More Power to You By: Pastor Calvin C. Hays November 6, 2014 “THUS SAYS THE LORD”, a four-word declaration of truth that, for the most part, is unwanted and unheard. Certainly, it is also unheeded. Every Prophet introduced his message with these words as if to say: “I am the messenger, but the message originates much higher up than from my own heart.” The Prophet was thrilled when his word announced blessing and health. He always believed his own message. He knew where it came from. That is why he was agonized when he was sent to proclaim judgment and even calamity, his eyes were wet as Jeremiah’s were and he was grieved as Amos was. The voice of the Prophet is near silent in our land today. The evolution of God (and that is what it is) has turned Him into a gentle, almost uncaring and unknowing teddy bear. We are invited to cuddle God and rub His head ever so lovingly that, like the genie from the bottle, God can pop-up as a kind of spiritual playmate for us. The authoritative voice of God is seldom heard. The Bible lies dust covered on the shelf under “50 Shades of Grey” of in its place we fondle the speculations of those who pit their ideas against the historic revelation of God. If God has said anything at all, it must be verified and confirmed by the experts among us whose proofs outweigh the authority of God. “Till then, we can’t trust His Word.” In this way, the words of mere men trump the revelations of God that have survived the ages. We need not be surprised that the totems, idols and dumb statues that so many have fallen on their faces to worship are indeed silent. Nor, should we be surprised that their followers feel bound to put words in their mouths. As a people, we want whatever we worship to move, speak, or do something to prove reality. When they don’t, we may do it for them! However with Jesus Christ the story is radically different. He does move, speak, touch, work, and go beyond all limits to demonstrate His big-hearted love for the world which He was sent to save. We have the incarnation, the ministry formation, the miracles, the preachings, teachings, healings, the trial, the cross, the burial, and the resurrection to manifest the authenticity of His offices as Prophet, Priest and King. When we hear Him declare: “THUS SAYS THE LORD”…the Father and I are One, we can hardly sweep it away and then He adds that awesome assurance: “Verily I say unto you, whosoever believes in me, hath everlasting life, shall not come into condemnation, and is passed from death unto life!” If that isn’t enough for you, what will it take?
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 01:56:34 +0000