Judg 9:11 But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?
Judges chapter 9 is an exercise in the failing of human government. The text above is a microcosm of what our position should be in regards to King Jesus. Shall we give up the Lord to be ruled by the elements and leaders of this world? Should we forsake the sweetness of His Spirit to be governed by fame, or money, or worldly ambition? Solomon came to realize that all that is in this world is vanity; nothing is more precious than being a servant and worshiper of the Lord.
These words always find a receptive heart. Regardless of how often I speak them or write, the beneficiary embraces the thought with a willing spirit. However, the initial embrace is mostly short-lived because we race back to gather the scraps of a failed society. It’s not what we say that reveals our belief as much as it is our action. We can say that we love Him, but what we do and our priorities speak much louder than our words.
I present this truth to you in hopes that you will not trade the Holy Spirit for vain philosophies. It is a great burden to know how many have given up the sweetness of the church for a life of addiction and turmoil. Yes, I believe in the prodigal’s return. We are always after the prodigal. But why should there be so many returns? Nothing is better than being “Kept.” Nothing transcends the pureness of spirit and soul.
Luke offers three parables of Jesus in respect to recovery: A lost coin; a lost son; a lost sheep. The Lord is gracious toward us. His mercy is enduring far past our own allowance. However, there is something about that other parable depicting five wise virgins who were both pure and ready for the bridegroom’s call. I believe that it is the responsibility of the church to recover and offer the ministry of reconciliation and yet there is something special about staying true to the Truth. Should I leave the goodness of God; the altar or my praise to be ruled by the darkness of this world? No. I think I’ll keep what the Lord has provided.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
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