God is willing and able
06/09/2023 Mark 1 v 35-45; 1 Cor 3 v 1-23; Ps 75 v 1-10; Jos 8 v 1 - 9 v 27
God is willing and able
41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” (Mark 1 v 41)
Jesus, the perfect example
Compassion = sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Oxford dictionary
Are we able to show compassion where required and reach out to others in need of help or are we so caught up in our theology, believing that we are either chosen and some other people are not, or that we are so blessed, because of our good works, while others are in the situation they find themselves in due to their own decisions?
Everyone needs compassion and everyone needs a Saviour. God is willing (to equip you) and able to give you the grace required for your calling.
We are able if we are willing
The only thing standing between us and the ability to live a spirit-filled life is our fallen flesh and its earthly desires, of which pride is probably our biggest downfall. (1 Cor 3 v 2)
God warns us not to boast (Ps 75 v 4) for it is He who exalts the righteous and pours out His wrath on the wicked.
Jesus is the foundation that we build our faith on (1 Cor 3 v 11) and no other foundation can be laid that will stand the test of time. Remember, that whether we plant a seed or water that seed, God causes the growth and therefore we should not boast about any of our efforts, for we are mere men, fellow workers in God’s Kingdom.
God was willing to become a man and also able to do so.
Can you imagine any other religion’s “deity” being willing and able to “de-throne” themselves in order to make amends on our behalf.
The God of the Universe, Creator of the living, the Lord Jesus, calls on you today and offers hope (while still in the flesh, facing trials and tribulations) and also an eternity with Him, when you transition from this life to the next. The question is this.
Will you accept Him as Lord of your life, the King that reigns above every earthly government and follow His commandments?
The choice is yours and you are able to respond as long as you are willing.
Look in the mirror and you will see a flawed man…. a broken man…. a sick man…. in need of redemption, in need of a Saviour and the many ways that seem right unto you will ultimately only lead to death and destruction. There is another way though, but you would have to deny yourself, then turn your back on the world and the things thereof and finally put this earthly vessel to death. Then and only then will you be able to pick your cross and follow Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation”
