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Listen while you read: "Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above"1
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In our fast-paced, ambitious society, we are tempted by the latest thing, the newest product to test drive, and the exclusive access "by invitation only". At times, I feel that my life is static and that I'm really missing out on something big. Where is that elusive supplement, the recently published self-help book, or the guru who is going to show me the way to success? Sometimes, I even feel this way about how I experience life at my church. Is anything exciting happening there? Am I discontented with the teaching, the worship, or the music?
If I'm honest, this has more to do with my pride and desire for control. Hebrews 13 offers the guidance that I need.
Hebrews 13:7-9a,13 – Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace. … Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. (NKJV)
As I consider the lives and conduct of godly leaders, past and present, I am inspired to follow in faith those whose lives have been transformed by Jesus' power. He uses changed people, not some snazzy new theology, to guide us all forward. It's tempting to be sidetracked by dramatic teaching, but teaching must always measure up to Jesus' person and teaching, the same yesterday, today, and forever. My pride and desire to measure my own progress leads me away from Him, my sure foundation and hope, but it is by God's grace alone that I am accepted — not by ticking off a list of religious accomplishments. He has great things planned for my life in Him, but I can get in the way of that by trying to keep myself saved, apart from His grace.
Listening to the clamour for political correctness can actually make me ashamed of my faith. Who wants to stand out for believing in one holy God? But "outside the camp" is where Jesus is. The Jewish Christians were often rejected for not conforming and not abiding by the religious rules. We have a new altar now, that is, His cross, the centre of the gospel and of the understanding of His ministry. "God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship — a different kind of 'sacrifice' — that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets." (Hebrews 13:16b MSG)
Where will our attention be focused? Will we be distracted by what society offers, appealing to our pride and desire for control? Lord Jesus is the head of the church, and in Him is the stability and direction for which we are looking. Let us come "outside the camp" to life in Him, being willing to carry the reproach that He bears, living in hope and faith for the great city in heaven to come.
Prayer: We thank You, Lord Jesus, that in You and Your body, the church, we can find the contentment and direction for which we are searching. We worship You, the One Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever! We offer You the sacrifice of praise from our lips, giving thanks to Your name. Amen.
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About the author:
Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Thanks, Shirley, for the timely thoughts.
Great post and important reminder, Shirley! Thanks and blessings!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today!
Blessings.
Thank you, Shirley. I can think of several issues, both in my neighborhood and in the broader world in which I live, where this is helpful.
Thanks, Shirley, for another of your “right on” very positive writings.
Following the Lord’s way and words definitely is the right path in our daily lives. Enjoy a very blessed day.
Shirley, thank you for this reminder of our calling to go “outside the camp” where we bear His reproach. It’s not our natural inclination. Human approval (not reproach!) has been our measure of our acceptability.
I find it especially stressful when I try to straddle with one foot in the world and one foot “outside the camp”.
This is a topic worth exploring more.
A good message for these days!
I was ill for some time, and didn’t want to be with anyone, even friends at church, lost in grief and self-pity.
A month ago I made a recommitment to my church family. Praise God! I am using my gifting in His service and feel whole once again, even ‘tho’ my health needs more time.
Bless you Shirley, for your “straight from the Word” counsel, right on!
(BC)
Good morning, Shirley,
I enjoyed your devotional and your honesty of your feelings. I have definitely felt that way at certain times in my life. As I get older, I am more contented. I think because some of the worries disappeared as my children got older, my job security felt safer, my gratitude was stronger, money issues lessened, and my faith grew. I never looked at it as “outside the camp”, which is an interesting concept. I looked at it more like I was “in the flock”.
It is always fascinating to me to hear how others are moving forward in their faith and to glean new understanding. I appreciate that God is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A firm foundation.
Thank you for always being willing to share and making the effort to help others grow in their faith. May you have a blessed day.