Decision Time

He is just waiting to embrace you with his loving and comforting arms

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On Easter Sunday, 1st April, my dear friend Roy Westwood preached this message to his fellowship in Waddington Lincolnshire. I reproduce it here as he said it, with his permission, after a couple of minor tweaks:

“I just love the cryptic promises about the salvation through the cross in the Old Testament; 

Exodus 15:22-26 Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore, it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

For 430 years the Israelites had been in captivity, slaves of the Egyptians, brutalised and continually abused. They had lost their dignity and their self - esteem. 

They consistently cried out to their God for help and their prayer would possibly have been ; ”Please forgive me. If you deliver us and set us free we will never ever doubt you again“ The exodus from Egypt was enormous, probably close to a million however not everyone reached the promised land many turned away from God and lost their promise. 

Fast forward to the wilderness and the pool at Marah, centuries before Jesus was even born. It was probably pure and clean at one time. However, over the years it had become contaminated with various foreign things that had got into it. It is of course quite possible that God made it bitter in order to bring the Israelites back to their senses and reminding them of the miraculous deliverance they had experienced when he made them free from their dreadful lives. 

Tired hungry and thirsty, back to their old ways moaning, grumbling,  blaming Moses and everyone including God, 

“Why couldn’t we have stayed in Egypt at least we were never hungry and thirsty. We endured the punishment and brutality for over 400 years. We were far better off there. Instead, you, Moses let God bring us here into the wilderness on a stupid promise of some non-existent promised land just so he could see us die “Why can’t we ever find peace, why does God continually bring us grief, why must we go around in circles. Why doesn’t He show us what the future holds? If he would show us that our future was great and peaceful we would be o.k. we would never ever complain again, but there is just no hope“

I truly believe that the pool at Marah represents the human heart, because it has had all manner of problems and difficulties; illness, physical and mental problems, some of which are self - inflicted. The heart has become bitter and in many ways the individual needs to place the blame and eventually that usually is God. The wood represents the Cross on which Jesus died for each one of us. Look what happened when the cross went into the water (Heart); it became pure. Look what happened to the Israelites;  

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.

They found rest and shelters, a much better life. 

If you accept the cross and ALL it represents into your heart things WILL change. He is just waiting to embrace you with his loving and comforting arms. The key word here is WAITING.

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Revelation 3:20 in the message says: “Look at me. I stand WAITING at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.

Jesus is standing here outside the door (your heart) He says; ‘Invite me in. I want to have an intimate relationship with you, love and comfort you, but I will not barge my way in and bully you it MUST be at your request“  

If you feel that this could be you because of situations, relationships and most importantly decisions that you have made that have gone wrong. That, over the years, you feel lost and abandoned, let down by family and friends that you have trusted and confided in, and you feel betrayed and maybe your heart has become sad and even bitter. Then I can personally  guarantee that, if you put your trust in Jesus and his amazing sacrifice on that wooden cross on Calvary, He will NEVER let you down.

I ask you to make that decision today and someone will come and pray with you. 

In 2 Corinthians 6 it states: “In the time of my favour I have heard you and in the day of salvation I have helped you I tell you this this is the day of my favour This is the day of your salvation.” 

Perhaps you did pray this prayer a long time ago but because of various situations, maybe the pressures of work, health, money worries, the loss of a loved one, you have, like the Israelites, lost your way a little.

If so and if God seems far away from you, I ask you simply, If God seems far away; Guess Who’s Moved?

Remember, if you pray this prayer and accept Jesus into your life as your personal saviour, your life will slowly change for the better, but it’s a lifetime commitment. Don’t be like the Israelites who lost it on the last stretch.

You will enter into Gods worldwide family who will be just waiting and willing to talk, listen and pray with you when you become hungry or thirsty for friendship, fellowship and encouragement. 

Jesus said in John 6:35: “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty again“ 

Amazingly, you will see people in your former situation, and you will be able to help  them as you have been helped. I don’t want to embarrass anyone by asking them to come out to the front to be prayed for. If I had been asked to do that, personally I would have done a runner.

You may want someone to pray for a specific situation for healing, or a friend.

Remember we are here today to celebrate a saviour who has been taken down from the cross and raised from the dead to eternal life and NOTHING is impossible for the one true God. Now and again I get pictures of people or situations I would like to share this picture I have. It maybe for someone here today:

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS

Revelations 1:7: “Look  He is coming  on the clouds and every eye shall see Him…….. “

Sadly, the world we live in, is a world that’s lost its sight of the cross and the sacrifice  that Jesus made for them and in many ways has become dark and uncaring, just focusing on their lives, totally unaware of what is to come.

