Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. [Hosea 14.9]
I don't know how much clearer it could be presented. Those who walk in the paths of the LORD live. Those who do not stumble and fall.
The biggest trick religion has played on humanity is to confuse people on this basic truth: God blesses the obedient and punishes the disobedient.
How many hours of teaching and sermons and volumes of books have been crafted and concocted (like a witch's brew) to convince people that their suffering is not necessarily punishment for sin? Far too many! But here is the solution:
Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. [Hosea 14.9]
It is time we simplify. It is time we believe the Bible. It is time we believe God. It is time we say to God:
You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. [Psalm 119.68]
It is time we understand what Jesus said:
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [John 10.10]
Why can't we see the simplicity of God's plan? Why? Because our proud hearts (which are deceitful above all things and desperately wicked) refuse to acknowledge our need for repentance even in the obvious pain and suffering of punishment. To better insure our path to hell, our hearts tell us we are okay.
We desperately need the attitude of the Psalmist in our suffering:
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. [Psalm 119.71]
Suffering is not "good" for the sake of suffering, but serves to bring about repentance!
If we suffer without repenting, we have completely and entirely missed the point. We have misunderstood the simplest of indicators. We have abandoned all discernment. We have stumbled and fallen in the dark with no idea why. And worse, we have brewed up the religious remedy that it is not our place to ask why!
God help us.
Father, in my pain and suffering, may You find me repentant. May You find my heart broken and my spirit contrite. Forgive me for ignoring Your obvious signs of sin (pain, suffering and loss - Deuteronomy 28) and instead proudly declaring my innocence. Oh God, forgive me and forgive all those who have ever taught such absolute rubbish. Forgive me for not understanding these things. Forgive me for not discerning.
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