Imagine walking into a court room full of people. You know their faces and some of their names. As all the eyes begin to focus on you, it is then that it becomes evident that you're not there to watch a trial, instead, it is you who is on trial! Your mind rushes through your memories of life looking for what wrong you have done. There's no Jury, just a large empty seat in front that is elevated so all can see who sits there. There's a calming hush as an official walks in and says, "Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise..."
6:1 Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.
6:2 Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.
6:3 O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.
You think, "What controversy could I possibly have made with God? I pray when I need something, go to church, help out sometimes, and work real hard at my job. (v.3) How can I testify against God?"
He continues on.
6:4 For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
6:5O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.
"What?" You're thinking about these past events. "What does all that have to do with me? I read those stories and I know they happened. And besides, I believe the LORD had a relationship with them and afterall, I have become a child of God sometime ago, I'm grafted into His branch so doesn't that put me somewhere with Him?"
Sounds silly you think? How does it hold the same truth for us today?
(v.5b) Do you know the righteousness of the LORD? In other words, how deep is your relationship with God? Is it able to overcome the things of this world? Be aware that the same lie that caused the Fall is still being used to this day.
A key point: We all have heard people say, "How can a loving God allow ___________ ?" (You can fill that in). Adam and Eve were beguiled the exact same way. The devil asked that question to divide a true relationship into a divided trust. (Gen.3:4 - ...surely you shall not die, why would God allow that? He just doesn't want you to be like Him). Do we allow the WORD of God to reign in our heart and mind or our sinful nature to control us? The devil wants everyone to ask this question over and over until they break from the the Most High God!
How many people have fallen away from God because they listened to that same voice Eve heard? Read verse three again - "...what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me." Jesus returned to us that which was once lost! John 10:10 - "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I am come that they may have life..."
Ponder on this and see if this isn't the truth. Part 2 will show the opening of eyes to God's grace.
Let's identify this seperation to help people by our LIVING testimony and walk in the community!
Be strong and be blessed!
Love of Christ,
Pastors Dave and Pam
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