IN THE SHADOW OF SHECHEM - Max Lucado

Psalm 36:1 reads, “Sin lurks deep in the hearts of the wicked, forever urging them on to evil deeds” (TLB).

The human heart is a dark place. When God is not sought, when society submits to no one higher than self, the result is chaos. We become savages. We victimize the vulnerable. We break hearts, homes, covenants, and promises.

We create a poisoned system where people suppress their better selves and rise on the backs of others. It awards power and force and downplays kindness and grace.

To be clear, in the Christian calculus, humanity is treasured, priceless, and destined for glory. We are created in God’s image. But we have squandered our inheritance by seeking to be God. Yet there is hope! And his name is Jesus. He came to rescue us from ourselves.

From Mike: This was Max’s devotional from a couple of weeks ago. I’ve read it several times. It strikes me that he is writing about the USA. Maybe that was his intention.

We have reached an all-time low in the USA. Christians are not in favor with a  large segment of society. I’ve not experienced this directly, however, the internet and news media have labeled Christians as cruel and mean-spirited. Now I have known some Christians who do fit that label.

Homosexuality, living together outside of marriage, having children outside of marriage, and a number of similar situations are acceptable in our society. We dare not to speak against any of these situations as being sinful less we are labeled as mean-spirited.

As Christians what are we to do? Matthew 10:32: "Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.” This is what God wants! He never promised us an easy way!

Quote from the internet: “I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God.”

Thanks!

Mike -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.