Reflections of a Christian

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

I’ve often wondered how and why the people in the Bible, did the things they did? Is it possible that the people who lived centuries before us are in fact telling our stories?

I have always been challenged by what Job said; “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman” (Job 38:1).

How was Moses, the leader of the Exodus from Egypt, able to withstand the criticism he received from the very people he freed? (Numbers 12).

Why did Cain, after receiving a personal and direct warning from God, kill his brother Able? (Genesis 4:6-7).

Knowing that each of the twelve “spies” were chosen because of their accomplishments, strengths and reputations, why did ten spies come back with an attitude of defeatism while two others came back with the opposite view? (Numbers 13). After her husband, father in-law and brother in-law died, what did Ruth see in her mother in-law, Naomi that made her want to stay instead of going back to her own family? (Ruth 1).

Why did God choose an exceptionally beautiful Esther to save the Israelites?

(Esther 2).

Why did God allow Satan to attack and test the faith of Job in such horrible ways? (Job 1-2).

How deeply depressed Job must have been to have said; “Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and die? (Job 3:11).

What a shock it must have been to the ego of the prophet Samuel to hear God say; “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (Samuel 8:7).

Why do Believers and followers of Christ want to be like everyone else? (1 Samuel 8:20).

Solomon, the third king of Israel, the wisest of all people and the wealthiest person ever to live on earth (according to 1 Kings 3:11-13), why did he marry seven-hundred wives and accumulate three-hundred concubines? He must have realized these one-thousand women were the antithesis of his wisdom and wealth?

In the end, these women turned Solomon’s attention away from God and to other idols.

Would you agree that people keep listening but do not hear, we look but do not see, and that our hearts are insensitive? (Isaiah 6:8-10).

The only thing more deceptive than the devil is our own hearts and that God searches our hearts, tests our minds and gives to each according to our deeds (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Some have criticized the Bible for the horrid tales, of killing, sex and other violence. Many say a good god would not allow such tragedies – but could there be a purpose for evil?

I believe that God does care. God give us the ability to choose, He gave examples of right and wrong, set boundaries to live within. He tells of the rewards for right choices and consequences for wrong choices.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in the city of Corinth, letters of instruction and encouragement. In his first letter to the Corinthians, he wrote of the many things that people endured in previous years; “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction…” (1 Corinthians 10:11).

Unfortunately, these and other lessons of history mostly go unheard, unexplained and unlearned, even in Christian churches today. It is unfortunate, but true. Few are the teachers who can read the Old Testament and accurately apply these principles and precepts to todays culture and into our very personal struggles of today.

The challenge all through history has been as Jude wrote; “…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:3-4).

Paul said he “fought the good fight”, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6) and Jude wrote for us to “contend earnestly for the faith.” Getting, keeping and strengthening one’s faith in Christ is a fight for truth, justice, grace, mercy and forgiveness and it has eternal consequences.

Are you contending for the faith or have you dropped out of the race?

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.