I need a break

The world’s 5 stories – part 2

There is a difference in the way God sees things and how the world sees things, five of which I am looking at in the first half of Advent this year.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20*

These are the promises of God, five values that God will put into the lives of his followers. These contrast with five values the world has. The second one God says a new spirit I will put within them. The world’s answer is I need a break, a break from the stresses and strains of the world. The world is never going to stop the world and let you off: It is the world that crushes us. The world’s answer is never going to be a full answer.

But what is meant by the world? A Bible dictionary says that in Greek writings from Homer down, an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order. In other words, the order of things, politics; the ways of culture and society oppose God; it is peer pressure. The world is part of an unholy trinity that contrasts with God, The world, the flesh and the devil contrasting with the Father, Holy Spirit and the Son.

A digression:

• Jesus has destroyed the work of the devil. (1 John 3:8)
• The spirit is opposed to the flesh. (Ephesians 2:2-3)

Back to the world …

John wrote, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Love of the world forced out the love of the Father. The world seeks to rule us by domination, it is divide and rule. God rules by love and acceptance. Out of love God became human in Jesus and died for all so that all would be, through Jesus, acceptable to the Father,

Jesus says to everyone:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30*

The world’s burdens wear us out, Jesus’ burden is easy and light. Let Jesus refresh you. Let God’s Spirit renew your spirit. The world grinds you down, society grinds you down, peer pressure grinds you down, politicians lift some people up by grinding others down.

God lifts up the weary and the fallen.

* English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Part 1. Us vs them. / Part 2. I need a break. / Part 3. Trust no one.
Part 4. Tolerate me. / Part 5. We’re all doomed.