some things. He carried the sins of billions upon billions of people, including yours and mine. He thought of you when He died, and He hurt for you when He didn’t have to.
God was human once too. He knows the situations you go through. He knows how hard temptation is, the pain of ridicule, rejection, and betrayal. He hurt at several points too. And the mind blowing thing is: Jesus still died for us despite all of the things the people did and said to Him. At the garden, He sweat that stressed blood. And, get this: His disciples, the twelve that had walked with him His entire ministry, fell asleep in His time of need. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said. “Stay here and keep watch with me.” He was asking His friends to stay with Him and to strengthen Him! But they let him down! Not once, not twice, but three times. Three times Jesus went back to His disciples to find them sleeping and not praying with Him. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” God understands that we are weak and that we are of flesh. We battle daily to please either the flesh man or the spirit man within us, and He knows. But he still has expectations, just like you and I. But what’s so wonderful about God is that when we mess up, he forgives us if we ask.
God has extended us a life. One life and one chance. The disciples deserted their Lord at the garden when trouble overcame them. Will you not stay with your Lord like Peter did? Peter followed Jesus at a distance, only to deny Him. Even though he denied God that night, God forgave Him. Will you follow Him? This story is one of my most favorite in the Bible; after His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Three times He asked for the three times Peter denied Him. I find God asking me that a lot:
“Marissa, do you love me?” “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep.” In one way to put it, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
“I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
Can’t you grasp a hold of God? He is a personal God. He cares about the little things just like we do. He cares about cussing, he cares about complaining, about yelling at our parents, just like it upsets us when others forget our birthday, or when others lie to us. I hear it SO OFTEN: “What’s so wrong with cussing?” Let me answer that question for you right now.
God had told us: “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca, ‘ {An Aramaic term of contempt} is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” “He loved to pronounce a curse— may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing—may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil. May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD’s payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil” If that doesn’t explain enough, let me tell you. Everyone always says that cursing is a man made creation, and perhaps it is. But do you think that God is satisfied with us putting others down? I don’t care if an ass is a donkey, or a bitch is a female dog. I know, and you know, that when you yell at others these condemning words you don’t mean these words as their true meaning is. There is nothing justifyable about cussing. It’s a condemnation against your brothers and sisters in this world, and there is absolutely no reason or excuse for the actions.
Yes, God cares about the little things. My life was changed when I realized that. When I counted my complaining, it helped me reduce it remarkably. And by reducing my complaints, I reduced my impatience, increased my listening capacity, and sooo much more. I knew God was pleased. But believe me, I’m far from perfect. I’m constantly making mistakes, and it’s hard. Believe me, it’s so hard. But instead of staying down when I feel beat, I get up and try again! God has extended us that ability. Why don’t you search your life today and find the little things that keep you from Him? It could be a girlfriend, secular music, media (like TV), the computer, whatever! Never replace something in your life for the presence of God.
It’s so silly to me, that during these blogs I write for others benefits and not for myself. But I believe that wisdom, no matter the level, is to be shared with everyone. It’s my duty as a Christian with so much to give to give as much life in words and scripture as I can. Please accept it with my love and peace.
