As the Scriptures say,
“God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear.”
Likewise, David said,
“Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.”
“Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.”
Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either.
Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. BUT IF YOU STOP TRUSTING, YOU ALSO WILL BE CUT OFF.
Romans 11:8-10, 19-22 NLT
BUT IF YOU STOP TRUSTING, YOU ALSO WILL BE CUT OFF.
What a statement that should cause a great pause to those whose only “blessed assurance” lies in a once upon a time prayer or dunking in some water but who is not alive and abiding in a faithful trust in the Lord!
What a shocking statement for those who are familiar with the routine of weekly or daily religious chores and schedules, but whose heartfelt trust in the Lord is ac totally in question, in doubt, in rebellion, in backslidden forgetfulness about this Jesus they call out to with their mouths and deny with their hearts!
What a shocking statement that mirrors the wake up calls of chapters like Hebrews 6 and Hebrews 10 that remind us that finding Christ is the beginning of the journey, not the completion of our race!
What an encouraging verse that places the victory firmly in His hands, with Him even responsibile for the faith and trust that we find in Him!
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord!
If you cannot say this yourself, seek Him diligently, ask Him for His mercy to feed you even just the crumbs from the table that are meant for His true children, acknowledging that you realize you are coming as the dog that has chased time and time again the vomit of sin —
And in your returning as the prodigal hoping for just a servant’s portion, find that He calls you His own, and that He is faithful and true, and that your unwavering trust is the only sane response to the grace and mercy and love of your heavenly Father.
Cling tight. Never let go. Through His strength, and through His righteousness, know that blessed assurance of a life lived out in faith, in trust, in that grateful response to the victory won for you by the Lamb of God slain on the cross, so that by your belief, by your abiding belief, you walk as a new creation confirmed in Spirit and Truth.
Harold J. Ballinger 