The Natural Man places a great deal
of emphasis on the supposed importance of remembering momentous events
and the people who participated in them. We have those who are
intent on destroying various memorials and those who are just
as intent on preserving them. The unfortunate truth is that
each side is so intent on demonstrating their own desire that they are
actually willing to shed each other's blood over the matter.
Even some who profess to be the followers of Christ get caught
up on one side or the other of this issue and imitate the world
rather than Christ. It is impossible to imagine the
Lord Jesus Christ either erecting or destroying any such monuments.
While some forms of patriotism are in themselves innocuous,
great error is set forth when men begin to equate patriotism
and godliness, or consider that the kingdom of God is at all
concerned with such affairs. Many wars and conflicts have
been waged for political ends in the name of God. The amazing
thing is that both sides often claim the same purpose and backing. The Lord said that there would
be wars and rumors of wars until the time of the end, but nowhere
in all of the scriptures has He instructed the sons of God
to concern themselves with these matters or to involve themselves
in them. In some ways this is a very complex
issue, and we do not assume to solve those conundrums nor answer
all questions which may be raised. We are, however, convinced that
we are instructed by our Lord, both by word and example, to
be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The potsherds of the
earth may strive with one another, but the sons of God are only
called to strive to enter in at the straight gate and to earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
While we would never instruct men that they should not defend
themselves against evildoers and those intent upon their or
their loved one's lasting harm, we would rather spend our efforts
and time telling them that he was oppressed and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the
slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth
not his mouth. Paul reminded the children of
God that we are not to trust in the arm of the flesh, For
though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through
God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and
every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge
of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience
of Christ. The Lord has revealed to his
children his name, which, as he told Moses, is an everlasting
memorial unto all generations. Not everyone is given the privilege
of knowing who he is, but to those to whom he would demonstrate
his love and grace, he would make himself known unto them.
As Paul said, God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
has shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. He revealed
himself to Moses as, I am that I am, and Moses trembled before
him. He said the same thing to the
Pharisees, but rather than worship him, they took up stones to destroy
him. But he passed through their midst,
for they were not given eyes to see his memorial. How great
a contrast is this with the woman at the well of Samaria, as he
said unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. She was given eyes
to behold his memorial, just like the Ethiopian eunuch who
made this confession, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son
of God. Peter declared, there is none
other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be
saved. This is an everlasting memorial
to all who are given eyes to behold it. We rejoice in knowing
him whose name is above every name, and we desire to remember
none but him. May our own name and the names
of all the sons of men be forgotten, buried in the dustbin of history.
But may his glorious name be remembered for eternity, for
he alone is worthy to be praised. crowned the mighty conqueror,
crowned him who his people's foes all came. In the highest
heaven enthroned him, men and angels sound his fame, great
his glory. Jesus bears a matchless name. May he alone be remembered. If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at 4the4 at windstream.net.