Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark
"You shall not steal." Exodus 20:15
At face value, this eighth commandment would seem pretty easy to interpret. This is because we most often identify the word "steal" with taking something that doesn’t belong to you from another person.
People always seem to be looking to steal money from another. Maybe it’s taking a few dollars from someone’s pants pocket or wallet. Sometimes it’s just about stealing an entire wallet or purse. It’s little wonder that the bible says the love of money is the root of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Shoplifters steal items from a store without paying. The property they steal still belongs to the store because they have yet to purchase the item. Yet, they take it and leave the store at a loss.
Today, we are dealing with the problem of identity theft. People steal our personal information and then pose as us to steal from us again as they obtain money and materials at our expense.
Question: Have you ever stolen anything?
Let’s dig a little deeper into this matter of stealing…this matter of taking something away from another.
For stealing isn’t always about tangible, material items, is it?
When we commit plagiarism, we steal another person’s music or words.
When we intentionally try and hurt another person physically or emotionally, we steal away their health. We also steal away their joy and happiness and peace.
When we murder someone, we steal away their life…and leave a hole in the hearts of all who loved them.
When we abuse or neglect another person physically or verbally, we steal away their dignity and esteem.
When we commit adultery, we steal another person’s spouse and their love.
When we lie to another, we steal away their trust.
Question: Again, have you ever stolen everything?
Once again, I think most of us, if not all of us, have found ourselves failing to meet God’s expectation for our lives. Can you imagine what it would be like if our requirement for salvation was to perfectly adhere to God’s law? Who would be able to stand? I don’t even want to think about that scenario for it would be a place where we would all be without hope.
All the more reason to give thanks and praise to our Savior Jesus…the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world through His blood shed on Calvary. For He set us free from our certain condemnation and set us on a narrow path of righteousness to go forth and help free the captives of this world from their sins and into the redeeming, resurrecting light of Christ. Indeed Satan tried to steal us from everlasting life to join him in damnation but Jesus rescued us and said, "No, Satan. You shall not steal…for this child of God belongs to Me and thus belongs to the Father. Be gone."
Do you know Jesus in your life? Or have you let Satan steal Him from your heart? The good news is that what was stolen from Jesus can be reclaimed. For the Lord is your rightful Owner and is ready to take you back to Him. If you know Jesus, hold onto Him as your most valuable possession and NEVER allow anyone to steal Him from you. If you lost Him in your life or have never found Him, seek Him and you will find Him. And when you find Him, hold on tight and never let go!
Friends, is this not good news for us? Is it not the good news that sets us free? For if the Son has set you free, then you are free indeed." (John 8:36) Rejoice and be glad in this. Amen.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
No comments:
Post a Comment