September 27, 2015

With Us, Not Against Us

Pastor:
Passage: Numbers 11:4-6,Numbers 11:10-16,Numbers 11:24-29,James 5:13-20,Mark 9:38-50

“God is on our side!” the clarion call of the Christian faith, but one we too often misunderstand, thinking God is our special possession or the champion of our causes. Immanuel—“God is with us”—is true…but sometimes we are not with Him. Jesus—like Moses before him—warns his disciples against believing that they control access to the power of God, and need to police who receives the Spirit and who doesn't. It is far better to simply trust and receive, as James’ reflections on prayer instruct us. Jesus implores: “Be at peace with one another.” True salt of the earth advice.