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"Hating God"
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments" (Exodus 20:4-6).
One of the remarkable observations we can see in our time is the unashamed, blatant expressions of mockery and hatred toward God and to those who follow Him. This can be seen in a lot of different ways but I have encountered it by what people will place on their cars as bumper stickers.
Most of us at one time or another have learned the Ten Commandments. In our minds we have probably correctly summed up this long second commandment with "no idols". Today however I would like to consider a single phrase in this commandment, "those who hate me."
God Himself is speaking and He forthrightly acknowledges there are those who hate Him. The Hebrew word for hate "sane", is very strong. It connotes the sense of being odious and utterly hated.
I have met many people who are indifferent or agnostic toward God. I have read of atheists who claim not to believe in God. But I am increasingly observing those who expressively hate God and without shame or fear.
Believing friend, many in the world hate the God we love. Let me call you today to hear the Scripture loud and clear: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
I love you Lord
And I lift my voice
To worship you
O my soul, rejoice!
Take joy my King
In what You hear
May it be sweet, sweet sound
In Your ear.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, there will always be people full of hatred and rage who lift their fists in anger toward You. And there will always be people full of love and reverence who lift their voice in gratitude toward You. May we, the redeemed, lift our voices to You and bring sweet sounds to Your ear.
Personal note: This morning's message is delivered much earlier than usual as I will be going out to California for a couple of days to visit my brother and help him set up his computer and teach him how to use it. I expect to continue with this encouragement series but I am not sure due to the time difference when you will get it.
Do you have a Christmas memory you would like to share with others to uplift and encourage? Please send us your story and we will compile a page of memories to share with others on this site.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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