Yesterday we talked about a sense of frustration that can overwhelm us at times as we endeavor to “walk the walk and talk the talk.” After discussing the fact that others experience the same stresses we face, according to 1 Peter 5:9, I thought it might be good to consider the same concept from a different paradigm, even though the scriptures may seem similar or saying something comparable. I think the only time I read scripture and felt I “got it” was the first time, because every time thereafter God showed me that there was always more packaged in the words than I was going pull out the first reading. So let’s look at a couple more of those “menacing” phrases that Satan uses to temp us (to quit) with, that God intended to test (our faith) with.
“If you love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15 is a good starting place. The two key words here are Keep (tēreō – to stay in a metal state and care for) and Commandments (entolē – a prescription, charge or precept for your best interest). So something that sounds intimidating, is really telling you that: “If you love me keep your focus on the prescription I have written for a life of love, joy and contentment, as well as your ultimate healing.” In other words, this is to help YOU, not me.
Now, how about this part of John 8:11 “. . . Go and sin no more.” The two key words are Sin (hamartanō – to miss the mark, wander or lose your share, in present tense indicating habitual sin) and No More (mēketi – from now on.) When you see this phrase in the full verse context, Jesus is saying: “I’m not going to condemn you either, but I strongly suggest you stop habitually doing this because you are ignoring God’s prescription for you and inviting harmful consequences to yourself. When you combine that with John’s thought in his first epistle (1:7), he completes his thought this way. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Once we obey, the relationship is INSTANTLY perfected.
If you are obedient the first time He shows you something, then He can instantly open the next truth to you. God will not normally reveal more truth about Himself to you, until you have grasped and obeyed what you already know. Don’t let semantics destroy your positive attitude or your eternal focus. This was the approach the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes and Essenes used to promote their interpretations of the law as well as keep the general population under their thumb during Christ’s time. That is why He was so direct, forceful and confrontational with them. Keep what God is saying in perspective. Remember that your Father will not allow you to be overwhelmed. Listen: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) He’s going to take care of you – you can bet your life on it!
Love Dad