Read Micah 3.
The bottle-neck is always at the top. As Micah begins to deliver the second message from God, he names three specific types of national leaders that have caused the problems.
Corrupt Rulers. (vv.1-4)
Their charge was to protect and serve the people in government and judicial decisions. The lawbreaker should experience the consequences and the victims receive just reparations. Instead, rulings were made according to bribes (vv.9-11a). This robbed the people who could afford the pay-off and left victims worse off. In short, the national leaders treated the people as their prey. When finished, there was nothing left.
The predicted result was a time of accountability for their sins. Babylon would conquer Jerusalem and carry the Jews into captivity. Then, they would pray and plead with God, but it will be too late. God's judgment is based upon His unchanging truth, not on a bribe.
False Prophets. (vv.5-7)
While God's prophets tried to call the nation to repent of their sin and coming judgment, the phonies preached counter messages of "you are okay," "God is not going to punish us," and "peace". The false prophets never heard from God. They made up their messages, preaching what people wanted to hear, and said what they were paid to say (v.11c).
Instead of receiving a vision (God's word) from the LORD, they spoke out of their own spiritual darkness. God provided no spiritual wisdom or insight of His truth to them. As a result, their prayers also would not be heard. In the day their false messages proved untrue, there would be nothing for them but disgrace and shame.
Ungodly Priests. (v.11b)
In this brief mention, it is clear that these men loved the robes, the rituals, and religious trappings of the Temple. But they lacked a heart for God. Instead of serving the people in their worship and sacrifices, they were only there for themselves and taking from the people.
Here is the result of the sins of all three of these national leaders: "Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins." (v.12)
But there is a fourth type of leader in the nation doing the work of God with a whole-heart.
God's Prophets (v.8)
Micah was not alone. The LORD had many others speaking on His behalf. What characterized the type of people who genuinely served God?
1. "filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD"
No one can be effective for God without the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
2. "and justice and might"
The message was not his but God's word. It was not his judgment but the consequences of their sin against God. And, Almighty God is more than capable of delivering on what He says. Therefore, the true preacher's ministry is not personality driven but always points people to the LORD.
3. "to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin."
One indicator of a false teacher is that they do not preach against specific sins. Not so with God's preachers. They are willing to stand on the unchanging truth of what God has said and offer hope through repentance and faith in the LORD.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
5 statements of Jesus regarding the use of Authority
Read Micah 2.
A disgraced leader finally was forced to admit his immorality, cover up, and lying. When he spoke to the nation, he said he did it for "the worst possible motives--because I could."
The LORD takes very seriously those who abuse their power and influence over others. Leaders in Judah used their God-given wealth and position to greedily oppress and take advantage of the people. Their sins included seizing property (v.2) and separating parents from their children (v.9). At the root was their sin of pride (v.3). They foolishly thought that they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it.
Second to the rich and powerful were the abusive influences of ungodly religious leaders. While the prophets of God preached repentance of sin, the false teachers responded with "do not preach" (v.6). They countered by saying that God would not punish His people and He would not take them from the land He promised to them. They tried to dupe the people with their messages of peace, prosperity, and partying. "I will preach to you of wine and strong drink" (v.11). The people surrounded themselves with those who spoke what they wanted to hear rather than the truth.
Meanwhile, God's judgment was coming upon a people who were unprepared. "It will be a time of disaster" (v.3b).
Jesus had much to say about authority and the proper use of power.
1. Jesus is the source of all power.
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)
2. Jesus is the example of how to use authority.
"...even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."(Matthew 20:28)
3. Jesus forbids the abuse of power.
"You know that the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:25-27)
4. Jesus gives authority for opportunities to serve and protect others.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God." (Romans 13:1)
5. Jesus will hold each individual accountable for what He gave them.
"Everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." (Luke 12;48)
A disgraced leader finally was forced to admit his immorality, cover up, and lying. When he spoke to the nation, he said he did it for "the worst possible motives--because I could."
The LORD takes very seriously those who abuse their power and influence over others. Leaders in Judah used their God-given wealth and position to greedily oppress and take advantage of the people. Their sins included seizing property (v.2) and separating parents from their children (v.9). At the root was their sin of pride (v.3). They foolishly thought that they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it.
Second to the rich and powerful were the abusive influences of ungodly religious leaders. While the prophets of God preached repentance of sin, the false teachers responded with "do not preach" (v.6). They countered by saying that God would not punish His people and He would not take them from the land He promised to them. They tried to dupe the people with their messages of peace, prosperity, and partying. "I will preach to you of wine and strong drink" (v.11). The people surrounded themselves with those who spoke what they wanted to hear rather than the truth.
Meanwhile, God's judgment was coming upon a people who were unprepared. "It will be a time of disaster" (v.3b).
Jesus had much to say about authority and the proper use of power.
1. Jesus is the source of all power.
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)
2. Jesus is the example of how to use authority.
"...even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."(Matthew 20:28)
3. Jesus forbids the abuse of power.
"You know that the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:25-27)
4. Jesus gives authority for opportunities to serve and protect others.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God." (Romans 13:1)
5. Jesus will hold each individual accountable for what He gave them.
"Everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." (Luke 12;48)
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Crying in Court
Read Micah 1.
The prophet Micah lived in Judah and wrote at about the same time as Isaiah. His book is comprised of three messages of a legal case against God's people. Though the impact caused him to deeply grieve over the judgment to come, the content did not originate from him. This is "the word of the LORD" (v.1). Micah only delivered what God said.
As the courtroom assembles, all people of the earth are called to listen to the case. God is not only the judge, but He rises in verse two to be the witness against the accused. In verses three and four, the All-powerful, Almighty God steps forward. There will be no rebuttal witnesses and no defense. The basis for the complaint against the defendants is based upon the Mosaic Covenant found in Deuteronomy 27-28. If the people obeyed the LORD, they would be allowed to enjoy the benefits of God's promises to Abraham, including the promised land. If they disobeyed, those blessings would be withheld and instead the nation would experience God's curse, or punishment.
First on trial was the northern kingdom of Israel. Their ungodly leadership and rebellion against the LORD is well documented. The capital of Samaria would be crushed, along with all the structures and symbols of their false worship. The land will be cleansed of their idols and temples used to practice religious prostitution. God used the Assyrian army to fulfill this prophecy in 722 B.C.
Second to face prosecution was the southern kingdom of Judah. While Jerusalem maintained worship of God at the Temple, their leadership and national obedience proved to be hit and miss. Judah is accused of acting like it's rebellious neighbor. Again, the Assyrians will carry-out God's initial punishment against Judah. The "conqueror" in verse 15 refers to the Assyrian king Sennacherib.
Such a message greatly affected Micah emotionally. "For this I will lament and wail; I will go stripped and naked. For her wound is incurable, and it has come to Judah." (vv.8-9). Centuries later, the Apostle Paul expressed similar grief over the spiritual condition of the Jews. "...I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (Romans 9:2-3)
Who are those people for whom we weep and pray for because they do not know the Savior?
The prophet Micah lived in Judah and wrote at about the same time as Isaiah. His book is comprised of three messages of a legal case against God's people. Though the impact caused him to deeply grieve over the judgment to come, the content did not originate from him. This is "the word of the LORD" (v.1). Micah only delivered what God said.
As the courtroom assembles, all people of the earth are called to listen to the case. God is not only the judge, but He rises in verse two to be the witness against the accused. In verses three and four, the All-powerful, Almighty God steps forward. There will be no rebuttal witnesses and no defense. The basis for the complaint against the defendants is based upon the Mosaic Covenant found in Deuteronomy 27-28. If the people obeyed the LORD, they would be allowed to enjoy the benefits of God's promises to Abraham, including the promised land. If they disobeyed, those blessings would be withheld and instead the nation would experience God's curse, or punishment.
First on trial was the northern kingdom of Israel. Their ungodly leadership and rebellion against the LORD is well documented. The capital of Samaria would be crushed, along with all the structures and symbols of their false worship. The land will be cleansed of their idols and temples used to practice religious prostitution. God used the Assyrian army to fulfill this prophecy in 722 B.C.
Second to face prosecution was the southern kingdom of Judah. While Jerusalem maintained worship of God at the Temple, their leadership and national obedience proved to be hit and miss. Judah is accused of acting like it's rebellious neighbor. Again, the Assyrians will carry-out God's initial punishment against Judah. The "conqueror" in verse 15 refers to the Assyrian king Sennacherib.
