"Hidden Cracks"
Slowly he rose, and the crowd fell silent. People sat up straight in their seats. All of their eyes locked on him. Those at the back, leaned forward, straining to hear his words. The atmosphere was electric and fragile; and could implode at any second.
He spoke carefully chosen words, that flew like swift arrows (all around), and finally, found their mark. This great man, a spokesman for God, was warning and condemning.
The crowd became restless, shifting in their seats; rejecting his prophecies. The crowd whispered and murmured. Some agreed with his message, nodding their heads and weeping softly; others disagreed. Their faces grew red with anger and they began to shout insults and threats, at the man.
Such was the life of a prophet!
Lets Pray;
Dear Lord, may the words of my mouth and the mediations of our hearts, be pleasing to you. Amen.
The office of prophet was instituted during the days of Samuel; the last of the judges. Prophets stood with priests, as God’s special representatives. A priest’s job was to be the go-between, liaison, the link, the connection, between God and His people. The Prophet’s role was to speak on behalf of God, to speak for God, confronting the people, and their leaders, with God’s commands, warnings and promises.
Because of this confrontational style, and the continuing tendency of the people to disobey God, true prophets were not very popular and not especially liked.
And even though their messages often went unheeded, and even though their messages often went ignored, and even though their messages were often warnings of the consequences of their own bad behavior, and even though these warnings if future hardships were laughed and scorned at; and even through all this, the prophet faithfully and forcefully claimed and proclaimed God’s truth.
Isaiah is considered to be the greatest prophet of all; he brought the messages of God to the people without fail. In the beginning of his ministry, he was well-liked, but, he too became unpopular and scorned by the people to whom he brought God’s message.
They yelled;
You are a liar!
We don’t trust you!
We don’t believe you.
Why should we listen to you?
You bring nothing but bad news!
The messages that Isaiah (as well as other prophets) brought were difficult to hear, for the messages, called for people to turn from their lives of sin; and warned them of God’s judgment and punishment. ‘Not very pleasant.’
Isaiah was the prophet, during the time of the division of the Kingdom of Israel. After the death of great King Solomon, the land was filled with hatred and jealousness, between and among the people of the12 tribes. Unity was forgotten, as resentfulness and suspiciousness re-surfaced from long ago; and in 920 BCE, the Kingdom of Israel spilt in two.
The Assyrian Period, of Judah history, was when Judah and Israel (both the northern and southern nations) were both captured and ruled by the Assyrians.
The main purpose of the book of Isaiah, was to call the nation of Judah back to God and to tell of God’s salvation through the coming messiah.
The first 39 chapters of this book (generally speaking) carry the message of judgment for sin. Isaiah brings this message to Judah (to the south), Israel (to the north), and the surrounding pagan nations.
Their hearts were corrupt, and the warnings were intended to purify the people, by helping them understand God’s true nature and message.
So, what is God’s true nature and message? The message is a positive one, but requires work, commitment and change.
We begin our story, today, as Isaiah tries and tries to deliver God’ message of salvation to the nation of Judah.
The people of Judah had rebelled against God and sought advice from everyone but Him. They were seeking a defensive alliance with Egypt, against (their captors) Assyria. The negotiations for an alliance were underway, and Isaiah condemned Judah’s twisted plans. They were driven by fear, searching everywhere for comfort, advice and relief – hoping to find an easy way out of their troubles.
We are no different and seek help in times of emergency, when we should seek God’s guidance through out our entire life.
Isaiah 30 is A Warning for Rebellious Judah
Verse 8; “Now go and write down these words (concerning Egypt). Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness (to Israel’s unbelief).”
God did everything He could to prevent Israel’s destruction. He only wanted a covenant people who were committed to His ways and follow His will.
Judah’s plans for survival (as they turned from God), only added to their sins; and the impending - natural and logical consequences. Judah is riddled with moral and spiritual disease; the people are neglecting God as they bow to ritualism and selfishness. They continued to sin and find other ways to free themselves from their captivity in their own land; by the Assyrians. Judah need only turn to God for protection and deliverance.
God told the prophet, Isaiah, to write down what He said as a warning and a testament and testimony of what He was trying to do for Judah. God wanted a record so other could learn from Judah’s mistakes.
Verse 9; “For these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the Lord’s instructions.”
The Lord knew that Egypt would be of no help to Judah; but they sent caravans laden with rich presents, from Jerusalem, making their way through the beast-infested desert of the south, to seek aid. Egypt would be of no benefit and Judah would fall.
The nation of Judah was a rebellious nation and turn away from God, because they did not want to turn away from the pleasures of their sins.
Verses 10 & 11; “They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right (the truth). Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.”
“Forget all this gloom. We have heard more than enough about your Holy One of Israel. We are tired of listening to what he has to say. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your Holy One of Israel.”
Sometimes, we simply want to hear, what we want to hear. We want to hear good things, we want complaints, we only want the good news; and often attack the messenger of bad news.
The people of Judah sought refuge in Egypt, and had a desire to hear, only the good news about their safety and security. They did not welcome, or want to hear the truth from God’s prophet.
They preferred to hear the lies and illusions that would make then feel better about their situation and struggles; Egypt would rescue them, protect them from the Assyrians (and later the Babylonians).
Question. But, was it not from Egyptian captivity, that the nation of Israel once escaped from? And now, they were going back to their once enemies, and asking for help. Smart plan?
We do the same thing at times. We will keep doing what we’re doing, and keeping getting what we’re getting; and wonder why it’s not working. Often lies and illusions make us feel better, because we don’t have to acknowledge the truth.
Sometimes living a lie is easier, than facing the truth.
That, in itself is a lie!
Verses 12 & 13; “This is the reply of the Holy One of Israel: “Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come upon you suddenly—It will be like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it will collapse and come crashing down.”
The sin of the people, was like a crack in a wall, unnoticed at first, but one day the crack would cause the wall to bulge out and collapse suddenly (without warning).
Even though the wall would collapse without warning, God, through His prophet Isaiah, was warning Judah well in advance. Judah simply refused to listen to the truth.
Verse 14; “You will be smashed like a piece of pottery—shattered so completely that there won’t be a piece left that is big enough to carry coals from a fireplace or a little water from the well.”
The approaching destruction would be complete, if it was not averted; and turning to God in repentance is the only prevention to this disaster. Judah simply refused to listen to the truth.
Verses 15, 16 & 17;
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.’
You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ ‘But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
“One of them will chase a thousand of you. Five of them will make all of you flee. You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.”
Isaiah consistently called Judah to trust God in the most difficult political and military situations, but Judah consistently trusted her political alliances (like Egypt).
Isaiah trusted in the God that proved His military might during the Exodus, and the conquest of Canaan; now Isaiah was trying to convince Judah to do the same. He called for them to return, and rest in God; who would give them strength for victory over their oppressors – the Assyrians. Judah simply refused to listen to the truth.
God knew, and Isaiah knew, that Egypt could not be trusted and would flee as the first sign of trouble, and in the moment of crisis; leaving Judah defenseless. Judah refused to listen to the prophecies of the Lord; so the Lord had Isaiah write it in a book to remind future generations that God banished those who believe in their own power, instead of God’s power. Judah simply refused to listen to the truth.
As a result of Judah’s rebellious behavior and failure to heed God’s messages through the prophets, the nation suffered long and hard during the Assyrian Period (of captivity), then the Babylonian Period (of captivity), and finally, the Persian Period (of captivity); natural and logical consequences of not trusting in the Lord.
God (sometimes) punishes His people to teach them the necessity of following Him. Judah simply refused to listen to the truth.
But, that’s not the rest of the story;
After the punishment, God appeared again as the teacher, present with His people, to direct them along every step of the pathway of life.
In verse 18, Blessings for the Lord’s People;
“But, the Lord must wait for you to come to him, so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”
God reacts to human obedience, by showering His blessings upon us. He rewards us for keeping our covenant commitment with Him. Because He saved us, we can trust Him and be peacefully confident that He will give us strength to face our difficulties. And in those times of trail, we should lay aside our well-laid plans, and allow Him to act.
God expects a lot from us, and many times following Him can be difficult and painful, as our enemies surrounds us. The next time you go through trails and troubles, remember that He always acts out of love. Try to appreciate the experience and grow from it – learning what God wants to teach us, at that moment.
God may be showing you His love, by patiently walking with you through adversity; searching for those "Hidden Cracks."
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
"Far From Home"
Far From Home
I was compelled to write this sermon, based 2 separate comments, from 2 separate people.
Prayer request at Friday night Bible study:
“I want to prayer for the people who think they are so far away from God, that they can’t get back.”
Comment from my blog:
“Bible Study is a blessing, isn't it? What a great time to sit around with other people who are as equally un-perfect as you, learning about our un-perfect Bible "heroes" and how they endeavored to overcome their struggles with the various sins that they committed. It is a blessing to know that, since God loved THEM, he can love US too. Equal blessing, to realize that it is never God who puts space between us and Him, but rather US who drift. It is comforting to know that He is always there beside us no matter HOW far away from Him we think we are.”
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Luke 15:4-7;
4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the book – The Pioneers of Canaan; by Marie Bishop.
“Richard Tetzlaff was born at Klein Porske, in the Russian Ukraine in 1889 and died December 31, 1988, in Canaan, NS. Richard’s ancestors had been among the first skilled Germans imported to Russia by Catherine the Great. They had enjoyed the fruits of German citizenship, including freedom of religion, work and travel. However, the Russians soon demanded loyalty, and the Tetzlaff family, along with others, left the country. The family settled in Lotz, Poland.
Since German citizens were expected to serve 3 years in the military, Richard joined the Prussian Army. Following his Army stint, he returned to Poland, became a skilled haberdasher, and married Melletta. Their son Arthur Max, was born in 1913.
The outbreak of World War I again took Richard from his home and loved ones. He and other German loyalists were rounded up by the Russian authorities and sent to Siberia, where they had to fend for themselves. Following the fall of the Russian monarchy in 1917, Richard was taken prisoner by a retreating White Army. Four months later, the officers, fearing for their lives, disbanded leaving soldiers and prisoners behind. After being helped by Siberian natives and getting their strength back, Richard and a companion decided to walk from their location near the Sea of Japan to Moscow. Following railroad tracks, seeking shelter from raging blizzards, stumbling over the frozen remains of Russian soldiers, the trip was a nightmare of struggle for survival. When they reached Moscow, the International Red Cross helped them. When he reached home the trip had taken nearly 2 years and he was in poor health.
In the 1920’s Richard moved his family to Germany…Richard, Melletta and Max came to Canada in 1931, buying a 350-acre farm in Canaan.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Tetzlaff traveled clear across the Continent of Asia, on his way back home to Moscow, Russia. He traveled between 4 and 5000 miles (maybe more). He faced many hardship, he faced many dangers and at times he must have felt completely and utterly alone; for he was far, ‘far from home.’
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Often Christians can feel the very same way. We feel so far away from God, that we think we can’t ever get back. And there are times we think that God doesn’t even want us back, or we don’t want to go back. We’d sooner live our lives in isolation.
Let me tell you this, that isolation is created by you, and not by God. God knows that we are sinful and that sometimes we fail and fall. But it is God’s mercy and grace that restores us to a right relationship with Him. He doesn’t push you away, you push Him away. He is always ready to forgive you.
In Isaiah 1:4-7 says;
“Oh, what a sinful nation they are—loaded down with a burden of guilt. They are evil people, corrupt children who have rejected the Lord. They have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick. You are battered from head to foot—covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds—without any soothing ointments or bandages.
Your country lies in ruins, and your towns are burned. Foreigners plunder your fields before your eyes and destroy everything they see.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As long as the people of Judah continued to sin, they cut themselves off from God’s help, and they isolated themselves.
Just as Mr. Tetzlaff, hid, creep, and secretly traveled his way back home to Moscow; keeping out of the sight of Russian armies and their allies, we too, when separated from God, hid and don’t want anyone else to know. We isolate ourselves from family and friends, and from God’s saving grace.
Richard Tetzlaff, was on his own, he never asked anything of anybody; he faced his ordeal absolutely alone.
When you feel lonely and separated from God, remember that God does not abandon you. Our own actions and sins, cut us off from Him – He doesn’t cut us off. The only sure cure of this kind of loneliness is to restore a meaningful relationship with God, by confessing your sins, obeying His instructions (reading the Bible), and communicating regularly with Him through prayer.
Later in Isaiah 1:16-19, we hear God’s instructions;
“Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If you will only obey me,
you will have plenty to eat.”
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You don’t have to go through life, permanently soiled and stained with the mark of sin. Those stains, seems virtually impossible for us to erase. But, God can remove sin’s mark from our life; the same as He had promised to do for the Israelites – He can and will do for you.
God’s word assures us that if we are willing and obedient, He will forgive us and remove our most indelible satins – and we never have to travel secretly and in seclusion, like Mr. Tetzlaff did on his journey back home.
To whom can the poor, the lowly, the hungry, the thirsty, the persecuted, the hurting, the suffering, and all those lost and so far away from home – to whom can all these people turn to in their time of need? Is there no one, now, that there is this great separation and divide - is there anyone? In your separation, are you lost forever?
NO, you are not! There is still hope, for there is always someone on your side. You may look and see only division of time, place and deed. But, God sees something else, and offers common ground, a firm foundation and comfort.
The Lord had always been standing right beside you, but you have not seen Him. No matter what the situation is, has been, or will be, the Lord is always present.
In Psalm 140; David assures us of this;
“But, I know the Lord will surely help those who are persecuted; He will maintain the rights of the poor. Surely the godly are praising His name, for they will live in His presence.”
Even though you may feel separated from God, and ‘far from home,’ He helps the godly (you), and you can live in His presence always.
In the Psalm of David, 51;
We hear David finally admitting his wrongdoings. Among other things, he has committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. David is so far away from God at this point, that he must think he can never get back. But, he confesses his sins to God and asks for forgiveness. David recognizes his shameful deeds, he acknowledges he is a sinner, and knows he has done evil in the Lord’s sight. He admits, he confesses, he repents, and he asks to be forgiven.
And David asks the Lord, specifically;
Blot out the stain of my sins,
Wash me clean from my guilt,
Purify me from within,
Give me back my joy again,
Don’t keep looking at my sins,
Create in me a clean heart,
Renew a right spirit within me,
Do not banish me from your presence,
Don’t take your spirit from me,
Restore to me again, the joy of your salvation,
Make me willing, to obey you,
And, now, let me rejoice.
No sin is too great for God to forgive, and you are never too far from home. Each and every journey, begins with one single step. Mr. Tetzlaff’s journey, back home, 5000 miles and two years later, began with one single step. Your journey back home, will begin with one single step – fall to your knees and pray for forgiveness.
God says; “Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you..”
Sin does not separate you from God, failure to confess and repent of your sins does.
When you are faced with crushing troubles, staggering struggles, and powerful pain, you can have faith that God is close by and ready, willing, and able, to help. You are never that ‘far from home,’ that God won’t ever want you back.
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Let’s listen to the words of this song:
(Thief of Always Lyrics, by Jaci Velasquez)
“Before the winter chill has gone
The springtime rivers rise
Before the setting sun has disappeared
The moon is rising high
And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know His love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the Lord to touch your life
Before the trees have shed
Their autumn gold
To leave the barest bark
The frost beneath our feet
Will sparkle bright
Like crystals under the sky
And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know His love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the Lord to touch your life
Don't ever doubt that God
Can lift us high
Allow the flame of Heaven
To be our guide
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know His love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the Lord to touch your life”
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Let me remind you of what Jesus says about lost sheep;
Luke 15:4-7
4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"
We are nothing, but lost sheep, and God urges us to live every moment, in Christ, as if it were our last. Some who are lost will never again know the love of God, for they will never cry out to Him.
God’s love for each of you is so great, that He is constantly searching, when you wander off the path. He seeks out each one and rejoices when you are found. God sent Jesus to earth, to find the lost, those considered beyond hope, and those who feel they are so far away from God, that they can’t get back.
God tenderly searches for the lost sinners of this world, and joyfully forgives them, with an extraordinary love. He is concerned for every human being He has ever created.
Matthew 18:14 says; “In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will, that even one of these little ones should perish.”
It is that extraordinary love that God has for you. If you feel far from God, don’t despair; make yourself known, cry for help, reach out to God, let Him know where you are; for He is search for you, and He knows you’re “far from home.”
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Let us pray;
Dear God,
We do get lost along the path to you and your glory. We are walking in the wilderness and at times we are so afraid. We are afraid that you will punish us for what we have done. We are afraid you may not want us back. We are afraid of the unknown and we do not understand.
Please God, come find us. Amen.
I was compelled to write this sermon, based 2 separate comments, from 2 separate people.
Prayer request at Friday night Bible study:
“I want to prayer for the people who think they are so far away from God, that they can’t get back.”
Comment from my blog:
“Bible Study is a blessing, isn't it? What a great time to sit around with other people who are as equally un-perfect as you, learning about our un-perfect Bible "heroes" and how they endeavored to overcome their struggles with the various sins that they committed. It is a blessing to know that, since God loved THEM, he can love US too. Equal blessing, to realize that it is never God who puts space between us and Him, but rather US who drift. It is comforting to know that He is always there beside us no matter HOW far away from Him we think we are.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 15:4-7;
4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the book – The Pioneers of Canaan; by Marie Bishop.
“Richard Tetzlaff was born at Klein Porske, in the Russian Ukraine in 1889 and died December 31, 1988, in Canaan, NS. Richard’s ancestors had been among the first skilled Germans imported to Russia by Catherine the Great. They had enjoyed the fruits of German citizenship, including freedom of religion, work and travel. However, the Russians soon demanded loyalty, and the Tetzlaff family, along with others, left the country. The family settled in Lotz, Poland.
Since German citizens were expected to serve 3 years in the military, Richard joined the Prussian Army. Following his Army stint, he returned to Poland, became a skilled haberdasher, and married Melletta. Their son Arthur Max, was born in 1913.
The outbreak of World War I again took Richard from his home and loved ones. He and other German loyalists were rounded up by the Russian authorities and sent to Siberia, where they had to fend for themselves. Following the fall of the Russian monarchy in 1917, Richard was taken prisoner by a retreating White Army. Four months later, the officers, fearing for their lives, disbanded leaving soldiers and prisoners behind. After being helped by Siberian natives and getting their strength back, Richard and a companion decided to walk from their location near the Sea of Japan to Moscow. Following railroad tracks, seeking shelter from raging blizzards, stumbling over the frozen remains of Russian soldiers, the trip was a nightmare of struggle for survival. When they reached Moscow, the International Red Cross helped them. When he reached home the trip had taken nearly 2 years and he was in poor health.
In the 1920’s Richard moved his family to Germany…Richard, Melletta and Max came to Canada in 1931, buying a 350-acre farm in Canaan.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Tetzlaff traveled clear across the Continent of Asia, on his way back home to Moscow, Russia. He traveled between 4 and 5000 miles (maybe more). He faced many hardship, he faced many dangers and at times he must have felt completely and utterly alone; for he was far, ‘far from home.’
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Often Christians can feel the very same way. We feel so far away from God, that we think we can’t ever get back. And there are times we think that God doesn’t even want us back, or we don’t want to go back. We’d sooner live our lives in isolation.
Let me tell you this, that isolation is created by you, and not by God. God knows that we are sinful and that sometimes we fail and fall. But it is God’s mercy and grace that restores us to a right relationship with Him. He doesn’t push you away, you push Him away. He is always ready to forgive you.
In Isaiah 1:4-7 says;
“Oh, what a sinful nation they are—loaded down with a burden of guilt. They are evil people, corrupt children who have rejected the Lord. They have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick. You are battered from head to foot—covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds—without any soothing ointments or bandages.
Your country lies in ruins, and your towns are burned. Foreigners plunder your fields before your eyes and destroy everything they see.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As long as the people of Judah continued to sin, they cut themselves off from God’s help, and they isolated themselves.
Just as Mr. Tetzlaff, hid, creep, and secretly traveled his way back home to Moscow; keeping out of the sight of Russian armies and their allies, we too, when separated from God, hid and don’t want anyone else to know. We isolate ourselves from family and friends, and from God’s saving grace.
Richard Tetzlaff, was on his own, he never asked anything of anybody; he faced his ordeal absolutely alone.
When you feel lonely and separated from God, remember that God does not abandon you. Our own actions and sins, cut us off from Him – He doesn’t cut us off. The only sure cure of this kind of loneliness is to restore a meaningful relationship with God, by confessing your sins, obeying His instructions (reading the Bible), and communicating regularly with Him through prayer.
Later in Isaiah 1:16-19, we hear God’s instructions;
“Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If you will only obey me,
you will have plenty to eat.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You don’t have to go through life, permanently soiled and stained with the mark of sin. Those stains, seems virtually impossible for us to erase. But, God can remove sin’s mark from our life; the same as He had promised to do for the Israelites – He can and will do for you.
God’s word assures us that if we are willing and obedient, He will forgive us and remove our most indelible satins – and we never have to travel secretly and in seclusion, like Mr. Tetzlaff did on his journey back home.
To whom can the poor, the lowly, the hungry, the thirsty, the persecuted, the hurting, the suffering, and all those lost and so far away from home – to whom can all these people turn to in their time of need? Is there no one, now, that there is this great separation and divide - is there anyone? In your separation, are you lost forever?
NO, you are not! There is still hope, for there is always someone on your side. You may look and see only division of time, place and deed. But, God sees something else, and offers common ground, a firm foundation and comfort.
The Lord had always been standing right beside you, but you have not seen Him. No matter what the situation is, has been, or will be, the Lord is always present.
In Psalm 140; David assures us of this;
“But, I know the Lord will surely help those who are persecuted; He will maintain the rights of the poor. Surely the godly are praising His name, for they will live in His presence.”
Even though you may feel separated from God, and ‘far from home,’ He helps the godly (you), and you can live in His presence always.
In the Psalm of David, 51;
We hear David finally admitting his wrongdoings. Among other things, he has committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. David is so far away from God at this point, that he must think he can never get back. But, he confesses his sins to God and asks for forgiveness. David recognizes his shameful deeds, he acknowledges he is a sinner, and knows he has done evil in the Lord’s sight. He admits, he confesses, he repents, and he asks to be forgiven.
And David asks the Lord, specifically;
Blot out the stain of my sins,
Wash me clean from my guilt,
Purify me from within,
Give me back my joy again,
Don’t keep looking at my sins,
Create in me a clean heart,
Renew a right spirit within me,
Do not banish me from your presence,
Don’t take your spirit from me,
Restore to me again, the joy of your salvation,
Make me willing, to obey you,
And, now, let me rejoice.
No sin is too great for God to forgive, and you are never too far from home. Each and every journey, begins with one single step. Mr. Tetzlaff’s journey, back home, 5000 miles and two years later, began with one single step. Your journey back home, will begin with one single step – fall to your knees and pray for forgiveness.
God says; “Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you..”
Sin does not separate you from God, failure to confess and repent of your sins does.
When you are faced with crushing troubles, staggering struggles, and powerful pain, you can have faith that God is close by and ready, willing, and able, to help. You are never that ‘far from home,’ that God won’t ever want you back.
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Let’s listen to the words of this song:
(Thief of Always Lyrics, by Jaci Velasquez)
“Before the winter chill has gone
The springtime rivers rise
Before the setting sun has disappeared
The moon is rising high
And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know His love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the Lord to touch your life
Before the trees have shed
Their autumn gold
To leave the barest bark
The frost beneath our feet
Will sparkle bright
Like crystals under the sky
And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know His love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the Lord to touch your life
Don't ever doubt that God
Can lift us high
Allow the flame of Heaven
To be our guide
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know His love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the Lord to touch your life”
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Let me remind you of what Jesus says about lost sheep;
Luke 15:4-7
4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"
We are nothing, but lost sheep, and God urges us to live every moment, in Christ, as if it were our last. Some who are lost will never again know the love of God, for they will never cry out to Him.
God’s love for each of you is so great, that He is constantly searching, when you wander off the path. He seeks out each one and rejoices when you are found. God sent Jesus to earth, to find the lost, those considered beyond hope, and those who feel they are so far away from God, that they can’t get back.
God tenderly searches for the lost sinners of this world, and joyfully forgives them, with an extraordinary love. He is concerned for every human being He has ever created.
Matthew 18:14 says; “In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will, that even one of these little ones should perish.”
It is that extraordinary love that God has for you. If you feel far from God, don’t despair; make yourself known, cry for help, reach out to God, let Him know where you are; for He is search for you, and He knows you’re “far from home.”
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Let us pray;
Dear God,
We do get lost along the path to you and your glory. We are walking in the wilderness and at times we are so afraid. We are afraid that you will punish us for what we have done. We are afraid you may not want us back. We are afraid of the unknown and we do not understand.
Please God, come find us. Amen.
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