Stubborn Hearts - Psalms 81-83 and Romans 11:19-36.
Without getting too theological this morning, I want to make an observation that should help all of us. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God, the real problem of mankind has been a stubborn heart brought on by prideful rebellion against God. God has been crying out to us as Asaph said in Psalm 81. He has told us over and over that He is the One True God, so we should put away all idols and listen to Him. If we would do that He would fill us up with His blessings. However, mankind has not followed the Lord, because of his stubborn heart. We want our way! We do not want to listen to God or anyone else. This was true of Israel. It was true of the Jews in Paul's day. It is true of people today, even Christians. We think we know better than God. We are set in our ways, and we do not want to change. We are stubborn. If we would stop being stubborn and listen to God, it would solve our problems.
Romans 11 closes out by telling the Jews that if they will start believing they can be grafted back into the olive tree, which represents the people of God. The Gentiles are warned not to get proud, because they could get cut off, if they cease to trust God. The key is keeping away from a stubborn heart. None of us is as wise as God or as loving and powerful. How can we think for a minute that we should do our own will instead of His will? It is only because of our stubborn hearts. Let's decide to put them away and do God's will. Then, we will see what life is all about. We will stop being prejudiced. We will stop holding grudges. We will stop being distant from others, and we will love them as Jesus loves us. We will focus on God instead of ourselves, and we will have His peace. This will happen all because we quit being stubborn.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 84-86 and Romans 12.
Romans 11 closes out by telling the Jews that if they will start believing they can be grafted back into the olive tree, which represents the people of God. The Gentiles are warned not to get proud, because they could get cut off, if they cease to trust God. The key is keeping away from a stubborn heart. None of us is as wise as God or as loving and powerful. How can we think for a minute that we should do our own will instead of His will? It is only because of our stubborn hearts. Let's decide to put them away and do God's will. Then, we will see what life is all about. We will stop being prejudiced. We will stop holding grudges. We will stop being distant from others, and we will love them as Jesus loves us. We will focus on God instead of ourselves, and we will have His peace. This will happen all because we quit being stubborn.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 84-86 and Romans 12.