What Pleases God – Hebrews
Yesterday I was reading Hebrews and I was struck by the how in the last three chapters the author writes (or perhaps, Paul preaching a sermon states) three things that please God. Sounds like a good ‘New Years Resolution’.
Faith > Heb 11:6 ”And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” This is the one we might most know. Faith is not only what pleases God but its also a prerequisite. It’s absolutely impossible to please Him minus faith. I must believe that He is. Yahweh! Creator. Real. Personable. Powerful. All-loving. All-knowing. Able. Present. He is who He says He is. He, and He alone, is God.
I must also believe that He is rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Rewards. Now there is a word skewed by my 21st Century American perspective. I am reminded by something I read in one of my favorite books: Hope Lives. The poor have something I don’t. The poor in this world live in a state of desperation that allows them to more likely live a life of dependant faith. When I am more keenly aware of need, my own desperation, I am more likely to live by faith. God is rewarder. He is good. He provides. How can I ignore all of Jesus promises on prayer? He gives. He is a good Father. He’s not a Genie at my beck and call. But He is still God. He still rewards me when I sincerely seek Him. And yes, if I read the whole of chapter 11, I know that the rewards are not always given when I want and in the way I want. But that doesn’t change reality that He is a rewarder of those who sincerely seek Him!
In 2010, may I believe in Him and His character. May my faith please Him.
Worship > In Heb 12 :28-29, we read, ” Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.” Worship pleases God. Not some self-gratifying-put-on. Not playing church. But real worship. A worship that is based in gratitude. As I live in a world that is teetering on the brink of destruction, I am receiving an unshakable Kingdom. Wow! Therefore, I should worship Him in holy fear, in awe and wonder. He is a devouring fire. What an incredible description of God! He is just. I am not worthy to stand in His presence. And yet He is giving me a Kingdom. How crazy is that? I should fall on my knees. I should be in awe of Him. I should live in awe of Him. How do I have this life? How could He bless me so? How could He love me so? How could He forgive me? Who am I? How does He even know my name? I am not worthy. He is.
In 2010, may I live in awe of Him and His goodness. May I respond out of gratitude. May my worship please Him.
Service > “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God”. – Heb 13:16 Sharing with those in need both in word and deed. Do I do good by the way I live and interact with my fellowman? Do I share with those who don’t have the blessing I have? Or do I horde and just spend on my own foolish pleasures? Am I greedy with the grace and goodness given to me like I earned it? Do I see Jesus in others? Do I please God through sacrificing for others?
While completling this passage, the words of Shaun Groves’ song “Jesus” from the Twilight album rank through my earbuds:
When we love the least When we love the weak When we love these We love Jesus
Jesus brings a meal for tips Jesus trying hard to quit Jesus raising two alone Jesus drives a heavy load
Chorus: When we love the least When we love the weak When we love these We love Jesus
Jesus with worn wrinkled hands Jesus sows a patch of land Jesus hides a tattooed arm Jesus keeping dinner warm
Chorus
Jesus waves a foreign flag Jesus wrings a washing rag Jesus leans on prison bars Jesus swinging in my yard
Chorus
In 2010, may I not forget to do good and share with those in need. May I live sacrificially as unto Jesus and thus please the God sacrificed all for me.
