02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Pastor Vincent - 26 February 2015
The Love Of God Through His Only Begotten Son
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life - Jn 3:16 A verse so familiar to the world. In this verse, God is emitting and emphasizing the depth, completeness and unconditionality of His love to the world - telling us that He understands the true needs of our soul, the helplessness of man for we don't even know we've separated from Him, and His relentless search for us through all that surround us - so much so that He's willing to give us His begotten son as a living atonement, so as to reclaim us from our depravation. As believers, we can memorize a bible verse easily, we can attend the church meetings so very often and we can have quiet time with God everyday, but our relationship with God will not be taken to a deeper level and a deeper maturity if the Word of God is not translated into the immense love of God in our hearts, driving us to seek His love in all things and find His presence in all seasons of life. Re-look at the calvary again. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32 NIV) There is no one moment that you pray in the name of His begotten son that the prayer is not enough. Therefore, don't under-weigh the cost of your salvation, instead, humbly take up your Cross and follow the all-loving shepherd today. It's when you carefully walk with Him that you truly know, sense and feel the realness of God's love!
From Series: "All English Service"
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The Answer That Came Late
Waiting is usually agonizing for most people. And often when we are made to wait, we tend to feel that God has singled us out for this unwanted process and we always ask, “Why me, Lord? How long, O Lord?” Yet, waiting is a frequent lesson observed in the Bible. In fact, “wait” could be the most precious answer God has given us. For during the wait, we are forced to confront this question: “What is our chief treasure and joy?” Is what we are waiting for more than God Himself”? If our chief joy lies in the final outcome at the end of the wait, then we will surely be miserable during the wait; but if our highest delight is in the Lord, who is present with us even right now, our hearts will find strength as we wait.
Verses to read:
<Gen 21:1-7>
1. The Lord did just as He had promised.
- Faithful.
- Did the impossible.
- God will make us laugh, eventually.
2. But it takes time…
1) Understand what God does in the waiting process.
- Repeatedly affirms His promise.
- Waits till all human factors failed.
***We are most concerned about the outcome, but what God values more is the process of moulding the recipient.
- Wants us to desire God more than a son [or any other desire].
***Something actually happens when nothing seems to be happening.
- Before the most important answer comes, there needs to be better preparation.
***“Wait” could be the most precious answer God gives us. The wait can make us cherish God more than cherishing a particular outcome.
2) Our response during the wait.
- Continue to wait for God, even if nothing or the opposite of what we hope for happens.
- Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” <Jn 5:17>
- Our faith in His goodness today can help us trust His faithfulness tomorrow.
- Let our waiting be a testimony.
- Give thanks that God is a “waiting” God.
- Confirm little graces >>> restore greater faith.
- Seek out what God wants us to submit.
- <Ps 118:24> This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. [ESV]
- Do not take shortcuts.
***What is our chief treasure and joy?
***Is what we are waiting for more than God Himself?
3. Our response after receiving the long-awaited answer is important.
- Obedience.
- Persistent trust in God.
Reflections:
- Share your experience in your waiting process. How do you sustain your faith and hope?
- How have you confirmed God’s work even when things appear contrary to God’s truth/promises?
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