We continue our series examining Biblical records contrasting sin and the consequences of sin with two words: But God. Our Creator is love and He concerns Himself with the welfare of His creation. Jesus told us that our Heavenly Father feeds the birds; clothes the lilies of the fields; and numbers the hairs on each of our heads, even though the number changes daily.

We live in a fallen creation, Sin and death have entered the world, which is no longer perfect and not even good. Yet, a holy God chooses to concern Himself with us. The Bible shows many situations where God intervenes.  Let’s examine some records of God’s intervention in specific lives

King Saul with his army sought to kill David

1 Samuel 23:¹⁴ And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

Notice God’s deliverance was not one time but daily!

What does this record tell you about God’s power?

What does this record tell you about God’s attention to the details of life?

What does this record tell you about God’s love for His creation?

What do you learn about God from this record?

David’s confidence in God

Psalm 49:⁵ Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? ⁶They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; ⁷None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: ⁸(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) ⁹That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. ¹⁰For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. ¹¹Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. ¹²Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. ¹³This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. ¹⁴Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. ¹⁵But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

What does it mean to you to be redeemed from the grave and received by God?

What do you learn about God from this record?

David acknowledges his limitations
Psalm 73:²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. ²⁶My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. ²⁷For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. ²⁸But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Why do you think David says God is the strength of his heart?

What is the purpose of the heart?

What do you learn about God from this record?

Can you find other records in the Bible where sin and the consequences of sin are contrasted with these two words: But God?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will  accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti