“Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:21 KJV). God rebukes the proud with a curse. Sinful pride is being more concerned about our glory than His. An evil misfortune wished upon someone is only incidental, unless it comes from the Almighty. “But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). Erring from God’s commandments is not an attempt to obey that falls short, but a lack of heart to do what God requires. We shift the blame from ourselves to God, if we say we are doing the best we can, but only a sinful nature or inopportune circumstances prevented us from fully obeying and complying with His commands. God is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12) and knows if we really are sincere and trying to be obedient. On the other hand, it is easier for us to blame a sinful nature or poor circumstances.
Theologians have given us the opportunity of laying the blame upon a sinful nature. In Adam’s fall, we sinned all. Popularly put, I can’t help it, I was born this way. Blaming a sinful nature for our sinning is like blaming God for why I am the way I am. It is true, we may be more prone to steal to survive, if we were born poor; but, possessing riches is no guarantee we will not become thieves. Consider this in support of not being born with a sinful nature: “For this is the love of God: that we keep His commandments. And His commandments do not weigh us down” (1John 5:3 NET). In short, God’s commandments are not impossible to obey. If we could plead His commands too weighty, then we are absolved from loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor equal to ourself. God is no man’s fool. Perfect Love must be possible or else God’s Kingdom has no foundation. Father, may we rest in Your Spirit inspiring us to keep Your commandments. And, may we teach and act, as if the laws of Your Kingdom are a joy to be obeyed. Preserve us from misunderstanding Your precepts. May You receive the praise for our obedience, for it is You, who works in us “to will and to do” (Philippians 2:13). Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 