Cross Examined by God
Today I received a notification that I did not meet the “minimum” qualifications for a job with the State of Colorado I had applied for. It was a job I felt my background and passion would help in achieving the goals of the position. I have to admit is was a little blow to the ego and a little ironic. It was ironic because I was the Chair of the House Committee that provided oversight for this Department of the State of Colorado. During that time I had open access to the Department Director and would often find his staff before my committee testifying on a bill or addressing issues on which I had requested a report.
When you take an action and trust the Lord to provide direction, and be prepared for an immediate and abrupt response. If nothing else my motivation to “investigate” shows that I am feeling like I am ready to assume more of a normal routine in life. Of course I am given to “denial” at times.
I did take time to venture to our neighborhood pool for about an hour. It went well, for which I was pleased. When Debbie got home, she asked if I got in okay? I said, it wasn’t getting in that I was worried about it was getting out! That part actually went better than anticipated. I made it back into my wheelchair without calling on the life guard for help. When I returned home I couldn’t help but notice our roses coming into full bloom. (see picture above)
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“When you bring a blind animal to sacrifice, isn’t that wrong? When you bring a lame or a sick animal, isn’t that wrong? Try offering it to your governor. Would he accept it from you? Would he welcome you?” asks the Lord of Armies.” Malachi 1:8
I enjoy watching the criminal/legal programs. CSI Miami is still one of my favorites, even though I have to watch reruns. I must admit to still being a “Matlock” fan. The current shows are the Law & Order variety and The Mentalist type of programs. Don’t forget “Monk.” In each of these programs there is an interrogation process of suspects, or a court scene where witnesses are questioned and cross examined by attorneys. Statements are made and then challenged.
When I was reading the Old Testament Book of Malachi, I thought of this process. This book is filled with questions that God is posing to His people. Some are questions or statements that God’s people have addressed to God and He is confronting them about them. For example in Malachi 2:17, we read, “But you ask, “How have we tried his patience?” [answer] When you say… “Where is the God of justice?”
In Malachi 1:8 we find several questions in one verse. This issue is one of importance for us today, thousands of years beyond the end of the sacrificial system. It is important because it addresses issues of the heart and attitudes toward God. Do we give our best to God? What do we honor the Lord when it comes to our finances? Our effort? Our service? Does God just get the “left overs” of our life?
God basically says to His people, “what you would be embarrassed to offer to a human governmental official you give to me and then question why your prayers are not answered.”
This reminds me of a Pastor who many years ago who had a church member approach him and offer her old (junky – his words) piano to the church because she had bought a new one. He told her she could keep her old (junky) piano but he would be interested in the new one! She stormed off in a huff, mortified over such a statement. A few days later the lady called the Pastor almost in tears saying that she had not been able to sleep for the last few nights and she wanted to donate her new piano to the church!
Excellence glorifies God. Giving Him our best and making Him a priority is what honors Him. As we do our relationship with Him provides the confidence and strength that we need for each day.