It Is He Who Owns EVERYTHING
December 15, 2016
READ
Psalm 50: 8-12; Isaiah 28: 26-29
REFLECT
It's not about us. I heard these words countless times when I was in the seminary. Until I landed in the mission field, I humbly understand the truest sense of them.
It's not because who I am, what I have become and what I have. However, it's all because of God and who He is. There's no amount of pride should be carried on my shoulders.
We are living in a world where one must attain something plausible to be recognized by many. Even though in a Christian circle, nowadays, titles become tangible.
Psalm 50:9-11 says, "I have no need of a bull from your stall, or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and a cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine."
Very clear, everything is His. What knowledge you possess, it's from God. What talents you have, they are from Him. What you have on this earth, big or small, they are from Him. God just entrust us with resources and capabilities. It means that we don't rightfully own everything - it is God's. Thus, we are not free to use it as we please. God, the sole owner, expects us to use it for His purposes and for His glory. He desires to invest all that we are and all that we have eternally.
Similarly, as Isaiah son of Amoz saw a vision. The pride of Ephraim was rebuked. Isaiah 28: 26-29, "His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. Caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin; caraway is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a stick. Grain must be ground to make bread; so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it, but one does not use horses to grind grain.All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent."
It is important to note here that God is our Great Shepherd. He does not resent us the things He gives us. The truth of the matter is, He wants us to seize a kingdom view of who we are and what we have, acknowledging that everything comes from Him.
RESPOND
1. Is there any aspect of your life you are struggling to give to God?
2. If your answer is yes, what holds you back?
3. Read again Psalm 50: 8-12 and Isaiah 28: 26-29. What does this passage tell you about God and His Words. What are the things you possess right now and how do you think and feel about them?
