Beech Tree News Network

One of the most amazing statements in the Bible is found in the book of Isaiah. “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?” (Isa. 40:10-13). In describing God, we see One with a strong hand; One who has measured the waters with His hand; and One who has measured the heavens with a “span” (measured from the tip of your little finger to the tip of your thumb)! Of course, this is figurative language used to describe God. Yet in Isaiah, we see an astonishing God pictured. No one else is described in this way. In fact, man is described as “grass” before Him (Isa. 40:6; I Pet. 1:24).

    Knowing that we have such an amazing God, who are we to contradict Him and say things that He has not? Sadly, many do this very thing. For example, when men teach that baptism does not save us, they are contradicting God concerning salvation, for it is written, “baptism … now saves you” (I Pet. 3:21)! When we are told, “Join the church of your choice”, men are contradicting Christ. He said, “I will build my church ....” (Matt. 16:18). When some say that there is nothing in a name, they are again contradicting God’s teaching. Through the apostle Peter we know, “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Men also contradict God when they say that whatever the church can do, the individual can do. Friends, close Bible study reveals that it was Christ who made a difference between the church and the individual's responsibility (Matt. 18:15-17; I Tim. 5:16). We also see other ways in which men are contradicting God today. It is a tragedy to see this being done when we are in the presence of such an astonishing God!

    These are just a few areas where man has over-stepped his role and contradicted God. Many other examples could be given. Remember, we are not here to command, or second-guess God, but to serve Him (II Tim. 2:3-4; Ecc. 12:13). When we can hold all the waters of the earth in the palm of our hand; when we can measure the heavens from the tip of our little finger to the tip of our thumb, then we can give God our opinion on matters! Until that time, let us be satisfied to be the servants of an astonishing God!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167