Tag Archives: insults

Why is God Taking so… Long?

In this day and age, waiting is like praying for patience, nobody wants to do it.  The essence of waiting involves one of two options: either stay where you are or delay your plans until something happens.  However, if you’re not in a safe place common sense will urge you to move.  Meanwhile, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might overlook the obvious sign God has provided.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnOG_U_eQZA

In Psalm 22:1, David’s prayer mirrors Jesus’ words in Matthew 27:46.  David went from the out house as a lonely shepherd, living in country fields under the stars to the penthouse, anointed as the next king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:13.  However, the catch was David had to wait until Saul’s death until this dream became a reality.  A whirl wind took David to the king’s palace as a servant to the king, playing his harp, to a battle field, defeating Goliath and to a cave fleeing the wrath a jealous king, literally running for his life.  This is the context in which David felt forsaken and forgotten, unable to wait any longer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auBpiCk0Law

Meanwhile, Jesus spent 6 hours hanging from a cross before his death.  Without any pain killers, Jesus endured excruciating  pain as 3 modern railroad sized spikes went through each hand and both ankles.  If this wasn’t bad enough, insults and mocking followed, carrying on for hours.  Grasping for air to breath, having a conversation to share his final words was exhausting.  Thus, God the Father went silent, allowing His Son to finish the task that Jesus was sent to earth to complete, Luke 19:10.  Not able to wait any longer, Jesus gave up his spirit, succumbing to the natural forces of life.

Perhaps, Hebrews 12:4 was placed into the pages of the Bible for impatient people on earth.  Despite the trials you encounter in life, God reminds mankind that at least you didn’t have to shed your blood on a cross.  With this subtle reminder, may God fill you with the spirit of Isaiah 40:28-31.  If you find yourself tired, weary and lacking understanding, may the wings of eagles lift you up as wait on God.  In your weakness of impatience, God is strong, carrying you periodically when you can’t tarry on, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.  Although I don’t know why God is taking so long to reveal His plan to me, I am clinging to His promise of a brighter future, Jeremiah 29:11.

by Jay Mankus

It’s Never Too Late for a Failure

A failure reaches this status when one does not attain success, failing to meet their goal or objective.  Once expectations go unfilled, disappointment consumes individuals, often leaving souls in a state of depression.  Effort is good, but sooner or later a team has to win, proving they have what it takes.  If not achieved, coaches and individuals will begin to doubt their God given abilities.  Like a lowly carp, bottom dwellers are left to feed on the scraps, the leftovers other fish don’t find appealing.

 
In Luke 23:32-43, Jesus finds himself stuck between 2 failures.  Placed in the middle of 2 criminals, subject to a cross due to evil deeds such as being a murderer or robber, Jesus couldn’t leave, nailed to a cross listening to their insults, Matthew 27:38-40.  However, one of these wicked man had a change of heart after Jesus’ words of forgiveness, Luke 23:34.  While one failure continued to hurl hurtful comments Jesus’ way, the other began to contemplate his life, Luke 23:40.  The more this man thinks about his life, God begins to work a miracle in his life, Luke 23:41.  With time ticking away on his life, this humble failure throws up one final request to Jesus, Luke 23:42, hoping for the best, with nothing to lose.

The words of Luke 23:43 should give hope to any failure who still has time on their side.  “Today you will be with me in paradise” is proof that someone about to die can receive Jesus into their heart, obtaining eternal life despite living a life full of sin.  Hebrews 10:26-27 indirectly suggests someone who fears the judgment of God can be swayed from hell to heaven like the criminal mentioned in Luke.  Therefore, if you’ve been deceived by the devil to believe that you’re damned, remember the promise of Luke 23:40-43.  In Jesus’ eyes, it’s never too late for a failure to receive eternal life, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus