The Beat of God’s Drum

Monday, July 19, 2010

Based on “Living and Dying for What?” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 7/10-11/10,

Message # 6054; Daily Devotional #7 - “The Beat of God’s Drum”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): There is a lot of sickness in the world today. It may be that everyone knows someone who has been, or is currently, ill with some sort of incurable disease. Those who suffer with these infirmities once seemed healthy and full of life; yet when stricken with their illness, gradually became weak in their bodies. In many cases, a circle of friends and family surrounds the person with encouragement and love. But sometimes, they face their future alone with no joy, no peace, and no hope.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The fact is that we are all afflicted with a terminal disease. Our brother, Adam, set the example for the rest of us when he disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17). His sin became our sin (Romans 5:12), and from the moment of our birth we are living to die. Our physical appearance is merely a band-aid for the illness that permeates our bodies. It’s amazing really, to gaze on the face of our peers and see nothing sickly about them. What we see is fashionable clothing, flashy jewelry, and chic hairstyles; yet, reality is that we are all wasting away (2 Corinthians 4:16). In the mainstream world, people are living for possessions, money, status, and fame—everything temporary. We inherited Adam’s disease through his blood. Everyone has it, and there is no medicine to cure it. But even when there is medicine available, we must choose to take it or it will not fulfill its purpose. This is the bad news. But there is good news. Our Savior, Jesus, set the example for the rest of us when He obeyed God in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Our sin became His sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), and from the moment we are born again, we are dying to live. Although our physical bodies will return as dust to the ground (Genesis 3:19), our souls are completely healed. No more band-aids, no more pain, no more tears (Revelation 21:4). When we gaze on the face of other Christ followers, we see love displayed as joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In the world according to God, people are living to serve Him and serve others; they are living to love Him and love others; they are living for Christ—all things eternal. Through the blood of Jesus our soul is restored to health (Hebrews 9:22), and we inherit a place in the Kingdom of God forever. Everyone has this cure available to them; all nations, tribes, and peoples (John 3:16). They just have to take the medicine by believing this good news, and its purpose will be fulfilled in them (Romans 10:13). Now, that my friends, is really good news!

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): What is this sin disease that we inherited? It is so misunderstood by cultures around the world, when really it is simply our rebellious nature that leads us to make decisions that are not in line with God’s standards. The word ‘Gospel’ is another headscratcher to the masses, when really, it describes the cure for our disease. The Gospel is the ‘good news’ that Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected so we could be reborn. Our sin nature remains, but our hearts are changed to beat in sync to the sound of His drum as we begin and continue our faith journey—one filled with peace, joy, and hope. Amen!