What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
"We are the temple of the living God." To the Israelites of Old Testament time this was an incredible claim, as sinners are not supposed to be able to stand before Holy God. Therefore, they had tremendous respect for the temple, because only the priests that God has chosen can come before God on behalf of the people. In the New Testament time, however, Jesus became our eternal high priest who represents you and I, and because He sacrificed Himself for us and become our eternal redemption. Paul explained here that, because of salvation, there are two new types of relationships between God and us:
First, relationship between the King and his people. Because of the salvation by Jesus, we are able to enter God's Kingdom. Kingdom of God doesn't allow double-nationality in the spiritual sense. Today, many Christians would not renounce their nationality in the authority of the world, thus there are many conflicts in their lives. In the Kingdom of God, we can only honor one king, and we cannot step on two boats at the same time.
Second, relationship between father and children. This is a more intimate relationship. God is like a father who will guide us all our life. Fatherhood represents three things. First, God provides us for all our needs. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to ask God to "give us our daily bread." God is the Lord who is more than happy to provide us with all our needs, so we need to come seek Him and depend on Him. Second, it represents disciplining, because God will discipline those whom He loves. Sometimes God allows us to run into difficult circumstance in order to discipline our personality and life so that we can be more like Jesus. Therefore, don't turn down the hands of God easily, but allow Him to work in our life. Finally, it represents protections. God often uses His almighty arm to support us, just like what Psalm 121:2 says: "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." We thank the Lord - Not only is He our almighty God, He's also a loving father, and He's the one we can always depend on!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, I once again bring all brothers and sisters to you. I ask that you lead them with your skillful hands and provide for their needs. When they go astray, I ask that you correct their path; when they encounter any danger, I ask that you become their protection. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.