War On Sin: God's View

We live in a world that is losing authenticity more and more. There is so much fake around us that it can be hard to know what is true anymore. Every day, for example, on my phone I get ads promising miracles that are clearly AI, not real: an image of a dish soap that can make an old pot look brand new, (and believe I have old pots so it pulls me in) or a lotion that will supposedly erase all wrinkles. I have to admit, I’m sometimes surprised by my own heart — I catch myself wanting to believe it and considering to order the product. Of course, I would love to say I never fall for any of it, but that would not be completely honest. Paul helps us understand why this happens. Of course sin disguises itself as good but it's fake. Paul speaks about the luring power of sin working in our natural selves (our ability to fall for the fake is stunning!) Paul even cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” That is the reality of our connection to sin — it is strong, and on our own, sin pulls us toward death like with a leash [My emphasis]. Sadly, sin can’t be fixed with more effort/discipline, but on the cross of Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus’ words about that generation are so sobering. They rejected John the Baptist, an authentic prophet, and also rejected the Son of Man. Jesus shows us that we can be blind and foolish when faced with God’s word. Instead of letting it correct us, we often resist it and choose our own path, even when that path leads us into trouble. Someone I would call truly authentic is John the Baptist: He was not the kind of man trying to fit into any system or win people’s approvals. Everything He said was true. No amount of bribe would change that. He spoke the truth because he wanted them to have a real chance at encountering the Kingdom of God in their hearts and consciences. When we hear God’s word, it exposes what we are really like inside. Most of us do not like being challenged,(anyone? how about spouses?) and that is part of why sin leaves us weary and burdened. Even our own conscience can become heavy when we resist what is true. So, there is a real battle before us: will we listen to the words of God’s kingdom? Or will we listen to the words of the world (Empires) and its systems? Some of you have lived through many presidents. They each told you what would make a marvellous society. Didn't they? Which voice will shape us? Theirs or God's? Jesus speaks directly into that inner struggle and says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” He invites us to take up His yoke, learn from Him, and find rest for our souls, because He is gentle and humble in heart. In other words, He is speaking to those of us who are tired from sin/ tired of bad news, tired from striving with little or no success, unable to respond rightly to God’s word. The prophet Zechariah had described this coming King as one who would arrive triumphantly, yet humbly, riding on a donkey. That image tells us something beautiful: Christ came to establish a kingdom that is not of this world — a spiritual kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. He does not come riding in to impress anyone. In Today's world, we would expect him to show up in a Boeing 747 just like our planet's leaders of wealthy nations. Nope, He rather came in meekness and humility, and called us to learn from Him. God also warned us not to place our confidence in our bank accounts, our horses, weapons, or our own strength, because if we trust in those things, we cut ourselves off from the power of God. The Kingdom of heaven is not established by force, but by the preaching of the Gospel of Peace to a world that is broken, divided, and searching for answers in all the wrong places. America, what is happening to you? As we celebrate 250 years of independence as a nation, please retain your sense of hope in God for tomorrow. This is a Gospel invitation to look unto Christ, surrender and rest in Him. That is the only way we can truly shake off sin and make it lose grip on us and find true freedom.

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