Simply To Die For!
Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. - Job 41:11
God is speaking in this passage. In fact, He had been speaking for a few of the previous chapters. Reading through it, you'll notice that God is attempting to set a few things straight for Job and his "friends" (yes, I use that word loosely). In a nutshell, God asked, "Who do you think you are? Were you here when I created the world? Do you understand how the universe works? Are you all-powerful? No, I didn't think so. So what gives you the right to question me?" OUCH! (There's quite a lesson in there for all of us, huh?)
Interestingly enough, in the midst of that theme, we find Job 41:11 in which God basically states, "I don't owe anyone anything!" Point made. . . or is it? Funny, I think we would all agree with that statement. We nod and state in absolutes that God does not owe us a thing. Yet, is that how we act? Don't we expect His blessings? Don't we expect Him to answer our prayers? Don't we expect Him to give us strength to face the day?
"Well, sure," you may say, "but God has promised us those things, and that's the only reason we expect them."
Okay, I'll give you that, but what about expecting things that He hasn't promised. For example, how many times (like Job and his friends) have we demanded explanations from God for our current circumstances? How often have we demanded our way? On how many occasions have we grown angry with God because He didn't live up to our expectations and meet our needs in the way we saw fit? Our lips may say that we understand that God doesn't owe us anything, but our lives often tell a different story.
While I'm not, by any means, justifying our entitlement issues, may I offer the suggestion that maybe we expect more from God because we understand His giving nature? After all, God didn't owe us anything. In fact, we owed Him. But that didn't prevent John 3:16: For God so loved theworld, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth inhim should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God gave. Not because it was owed. Not because it was expected. But rather because we were loved. In order to display His great love for us, He gave it all--His only begotten Son. I don't know that we'll ever understand the full importance and impact of that sacrifice. To pay such a great price knowing that many would not accept the gift. To suffer such anguish and grief knowing that some would mock His name and scorn His sacrifice. To give so much for a population that was not worth such a price. No, God did not owe us a thing, but still He gave. Aren't you glad He did?
Perhaps you've heard about this great sacrifice but have not yet accepted the gift of salvation. If so, I urge you to call on His name today. Accept the free gift of salvation. Make Jesus your Lord. If you need help, please contact me using the link at the top of the page, and I'll be happy to introduce you to the One who died for us.
The fact of the matter is this: we are living in the last days. Jesus' return is imminent, and if you have not accepted His payment for your sins, you will be left behind to endure tribulation like this world has never known. I don't want that to happen to you, and neither does God. He's offered a way of escape. He's paid the ultimate price. All you have to do is accept it. Will you do it today? Remember, God doesn't owe anyone anything, which means you may not have another day or even another breath. This is the hour. Don't wait any longer. Receive the free gift that was offered out of love.
In the eyes of God, you were worth dying for!