November 15
Ezek 31:1-32:32 | PS 113:1-114:8 | Prov 27:18-20 | Heb 12:14-29
Proverbs 27:20 states, "Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied." It is impossible to satisfy our flesh. Every fleshly desire or pursuit may bring a temporary diversion, but it cannot lead to satisfaction. The natural inclination is once finished you will always crave and desire more. As wonderful as any vacation might be, it always seems like it comes to an end too soon, as we desire just one more day. No matter how amazing a meal might be, it comes to an end, and though we might be full after the meal, our desire is to do the same the next day. That big game always ends. The same holds true for every fleshly desire that we seek. It simply can't satisfy. Jesus describes the remedy in John 4:13-14, "Drink of this water, you will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water I give him will never thirst." Jesus offers something so much better, something which will last, something which will satisfy. Why seek things which are so inferior to this.
We read in Hebrews 12:14-17, "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears." Esau took lightly his birthright, literally selling it for a morsel of food. Christians have a rich inheritance. Though any unholy act can be forgiven, in fact, it already has been forgiven on the cross of Calvary, the act itself can't be undone. Esau cried and wished it back, but because he despised it, it could not be regained.
How often we give up that which is best for trinkets. These trinkets are short lived and will never satisfy. Many have a bucket list. Things that they want to do before they die. But these trinkets are events which come and go. They simply don't last. These things may be good or bad. These things might involve good behavior or bad behavior. But, what should be sought after more than all else is to seek God and His holiness. We should desire to be sanctified, or set apart for His service, not doing that which might disqualify us for His service. Jesus offers us something which is best, this is what will satisfy us.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: