DRAWING NEARER GOD

Memorise: ” For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12)

Read: Hebrew 4:12-l3

Two things anyone who will remain relevant in God’s vineyard must do are: self examination and self purging. “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

The Word of God is a mirror. But unlike the regular plain mirror which can only show the physical object, it acts as an x-ray machine. Our reading says it is able to separate the soul from the spirit, the joint from the marrow and discern the plans of the heart.

When you look at this mirror, it begins to reveal your impure hidden motives, thoughts and plans. You are expected to take steps to correct them. Every man is to purge himself. Some people come and say

“I heard such and such happening in your church which I so highly respect. How can this be?” The pastor has some limits. His duty is to declare the truth but not to compel you. Even God does not force you against your will.

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8). Do you want God to draw close to you? Take the first step.

As you do so, He will reciprocate and before you know it, the two of you will touch. To cleanse your hands means to stop doing the terrible things you are currently doing with your hands.

Like the elders say, “A child who knows how to wash his hands will eat with an elder.” I want to eat with Jesus. Do you know in Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, He is ready to eat with you? If you make yourself worthy, He will eat with you.

If you refuse to cleanse yourself, and prefer that God did it for you, He will. The first time He cleaned you up was with His blood. It was a gentle wash. He even had to beg you to come forward that day.

But to be washed after that means He will do it by fire according to Malachi 3:3. That fire will burn certain things out of your life. It will burn off the dross, but you will feel the pain. Yield yourself to Him now and put off evil sinful weights. The Lord will draw nearer to you.