By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
One of the hardest things I have done as a pastor was trying to explain God’s role in 9/11. A man in our church had a radio sport’s talk show and he wanted me to join him to give some insight. I remember praying much and reading much and listening much for God’s voice. Of all the things said—here is the one that stood out the most:
“Above all else—God wants to use this to get our attention.”
“Above all else—God wants to use this to get our attention.”
You may recall that churches were packed after that happened.
People sought the Lord, and many came back to Him.
I had some deep conversations with people related to God and their spiritual condition.
God got the attention of many.
Sadly, as with most things—when the crisis ends—commitments are easily forgotten.
People on airplanes will make vows to God in turbulence—but when on the ground—life just goes on.
During illnesses—pleas are offered to God for healing.
When the sickness ends—too often so do the promises made.
As a parent and grandfather—I so appreciate when my family does what they should.
Incentives may be offered for doing what should be done.
Ice cream would often be involved in those rewards.
That is so much the way I prefer to live life with my family.
However—there WERE {and ARE} times when stubbornness gets in the way.
There are times when sheer rebellion comes into play.
At those times—punishment comes as a CONSEQUENCE in order to get attention.
Certainly not what I WANT to do—but something that is sometimes needed.
I thought about this in relation to the time we are in right now.
If nothing else—God wants to use this to get our attention.
I thought of the Israelites and how often God blessed and blessed and blessed.
And how often they rebelled and rebelled and rebelled.
I will talk more on this tomorrow, but I was reminded of a verse from the book of Haggai.
In 1:11, God tells the people that:
“I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”
Do you really think God wanted to do that?
But they had disobeyed, and He wanted to get their attention.
By the way—it worked—because the people repented and did what God desired.
Does God have your attention?
Will you use this time as a time to search your heart and to pray for others to do the same?
God loves to get our attention through grace-but whatever it takes—He WILL get our attention.