Who is this God that you claim to serve?

Did He lay the foundations of the earth?  Did He make the sun shine its brilliance?  And set the moon in its place at night? Did He set out markers and boundaries for the sea?  Does He know what is in the deepest regions of the earth?  Does He dictate the way of light and dark?  Does He control the falling of snow?  And warm the earth with His light?  Does He direct the stars of the night?  Does He create the clouds to send rain, thunder and lightning?  Does He know the ways of the lion and bear?  Does He provide for the birds of the air?  Did He dictate which animals could serve man?  Does He make the horse strong? Does He know the ways of a hawk?  Can He dictate the ways of a great beast?

How much more does He need to do to prove that He is God?

If only He would come to this earth and reveal Himself?  Is that what we utter?

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Then remember this….This Jesus… whom you crucified… has paid the penalty your ignorance could not buy. 

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He came. 

He came that we might have life.

He came that we might be released from the yoke of this world.  That we might come to know freedom. 

He did not come with a neon sign.  Though there was a star that pointed to Him – one that others could follow to find the God who stepped foot upon this earth.

He did not come bearing arms to destroy wicked.  He turned tables in the temple, raised the dead to life, and offered forgiveness to those who sought it, and to those who needed it. 

He did not come to glorify Himself with parading around announcing who He was.  He came to be with His people, to walk life with His people, to weep with His people.  He came to honor His Father in heaven through serving His creation.

He did not come to destroy this world.  He allowed His temple to be torn down and raised again in three days.

He did not come in and leave again.  He sent went up to heaven and sent His spirit to dwell within each person who trusted Him – so that – He would live inside and be the life within  His children – so that He might be more fully revealed.

He did not live the life of majesty while here on earth.  He lived the life of a servant to His brothers and a slave to all.

He did not come to lock away all of the “bad” people.  He came to set prisoners free.

Maybe you think you didn’t choose the life you live.  Maybe you’re hurt by the family you were brought into (if only one).  He is not the reason.  Maybe your parents taught you the life of slavery to drugs and alcohol.  Maybe your finances forced you into prostitution.  He did not bring these circumstances about.  Maybe you do not yet know true love.  He is love – but love is not God – so don’t look for Him in love. 

Look for Him.  And when you find Him – you will find love – true love. 

He will wipe away every tear – but will you let Him know why you are crying? 

He will hold you through the night – but will you let Him know the darkness of your soul?

He has longed for you.  He watches for you to look for His face.  He is not hiding.

Though this world clouds our vision – traps us in darkness – His light shines like the day. Will you show Him your darkness – so that He can reveal His light?

Remember that old song (yes, there are new versions – but the words don’t change)…. Amazing grace?  Rememer the words – “that save a wretch like me?” 

How well do you know your wretchedness?  How many look at the state of this world and still think – “but I am a pretty good person.  I go to church, speak kindly to others, serve, give…I am pretty honest and good-natured.”  That does not sound like wretchedness.

Do you really know your sin?  How many times do you take credit for the good things you do?  – Is it really you who do it?  Or is it the God of grace working through you?  Is there anyone (100% human) who is good? NO – not one.

When you did that good thing this morning – did you pat yourself on the back and say “Good job?”  When you got that deal to go thorugh – did you think to yourself – “man, I am really good at this?”  When the presentation was over and they commented about the great impact the message had – did you really think that it was all you?

He graces us with good things to bring about His purposes.  He works through us and allows us to receive the credit.  It is because that is who He is.  He wants you to be doing good things and making positive changes in this world.  He called us to shine His light. 

When good things happen – remember Him.  It was a team effort!  He invited you to be a member of the team – so that you could receive the benefits of the work He had planned in advance.

Who is it all about?  Will you be broken before the Lord so that He can fill you up – with His goodness, His life, and His promise?

If the first question out of your mouth is, “God, am I really that bad?”  I encourage you to spend some time reading the book of Job and consider at what point you would have thrown in the towel.  And remember, when you get near the end of the book – God still has some strong words against Job.

We cannot receive the measure of grace He has for us until we surrender it all.  Then He will be glorified.