We need to be like Jesus a Light in a Dark World. Its time to accept the invitation, the days of hesitation and reluctance are over.”

For the purposes of this blog, Roy offers this explanation of the picture:

Some years ago, as a young Christian, and having my doubts about salvation, the Holy Spirit gave me this picture: 

“Like the films War of the Worlds and Gone with the Wind, there is a scene after a great battle. The earth and sky are black, charred and smouldering, people are crying out for help. Suddenly Jesus comes, a huge figure striding across the scene, in his hand He holds a HUGE  glass jar. As he goes he keeps picking up small lights, ( a little bit like glow worms). These are those who shine with the light of Christ. People are shouting “ Here I am help me“

However, in Revelation 1:7 it says ALL eyes will see him NOT he will see everyone .

If we don’t shine with the light of Christ in this world then we are heading for a lost eternity. 

“As we close our eyes and prepare to pray if you would like to respond to Gods invitation today just quietly raise your hand, someone will come and quietly pray with you." 

Let’s Pray;

Heavenly Father I ask your forgiveness for the way I have lived my life. I, like the Israelites feel lost and alone in the wilderness and as you brought them to safety and a better life please touch my heart as you touched the pool at Marah with the cross and make it pure and worthy enough to follow you. In your precious name I pray, AMEN”

I make no apologies for publishing this in full, because not only is the message it contains vital in these days, but its very delivery is also a testimony to the power of Jesus in the life of this godly man.

Roy preached this message only three weeks after the funeral of his beloved wife, Sue, who went to be with the Lord after a tragic accident at home.

Be blessed as you read it and have a blessed week.

Author: Alan Cameron (with gratitude to Roy Westwood)

May God bless and enrich your life

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A woman of Valour who can find

Sometimes we feel far from God and separated from him but if we let God use us even in our worst times, we can still reflect the Lord’s love and message of hope to others

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The -Woman of Valour-, or Eishet Chayil in Hebrew, is a 22-verse poem, found in the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs (10-31) and delineates the qualities of an ideal Jewish woman. This prayer is traditionally read before the Kiddush wine blessing as Jewish families welcome in Shabbat on a Friday evening. 

I have recently read in my daily readings the Book of Ruth, a wonderful book which draws our attention to the account of an amazing woman of valour Ruth (a Moabitess and foreigner to Israel) and her faithfulness and obedience, which resulted in her becoming part of the lineage of The Lord Jesus. But it was to Naomi her mother in law that I was drawn. We don’t often hear about Naomi in popular sermons on this book, but in reading it again this time I was struck by the character, faithfulness and wisdom of Naomi.  

When famine came on the land of Israel Naomi obeyed her Husband and left all she knew and travelled to Moab, where they settled and raised a family. Her 2 boys married local girls and all went well until her Husband and both her sons died. Three women alone in Moab was not a good prospect, so Naomi acted wisely and decided to go back to her roots (Israel) But she counselled the two girls to return to their old homes and people advising them to marry again. But Ruth saw something in the character and life of Naomi that compelled her not to leave her mother-in-law. The bond that had grown between them was stronger than mother and daughter!  Ruth begged her “Don`t ask me to leave you, wherever you live I will live, your people will be my people and your God will be my God”. (Ruth 1 v 16 NLT).  Naomi had managed to represent God`s goodness so faithfully, that even at a time when Naomi herself felt the Lord had `raised his fist` against her, her lifestyle had made Ruth want to leave behind her old life and follow Naomi`s God. What an insight: sometimes we feel far from God and separated from him (Naomi asked people to call her `Mara` which means `bitter` she felt so desolate) but if we let God use us even in our worst times, we can still reflect the Lord’s love and message of hope to others.  – A woman of Valour-

So, they are now returned to Israel, but how will they live? Ruth asked if she could go and gather grain left behind after the harvesters had cut down the Barley. Naomi let her go, she didn’t hold her close at home for fear of what could happen to her. She enabled Ruth to seek ways of sustaining herself and her mother-in-law. When Ruth returned that night and told of the man Boaz, who`s field she had worked in and who had been so kind to her, Naomi recognised who Boaz was and knew his character. She advised Ruth she would be safe with him! Naomi recognised Boaz as Ruth`s eventual saviour and redeemer and directed her towards the safety of his keeping.  – A woman of Valour- 

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As women of valour, we should be looking out for the women (and men) in our families and friendship circle and directing them to Jesus, Gods redeemer. Even at times when we may not feel strong and like we have it all together. God used Naomi to influence Ruth when Naomi herself was at her most vulnerable. There was something deep in Naomi`s character and love of God the He could use even at her lowest point. Sometimes in our brokenness the Lord uses us to turn someone’s life around. Because at that point we can only depend on Him. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT): “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” 

