2-27-2016

 Good Morning All!!     

     Romans 8:35;”Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”

     “Divide and conquer!”  This has been the strategy of many a general throughout the years.  Julius Caesar used it against the Franks.  Genghis Khan would lure some of the people out of the city before he attacked them.  Field Marshall Rommel would use it in Africa.  The whole theory is to reduce the size of your opponent’s army by diverting or separating some of the troops and then battling the smaller groups as do battle.  It is so common that even lions attempt to separate the weaker zebras or gazelles from the herd in order to catch them for supper later.

    The thing is that the people, or the animal, are safe if it stays in the herd, in the pack, or with the whole unit.  It is only in danger when it decides to run away from the safety of the larger gathering.  What makes it run?  What causes it to leave the safety and go on its own?  Usually one of two thoughts; it is either completely afraid or it is totally overconfident.  This is what causes separation; it is fear or foolishness.

    What separates us from the love of Christ?  Our very own and personal choice is what takes us apart.  For some, it is a foolish belief that “I know best.”  Some have that level of arrogance that says their way is better than God’s way.  Some believe that their plans are better than God’s plan.  Some believe their choices are better than God but then those choices leave them alone and being destroyed by the devil as they have separated themselves from God and the love of Christ.

    Some are separated by fear.  In Paul’s time this fear included persecution, being driven from your home and having your possessions taken from you.  It was fear of being tossed out on the street with little if any way to support yourself.   This is what the Christians were afraid of.  What are we afraid of?  Most fear health problems which leave them physically, emotionally and financially broken.  Most fear the end of their job and a lack of adequate funds in retirement.   Many fear the unknown tomorrow but we really don’t need to fear it.  We need to hold onto, to cling with all our faith and hope, to God’s great promise; nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Nothing can ever separate us; it is only if we leave of our own choosing.

    God never abandons us, never leaves us.  He is always with us.  He is always there to protect us and to comfort us.  He is there to relieve our fears and to give us hope.  We are safe within his loving arms.  We are protected from all the devil throws at us.  Wherever our journey leads us, we can go with the certainty that God goes with us to lead us through the valleys ahead.

Gracious Lord, as we go on the journey of life, we face paths that are dark and foreboding.  Keep us mindful that you are always with us and that you have prepared a place for us in your Father’s house.  Keep us in the true knowledge that nothing can ever separate us from your love.  In your most precious and holy name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret