Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Friday, April 10, 2015
Based Upon: Proverbs 14:12
It is very difficult for us, as human beings, to relinquish control of our lives to God. It makes us feel helpless and distrustful. It is especially difficult when we must follow a narrow road of requirements. God does not give us general guidelines to follow. He tells us specifically what is necessary to please Him.
Some are resistant to the idea of God giving details, and requiring us to observe them. This was the problem with Cain, Abel’s brother. He thought that when God required an offering, he should follow his own interpretation of what God required. “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” (Genesis 4:3-8).
Cain decided that he would choose his own way to satisfy God’s requirements rather than following His command to bring an animal sacrifice.
Such is the case with so many today. God has clearly said that Jesus is the only way to access God, but many resort to others for salvation. Many avatars have passed on to the grave, yet many look to these dead men to bring about salvation. They pray in the name of idols that humans have erected, to no avail. The belief is, all roads lead to heaven, but God never said that. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” (Matthew 7:13). When we choose to ignore God’s clear messages, we do so to our own destruction. On the other hand, we have the privilege of entering great relationship with Him through Christ Jesus.
Pray today that you will choose to follow God wherever He leads, even if you do not understand His methods. Jesus is, indeed, the only way.
