Not Troubled And Neither Distressed Because We Have This Treasure Within - Part 2800

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" (I Corinthians 4:7-9)

Herein, is the message of hope -- even when the world around us is in chaos, that the treasure which dwells within is greater and more precious than all the material things in this world. But even more so, we know in whom we trust, and it is for this reason, that our souls are at peace.  In fact, there is a blessed assurance within of our salvation -- that He who paid the ultimate price for our souls, willingly dwells within. 

This treasure? The treasure is Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) 

And this same Jesus whom ye crucified so that we might have eternal life is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, He who was in the world (the same world that was made by Him) and yet the world knew Him not -- the same One who came unto His own and yet His own received Him not, is now revealed -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the bread of life."

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the light of the world." 

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the living water wherein if you drink, ye shall never thirst again!"

Yes, Jesus -- "I am/AM the Great Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for the sheep."

Sadly, however, man-made religion is leading His people away from this same Jesus who declared, "I am/AM the way, the truth and the life!" (John 14:6-12)  Many standing in the pulpits don't even refer to the name of Jesus in their sermons. Others have replaced the infallible Word of God with man-made creeds based on imagination. The scriptures -- so life giving -- rewritten so many times these are almost unrecognizable. And as a consequence, he candles of those who profess to believe hidden from the public eye. The shining lights whom we were called to be hidden under a bushel. 

Is it any wonder then that Daniel pointed to the last days as a time when the holy people would be scattered? The prophet Jeremiah repeatedly points to false teachings that have continued in the false church today -- wherein the people burn incense to a queen of heaven, rather than the Lord God who created them. And this, even though the Lord of hosts (who is the God of Israel) reminds them of His continued promises. But to no avail. Some scriptural examples?

"The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger." (Jeremiah 7:18)

"Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke Me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers ... but they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods." (Jeremiah 44:3, 5)

"But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men?" (Jeremiah 44:18-19)

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying; "Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying," We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her: ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows." (Jeremiah 44:25)

What do the scriptures conclude? That is, all that dwelt in the lands were committing great evil against their own souls, choosing instead to provoke the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, "in that ye provoke Me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods." (Jeremiah 44:8)

And then the Lord God asks them, "Have ye forgotten the wickedness ... they are not humbled even unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in My law, nor in My statutes." 

So what is to come next?  Yes, the prophecies from afore are coming to fruition. 

"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Revelation 17:5)

"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Revelation 9:20-21)

Is this the end? Time will tell, but we do know there is a choice to be made in the interim -- to either choose life within the Lord Jesus, or to choose death chasing the worldly manna wherein we will always hunger. It is for this reason that the Lord our God encourages us to choose life, and even better to choose life in Him, for He never fails! 

Indeed, He says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

The pearl of greatest price, and in this current dispensation of grace, His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate.