WASTELAND SHEEP

He is mighty to keep His people holy after He has made 

them so, and to preserve them in His fear and love

until He consummates their spiritual existence in heaven.

C.H. Spurgeon

Many people are experiencing meltdown.   Some will literally throw themselves under the bus because they never expected to lose everything or fail.    Their gods are the material world and the house of cards is crashing down.    Many were raised in denominations who have lost control of the flock.   The house rules have been changed to fill empty pews.   His children have taken flight to avoid contamination with  diseased sheep.     They didn't expect anything other than a cross which they must carry to the end.

There is just one directive to cover all  "if you love me keep my commandments" this was God's recipe for a caring society and little is said about satan in the churches today.   Many years ago as a young christian I listened to an elderly preacher in a very popular evangelical church.    His sermon was not welcomed with "Amen" and "Amen" or that's right!!!!   The congregation didn't seem to be impressed with this subject and his warning regarding the very real existence of the devil.   As I left the church I shook his hand and thanked him for his excellent preaching.  I could tell by his reaction he was more concerned as to whether he had got his message home than any compliment or flattery. 

People have a cartoon impression of the devil together with horns and a forked tail.   Doubtless the Hellenistic version of Yeshua (Jesus) is also totally inaccurate.    He was raised by a Jewish stepfather and Gentile mother in the culture and Laws of the Jewish faith and the artworks of a good looking european Christ are pure fiction

Matthew 53.3 

"he was despised and rejected by men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him

Perhaps He was among the rather scruffy individuals crouched in the doorway of a city store that you ignore every day on the way to your well paid employment.       Satan on the other hand was described as the most beautiful of all the angels and he intended to raise himself above God.    He is undoubtedly charismatic, handsome and manipulative.   He can't be everywhere but he has his minions in government and church.

No where does the devil tempt so successfully than at the steps of the altar.*     In the fictional work by C.S. Lewis - Screw tape letters - there are an excellent examples of manipulation.  Well meaning individuals might not think to question the source of that idea, suggestion or inspiration with biblical authority.   "It's okay to do that" or that's a good idea you want promotion don't you, you want to be successful.   Get rid of him"  The target is often a new christian.

The price offered for fame and fortune is not worth the fires of hell.       Nevertheless a good minister will warn members of his church that the wonderful feeling of elation that follows a believer's baptism will be but the calm before the storm.   Any one who is truly saved will know without a shadow of doubt they have picked up their cross and must endure the attacks that surely come one after another.  Satan does not like to lose and right now he is very busy.   

He is the Father of Lies and in today's world people lie without the slightest feeling of guilt but perhaps they were never taught  it is offensive to a Holy God.   They do it to attack and bring down anyone who is liable to upset their agenda.  God hates liars and they have their end in the lake of fire.

Revelation 21 - 8
"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and ALL LIARS shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. 

The foundation fathers preached hell fire, not the insipid anything goes under the umbrella of grace.   Jesus was sinless, he kept the Law and anyone who truly follows Him will be offended by this back slidden world and its tacky prosperity preachers.

Matthew 13 - 46
Yeshua (Jesus) said
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

God's children will walk through the fire but His gift of Salvation and peace in the storm is that precious pearl that we will surrender everything to possess.   Our focus is on His kingdom to come which is beautiful beyond description and available to all who repent of their wicked ways and turn back to the creator God they pridefully deny.   

Exciting times ahead.   Biblical history is unfolding before our very eyes.   We consider ourselves advanced in both technology and science but our primitive brains cannot comprehend His power and majesty.   We hold in our hands the toys that will destroy us unless we learn to love one another and the planet that is our home.

We can only pray that God will be merciful and protect His children in all the nations around the globe and particularly those who are in the firing line, who speak Truth and pay the price.

The Father knows the genuine cry of a repentant soul.   He forgives arrogance and pride after all He is the grand designer and realises only He can fix the damaged human.

     Do you know how much He loves you,

wounded soul, hurting lamb.

Did you know His heart was aching

as from the flock you ran.

Now you try to kill the pain

cover all your guilt and shame,

hide behind your pride and stay

with your burden every day.

Did you know the Shepherd King

left the flock to search to you.

Spent and wasted in the dark

your feeble cry would light a spark.

Ever faithful, ever near,

your simple prayer He waits to hear.

As hosts of heaven rejoice and praise,

surrender to His loving gaze.

Gently he will lead you home

to graze lush pastures around His throne.

As rivers of His mercy flow,

you're healed, forgiven, white as snow.

T. Hills

2003

* C.S. Lewis