"Yet the children of your people say, 'The way of the Lord is not fair.' But it is their way which is not fair!” (Ezekiel 33:17)

The very justice of God is of tremendous importance.  Abraham acknowledged this when interceding with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah.  (Genesis 18:25)  A righteous man’s security depends on the truth that God is always equitable and fair.

However, through the ages man has been prone to question God’s justice.  In the days of Ezekiel, Israel questioned the way God had treated her as a nation.  (Ezekiel 18:1-32)  The prophet taught them this important lesson:  “God does not deal with us according to the conduct of our fathers, nor according to our past, but according to who we are right now”!

There are times when we are tempted to question God’s justice.  The world abounds in inequities.  Good people suffer.  Wicked people prosper.  This causes us to be hasty in our judgment of God.  Our limited knowledge of all the ways of God may hinder us from recognizing the benefits he is bringing to us.  

In addition we are slow to acknowledge God’s power to change lives.  We quickly label an individual according to past conduct.  Acceptance and pardon is difficult.  It is a challenge to believe God and his word can profoundly alter a life.

It is also common to call God unjust when we suffer for our own foolishness.  God’s message to Israel:  “Consider your ways!”  (Ezekiel 18:32)  It would be better to spend our time in self-examination rather than blaming God!

It is comforting to know that God is just.  It is very consoling to know he is merciful.  It is only a living faith and perfect submission that God accepts.

By George Slover
 

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”  (Colossians 2:6,7)

It was through Epaphras that the gospel came to the city of Colosee. They had received Jesus as the fullness of God, and Savior of their souls. This reception brought great joy.

However, Paul is now urging them to continue in Christ. The Gnostic heresy threatened the souls of these disciples. Paul uses three metaphors to encourage them to progress in their faith.

What path are you on? They were to walk in Christ. They were to walk according to the parameters of Christ’s truth. Every move and every motive was to be found in him.

How deep is your root? They must be rooted in Jesus. On several occasions Paul uses this figure to describe a condition of steadfastness and maturity. (Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 3:17-19)  From this root springs the fruits of knowledge, love, joy, and good works. The present active tense of the verb implies a continued progress.

How solid is your foundation? They were to be established in faith. This common New Testament theme refers to the need for stability. Whether it is “the faith” (see NKJV) - i.e. steadfastness in doctrine, or “your faith” (see NASB ) - i.e. personal conviction, both are essential.The constant barrage of worldliness, persecution, and false doctrine call for a firm foundation.

These positions in Christ must be accompanied by an overflow of thanksgiving. Enjoying the fullness of Christ will provide a heart full of grace and gratitude. We must constantly strive to do the things that please him.

By George Slover

Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.”  (Proverbs 30:8,9)

Here the wise man reflects on the danger of two extremes: poverty or wealth. I do not wish to sound too political, but It seems that current government officials are determined to remove the middle man from our society. Regardless of their agenda, we must be more concerned with important lessons God offers in this passage of Scripture.

Time and again, the Bible reminds us that wealth can lead to self-sufficiency and forgetting God. From Israel we learn that a land of milk and honey can cause one's heart to be lifted up against God. (Deuteronomy 8:12) Jesus said it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven. (Mark 10:23) Paul instructs us to focus on eternity and not uncertain riches. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

But just as wealth has its challenges, so does poverty. I know very few who have experienced the true pangs of hunger. But, the wise man implies that poverty has a way of distorting one's moral compass. Imagine the emotions of a parent witnessing their starving children. Before long the emotion wears them down and dishonesty and greed set in.

Thus, the wise man prays for the middle ground. By middle ground, I assume he means nothing more than the daily bread. God promises to provide the basic provisions necessary for his children to carry out their mission of pursuing his kingdom. (Matthew 6:33)

Actually, this middle ground  is as much a state of mind as it is a state of economic status. Paul said, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:11,12) It is more of an inward, not an outward sufficiency.

“Dear Lord, let not greed overwhelm us, but let us rejoice and whatever the day brings, knowing that you are our Father, Caretaker, and Provider.”

By George Slover
 

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Living each day for God is often challenged by personal temptations, by people who disappoint us, and by physical trials.  Many opportunities for failure and discouragement are presented to the Christian.

Where can the child of God go for help?  Certainly, one should be able to go to brethren, or friends or family for support.  However, there are times when men fail us, but not God, for He is faithful. Men may disposed to do you wrong but, God will “establish you and guard you from the evil one”. This is the promise of God.

To “establish” is to make stable, to strengthen, to make firm.   In Colossians 2:6,7, Paul commands: “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.”  Believers can be established when they come to God’s word and allow it to influence their lives.  It will be manifested by (II Thessalonians 1:3) a growing faith, ( II Thessalonians 1:3) an abounding love, and (II Thessalonians 1:4)an enduring patience.

It is equally reassuring to know that God will faithfully guard us from the evil one.  Jesus commands us to pray:  “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)  Paul then assures us that God will deliver on our request by providing a way of escape in time of temptation (I Corinthians 10:13).  God, according to Ephesians 6:10-17,  supplies us with the armor necessary to win the battle.  God is faithful!

This is so wonderful to contemplate! What great consolation to the faithful Christian to know that God is always loyal to the “cause” they love.  We have all failed God on several occasions, but He has never failed us!  God wants us to succeed!  He is faithful!

George Slover