Such a message greatly affected Micah emotionally. "For this I will lament and wail; I will go stripped and naked. For her wound is incurable, and it has come to Judah." (vv.8-9). Centuries later, the Apostle Paul expressed similar grief over the spiritual condition of the Jews. "...I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (Romans 9:2-3)
Who are those people for whom we weep and pray for because they do not know the Savior?
Thursday, April 23, 2015
5 reasons to be mad at God
Read Jonah 4.
Jonah became exceedingly angry. He submitted to God's assignment. He preached a message of eight words. The entire city of Nineveh repented and put their faith in the LORD God. After one of the greatest times of ministry results in history, Jonah was so distraught he wanted to curl up and die.
Why? The Assyrians were Israel's enemies. He wanted God to wipe them out. Jonah knew all along that if he went to Nineveh and warned them, they would respond and God would be gracious to them (4:2). God did not do what Jonah wanted done, so he sat pouting, mad at God.
In verse 2, Jonah gave five reasons for his anger. Each of them relates to the LORD's character.
1. God is gracious.
Grace is getting what we do not deserve. The Assyrians were so evil, Jonah was correct. They deserved to be destroyed. But when they heard God's message, they turned to Him in hope of deliverance from His judgment. Jonah expected God to be gracious to him but not to those sinners over there.
2. God is merciful.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. When the Assyrians fasted, prayed, and turned from their sin, God showed compassion toward them. Jonah lacked any pity for these people (v.11).
3. God is slow to anger.
If it were not for the patience of God, we would all be gone at our first sin. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
4. God is loving.
He abounds in love. His love is steadfast or faithful all the time. This is difficult to hold on to when things do not go the way one expected or wanted. It is easy to bask in the love of God when life goes well. But can we bask in that same love if life does not turn out the way we planned? His love is over all His works.
5. God is tenderhearted.
God is not relentless in meting out punishment for sin. His grace, mercy, patience, and love is shown in His willingness to relent and demonstrate compassion on those who respond to His offer of forgiveness.
Jonah cared more about himself, his reputation and his comfort, than he did about the eternal destiny of these people. The question everyone must answer before God is, "How much do I care about the eternal future of the people around me?"
Jonah became exceedingly angry. He submitted to God's assignment. He preached a message of eight words. The entire city of Nineveh repented and put their faith in the LORD God. After one of the greatest times of ministry results in history, Jonah was so distraught he wanted to curl up and die.
Why? The Assyrians were Israel's enemies. He wanted God to wipe them out. Jonah knew all along that if he went to Nineveh and warned them, they would respond and God would be gracious to them (4:2). God did not do what Jonah wanted done, so he sat pouting, mad at God.
In verse 2, Jonah gave five reasons for his anger. Each of them relates to the LORD's character.
1. God is gracious.
Grace is getting what we do not deserve. The Assyrians were so evil, Jonah was correct. They deserved to be destroyed. But when they heard God's message, they turned to Him in hope of deliverance from His judgment. Jonah expected God to be gracious to him but not to those sinners over there.
2. God is merciful.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. When the Assyrians fasted, prayed, and turned from their sin, God showed compassion toward them. Jonah lacked any pity for these people (v.11).
3. God is slow to anger.
If it were not for the patience of God, we would all be gone at our first sin. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
4. God is loving.
He abounds in love. His love is steadfast or faithful all the time. This is difficult to hold on to when things do not go the way one expected or wanted. It is easy to bask in the love of God when life goes well. But can we bask in that same love if life does not turn out the way we planned? His love is over all His works.
5. God is tenderhearted.
God is not relentless in meting out punishment for sin. His grace, mercy, patience, and love is shown in His willingness to relent and demonstrate compassion on those who respond to His offer of forgiveness.
Jonah cared more about himself, his reputation and his comfort, than he did about the eternal destiny of these people. The question everyone must answer before God is, "How much do I care about the eternal future of the people around me?"
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
God gives second Chances
Read Jonah 3.
Is there anyone who has not felt at some time that they ruined everything; that it was all over; that there was no hope of recovery? Here is a wonderful example of how God's forgiveness includes restoration.
God did not change His mind, nor His plans, nor His assignment for Jonah. What did change was Jonah. When the prophet changed his heart, God changed his circumstances. Then, Jonah received another opportunity to obey the LORD. Indeed, in this life, God does give second chances.
The vast city of Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Depending upon the exact meaning of chapter four and verse eleven, population estimates range from 120,000 to as high as 600,000. The Assyrians were well-known for their evil, violence and cruelty. As enemies of Israel, Jonah would have preferred for God to destroy them rather than minister to them. But here he is, reluctantly preaching an eight word message of coming judgment. Would they kill him for saying this or simply ignore him? No one could have imagined the results.
In a ground-swell of a spiritual movement, people began repenting of their sin. When the king heard of it, he issued a royal decree for everyone (including the animals) to show outward signs of mourning and fasting. Moreover, he ordered all the citizens to cry out to God for mercy and turn from their sin against God. To this day, there is no record of such a thing that would match this. Dr. Howard Hendricks referred to this chapter as "the world's greatest evangelistic rally held by the world's worst evangelist."
The people of Nineveh were condemned. God did not change. They did. Every believer in Jesus has an assigned message. It is not limited to a single city or a specific time. It carries a weight far beyond the matters of life and death. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36). All are condemned already. The good news we share is that Jesus offers deliverance from eternal judgment and a personal relationship with the LORD Himself.
Is there anyone who has not felt at some time that they ruined everything; that it was all over; that there was no hope of recovery? Here is a wonderful example of how God's forgiveness includes restoration.
God did not change His mind, nor His plans, nor His assignment for Jonah. What did change was Jonah. When the prophet changed his heart, God changed his circumstances. Then, Jonah received another opportunity to obey the LORD. Indeed, in this life, God does give second chances.
The vast city of Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Depending upon the exact meaning of chapter four and verse eleven, population estimates range from 120,000 to as high as 600,000. The Assyrians were well-known for their evil, violence and cruelty. As enemies of Israel, Jonah would have preferred for God to destroy them rather than minister to them. But here he is, reluctantly preaching an eight word message of coming judgment. Would they kill him for saying this or simply ignore him? No one could have imagined the results.
In a ground-swell of a spiritual movement, people began repenting of their sin. When the king heard of it, he issued a royal decree for everyone (including the animals) to show outward signs of mourning and fasting. Moreover, he ordered all the citizens to cry out to God for mercy and turn from their sin against God. To this day, there is no record of such a thing that would match this. Dr. Howard Hendricks referred to this chapter as "the world's greatest evangelistic rally held by the world's worst evangelist."
The people of Nineveh were condemned. God did not change. They did. Every believer in Jesus has an assigned message. It is not limited to a single city or a specific time. It carries a weight far beyond the matters of life and death. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36). All are condemned already. The good news we share is that Jesus offers deliverance from eternal judgment and a personal relationship with the LORD Himself.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
How can a God of love allow This?
Read Jonah 2.
How many people, when under great pressure and awful dilemmas beyond their control, have questioned God's love, His love, and even His existence? They willfully choose to rebel and forsake their faith, instead of realizing that this is the very proof God's personal commitment to them.
To say that Jonah found himself in a distressful situation grossly understates the problem. It is one of the most famous incidents in the Bible. The prophet rebelled against God's assignment to go to Nineveh and foolishly thought he could run away. But the God of heaven is personally committed to each individual. He loves us us so much that He will only allow a person to go so far and then He will intervene. The intervention can be painful.
When Jonah did not drown and he did not die in the belly of the great fish, he realized that God miraculously preserved his life. This is a wonderful illustration of God's grace. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Not only was he alive, but the distress brought him to repentance of his sin of disobedience. Though human commitments to God, to marriage, to children, to employment and other relationships may fail, the LORD's commitments are sure and certain.
1. God proves His commitment to us by controlling our circumstances. (1:17)
"And the LORD appointed a great fish..." It was not an accident that Jonah was swallowed up. God was in control and prepared for this moment.
2. God proves His commitment to us by answering our prayers. (2:1)
"I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me." The answer was not what Jonah original desired, but the distress caused him to submit to God's will for his life.
3. God proves His commitment to us by restoring our fellowship with Him. (2:7)
"When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple."
4. God proves His commitment to us by endowing us with His deliverance. (2:10)
When Jonah changed his mind and heart toward God, the LORD changed Jonah's circumstances. The reason God delivered him was so Jonah could get back to work on God's assignment.
Any other pursuit in life will ultimately prove to be empty and worthless.
"Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!" (vv.8-9)
How many people, when under great pressure and awful dilemmas beyond their control, have questioned God's love, His love, and even His existence? They willfully choose to rebel and forsake their faith, instead of realizing that this is the very proof God's personal commitment to them.
To say that Jonah found himself in a distressful situation grossly understates the problem. It is one of the most famous incidents in the Bible. The prophet rebelled against God's assignment to go to Nineveh and foolishly thought he could run away. But the God of heaven is personally committed to each individual. He loves us us so much that He will only allow a person to go so far and then He will intervene. The intervention can be painful.
When Jonah did not drown and he did not die in the belly of the great fish, he realized that God miraculously preserved his life. This is a wonderful illustration of God's grace. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Not only was he alive, but the distress brought him to repentance of his sin of disobedience. Though human commitments to God, to marriage, to children, to employment and other relationships may fail, the LORD's commitments are sure and certain.
1. God proves His commitment to us by controlling our circumstances. (1:17)
"And the LORD appointed a great fish..." It was not an accident that Jonah was swallowed up. God was in control and prepared for this moment.
2. God proves His commitment to us by answering our prayers. (2:1)
"I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me." The answer was not what Jonah original desired, but the distress caused him to submit to God's will for his life.
3. God proves His commitment to us by restoring our fellowship with Him. (2:7)
"When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple."
4. God proves His commitment to us by endowing us with His deliverance. (2:10)
When Jonah changed his mind and heart toward God, the LORD changed Jonah's circumstances. The reason God delivered him was so Jonah could get back to work on God's assignment.
Any other pursuit in life will ultimately prove to be empty and worthless.
"Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!" (vv.8-9)
Monday, April 20, 2015
6 insights for those who run from God
Read Jonah 1.
Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. But as great as their city was, so was their evil. The Assyrians became a growing threat to the northern kingdom of Israel and God wanted to eventually use them to discipline His people. Jonah rightly feared the Assyrians and, apparently, also knew of God's plan (see 4:2). Jonah's preference would have been for God to destroy Nineveh.
When the LORD said, "Go!" Jonah said, "No!" Instead of trekking 500 miles northeast to his assignment, the prophet booked passage on a ship to Spain in the opposite direction. Alton Fannin wrote an insightful outline for this chapter explaining what happens when a person tries to run from God (Proclaim, 1987). I have embellished it somewhat here.
1. When a person runs from God, he has heard from God. (vv.1-2)
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
2. When a person runs from God, he believes he can escape from God. (v.3)
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you art there!." (Psalm 139:7-8)
3. When a person runs from God, everyone pays for it. (vv.3-5)
"For none of lives to himself, and none of dies to himself." (Romans 14:7)
4. When a person runs from God, he sleeps while others perish. (v.5)
"Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:34)
5. When a person runs from God, he confuses unbelievers. (vv.6-9)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23)
6. When a person runs from God, he loses respect from from both sides. (vv.10-16)
"And the Lord turned and looked at Peter, And Peter remembered the saying of the lord, how he had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.' and he went out and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:61-62)
Instead of running from God, He wants us to...
"Come" (Matthew 11:28-30) and then
"Go" (Matthew 28:19-20)
Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. But as great as their city was, so was their evil. The Assyrians became a growing threat to the northern kingdom of Israel and God wanted to eventually use them to discipline His people. Jonah rightly feared the Assyrians and, apparently, also knew of God's plan (see 4:2). Jonah's preference would have been for God to destroy Nineveh.
When the LORD said, "Go!" Jonah said, "No!" Instead of trekking 500 miles northeast to his assignment, the prophet booked passage on a ship to Spain in the opposite direction. Alton Fannin wrote an insightful outline for this chapter explaining what happens when a person tries to run from God (Proclaim, 1987). I have embellished it somewhat here.
1. When a person runs from God, he has heard from God. (vv.1-2)
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
2. When a person runs from God, he believes he can escape from God. (v.3)
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you art there!." (Psalm 139:7-8)
3. When a person runs from God, everyone pays for it. (vv.3-5)
"For none of lives to himself, and none of dies to himself." (Romans 14:7)
4. When a person runs from God, he sleeps while others perish. (v.5)
"Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:34)
5. When a person runs from God, he confuses unbelievers. (vv.6-9)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23)
6. When a person runs from God, he loses respect from from both sides. (vv.10-16)
"And the Lord turned and looked at Peter, And Peter remembered the saying of the lord, how he had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.' and he went out and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:61-62)
Instead of running from God, He wants us to...
"Come" (Matthew 11:28-30) and then
"Go" (Matthew 28:19-20)
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