Gods pain

Isaiah 65:1-3 " 1 “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
2 All day long I have held out my hands
to an obstinate people,
who walk in ways not good,
pursuing their own imaginations—
3 a people who continually provoke me
to my very face,
offering sacrifices in gardens
and burning incense on altars of brick
[and verses continue to describe their wickedness]"

It was some time ago that I had the privilege of feeling Gods s, I had sadness for those who did not know him. At a christian retreat I had grown much closer to God in a short space of time. In worship that evening, I was overcome by the thought that so few other Christians interacted with God on the deep level that I had been given, and that so many many other people did not even know God. God gave me a taste of his anguish for his people, the people that he created to know him on the deepest levels, levels we cannot even fathom, who day by day exchange the glory of God for things of this world and things made by man. (Romans 1:23)

A great host of people, all closer to Gods heart than any man or woman has been to their lover, so deep that it is beyond understanding, wandering about in the dark, stumbling again and again, chasing after the wind. It is a terrible thing, for God wants all people to be saved. (Ephesians 3:18-19, Proverbs 4:19, 1 Timothy 2:4)

Now, in addition to God loving us and being grieved about our waywardness, he is also pained when he does not receive our love. Do not think that God almighty is so weak that he will not risk becoming attached to his people and feeling pain. Or do we too often think that Gods strength and qualities do not include his emotional character? When "The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time [except Noah]. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain." Think about that!

A thought just occurred to me. Take it as heresy or no. Perhaps Gods choice to let Jesus die on the cross was not just an act of a loving will, to undergo incredible pain for the salvation of his people, who he has chose to love. Perhaps two thing: first, he may have been in enough pain at mans wickedness that saving us would alleviate it (keep in mind that he planned to save us since he created the world and still LOVES us) because, well, if he didn't no one would be able to love him in the end. Second, the joy of gaining our love may have offset the pain of the cross. Perhaps that will give you a small idea of the pain God undergoes when we reject him. Basically like crucifixion.

God, through Jesus, holds out his hands to you. "Come, be saved and fall into my arms!"

the battle

Men of God, sons of the kingdom, and ambassadors of the living One,

Oftentimes we are discouraged because we see no physical battle before us. Demon-orcs do not jump out from behind corners, attacking our women, and we have no epic swords to slice our foes in half. We say, how can we be fighters when there is nothing to fight?

Men of God, this is a great deception that we must avoid! Wake up! Look around you! We have been caught asleep for a little while by the enemies tricks. No more!
The enemy does not come out physically that we can see. Instead, he is more subtle. Brothers, there is a deep river of darkness flowing through the world, sucking at our hearts and the hearts of the people. It is a stench of evil, a living fabric of lies, pain, and hatred. It pulls us to want and pursue things of this world that are worthless and cannot fill our craving for God. It causes disappointment, gluttony, anger, fear, worthlessness, pain, hatred, and disgust. In the end, it causes the heart to rot.

Brothers in arms, it is against THIS that we must fight. Stand fast in the current and do not let it sweep you down. Hold on to those who are dear to you and those who need saving. Stab fast and quick at lies that penetrate hearts, those of your own hearts, those of others, and those of mine.
My friends, it is not for nothing that truth is called a sword!
This is the sword, the truth, the word of God, and ultimately Jesus. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Now, realize also: we are to brandish the sword of truth. But this is also Jesus! My friends, you do not just have the truth at your side, you have Jesus! The warrior God is working for you as you fight!

So finally, my brothers, stand firm in your faith. For "if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’” Isaiah 7:9
This post was partially inspired by the song "Courageous" by Casting Crowns (you can find it on grooveshark)

Honor the king, fight for the kingdom, love our Lord
In Aslans name