Stumbling Block in Fulfilling God’s Purposes

(Message by Bro. Sam Cherian. Happy reading!)

We have been studying about God’s purposes and plan for each one of us. His master-plan is that we be conformed to the image of His Son-our Lord Jesus Christ, the fore-runner and the Chief cornerstone, and in whose steps we follow.

Just as the car manufacturer showcases a prototype of the proposed design of a car in a motor-show, whose specifications are fixed and technical characteristics evaluated and finalised, Father God has showed to the world His only begotten Son. Further cars in the production line will follow exhibiting the same look, and characteristics of the original proto-type showcased. In the same manner, we too have been pre-destined to conform to the image of God’s Son, Jesus. It is vital for us to understand this master-plan, align our lives always keeping this purpose in focus, notwithstanding the 101 things that we may do differently from others in the body of Christ. This is the common purpose-become like Jesus; a common meeting ground where we all see eye-to-eye and have a glimpse at the proto-type. This is the general theme we see throughout the Bible.

And the stumbling block is really only one (and not some 10 points that you may hear in a seminar); the one thing that really stops us is our own will. It is not the devil and the evil spirits, not the evil days that we live in, not the evil generation around us, not the evil circumstances and situations… because God has taken care of each one of these. (for example see Romans 8:28). Because all circumstances are just tools God uses, to bring about something new within us. Our self-life is like an onion, someone has said; Just when we think that we have seen it all, and learnt enough, and we peel one layer and find another new layer inside-all new and unknown again. Paul had to go through life with a thorn in the flesh; but he understood God’s grace anew (see 2 Cor. 12:7). Similarly, the people of Israel, after coming out of Egypt, had to wander in the wilderness some 40 years before arriving at the Promised Land; a journey that would 'normally' have taken them maybe less than a month. And God reminds them that He did that to test and know the intentions of their heart (Deut. 8:2; also Exo. 16:4, Exo. 20:20). So the one thing that really stops us is our own will.

Much like the onion philosophy lived the Pharisees in Jesus’ time; they had an answer ready for every question and thought they had it all figured out. They were outwardly religious; a self-life lived with earthly wisdom and human strength, independent of God. They had no idea of newness, revelation and God’s will; the Pharisees were really dead inside and white-washed outside.

And what about us? Yes, we have accepted Jesus as our Savior… and cleansed from all unrighteousness by His blood. But have we, really, accepted Jesus as Lord of our lives? Now Lord means master of everything that we are, and everything we have; having full authority to work in and through us. (I do not know about you, but) This is the major issue I face here on earth. If Jesus is to be on the throne of our heart, our self has to be dethroned.

The general call of Lord Jesus rings out to all: Come unto Me, all who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest. The Saviour of the world has proclaimed salvation in His name and by faith in His death and resurrection. But for those longing for His Lordship, salvation is not just a one-step process, but a lesson in endurance till the end. Even the calling and response to those who have come, accepting His first invitation, are quite different, as they come close the Master, asking Him what should I do now.

Jesus’ responses to those who wanted to follow Him were quite unconventional, sometimes insensitive and often bordering on rudeness-humanly speaking! Matt. 8: 19, 20 talks about a religious person wanting to walk with Jesus.

1. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

2. And again in Matt. 8:21, 22: Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

What are you really seeking as you come to Jesus? Now by any standards, Jesus was not poor when He spoke these words to the scribe. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords; He kept on working miracles starting from the time of that wedding feast where He turned water to wine. What Jesus is telling the scribe is that his intentions were good; but, he should know the cost before paying the price. And similarly to that disciple, that he should set his priorities right before coming to follow Him.

3. Matt. 19:16, 21: Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” …

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Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

This is the young man who said he kept all the law, yet stumbled in that one thing-the love of money. His love of money was more than his love for God.

4. There were some Greeks seeking Jesus. Not only were they intellectuals who sought the truth; they were also influential and had their contacts through Philip and Andrew. (John 12: 20-26). Jesus answered them saying, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Following Jesus is completely different from intellectual pursuit, understanding and answers about this life as the world sees it. The Greeks left without belief; they just did not GET it.

5. And finally think about the thief on the cross. Probably, he had nothing going right for him. Possibly, he was one person who lived for his own self. But then he had a glimpse of Jesus and a revelation dawned on him. This thief suddenly knew that Jesus was on that cross for no wrong of His; and he also knew Jesus had something to give to him. Turning towards Jesus, the thief begs “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

And the wonder is, Jesus reply was again unconventional; but was also direct and to the point: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Jesus knows what is in your heart, as you come to Him. Your intentions, maybe the half-price you are willing to pay, maybe the short-cuts you would like to take in His kingdom…

From the time of God’s calling, to the time of your readiness to fulfil His purpose may take a long time-even many years. Abram was called when he was 75 years; and he walked in obedience. And God met him nearly 10 times during his entire life… but it was special when LORD appeared to Abram when he was 99 years old saying: “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.”

From 75y to 99y, Abraham also did his own thing and had Ishmael. But at 99 years, Abram no longer depended on himself, and his name was changed to Abraham. He became a champion of faith and a friend of God. And he was prepared to fulfil God’s purposes through his life. When something within him died, that is the change within; and to signify this change, his name was changed (and this has happened 8 times in the Old Testament). In these intermediate years, as God was preparing Abraham, He was also patiently waiting for self-will to be dethroned; that He may bless him.

God continues to work His work even today by His Holy Spirit. And He is waiting for our self-will to be dethroned. Call it realisation or revelation but a better phrase would be dying to self… Jesus is Saviour when we believed; Jesus is Lord only when we die to our own self. This is the challenge placed before us-and placed before me these past years… the renewed mind yielding to the purchase of the soul.

Self will not suppressed by hearing some 10 points from a seminar. Self is not going to be liberated in the misty mountains of Himalayas, alone and aloof. Self will not be stifled down through meditation and yoga. It is just a matter of will-your will. It does not matter much, how you started… but it is of great importance how you finish. Have this always before you: “When we see Him, we shall be like Him.” Yes, our conformance to the image of Jesus is His master-plan for each one of us. Therefore start your new life with the finish in mind.

Think of the price Jesus paid. Count the cost and pay the price to follow Him. Let self have its slow death sooner than later, as you lay hold of the truth: Jesus died for ME… this has to enter our blood-stream and infuse the newness of life within us in Jesus Christ. Amen.