Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Luke 4:25-27, "But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleaned, saving Naaman the Syrian."

This morning, there are many people that do not understand or like the ways and dealings of God. All of us fail to understand things about Him, for His ways are too wonderful for us. However, His ways should never be questioned, as Paul admonishes us not to reply against God. Many people shake their fingers at God and say that He is unjust or unrighteous to do such a thing. Many fail to see beyond their current
misery and woes. Man is and always will be inferior to His Maker and Creator. We cannot say unto Him, "Why hast thou made me thus?"

Christ is in the synagogue on this occasion teaching the people about the sovereignty of God. This doctrine is not new with Primitive Baptists, but it is taught over and over throughout the Holy Scriptures. Christ says that there were many people in destitute conditions during the times of the Old Testament prophets. Nevertheless, the prophets were not sent to help all of them, sometimes they were not sent to help any of them. However, it should behoove us to thank Him that He sends anybody some of the time to help us.

God is not obligated one iota to help us, show mercy unto us, or relieve us from a difficult circumstance. Many times He does, and His praise should be shewed forth from us for it. However, this doctrine is not a very popular one. Notice what happens to the people in the synagogue when He speaks these words. They are filled with wrath and attempt to put Him to death. Many people today will be filled with wrath when you talk to them about the sovereignty of God. Man, in his natural, prideful state, does not like to be told when he is wrong or not in control of the situation.

Many preachers do not like being told when they are wrong or have their preaching questioned. Preachers should welcome questioning from the congregation or there is no communication for the flock and the pastor to grow up together to God. But, most men do not like not being in control. However, he is NOT in control, and none can stay God's hand or say unto Him, "What doest thou?" It is really no wonder why He hates some people.

Turn on the TV for a few moments, and it will be plainly evident what the spirit is that dwells in natural man. However, the true mystery is why He loves anybody? But, thanks be unto Him that He has seen fit to bless us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. We have been given much, and even the knowledge that we have is due to His sovereign gift to us. May we ever thank Him for His mercies and grace.

In Hope,

Bro Philip