I have been going to a little church in Jakarta for many weeks. The people over there is very nice and friendly. But the only thing that bugs me is the preaching. We don't have permanent pastor, only an evangelist. We always have different speakers every week. Only very few speakers are good. Good means bible saturated, God-centered, and Christ-exalting preaching.
To my disappointment, prosperity doctrine is coming into the church. It is very sad because as if the happiness and blessings in Christ is no longer the church's greatest joy.
How did Christ bless us?
He provided the greatest gift for us, a gift we do not deserve which is eternal life with Him. He is God, supreme, most powerful, most loving, just, merciful, holy, perfect, gracious, magnificent, brilliant, beautiful, and intelligent. This God sets us free to love and gives us life to the full. He won over sin so that we too can be freed from our sins. He cares about us in our adversities. Who can live without suffering in their life? He allows hardships so that His power may be shown to us and others. So that we know, we need Jesus.
Even when hardships stay with us until the end of life like the martyrs, the hope of being reconciled with the mighty God and live with Him eternally is sufficient to sustain them.
What excuse? Christ has to go through the path of suffering too. Remember the cross? He is the son of God, why he has to suffer? To bring what? to obey the will of God which is proven best for us. So, that we may be forgiven and our relationship with him is restored.
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
(Phil 2: 6-11 ESV)
How can we demand for more? although I am not against asking deliverance from our hardships or material poverty. But, where do we hope in?
Aren't we called to follow his example?
Aren't we called to be content?
Aren't we called to only hope in Him?
Do we believe that He is most powerful and has His best interest in us even in the midst of adversity?
Have we a small God?
I am saying these words to myself as well and constantly challenged by it.
I am sure if we ask him things in accordance to His will, it will be given to us and He will give it generously.
Oh Lord help us, hopeless, easily tempted and weak worm. Work in us and change us to be like your son, Jesus. We ask in assurance of your great love, patience, and mercy.
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