I Corinthians 14:33
Easter. The very word brings such a variety of thought to our minds and spirit that many of us instantly head off in different directions. Some go right to the cross, and consider the ultimate sacrifice. Some go back to the manger where it all started. Some think as I have today, of the story in between and how our Lord/Lamb spent so much time, took so much care, and gave so much love to those around Him so that they might pass it on to you and me today, here and now. Regardless of where we go in our thoughts and reflections, or where the Holy Spirit might lead, we all at some point get to the place where we are faced with our own sin, and must consider the cross for what it is. The trouble is, that some of us are there at the cross, and do not recognize it, and if we do, are not sure what to do about it.
This Sunday I will be using our time together in the Easter Service to take a look at the people who were present at the cross. I have learned much in my study, but one thing that prevailed among almost all present at the cross was this; confusion.
Confusion causes all sorts of responses in us, physical and emotional to be sure, but also spiritual. While not knowing which turn to make on a trip to the grocery store can cause confusion among us (especially us men) and it does have its consequences, I'm fairly certain those consequences are not eternal. Confusion at the foot of the cross of what scripture makes clear is our only chance at salvation and restoration with God on the other hand, does.
We are warned about the 'winds of doctrine' min Ephesians 4:14, and that we are not to be blown to and from by all the new ones that come along. But the only way to do that is to be in the word. We are also encouraged by Paul to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, noble in our faith and examining the scriptures against the words being taught by some teachers. There are plenty of encouragements like this throughout the New Testament, and examples on the Old. But how diligent are we in applying them practically to our lives?
The 'why' is not where I want to go into today. Instead, I'd rather talk about the consequences. Confusion. Confusion seems to reign supreme in these last days, just as we have been promised. God confused us with a purpose at Babel, but with the church, and things salvational, God is not a God of confusion, but a God of order (I Corinthians 14:40). When it comes to our faith, our active participation is necessary in the defense of our spirit. Jesus prayed for protection for His disciples, and for us. For that matter He prayed for protection for Himself in the garden. In this time of great deception, as we see more and more of our friends walking away from their faith, or from church all together, we need to be there for our brothers and sisters in the church. We need to be encouraging, uplifting, and to know them well enough to see signs of confusion that leads to faithlessness.
Confusion is a tool of the enemy. Do everything you can to prevent it, and when it happens seek God's word and Godly counsel.