So long story short- At the right time Naomi recognises that she must share the whole plan for Ruth to have a permanent home, so she will be provided for. So, she identifies Boaz as Ruth's kinsman redeemer and lays out clearly the way for Ruth to both understand, claim and obtain the redemption Boaz can secure for her.  (read Ruth chapters 3&4 for the whole story its lovely). Naomi waited for the right time, for the directing of the Lord, and the way to introduce Ruth to Boaz as her own personal redeemer. She then supported her through the whole process until Ruth was finally fully redeemed by Boaz. -A woman of Valour-

Often the story of Ruth highlights Ruth's journey, her character and her obedience and final redemption. It also highlights Boaz as a benevolent redeemer, who cares for Ruth and at his own cost buy her back to himself and takes her into his family. It also points the finger to the future that King David comes from the line of Boaz and Jesus comes from the line of David. So, this union is no small union and the book of Ruth is so much more than a love story. Its one of those pivotal points in Israel's history. But it also highlights what can be achieved in the Lord by a -Woman of Valour- Naomi`s faithful following of the Lord's leading is evident all through the story. Returning to her roots in God's land at her lowest point; of supporting Ruth when another person to support may have been the last thing she had wanted; of seeing with the eye of faith the provision of the Lord for Ruth and not holding back from sharing that with her; for realising that even though the Lord had led her through times of bitterness and pain that was not necessarily the end of the story. 

We may not all end up being Ruths, highlighted as being instrumental in a lineage that produced Kings and a Saviour. That is for some but not for all. But we can all be Naomis -Women of Valour- who faithfully do not give up or lose hope, who have our ears open to the possibilities of God's provision, and who obediently follow the direction of the Lord even if it sounds a bit odd or risky. Who facilitate others to find their true redemption and potential in the Lord. It is equally important and valiant. If you get time read the whole of Ruth (its not long) and ask the Lord to direct you to the truth he wants you to glean from the story. Also take a minute to read Proverbs 31:10-31 A wife of noble character. It ends with the words “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the lord will be greatly praised” V30 NLT

And for those who think this is only a message to women it is not. - Men of Valour -need the same characteristics, and faithfulness in following the Lord’s direction; to facilitate those God has placed in their care to find their true redemption and potential in the Lord; and to grow into true Men of God who display the nature and love of their redeemer. 

Be blessed today.

Author: Jan Pearson

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The salt of the earth

Christians should not shy away from speaking the truth even if it stings. Sometimes people need it to make them think more deeply about their lives

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My mother always used to put a very moderate amount of salt in our vegetables and always discouraged us from putting extra salt from the salt shaker onto our food, like so many of my friends did. However, on the odd occasion she did forget to add it, we would moan profusely. It just wasn’t the same. The thing is, we never know the true value of salt until it is not there.

I have read that there are more than14,000 different ways that salt is used. It is used in the manufacture of plastics, paper, glass, fertilizers, household cleaners, to name but a few. In ancient times it was valued greatly by the Chinese, Arabs, Romans and Greeks. Indeed the word ‘salary’ comes from the fact that Roman soldiers were often paid in salt. 

Salt is mentioned numerous times in the bible. It was used as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a part of ceremonial offerings, in making covenants and as a means of trading and bartering.

For example, in Leviticus 2:13 it says: Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings

Likewise in Numbers 18:19 it says: Whatever is set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to the Lord I give to you and your sons and daughters as your perpetual share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord for both you and your offspring.

In three out of the four gospels, Jesus told his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth”. What a great way of emphasising the importance, versatility and purpose God’s people are to the world. Salt had and has such great value that using this phrase affirmed to the disciples their great worth. These uncultured, uneducated men who were probably overlooked by society and here we have the Lord telling them that they were this valuable commodity. It affirmed the fact that through the way they lived their lives they were going to make the world a better place. 

The ‘you’ in this passage is plural, so we can safely say that true believers in Jesus Christ are the salt of the earth. But salt is useless unless it touches what it is meant to season. If it stays in the salt pot it does no good at all. Similarly, if Christians who are called to be the salt of the earth remain in the salt pot, ie. in their holy huddles, in their churches, what impact do they have in the society? Only when they go out and connect with people, share the gospel and show love and kindness in practical and relevant ways can they really make a difference.

