Hebrews 12:23-29
To
day’s message from Hebrews talks about God performing a thorough
housecleaning and getting rid of the “junk.”
The God of the Old Testament may come off harsher than the God of the
New Testament, but they are one and the same.
I love my children, but sometimes I need to be a disciplinarian. Just like God loves us at all times, sometimes
He needs to lay down the law and “clean house” to make room for what’s
essential.
Clearing out what’s not necessary can make our kingdom journey a
lot easier. How wonderful is it that the
kingdom is unwavering?! Like it says in verses 28-29: Therefore,
since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and
so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming
fire."
Imagine if God was not a consuming fire, burning what needs to be burned? Our lives would be utter chaos. Thank God, He is a fire that gets rid of what
we don’t need. Kids today say, “that’s
fire!” which means “that’s awesome” and we do have an awesome God.
Father, during this time of Thanksgiving, we want to praise you
for providing what we need and eliminating what we don’t. Thank you for clearing our paths to the kingdom. Like we often say during our time of confession on Sundays,
Forgive
us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your
ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
The reading today is rich with lessons. I reread it many times. My mind for writing kept returning to Genesis 35:2-5.
Jacob, acting as head of his household, tells his people to get rid of all the pieces of idolatry in their possession. These things are culturally acceptable to have, but Jacob knows they are sinful distractions toward acknowledging and worshipping God.
Even good things can become sinful idols if pride enters and allows them to be the most important focus of life. The perfect house, perfect yard, perfect job, cars, money, possessions are only a few in a list of many of contemporary idols. Drug, alcohol and other addictions can take over lives as well. We may not worship our idols, but they can distract us from focusing on God.
This is a good time to pause and clean our own houses. Idols rob us of the joy, hope, love, and peace that happen when God has first place in our hearts and minds. It is worth doing the hard work necessary to recognize, admit, and throw them out of our lives.
God’s lesson about idolatry is a happy one for us. God has not left us on our own to make it through our trials and temptations. We have the gift of His son who intercedes for us. We can turn from the idols in our life, ask forgiveness and receive it. We know that with God first in our life, He will empower us, protect us, guide us, and love us. What an awesome God!
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