In our last installment of Why Christ Had to Die, we examined the amazing impact of teaching the next generation. This installment is going to focus on trusting the faithfulness of God.
“If you should say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I; how can I dispossess them?’ you shall not be afraid of them; you shall well remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt: the great trials which your eyes saw and the signs and the wonders and the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out.”
Deuteronomy 7:17-19a
What God is ensuring this new generation as they are being prepared by Moses to enter their promised land is that He will do for them what He has always done for His people–provide. In other words, God’s faithfulness to His people is inexorable–unchanging. The people of God were about to embark upon a new season that no doubt bubbled up many fears, anxieties, and doubt. They needed to be reminded that God has and will provide for them, just as we too need this reminder today.
Why?
Because…we forget, just like the Israelites of old (who forgot). Often we’re anxious, fearful, and full of doubt. It’s why anger is still an issue. It’s why porn is solvent. It’s why divorce happens. It’s why children are abandoned or outsourced. And on and on. We forget the great things God has done, and we begin to trust the things that are easy…things that are temporary…things that are entertaining. And that’s just another reason Why Christ Had to Die. Christ did not forget. He did not falter. He did not fail. His mission was forged, and it was accomplished. And so, sin no longer has its sting, and death no longer has its victory. That’s a good news message of hope if there ever was one!
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- Put down. Relinquish your grip on the temporary fixes for life. Self-help is good, but it’s temporary. Your self-esteem is important only to the extent that it aligns with who you are in Christ. In other words, as a follower of Christ, you are given a new identity that is hid with Christ in God. Relying upon anything that takes you away from the everyday time with God is merely a distraction. Don’t let entertainment replace your devotion to knowing God through His Word. Don’t let plans replace prayer. Don’t let presumption make you proud. Put down the idea that others can train your children in godliness. If you are a parent and a follower of Christ, take the God-given responsibility of training them in godliness. Let your talk be your walk. Live a life of consistency. Be a person of substance. And when you fail (which you will), then confess and bring your children (and others) into the blessing of seeing you apply the gospel (God’s solution for sin and evil through the finished work of Christ) to everyday life.
- Look back. God has done great things. That’s past tense. He has done great things, and you and I should not forget them. Consider those things He has done.
- Write down. When you’re having your time with God, take out a journal out and write down the things He has done. Record it. Take note of it.
- Tell someone. Find someone in your sphere if influence, and share something that God has done in your life. Spread His work through your voice. Let others know the great things He has done. Communicate in community.
May we Christians be a people who do not fear what’s ahead, because we know what’s behind. Our faith is not upon some nebulous creature in the clouds, but on an objective God who has entered history and has done great things for His people.
He’s not done with you…if you’re still breathing, then you have the privilege of remembering all the things He has done!
Amen & Amen.
— August 10, 2018