From The Ashes We Will Rise

“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.  He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.  For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; upon them he has set the world.  He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.” (1 Samuel 2:6–9, NIV 1984). 

My Musings – “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.”  From the ashes the righteous will rise, while the wicked are cast into outer darkness.  Grace makes one possible, while justice demands the other.  Grace for those who respond to Christ’s sacrifice, and justice for those who do not (either through neglect or outright rejection).  

Do not curse God when He exercises justice (His Righteousness demands it), especially since grace (unmerited favor) was extended (His Holiness did not require it).  “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die?” (Ezekiel 33:11, NIV 1984).   No pleasure in judging the wicked, when it did not have to be that way.   The ransom was paid.  A priceless ransom.  “Why will you die [in your sin]?” 

My Advice – The world may soon be aflame. “The present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.  That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.”  (2 Peter 3:7, 10 and 12, NIV 1984).  The kindling may already be lit.  “Why will you die?”  Through His Son “He makes alive and raises up.”   Surrender today and rise from the ashes.

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing