God is the ultimate examiner. What does this mean? In short, it means that God, and He alone, has the universal power and right to question the deepest thoughts and being of every intelligent soul.
Every individual should, before he or she even considers doing anything, keep in mind that whatever they do will be questioned. It may be easy to slip and slide around the probing questions of others, but not so with God.
By hiding in the garden of Eden, Adam wanted to shield himself from the discovery of his sin. But, somewhere from among the trees of the now pillaged paradise came the clear, and resounding question, "Where are you?” There wasn't any doubt who this question was intended for (Genesis 3:9).
Elijah ran away in fear from the wrath of Jezebel, seeking shelter in a cave. While hiding out, he forgot about his mission and his work. It was there that the One who had chosen Elijah to be a prophet found him, asking the piercing question, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:13) That was definitely a question that couldn't be ignored.
While Saul (Paul) was traveling to Damascus, brimming with hate and bigotry, he was suddenly encompassed and overwhelmed by a bright, glaring light. It was there that he was asked by the crucified but now resurrected Christ, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4)
And even though Saul had power over Jesus' disciples, he could not disregard this question, it had to be answered. Neither was Cain an exception to this rule. Up to the point where he actually took Abel's life there was nothing to indicate he would do so.
However, God sees and judges the thoughts of all. Noticing the displeasure on Cain's face, and the bitter jealousy behind it, God asks Cain a question that goes straight to the root of his sin, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?" (Genesis 4:6)
Each one of us will have to deal with the same kind of questioning. You can depend on it! We're not our own. We don't belong to a world without laws or boundaries. Nor are we the offspring of chaos.
We are the creation of boundless wisdom and love, being capable of magnificent achievements. Still, we cannot foolishly toss aside our splendid inheritance, while dragging ourselves off into the gutter of spiritual and moral bankruptcy.
No, we all have to face the heart-searching questions that arise from God's mighty throne. It is truly merciful that the road to perdition is made rough and rocky! Many times we quote Proverbs 13:15, "...the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction," in a regretful manner.
We say it as if it were a difficult and undesirable saying. But, there's nothing more clearly presented that demonstrates the love and merciful provision of God. We should be grateful that doing wrong, and continuing to do so, doesn't come that easy.
As Christ told Saul, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads," so God has placed many "goads" in the path leading away from peace into the darkness of sin (Acts 26:14). Goads were sharply pointed instruments used to force stubborn animals to move ahead.
God doesn't ask us to do impossible things. At its very basic level, the Christian life is not all that complicated. We just need to stop doing wrongful things, and do those that are good; while not leaning on our own strength to do so.
Forgiveness awaits you if, in humility and honesty, you will turn away from sin and accept the divine remedy for a pure and upright life. Amen!
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:10; 1 John 3:20; Psalm 139:23-24; Genesis 6:5; 1 John 1:8
Prayer: Dear Jesus, teach me how to line up my heart with Yours. I know I'm not perfect and stumble now and again, but I am willing to learn. Show me how to become the person that You know I can be. Amen.
May God bless you,
Lainey
May God bless you,
Lainey
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