July 17
1 Chron 24:1-26:11 | PS 13:1-6 | Prov 19:15-16 | Rom 4:1-12
We read in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Biblically, to abide in Christ is an action verb. It is not a feeling, but something that we do. We remain or stay with Christ continuously. When I reflect back to when I came into a relationship with Jesus Christ, I was at the end of medical school and beginning residency in the late 1980's. My work schedule was intense, but every chance that I had, I found places to pull away and read and meditate on His Word. When my wife came to faith around 2005-2006, the first thing that she did to begin her journey was read the entire New Testament while on vacation. But after that, and to this day, she literally surrounds herself continuously with the things of God. Whether it be the Bridge Radio station, messages, reading God's Word, listening to worship music, time in prayer, etc. This is how she chooses to spend her time. When my Mother-in-law in her mid 80's accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, her television went off and she was consumed with the Bridge Radio, reading God's Word, and enjoying deep fellowship with my wife. We don't have to do anything, we actually get to be with Him. We need this, but often don't realize this. In the desert wanderings there was God's continuous presence in the cloud or pillar of fire. In the time of the tabernacle and temple there were continuous sacrifices and music playing. We have that same ability now, but often choose lesser things.
As we go through the various lists in 1 Chronicles, David enlisted 4000 musicians who we read about in 25:2, "Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah; the sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king." When it states that they prophesied, it doesn't necessarily mean they were "foretelling", but "forth telling", as they sang forth to God, day and night. Like the radio stations now, anyone could go near and abide in His presence. Abraham, the father of faith, placed his full weight and trust on God. We read in Romans 4:3, "For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”" Abraham was not given a to-do list, it was a relationship. This same relationship is available to all of us, as we read in 4:11-12, "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised."
Like every relationship, we will waver daily (God never wavers). But He is available, and if we seek Him continuously, we will all experience the blessings and the peace that comes with this relationship. Notice the difference in David's words in Psalm 13 from verse 1 to the concluding statements in verse 5-6, "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?..."But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me." He is available. Are we seeking Him? Are we surrounding ourselves with Him? The choice belongs to each of us how we spend every minute of every day.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: