Throughout the Bible we see many examples of God’s love demonstrated in His giving of gifts. After the Jews were brought out of Egypt and while wandering in the desert, we read of the manna being given as food from heaven. This gift from God came to include quail as well. Although these gifts were from God, we read that the people of Israel had to rise up early to gather the manna. If they did not gather it early, it would spoil. It was a gift from God, but they had to do something in order to receive the gift.
When the Lord gave the city of Jericho to the people of Israel, He promised to deliver it into their hand. However, there were certain conditions that had to be met. They could not simply do nothing and receive the city. We read they had to follow specific instructions from God to march around the city for seven days before the city would be delivered into their hand. We read in Hebrews how great faith brought down the walls of Jericho. But faith alone did not bring down the walls. Had they not marched according to God’s instructions, the walls would stand firm. It was a gift from God, but they had to do something in order to receive the gift.
So it is today, God has given us a gift far above any other gift that could be given. However, there is nothing in God’s book that God promises to give this to us without action on our part. Christ has died for us. He has provided salvation and God is willing to give us remission of our sins. There are however, certain things that we must do in order to appropriate that gift. With these thoughts in mind, we must ask ourselves, are we just sitting and waiting for the walls to fall down?
For the elders, Tony Williams