Chiquita Bananas and God
Yesterday was a day full of door to door evangelism in a Chiquita banana farm in Panama. We walked around sharing with people about Jesus Christ. I saw with my own eyes many people make a decision to believe that Jesus did live, die, and resurrect to save us from our problem of being separated from God because of sin. Now did they truly believe when they prayed the prayer to God? I don’t know, but in the words of a professor of mine named Jon Rittenhouse, “That’s a management question, and I’m just in sales.” But this day sparked in me a thought that I have been having off and on for the past couple years.
THE THOUGHT IS ——- “Thus says the Lord…”
For the past couple years God has been blowing my mind with this statement written in His word. It seems like the more and more I read the word I see God’s presence being made manifest wherever, whenever and however He choses. He does what He wants, but it’s all good. It all seems to fit like a puzzle piece. It seems like God had a plan when chose to create the world. It seems like He had a plan when He chose Israel as His people. It seems like He had a plan when He lead them in and then out of trials and exiles, “So that they would know that I am God.” It seems like He had a plan when Jesus came to provide a one way relationship with God through his atoning death and resurrection. It seems like He loves us. It seems like He loves us. It seems like He loves us.
I just recently read in Daniel 9 where he prays an interceding prayer on behalf of his people. He admits in the prayer that they have sinned against God and were in the wrong. That they don’t deserve deliverance. BUT!!! Then Daniel says (in 9:18b-19), “…for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” Daniel pleads with God but realizes that God has the final say. He recognizes that He’s a good God who loves us and wants the best for us, but He requires obedience which is simply believing truth. It’s choosing to believe that 2+2=4.
I know that if our names are not written in the book of life then we don’t get to engage in this true life, the best life, the most fulfilling and satisfying life ever. God wants that for us. He wants that even for you reading this. Don’t just gloss over these words like their something that’s “good for me.” They can be good for you too! In fact they are for you.
God has the authority to hold this statement in the palm of His hand. He has the authority. He is the ultimate end. A one way relationship with Him. It is sooooooooooooooooooo good too! I’ve been living out of a backpack weighing probably around 35 pounds and I’m totally satisfied (satisfaction is different than comfortability btw). I have everything I need. In fact I have more than I need. WHO WANTS A NEW SLEEPING BAG!? jk. God is good and He desires you.
“Thus says the Lord…”
