Do not place any stumbling blocks or obstacles
Exodus 14:13~23 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. (13)
♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #220 In One Fraternal Bond of Love (#278 in previous version)
No matter how much we try, God’s answers will come to us according to our level and our color. There are those who speak about Jesus Christ who have standards based on what someone’s life looks like. There are people who understand Jesus from the perspective of philanthropy, unhealthy mysticism, social justice, or religion. Although Jesus has those aspects to Him, those things do not capture His essence. The level and color of people’s faith are stumbling blocks to them, but not knowing they are losing out on blessings as a result, they think that God is not answering them. God’s works will arise if the color of our faith is correct. What must we do to receive answers from today on?
1. Lay down your own level
Salvation and blessings do not come from people, but from God (1 Corinthians 1:18~31). No matter how much wisdom or power we have, we are nothing in comparison to God. No matter how much we study, we cannot obtain all the wisdom of the world. God knows everything. That is why we must lay down our level. People who can lay themselves down are not weak people, but people who have seen the power of God.
2. The standard by which we receive God’s blessings
God’s standard is the blessings that we will receive. What kind of level does the Gospel have? The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all people, not just Hebrews or Greeks. Those who have received salvation will never fail. There is no one who can take us out of the hands of God. This is God’s standard.
3. Start anew with new levels
It’s not about laying down what is yours, but going forward with new levels. When you’re faced with problems, differentiate what is good and what is not. Believing that God is preparing you to receive the same blessings as David when you’re faced with a big problem is having new levels. We can overcome all hardships because Jesus was completely victorious. We do not need the things of the world because we’ve received our heavenly reward. We can do anything through Him who gives us strength, even in the face of any kind of hardship or persecution. That is why we must hold onto this important covenant and not place any stumbling blocks or obstacles in front of others.
°Forum Topic - We cannot live according to God’s standard with our own level. God will work through us when we lay down everything before Him. What is it that you have not laid down before the Almighty God?
Immanuel Church Sunday Message 2nd Service /2009.12.13