This past week, I was having a very rough and self-centered day. I was miserable and it was my own doing. I knew better than to make a phone call and whine about my day, but I needed something to distract my thoughts. I listened to a sermon by Dr. Paul Tripp. My expectations were not that high... and then I got nailed in the heart. It was very good and very convicting. I walked away from that sermon reminded that God did not come to the world to bring me comfort, but to save and redeem me. It is my choice whether I will join Him on his mission or if I will fight for my own comfort. Amazingly, God does provide comfort to us in the craziest ways and moments, but that CANNOT be the thing I seek on a daily basis.
I read and reread the passage in Luke this morning and got nothing out of it. Then it occurred to me that Zacchaeus chose the path of redemption rather than comfort. He had comfort and actually cashed it in to follow Jesus.
I am thankful and amazed by God's multifaceted approach to redemption. He uses many different sources and examples to teach me the same lesson over and over in a period of time. He definitely gets my attention. Hopefully, I will learn.
*A side note regarding sermons: I have found that when I am too weak to do my own Bible study, a sermon is a great way for me to learn and be challenged. It is not a substitute for my own Bible study, but there have been times when I needed the extra help digging into God's word. Sometimes, it is just a day here and there, other times in my life, it has been the only time in God's word I could manage for months on end. I am so thankful to live with the resources that we have available.
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