August 16, 2016
When God uses his enemies to punish his own (or when God uses evil to judge the unfaithful)
By A.J. Castellitto
"No generation escapes injustice or outbreaks of violence. And in every era, victims have pled with God to take action against the wicked. Habakkuk was troubled by God's silence during a period of Israel's rebellion, and his plight bears striking similarities to the global tension in our own day." – Alistair Begg
"No generation escapes injustice or outbreaks of violence. And in every era, victims have pled with God to take action against the wicked. Habakkuk was troubled by God's silence during a period of Israel's rebellion, and his plight bears striking similarities to the global tension in our own day." – Alistair Begg
https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2016/08/15/look-and-be-amazed-part-2-of-2-/
The view from our morally superior church pews is very clear. In a nutshell, we are an enlightened lot, while the rest are merely wandering in the darkness (or maybe worse, being led over a cliff).
So here we stand, proud and scripturally profound. But are we missing the verse where we resemble the hypocrite? Does our disobedience ever incite God to act (or not act) in ways that seem to defy His own Goodness and Holiness?
The only thing worse than a servant of Satan, is a servant of Satan who believes he comes in the name of God. And sometimes even God's own beloved need a wake-up call to get back on track. I pray that I may fall into the later category, but I think you get the picture.
Often it's not just the world that needs a good purging, or even the church, but rather it's the individual heart that's in need of cleansing. There is no shame in turning our finger from the world back unto ourselves. In fact, how often is this exactly what we need... ?
"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth." – Psalm 57:11
I'm not saying that we shouldn't stand firm on the shoulders of giants. However, let's not become puffed up. What have we that we haven't received?
Don't allow yourself to become part of the message unless you're coming from a place of gratitude. Don't get lost in a culture war. The battle is real but it is God who carries out the game plan. He knows the outcome and He will use any means at His disposal to ensure a victory.
Choose your team wisely and let Jesus be your quarterback. Know your allegiance and understand that ultimately and thankfully we are just along for the ride.
How often have we gone astray and almost apostate? God will use the forces of evil to make us desperate, needful, and lovingly obedient. Remember your sin that you may yet become truly dependent upon the greatest means of all – Jesus – Lord, Savior and Redeemer!
Soli Deo Gloria. Praise God, for He alone is worthy of our praise!
© A.J. Castellitto
The view from our morally superior church pews is very clear. In a nutshell, we are an enlightened lot, while the rest are merely wandering in the darkness (or maybe worse, being led over a cliff).
So here we stand, proud and scripturally profound. But are we missing the verse where we resemble the hypocrite? Does our disobedience ever incite God to act (or not act) in ways that seem to defy His own Goodness and Holiness?
The only thing worse than a servant of Satan, is a servant of Satan who believes he comes in the name of God. And sometimes even God's own beloved need a wake-up call to get back on track. I pray that I may fall into the later category, but I think you get the picture.
Often it's not just the world that needs a good purging, or even the church, but rather it's the individual heart that's in need of cleansing. There is no shame in turning our finger from the world back unto ourselves. In fact, how often is this exactly what we need... ?
"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth." – Psalm 57:11
I'm not saying that we shouldn't stand firm on the shoulders of giants. However, let's not become puffed up. What have we that we haven't received?
Don't allow yourself to become part of the message unless you're coming from a place of gratitude. Don't get lost in a culture war. The battle is real but it is God who carries out the game plan. He knows the outcome and He will use any means at His disposal to ensure a victory.
Choose your team wisely and let Jesus be your quarterback. Know your allegiance and understand that ultimately and thankfully we are just along for the ride.
How often have we gone astray and almost apostate? God will use the forces of evil to make us desperate, needful, and lovingly obedient. Remember your sin that you may yet become truly dependent upon the greatest means of all – Jesus – Lord, Savior and Redeemer!
Soli Deo Gloria. Praise God, for He alone is worthy of our praise!
© A.J. Castellitto
http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/castellitto/160816
My comments: As Christians we must understand the Character and Nature of our God. This is on Display in the Old Testament and is there for our Instruction. God used Evil nations to Chasten Israel. Will He not use an Evil nation to Chasten America--An America that is in Overt Defiance of Him and His Word? The answer is, YES HE WILL!
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