Salt permeates and penetrates that which it touches. I learned the other day that only 3.5% of the ocean is salt but just take a mouthful of sea water while you are swimming and I am sure you will agree, it tastes a lot saltier than that! Just a small amount of salt goes a long way. Just little acts of kindness can have a huge effect on the recipients. 

Salt makes you thirsty. All public houses promote the sale of crisps, peanuts, pork scratchings and other delectations covered in salt, so that they can get people thirsty. The late Pentecostal preacher David du Plessis was once approached by a Christian who complained that people didn’t seem thirsty for the Lord these days. Du Plessis replied, “It’s not that they are not thirsty enough. It’s that we are not salty enough!”

Salt stings when put on a wound. Christians should not shy away from speaking the truth even if it stings. Sometimes people need it to make them think more deeply about their lives.

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Purity is one of the Biblical meanings of salt. e.g. in Exodus 30:35 “seasoned with salt” makes the sacrifice “pure and holy.” This is also echoed by St. Paul when he says in Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” In Proverbs 18:21 it says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” There is so much harshness and derogatory speech these days, especially with the increase of social media, so we as Christians are called not to join in and fuel the fire of these hate-ridden dialogues but to have gracious, kind and wholesome conversation.

Going back to the original conversation Jesus is having with his disciples about them being the salt of the earth, he then adds: “But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It’s no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

It is hard for salt in itself to lose its saltiness but when it is mixed in with other substances it is useless. Apparently, in the days when salt was really valuable, merchants would mix the salt with fine sand to make it go further and make more money. If we mix in with the world and become so much part of it that the difference is unrecognisable then we are going to be useless ‘no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men’

We have to make sure our salt does not lose its effectiveness! We have to remain salty! How do we do that? We present ourselves regularly before the Salt maker. We need to confess everything and experience His cleansing. Only the blood of Jesus can take away the impurities in our salt.

In these days there is more rebellion against God. Morality is declining in our times rapidly. As a result, people are hurting themselves and each other. We must remain salty because God puts people in our path so that our salt can be added, penetrate, and permeate when we meet someone in need.

We must remember that it is not our salt but God’s Salt. God decides how much salt is to be used how and when and on whom it is to be used. He is the one making it work we are just His instruments using His salt for His glory. What a privilege!! So may we let God work in us, and empower us by His Holy Spirit to be salty witnesses in our communities and our areas of influence.

Author: Thelma Cameron

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Why Me LORD?

I’m fully aware that I love Him only because He first loved me. Something I’ll be eternally grateful for.

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A couple of weeks ago I was pondering a question that caused me to write down this testimony. I didn’t intend to publish this as a blog but hope it might encourage someone to just keep going, even when you might not feel like it.

As a pastor there are times when I ask, ‘Why me LORD?’ as every decision I make seems to have ramifications for someone. Navigating what the Lord is saying whilst also hearing voices all around you giving sometimes confirming and sometimes conflicting opinions just makes it all the harder to separate what the Lords will is from what the will of others is, including my own.

In looking back over my life since becoming a Christian I can see how God had been preparing me for the time when He would call me into ministry as a pastor. Something when He did, I resisted for a while as it was not a job I wanted to do. But God has His plan for my life and I eventually had to surrender to His will, but I’m still even now surprised that He would call me of all people to such a position of responsibility and ultimate accountability.

Whilst I’m honoured and humbled that God would entrust me with such a position, there’s been times when I’ve just wanted to throw in the towel and give it all up and I find myself very often feeling that I’m in over my head and have a real sense of drowning in life’s pressures and demands and the knowledge that if I get this wrong, I’ll have to answer to Him one day as I stand before His throne and look upon His majesty. This can be a very scary and lonely place to be at times and helps me understand why up to 70% of ministers walk away from the job within the first 10 years of leaving bible college (figures taken from the Christian Standard). Something I’m sure I would have done if it hadn’t been for the fact that I know it’s a calling on my life from God.

My heart’s desire, as I’m sure every follower of Christ’s is, is to serve my King and Saviour and to bring glory to His Name and start each day wanting desperately to do that, and ending each day wondering if I did, or if not, how I could have got it so wrong. When I ponder this, it brings a real sense of wonder as I think of God’s amazing grace over my life.

There’s a song whose chorus is:

‘Oh outrageous grace, oh outrageous grace

Love unfurled by Heaven’s hand

Oh outrageous grace, oh outrageous grace

Through my Jesus I can stand.’

I know that it’s only by the grace of God that I’m still hear and still standing as there’s been times in my life when that could have so easily not been the case.

One of the ways I feel the LORD has wired me is with a pioneering spirit, something that has at times given me great success both in the business world and in my job as a pastor but has also given me times of not so much success in both of these areas, and I’m aware has also caused a lot of frustration to those around me as I seek to push forward with whatever God lays on my heart to do. Sometimes misjudging the what, how, and when of it all.

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I’m also fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of my character, which is another reason why I’m often perplexed as to why the LORD would entrust me with the job of a pastor, but I’m also aware that God created me and knit me together in my mother’s womb and knows exactly what He’s doing, even if it is a complete mystery to me. So, I will keep pressing on, getting up when I’m knocked down, standing as firm as I can against the storms of life and trusting that Jesus will never let me go, and no doubt as my mom used to put it; continue to ‘rush in where angels fear to tread.’ I’m not afraid of going wherever God may send me, but I am afraid of getting it wrong and dishonouring Him.

What drives me though, as I’m sure with others, is my passion for Jesus and my knowledge that He gave everything for me and I need to give everything for Him whatever the cost, because He deserves nothing less than the best I have to give. So, my prayer is that I can live daily carrying my cross with a surrendered heart and life to Jesus, my King, Lord, and Saviour. 

I’m fully aware that I love Him only because He first loved me. Something I’ll be eternally grateful for.

There’s a song I sometimes sing when I feel I may have lost my way a bit and have a sense of being tossed about by the waves of doubt and fear and leaves me with the questions this song asks.

The words are these:

Why me Lord, what have I ever done

To deserve even one

Of the pleasures I've known

Tell me Lord, what did I ever do

That was worth loving you

Or the kindness you've shown.

Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so

Help me Jesus I know what I am

Now that I know that I've needed you so

Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.

Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way

I can try to repay

All I've taken from you

Maybe Lord, I can show someone else

What I've been through myself

On my way back to you.

Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so

Help me Jesus I know what I am

Now that I know that I've needed you so

Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.

I pray that God will keep me going and allow me to serve Him with all that I am for as long as I can and use me to bring glory to His Name, because that’s what He created me to do.

When all else fails and life keeps throwing those curve balls, there’s one thing I know in the deepest regions of my soul, and that’s ‘God alone is enough for me.’ And because of that I know He will help me walk in victory. After all, if God is for me, who can be against me?

Romans 8:26-31 says:  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. 29 For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, he also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV). Amen and amen.

So, stand on His Word and keep fighting the good fight until the end, because he who stands firm to the end, will be saved. Or to put it another way 'Just keep going'.

God bless you.

Author: Anonymous

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If the Lord is God, follow Him!

 And so it is today; if the Lord is God, then follow Him. We cannot serve two masters

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We are blessed to have so many English translations of the Bible, each lending its own nuance to the true meaning of the Word; but translations they are, each with its imperfections and limitations of contemporary language.

When we do find a particular word that the different versions cannot agree on, then it must be interesting and worthy of deeper research.

1Kings 18:21 says: Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. (NLT)

Elijah has challenged King Ahab, who has been vacillating between his wife Jezebel's influence in serving the false gods of Baal and Asherah, and his chief official Obadiah's example in serving the one true God of Israel. So Elijah invites the king and all the people to a showdown on Mt Carmel, a stronghold of Baal worship, and now he confronts the people with their syncretistic dithering.

The word 'waver' is translated elsewhere as falter, halt, limp, hesitate, and comes from the Hebrew 'pasach'.  The word is also found in Exodus 12 when the Lord would see the blood on the door lintels and 'pass over', not settling upon the Hebrew occupants but visit death on the Egyptian firstborn. 'Pesach' is the festival fulfilled by Jesus, the Hebrew firstborn whose blood was smeared on a cross to remove the curse of sin so that death would no longer settle on the repentant sinner. 

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This positive meaning of pasach is contrasted with a more negative sense by Elijah. It portrays a bird fluttering around from branch to branch and not settling, hence being interpreted as flitting from one opinion to another. Completing the analogy the word for 'opinion' describes a cleft in a branch - trying to walk on both at once will end in a fall. This is the challenge that Elijah puts to the people; they have to make a decision.  The Bible suggests that God hates syncretism (mixing religions) even more than He hates apostasy (rejecting faith altogether). 

The people kept quiet, but it was time to choose, for they were about to witness the miraculous humiliation of the false gods of the day.  And so it is today; if the Lord is God, then follow Him. We cannot serve two masters (Luke 16:13), we will love one and hate the other.  There is no compromise.  God is a jealous God, a consuming fire, who will not tolerate rivals (Deuteronomy 4:24). If we choose to follow Jesus we cannot do so part time, and we can serve no other. Whatever we do is for Him, and so we shall be with our Lord Jesus forever.

Author: John Plumb

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