Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. Genesis 13:10, 11
There are examples in the scriptures of men and women who were willing to pay the price to take hold of everything God had planned for their lives. God wants us to glean everything we can from the life of Abraham, to help us in our quest for the prize of eternal life He has freely given us.
Have you ever thought about the two worlds you live in? You live in the natural world and you live in the spiritual world. Sometimes we fail to see the cause of weakness in us and what it is that hinders our walk with the Lord?
In the story of Abraham we can see two characters in manifestation; Abraham and Lot. In Genesis chapters 12 and 13 many years passed as the two men traveled together and prospered. Notice that when God called Abraham He didn’t tell him He was going to prosper him. However, He did say “I will bless you.” God blessed Abraham so he could be a blessing to others. But that blessing is not pertaining to material or physical blessings, it pertains to that which is eternal; the life of Christ as written in Colossians 2:3, “. . . in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Most of our life is a struggle between the natural and the spiritual. Galatians 5:17 explains this, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” An example of the natural man is Abraham living in Ur of the Chaldeans. His character and personality were formed in the surroundings of that city, which included his friends and his relationships. But now God gives him the challenge to leave his country and his family. God is stripping away the comfort and contentment formed by the environment that he lived in. As an example, you all have relationships; they become a part of your environment. The furnishings and décor in your home are an expression of what you like in the natural. This is your natural environment on display. How many of you have family members living in another state and you visited them; or you were on vacation and stayed in a beautiful hotel room with all the provisions. Before long you got an urge to return to your home. Why is that? You’re out of your natural environment.
When God spoke to Abraham as recorded in Acts 7:2, “. . . The God of glory appeared to our forefather Abraham . . .” He instilled a sense of destiny in him. Abraham could not be comfortable any longer in his home country; he was a discontented soul. This is the way it is with us. When you’re out of your spiritual environment you want to return to it where you can find peace and rest, which is Christ Jesus. You and I have been born again, not of the spirit of this world, but by the spirit and word of God. We have come into a new environment and that environment is Christ Jesus. He is our life; He is our comfort.
THE NATURAL MAN AND THE SPIRITUAL MAN CANNOT COEXIST.
Continuing with the story of Abraham and Lot, you will notice both went to Egypt, both left Egypt and both prospered. Their herds increased to the point they could not dwell together any longer. The herdsmen and herds represent self interest for well being and natural ambitions. Think of the spiritual and natural man in you as we read Genesis 13:8, “So Abraham said to Lot, Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east.” In our Christian walk we so often go astray because we don’t examine the consequences of our choices. If we would only take the time to look at our lives, we will discover that our tendencies are to live for the moment like Lot and not for the eternal. Both men prospered and increased. The more you accumulate in your environment; the harder it is to let it go when the spiritual man wants to grow. The dilemma is that one man has to die and be cut off in order for the other to progress. Notice Abraham’s character when he said “Is not the whole land before you?” Now, what is God showing us? The natural man and the spiritual man cannot coexist. This is a true test of our hearts because it is subtly possible to use our natural ambitions for spiritual aims. God shows us how the natural man (Lot) is selfish and self centered. Please read again verse 10, “Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company.” God’s process in us is stripping away the hindrances of the natural man. I Cor. 2:14 reads, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” God wants to expose those things in your life that are limiting and hindering your walk with Him. There is something else that I see very interesting; the title God gives Abraham when we read II Chron. 20:7, Isaiah 41:8, and James 2:23; Abraham the friend of God. Consider why he was called the friend of God. Jesus Christ said in John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Abraham surrendered his life so God could live His life through him. Are you willing to lay down your life so Christ can live through you? I want to be a friend of God.
To my brothers and sisters in the Middle East and across the world who don’t understand why they are going through intense testing; I pray this revelation will encourage you to continue trusting God. He wants us to trust Him. He leaves these examples in His word so we can see that the outcome is glory and praise unto our Lord and God. My word to you in your isolation is; God is bringing you closer to the time of revealing you to the world. God has placed you as a witness and testimony no matter what isolated mountain you’re ministering on or no matter where your secret place of worship is. The principalities and powers of the air will know this world belongs to Jesus Christ (Psalm 24:1). He has placed you where you are, because He will be revealed. You are positioned by divine appointment; neither man nor denomination put you there. We are all unique and special. God is not a respecter of persons; He loves you with the same love. We have been bought with the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. We have received life through His death and resurrection and that is exactly what He wants us to know by His spirit. He has given us eternal life now and forever through His Son Jesus Christ. This is why I preach, “Christ and Christ crucified”. My prayer and deepest passion is that the measure of Christ increase in you through this message.
No comments:
Post a Comment