Denial and Dependence
Denial and Dependence
This week, RIC is fasting and praying. On Sunday, we saw how Ezra led the exiles in a fast to humble themselves before the Lord and declare their trust in the Lord for a safe journey back to Jerusalem. Beginning the new year is a great time to remind ourselves of our actual provider, protector, and purpose-giver. The Lord is the one who gives life and sustains it (Col 1:16-17). God had, of course, promised that the exiles would one day return, but in the moment, when the bags were packed and the group organized, they had to physically step out of Babylonia and walk toward the promised land.
RIC rests on certain promises that God, in his grace, has given. Here are a few key promises:
Jesus will build his church (Matthew 16:18),
Jesus will be with his church (Matthew 28:19-20),
God will oversee the preaching of his word so that it accomplishes his purposes (Isaiah 55:11),
God's love will not be taken away from his church (Romans 8:31-35),
and one day, this local congregation will join with those who are his at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9).
By faith, we step forward into 2024, knowing he will make good on all these promises. However, knowledge is one thing, but affection is another. Can I ask you, do we lovethese promises? Are these the promises that calibrate your heart when you're getting ready to go to work or school in the morning? Are these the promises that give you peace to lie down and sleep at the end of the day? You and I have likely gotten our hearts into a battle between affections. We like the idea of more time on our hands, more money, less stress, greater control over our lives, more power to change our circumstances, increased comforts, a better name for ourselves, and the list could go on. So many things signal promises of greater return and enjoyability than God's promises, and our hearts become easily swayed.
Fasting and prayer are spiritual disciplines of self-denial and declared dependence on God for all things. He knows what we need physically, emotionally, and psychologically, and he knows what you need ultimately (Matthew 6:25-34). Let's step forward together by faith into this year, declaring our dependence on Jesus and trusting in his purposes for this church.
Together with you,
Loren