May 17
Ps 50, 73-74
A new pastor disguised himself as a homeless man and went into his large church. He said hello, with no response, only glances. He asked for change to buy food, no one in the church gave him any. When he sat in the front of the church, ushers asked him if he would please sit in the back. As the announcements finished and the new pastor was introduced, he stood up from the back of the church and walked to the front and began to read from Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus describes his judgment on the nations describing those who did and did not feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, give lodging to a stranger, give clothes to those who needed it and visit prisoners. After reading this passage he described his treatment at the hands of those sitting in the church. Many began to cry, others just bowed their heads in shame. He then said, "Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will you decide to become disciples?" How would we fare if we faced this scenario? Do we approach church as an obligation? Do we approach the service wondering if our requirements will be met, such as if the message will satisfy us or if the worship will move us? Our walk with God should not be done in the same way that entertainment is. God doesn't need us to go to church, we need Him. If you have made a decision to repent and accept Jesus' payment for your sins then you are a member of God's family. As such, when gathering, though we are listening to our Father through the message, worship, and prayers; we are also seeking out our brothers and sisters whom we can serve one way or another.
We read in Psalm 50:7-10, "“O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills." Many people then and now go through the religious motions of doing that which they feel they are supposed to do. That is religion, not relationship, and God has no need or desire of this from us. We read further in 50:16-20, "But God says to the wicked: “Why bother reciting my decrees and pretending to obey my covenant? For you refuse my discipline and treat my words like trash. When you see thieves, you approve of them, and you spend your time with adulterers. Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies. You sit around and slander your brother — your own mother’s son." Others hypocritically add God into their lives without allowing God to change them. They like what God has to say, might even like to apply it to others, but fail to see the need to apply it personally.
We read in Psalm 50:22-23, "Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” This is a messianic Psalm revealing in the first few verses Jesus' return to the earth as He sets up His Millennial Kingdom. Our walk with God must be real. It is not a show. God doesn't need religious formality, going through the motions. It can't be forced upon anyone. It has nothing to do with how others view us. Is He the desire of your heart? Do you desire to get to know Him better through His word, through messages, through worship, and through prayer? Have you repented of those things which are contrary to His word? This does not mean that you might not still struggle in these areas, but you have changed your mind and are no longer justifying such behavior, but agree with God that His ways are better than your thoughts or ways. He doesn't need us quoting Scripture yet purposely leading a life of disobedience. Are you moving forward less selfishly, considering how you can share God's love to others? May we learn to seek Him genuinely, confess to Him frequently, walk with Him continually, so that we can live righteously, and be rewarded eternally.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: