Slip between Cup and Lip!

By -
"If we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, we will become partakers of Christ" (Heb 3:14)

God chose the people of Israel for Himself; He called them by name and knew them; He separated them from others so they might live holy; He held their hands and taught them to walk; He carried them on His shoulders like a father. They were His portion and inheritance. He could not be silent when they were suffering as Egyptian slaves. He miraculously delivered them. However, these people could not enter Canaan, the land of promise. Why? Just because of unbelief (Heb 3:19). Their sins might have been many, but unbelief was their major offense. "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb 11:6). The only condition for entry into Heaven is solid faith on the "Rock of Ages." The only reason why people go to hell is because of unbelief.

Even Moses and Aaron, who were leading the people of Israel, could not enter Canaan. What was their sin anyway? Moses grew as a charming child on the faith fed by his mother. By faith he had said no to the sinful pleasures of Egypt so he could identify with the sufferings of God's people. God Himself had testified about him that he was faithful before Him in all things; and there was no prophet like him before or after.

Aaron also was not an ordinary person. He had been specially called by God to be a High Priest. Both he and Moses were used by God to perform unusual miracles to lead His people out of Egypt. But their faith gave way in a difficult situation. They did not believe the Word of the Lord that water would gush out of the rock if they just talked to the rock. God declared to them in anger, "Because you did not trust Me enough to demonstrate My holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!" (Num 20:12). See the awfulness of unbelief which prevented the very leaders from entering Canaan! Moses was of course allowed to "see" the Promised Land, but was not permitted to "enter" it (Dt 32:52). A slip between cup and lip!

There are so many conditions to inherit the promises of God and receive answers from Him for our prayers. But the fundamentally basic one is faith. Let's begin to believe today to receive whatever blessings have been delaying for long. God's mighty arm will start working for us.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God!
(R. Kelso Carter, 1849-1928, athlete, preacher, physician) 

  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bold Voice

By -
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches"  (Rev 3:13)  Precious Child, I want to bring you out of your apprehensions to witness for Christ. You are afraid that people might mock at you. Your throat chokes every time you want to open your mouth to share the Gospel. The fear of ridicule silences you. Don't feel bad about it, My child. This was the problem of the disciples of Jesus also even though they had walked with Him for over three years. Can you imagine how a key figure like Peter could ever deny and disown Christ? Their weakness overpowered their willingness. The problem was solved by My coming. That's why Jesus wouldn't let them go out until they got filled with My power (Acts 1:4). When I came upon them, the cowards became challengers! Be filled with Me. Don't consider your timidity or boast of your oratory skill. Depend on Me. I will grant you boldness in all situations to speak forth the message of the Cros...
Read more

Utter Confusion!

By -
"They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you keep your head in all situations" (2 Tim 4:4,5) I am an ardent fan of John the Baptist. There is no harm in admiring him because all who started as John's fans became Jesus' followers. A comparison of John with many Christian ministers of today makes me hang down my head in shame and sorrow.  John was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb (Lk 1:15); but the modern prophets communicate with the spirits of men who have gone to the tomb.  The Word of God came to him (Lk 3:2); but many of their revelations contradict the written Word of God.  He was a desert-dweller, dead to the lust for popularity (Mt 3:1); but they are city-lovers, hunting for recognition and lusting limelight.  John was a voice from God (Jn 1 :23); but the modern preachers are an echo of someone of similar brand.  He did not seek pulpits but people sought him and...
Read more