In our earlier discourse, we established using biblical examples why we encounter God. We also showed that we encounter God differently subject to his purpose and assignment for us. In this being the last series, we pray that the Lord will guide us to submit our hearts to his word of life by the Holy Spirit.
Adam’s encounter with God
Genesis 2: 7 says then the LORD God formed man out of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Adam’s first encounter with God produced his life out of dust to show that God is the owner of life. Revelation 1: 18 says .. I (Jesus) have the keys to Death and Hades. God is truly the owner and origin of life and those who seek him will have life.
In Adam’s second encounter with God, he received instructions of life. Genesis 2: 17 says… for in the day that you eat of it (tree) you shall die. God does not hide the truth from us because he takes no delight in the death of a sinner. We continue to face death today because of our disobedience to God. Ezekiel 18: 4 says behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine; the soul that sins shall die. God wants his word to be the only standard for our lives.
In Adam’s third encounter with God, God cured his loneliness. God cares about our family and social lives more than we can imagine. Genesis 2: 18 says the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. God instituted marriage between man and wife, male and female simply to cure loneliness in relationships. Marriage should provide a fit for each other and not partnership of the same sex, etc. The fit is a perfect helper and must be respected with love.
Men’s feeling of invincibility is a façade and unscriptural. Ephesians 5: 25 says husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. Colossians 3: 19 says husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Do we need a companion? Ask Christ Jesus in prayer.
Jacob’s encounter with an angel
When Jacob escaped from Esau he met an angel. Genesis 32: 24-30 say and there he (Jacob) wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day… And he said, I will not let you go, unless you bless me… And he said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed. Jacob said for I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.
God’s purpose for Jacob’s encounter was to preserve Jacob’s life. Psalms 97: 10; 145: 20 say the LORD loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Jesus also came to preserve our lives with his blood. 1 Peter 3: 18 says for Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. Proverbs 11: 6 says the righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. Do we have God’s protection and victory in life?
Moses’ encounter in the burning bush
In Exodus 3: 3 Moses encountered God by a burning bush. God said to Moses in Exodus 3: 10 come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring forth my people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt. God’s purpose for Moses was to exercise trust in God for leadership and to let the Israelites know that he answers the cry of the oppressed. Moses faced tough opposition but he eventually won, believing God.
We must turn to Jesus when the going gets tough. Philippians 4: 13 says I can do all things in him (Christ Jesus) who strengthens me. Murmuring offends God. Exodus 16: 8 says your murmurings are not against us but against the LORD. God engages us for what we can do. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 says no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Are we leading others out of suffering or are we denying them?
Gideon’s encounter with an angel
Gideon whilst meditating on the atrocities of the Midianites encountered an angel of the LORD who said in Judges 6: 12 the LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor. In a conversation, Gideon asked how he could deliver Israel and also sought for a sign though he was the weakest in his clan of Manasseh which was also the weakest in Israel. The angel gave him a sign of success.
This encounter showed Gideon that only God knows what we are capable of. Gideon described himself as the weakest yet God said he was a mighty man of valor. God approved Gideon’s good thoughts for his people. 2 Chronicles 15: 7 says but you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. We must not underestimate our potential except if God says so. An encounter with God brings life and success not chaos or death if we take God’s instructions seriously.
Isaiah saw the LORD
The prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 6: 1 in the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. He recounts from verses 2-7 his perceived inadequacy to work for the Lord and God’s forgiveness. God enabled Isaiah to see his throne so he could testify of God’s magnificence. Jesus said in John 18: 36 my kingship is not of this world.
King Uzziah also called Azariah (2 Kings 4 :21) was an energetic and capable person who ruled about fifty-two years. He was the most prosperous ruler and second to Jehoshaphat since Solomon. 2 Chronicles 26: 17 says he had eighty priests. Matthew 1: 8-9 says he was an ancestor of Christ Jesus. He had eighty priests. He sustained a regime for spiritual growth hence his prophets saw God. Does our leadership bring people closer to God as King Uzziah did? Soon and very soon, the trumpet shall sound and we will be going home? Which of the homes will we go to, heaven or hell?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, under your regime of grace, please help us to embrace the cross and be washed with your precious blood. Make us know our strength to work for you without complaints. Teach us to wrestle in prayer in order to receive our desired blessings from you at the least opportunity. Humble us to obey your instructions for life in your holy name, Amen!!
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