Running The Race Of Faith : Jesus Is Greater SeriesSample

Warning #5 Pt. 2  

Thoughts on the Word

“See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.”

This fifth warning is about rebellion.

Chapter 2 – Warning against drifting from God.

Chapter 3 – Warning against an evil heart of unbelief.

Chapter 6 – Warning against falling away.

Chapter 10 – Warning against willfully sinning.

Chapter 12 – Warning against rebellion.

It is the fifth and final warning. It comes after the portion we read previously—how God disciplines us. The discipline is hard to receive because it is painful and we fight against it. We struggle under it, and at times we rebel against it. We will all appear before Him—the Judge. The fires of trial we face are nothing compared to standing before Him if we rebel. It is a warning. A very strong warning.

We have seen how merciful and forgiving God is. We have seen how much Jesus has done so we can come into God's presence with boldness and faith. Here is the other side of our God. Sin and rebellion will be judged. It is tough, it is severe, but it is true.

It will be followed by words of encouragement in chapter 13. But let us take time and just think for a day on the justice of our God. We will stand before Him and He will test everything we have said and done.

Prayer

Father in this time of joy, it is hard to take a day and think about You as a Judge who will test everything I have said and done. Still it is also truth. I come before You today and ask that You expose the hidden things of my heart. I want to have You correct me now, before that day. I want to have You burn out sin and pride here rather than later. It will be much less painful.

Father, I remember as a child the times of painful discipline and how I would run to my parents for comfort after being disciplined. I want to do the same today. As You discipline me, fill my heart with a desire to be comforted by You and to receive the peace and joy that comes from Your embrace. In Jesus' name, Amen.