"Does God need you? That is the question Pastor Bob Cartwright asked the congregation this Lord's day. I really think most of us were reluctant to answer. Of course, by the end of the service, we understood.
The first chapter of Genesis was his first scripture. In the first verse, we read that God created the heaven and earth and it was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of water. I'm sure most of you know this story by heart.
The next several verses tell of how God created day and night, land and sea. Then for the next six days, he continued with His creation of our world as we know it. Then He gave us cattle, and all living beasts, fowl, fish and all living creatures. Then he looked at creation and said let us make man in our own image and give him dominion over all living things. He created man from the dust of the earth and breathed life into his nostrils, and he became a living soul. But on the seventh day, God chose to make that day as the day of rest. Then evil entered the garden when the man and woman, whom God had created, ate of the tree the Lord told them was forbidden. They were told by the old serpent, Satan, that it was meant for them to defy the instruction and they were enticed by the fruit and did eat.
In chapter 6, problems began to take place. Verses 5-7 says that God even repented that He had made man. Does this not tell you God does not need us, but we are here just because of his goodness, mercy and love. He threatened to destroy those who populated the land. The next verse tells that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord and God gave man another chance. You know that story too, all about Noah and the Ark and rain for the first time. You know we are only here for a season, for it is appointed to man once to die and after that the judgment. What we gather in this life will pass away and our only hope is in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
The 22nd chapter of Numbers gives us the story of Balaam, who was trying to gain much and not willing to hear the instruction of the Lord. In verse 5, Balak sent messengers to Balaam to tell him what he wanted him to do. You see Balaam wanted to go where he had desired to abide and God told him to go another way. Now, this is when it gets very interesting, for God used a donkey to speak to Balaam. There was an angel of the Lord standing in the path with a sword drawn and the donkey saw the angel and turned aside into a field. Balaam was angry and he smote the donkey to turn her into the way. Again the animal saw the angel and she thrust herself into a wall of the city and crushed Balaam's foot. Now, this happened one more time, and the donkey saw the angel and he fell under Balaam. This time the man was so mad that he attacked the donkey with his staff. Then the donkey spoke to Balaam and questioned his actions. Now in verse 35, God opened Balaam's eyes; saw the angel of the Lord and fell on his face.
How many times has God sent a messenger or an angel to warn you and you resisted? Yes, he does this but we too often just say it was my imagination and choose our own way. It's no wonder that God repented that He made us. We are so quick to say we want to do things our way and, in the end, we find God's way is so much better. Have you decided that God does not need us but we definitely need him? He is the very breath we breathe and, without him, we would not even exist. So why do we not feel humble and know that He is giving us hope for a better place if we will only put Him first and obey His holy word?
It is a fearful time in our country. America has forsaken God and turned to the evil of the times. Just think of all the things that have been removed from public places. There is no longer any part of the word such as the Ten Commandments and even statues of Christ and the Cross are not allowed. Why is this happening? Because God said in His word, "If my people would humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways then would I hear and heal their land." You can blame yourself for all that is going on. Do you feel humble and do you repent of your wicked ways?
First Corinthians 2:9, tells us of what is ahead of those who keep the faith. We have hope, in a place so perfect that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them who love him. Are you willing to take that stand for the Lord against the evil things of this life? Declare your love for him and work in whatever calling he gives you? Can you see what Pastor was trying to explain? It is we who need God and it is an honor to live for Him and be a part of those who gain eternal life with the Father.
In closing, Pastor Bob asked us to stop and think where we are with God. Will He one day say, "Enter in my good and faithful servant or depart from Me, you worker of iniquity, I know you not." Remember it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
We would love to invite you to worship with us at The Cove Mission of Hope in Lanagan, Mo. We are the church at the top of the hill with our beautiful steeple pointing souls to heaven. May God bless and keep you is our prayer.
Opinions expressed are those of the author.