SCRIPTURE:
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy— wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:37-40)
OBSERVATION:
Have you ever flipped through the TV channels and heard Joel Osteen preaching on these scriptures? No....? Of course you haven't, and you probably never will. These kind of scriptures don't sell books and they don't fill churches. This is a scripture that Frances Chan would love to preach on.
Think about what these verses say happened to the children of God:
1) Stoned
2) Sawn in two
3) Killed with sword
4) Wore sheep and goat skins
5) Destitute
6) Afflicted
7) Mistreated
Where were the promises of God at for these guys? The scripture says, "did not receive what was promised". Where is the "life more abundant", that everyone always talks about? How can their lives go this way? If they were the great men of faith, they should have been in good health, they should have been prosperous and wealthy and they should have had really good relationships like Joel Osteen says! They should have had their "Best Life Now"! (I use Joel Osteen as an example because he seems to be the most popular)
APPLICATION:
If I was told that becoming a Christian meant that I would be poor, hated by people and eventually killed, would I still have wanted to follow Jesus? Is the Christian life about enjoying abundant blessings, or about taking up my cross daily and following Jesus no matter what the cost? Does God really promise us divine health and wealth in this life?
I live in a big house(at least I think its big), we have 2 cars, we have lots of clothes and every room has a TV. I am overwhelmed by God's blessings! BUT...... If God takes it all away, I am still rich because my treasure is in heaven! Many people will disagree because they have it drilled in their heads that to be a child of the King means to live like royalty and have heaven here on earth. But are we really entitled to live better than Jesus did? I mean, does God owe it to us? Is it part of the deal for right now?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for our blessings. Thank you for my salvation! Prepare me for what you have in store. I don't want to treasure anything but Jesus! In Jesus name, Amen!
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