The whole Bible is a collection of Books that recount in detail the relationship between God and His creation - humans. It reveals the story of a close-knit relationship that spans over centuries - though not completely rid of challenges and frustrations. Yet God has held it all together - constantly making overtures, moves and promises in a bid to save the relationship that is so dear to Him. “The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.” (Deuteronomy 7:6b)
Although He is God, the Almighty, All-Knowing and the Ever-Present One, He ensures that His time is devoted to His stiff-necked, stubborn and sometimes doubting children. He went to the extent of calling them ‘friends’ when they were willing and ready to obey Him.
Reading through the Bible, we stand amazed at the great affection showed to His chosen people, the Israelites (not the current Israel as we know it) – not only when He caters to their needs but also when He disciplines them.
Love is a two-way street that calls occasionally for the use of a firm hand. God loved [and still loves all those who come to Him] with an everlasting love that is genuine -- as confirmed on several instances in Scripture: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3).
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) This He said to young Joshua whom He had called to step into Moses’ shoes; the one whom He had assigned the task of delivering the Children of Israel from 430 years of bondage in Egypt. Young Joshua needed to hear this before he took on that mammoth task.
Apostle Paul exhorts the Colossians saying “... your life is now hidden with Christ.” (Colossians 3:3) confirming that when our lives are hidden in Christ we are fully protected from all danger and any fiery darts that the devil would throw at us. To enjoy such a privilege, we must first depart from our evil ways. “Let the wicked forsake his ways.” (Isaiah 56:7) and turn to God.
God has always been with His people as “A present help in time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) He even offered to fight on their behalf. At the height of the pursuit of the Children of Israel by the elite Egyptian army, He assured Moses to tell the Children of Israel - “I will fight for you!” (Exodus 14:14) Indeed, He stepped in and the entire Egyptian army was swallowed by the Red Sea. None survived.
He claims that “Before [we] call [He] will answer.” (Isaiah 64:24)
“Call to me and I will answer you.” (Jeremiah 33:3) How many times has He not answered our urgent calls for help? And on time! “He will cover you with His feathers.” (Psalm 91:4) offering full protection.
It does not stop at that; hear what Jesus tells His audience. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me; that where I am there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Several other assurances span the Bible, but we must read it to be able to claim them. He guarantees us: “As surely as I live, I will do to you the very thing that you have spoken.” (Numbers 14:28) He will act on your word. Jesus asked a blind man what he wanted to be done for him. He replied, ‘Lord, I want to see.’ Immediately, his sight was restored.
These distinct affirmations that no other leader has made, were backed up with signs and wonders. “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
We probably may not think highly of these promises or pronouncements that God has made and still stands by because of our current status or what we are going through. Maybe our lives are in complete disarray; the devil and his cohorts are putting obstacles in our way to frustrate us. This is the time to fix our eyes on Jesus for a solution. Let us remember He is the Way Maker.
God has not changed and will not bend over to satisfy our ego or our personal whims and fancies. If we remain steadfast, humble and true, we can count on His unwavering faithfulness and grace to show Himself strong on our behalf. If, on the other hand, we are unfaithful, it will be more than difficult to enjoy the benefits of a true and lasting relationship with Him.
Therefore, the time is now: we no longer have much time left in our favour to live outside of the recommendations and prescriptions of
the Bible and still enjoy fellowship with Him. God is a Spirit and those that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Any relationship whatsoever is bound by guidelines and a set of rules meant to keep us on track for reasons of safeguarding it. If they are broken, guess who would have broken them?
In the Old Testament, according to the writings of Prophet Isaiah, we would have searched for Him without finding Him. Why? because “Your sins have hidden His face from you.” (Isaiah 59:2) But today, under grace, Jesus bids us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28)
Come to Him! With outstretched hands, Jesus is welcoming us.
