GOD IS DOING HIS WORK by Pastor Jim Buckman
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I pray you and yours are well
The prophet Isaiah uses a very powerful word image to describe God’s work in gathering believers to Him. Specifically, he uses the Hebrew word, “naharu” which means “flow”. We learn at a young age that water flows downhill and that it chooses the path of least resistance. This is a good metaphor for the fallen nature of man. Left to our own devices and desires, we sin more boldly the older we get. And, as water runs downhill, it collects with other water and becomes an even stronger stream- headed in the same direction. We also, like bird of a feather (to mix metaphors), flock together, and head in directions which “make sense” to us.
The natural, fallen mind of man is at enmity towards God- “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit… Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Romans 8:5-7)
Isaiah teaches us a timeless truth about reconciliation with God. God does a supernatural work that only He can do, not us, when He reconciles us to Him. Water can not run uphill. And please note- the house of the Lord is not just a hill, it is “the highest of mountains”. We were dead in our trespasses- dead. But, God made us alive in Christ. Yes, the crucifixion of Christ- His death for our sins was important; but how much more so, His resurrection! And we who were Baptized in Christ, were buried with Him in His death, so that just as He was raised from the dead, so also will we be raised from the dead.
How does God do His work? Through the Word- faith comes through hearing the Word and the Word is the message of Christ. Through Baptism- “Baptism now saves you.” (1 Peter 3:21) Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the Father” (John 6:65) For it is by grace that you have been saved.
This is why Jesus sends us into the world, armed with His word and the waters of Baptism; to teach others what He first taught us. And where do we see water flowing uphill today? Every time we gather for worship.
Your friend in Christ,
Pastor Jim