Controversy. Let the Battle Rage.
“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Hebrews 12:25-26, NKJV
Controversy is nothing new. Neither are the battles that have raged within the population of mankind. From the beginning of recorded history, as we know it, brother has been against brother. The first two, Cain and Abel, certainly proved that.
One thing is certain as we consider controversy. It happens. Because sin continues to work in the hearts of men (and women, ladies!) we will always be surrounded by contentions, judging of one another, and battles within and without our families, friends, and nations. That’s just the way it is. Or as a pastor friend of mine said decades ago, “It is what it is.” (True, Geoff.)
I for one don’t avoid contentions, communications that bring about change, implementing new policies, or the “cleansing of the house.” Even within the many ministries I have been blessed and honored to work in (8 at last count over 32 years as of this writing on Aug. 31, 2019) I did not run from speaking out. If there was a need, the Lord would many times use me to bring about a change. It wasn’t always “fun” or highly reputable, but looking back, He proved it was the right thing to do.
Was I labeled a troublemaker? Not really. People knew my heart was to see individuals, and employees, especially those on staff within those ministries, treated with full respect and the honor that was due, through the Lord, and because of Him and His Name’s sake.
I wasn’t concerned about my reputation, loss of job, or retaliation from those in higher leadership positions. I had learned early on in life, during my high school years (1969-1973, to be fully transparent) that what man thinks of me, or you, holds nothing compared to what our Lord, the Ultimate Judge, knows and sees. For He alone has the final say in all things. Before Him we do, and will, stand.
So, when controversies within the Church flare up, the Body of Christ that He is creating out of feeble, fully human vessels, it does not bother me. I will take a stand, be shot at, and give my input as requested and sought. Foremost, and above all the fray, in order to see the Lord’s plans and purposes take hold, as He builds His Kingdom. In His ultimate finality, He has chosen to use you and I, together, in being part of that final building.
I tend to run to the battles of controversary, rather than go hide away in order to protect my interests and self-preservation. Past situations have already proven that.
The Lord is seeking to establish the creation of a pure and holy One New Man. From the start, He has known what it will take to make a people for Himself, called by His Name, to bring glory and honor to Him alone. Surprisingly, it has taken all these centuries to do it, but He will see that it gets done, for His sake, and His glory in heaven and earth. He seems to be in no hurry to accomplish His will. Nor will He stop from doing it, and use whatever means He chooses.
As it has been written, “He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” (Hebrew 12:29)
Let it be done, Lord.
“No, that’s not your experience at all. You’ve come to Mount Zion, the city where the living God resides. The invisible Jerusalem is populated by throngs of festive angels and Christian citizens. It is the city where God is Judge, with judgments that make us just. You’ve come to Jesus, who presents us with a new covenant, a fresh charter from God. He is the Mediator of this covenant. The murder of Jesus, unlike Abel’s — a homicide that cried out for vengeance — became a proclamation of grace.
So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time — he’s told us this quite plainly — he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.
Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” (emphasis mine) Hebrews 12:22-29, THE MESSAGE
As the shaking continues, first in the House of God, and then beyond the self-imposed walls of our churches and synagogues, my eyes are fixed on Yeshua, Jesus, the One Who sits on the heavenly throne.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV
If your eyes are fixed on Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach, you are standing on good, solid ground. As the shaking continues, and even as it heats up even further, don’t be unaware that He is on the move, as His Holy Spirit brings the needed cleansing and purity that is so needed in our midst.
Controversy will continue. Battles will rage. Be sure you know the One Who has the final say, and let His Spirit go about building the temple, through the cementing of all of us together, using pure and holy cement at that.
Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
Thank you for reading!
Love For His People ministry
P.O. Box 414
Pineville, NC 28134
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Now Think On This #454 – in the year of our Lord 08.31.19 – “Let the Battle Rage” – Saturday, 5:30 am
