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| Volume 18 Number 4 April 2016 | Page 11 |
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| Volume 18 Number 4 April 2016 | Page 11 |
Therman Hodge
Why is it important that we please God? Let’s look at a few examples of those who did and did not please God. I think we can gain an understanding of why it is important to please Him.
Some who did not please God include the following. Adam and Eve did not please God (Genesis 3). Cain did not please God (Genesis 4:1-7). Korah did not please God (Numbers 16:22-33). King Saul did not please God, though once he was pleasing to God (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Some who did please God include these. Noah pleased God (Hebrews 11:7). Enoch pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). Of course, Jesus pleased God (Matthew 17:5; Luke 2:52).
To please God is to cause delight. “The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him” (Psalms 147:11). To fear God is to keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Keeping His commandments pleases Him (1 John 3:22).
The results of pleasing God are as follows. God accepts our service (Acts 10:34-35). God gives us that for which we ask (1 John 3:22). God will give us a home with Him (Revelation 22:14).
In conclusion, Jesus said, “I do always those things that please Him” (John 8:29). The question is, “Am I pleasing God?“ If the answer to the question is, “Yes,” then we will be among those described in Matthew 25:34. However, if the answer is, “No,” then we will be among those noted in Matthew 25:41.
Going to the Extreme
Russ Vickers
Have you ever just sat and watched a grandfather clock? (I know. Watching paint dry is more fun.) Yet, it can be a bit relaxing to watch the pendulum swing back and forth as it ticks off the seconds with amazing accuracy. Clocks like this are well-oiled machines of precision. Under the pull of gravity it swings from one extreme to the other.
Consider the fixed point from which it hangs. It gives the pendulum the control to convert its motion into useful energy. In Numbers 14:39, we read of how Israel was like a pendulum as the nation went from the far left to the far right, but it had no control nor did Israel have stability. The fixed point was supposed to be God Himself, but that connection was lost through apostasy.
After spying out the “land flowing with milk and honey,” Joshua made a challenge to the Israelites to obey God and go through with the invasion. Instead, they listened to the fearful report of the ten spies and stayed where they were (Numbers 13:26-14:38). After this, they were judged by God and rushed ahead without God’s approval (14:40).
We often do the same thing. Sometimes, we are afraid to move forward in our faith. At other times, we rely too much on ourselves and make rash decisions without seeking God’s wisdom and direction for us.
Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. He had a full range of emotions just as we do (Mark 14:34; John 2:13-17; 11:35), but notice that His responses were always in control. He always did the Father’s will (Mark 14:35-36; John 6:38).
We must learn from the example that Christ has given us to obey His Word and trust in Him. Then, we will not be subject to harsh extremes that can wear down the heart and the soul. We must hold to His Word to have stability in our lives.