Pastor's Ponderings, October 2, 2017

Burning Love For God

West Side Story was a 1957 classical musical. It examined the rivalry between two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, the Jets and the Sharks.  One of the song’s lyrics emphasized the need for being cool. “Boy, boy, crazy boy, get cool, boy! Got a rocket in your pocket, keep coolly cool, boy! Don't get hot, 'cause man, you got some high times ahead. Take it slow and Daddy-O, you can live it up and die in bed!”  Cool was one of the words we used in the fifties.  We emphasized, don’t get excited, don’t get involved, just get your dark glasses, your cigarettes, and be cool.

The world system seems to approve of those who are laid back, unruffled, cool, casual, and uninvolved in anyone else but themselves.  However, those who love God should want to be like Him. God is described in the Bible as a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29).  The book of Jeremiah says the word of God is like fire shut up in his insides (Jeremiah 20:9).  God wants people to fervently worship, praise, and pray knowing that the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous will have great advantages (Romans 12:11, James 5:16). He loved us so much that He gave His Son Jesus for us and His Son died for us.  In His earthly ministry, He had compassion for people (Matthew 9:36).

God is looking for people who are on fire for Him.  He says that people must look for Him when He can be found and to call upon Him when He is near (Isaiah 55:6). They are not resting on their laurels, but are fervent, looking to be a blessing to others and to passionately obey Him.  They are actively seeking God’s direction, laying before Him, and striving to enter into His presence.

God is not looking for half-hearted, lukewarm children, but He really wants us to fervently love Him. This week, let us wholeheartedly seek God’s presence.  Let us decide to love Him because He loved us first. Let us vigorously look for God like we would look for hidden treasure.  Let us love Him with a burning love.

Hebrews 12:28-29
New International Version (NIV)

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
29 for our “God is a consuming fire.

Jeremiah 20:9
New International Version (NIV)

9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name, ”his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Romans 12:11
Amplified Bible (AMP)

11 never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord;

James 5:16
New King James Version (NKJV)

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Matthew 9:36
New International Version (NIV)

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd

Isaiah 55:6
New International Version (NIV)

6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.