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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
For what? To catch us in some mindless indiscretion or involved in secret sin; to accuse me of hypocrisy? If we were to engage in such he certainly wouldn’t be pleased, and discipline is sometimes part of his solution to bringing us back into conformity with his will. But this surprising, comforting and encouraging scripture assures us that his search is intended to find and “…strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
I am fully aware of the numerous times scripture encourages us to seek out God diligently and purposefully (Deuteronomy 4:29; Luke 18:1-7 and Matthew 7:7,8), but I was unaware of or had forgotten the many times scripture assures us of God’s diligent search for someone to bless as a result of their faithfulness. “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth – he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do… The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,…” Psalm 33:13-15 & 18,19
This speaks somewhat to placing ourselves in a position to be blessed, kind of like making our own luck Ppon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” Psalm 53:2; “…his eyes examine them.” Psalm 11:4
Throughout scripture, God addresses the idea of his omniscience – his ability to see, know and respond to people far and near. For instance, “Am I only a God nearby … and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” Jeremiah 23:23,24And, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 For, “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5 (See also Matthew 16:37; Rom. 2:6-8,2 Corinthians 5:10)
Why would what I do – how I behave – be such an issue for God? Christ paid a terrible price to secure our release from the debt of sin. As, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Therefore, “(We) are not (our) own; (we) were bought at a price.” And should, “…honor God with our (bodies and lives).” 1 Corinthians 6:19,20
“God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished…” Romans 3:25; and truth be told, we “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …” Romans 3:23; making us vulnerable to the wages of sin we’ve earned for rebellion and imperfection. (Romans 6:23) “…he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:26 The Prophet Habakkuk asserting that, “(God’s) eyes are too pure to look on evil; (He) cannot tolerate wrong.” Habakkuk 1:13 Thus the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, which insists “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22 (See also Leviticus 8:15 & 17:11) Which has now been superseded by the more complete – once for all – sacrifice of the New. (Hebrews 9:23-28)
He approaches the throne of God on our behalf, interceding for us before the Father. (Hebrews 7:25 & 8:1,2) But what does that mean? The act of interceding is characterized by someone placing themselves between opposing parties, mediating conflicting ideas; intervening and pleading for the cause of one individual to another. Christ does all the above for us. Besides the opportunity offered us for redemption on Golgatha’s Hill, he continues to intercede for us as we imperfectly live our lives in response to his call to follow him. (Romans 8:34)
That speaks to active participation in our lives, Jesus himself explaining that he had come, “…to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 Which should instill in us the desire to, “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,…” Matthew 6:33; worshiping him for who he is, what he has done, and what he promises to do. Especially as we realize that such, “…are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” John 4:23 Even when we don’t know how to respond or what to ask for we are assured of help in seeking God’s will and the ability to live it out through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 14:25,26 & 16:13); who communicates with God on a level we are at times incapable of. (Romans 8:26,27)
“What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Romans 8:31-35
All these things can, and some of them probably will, disrupt our plans and sense of well-being; but in reality, none of them can erase God’s purpose from our lives unless we allow them to. For, “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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