Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Genesis 3:9-11

“Where are you? …Who told you?”

The first questions recorded in the Bible came from the voice of God: “Where are you?” The answers are important to Him; and should be to us. To not know the answer is to be lost. The phone rings in the night and you answers. Your son or daughter is in a car that has broken down. Your first question is, “Where are you?” A shepherd searches for a lost sheep; He listens for the faintest sound of bleating. God calls out to Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” They were lost in paradise.

The second question was, “Who told you…?” Someone had pointed out their sin and unveiled their shame; and the accuser wasn’t God. Jesus said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).

Anyone of us can feel the guilt and shame of our sins. The accuser roams back and forth on the earth pointing out our failure. Discouragement and condemnation are powerful weapons in his hands. As a Christian we have no business giving him any assistance.

Walk with Jesus through the Gospels. He changed lives from tragic and destructive stories into something beautiful. Not once did He walk up to a broken person and point out their shame. He pointed out something else (that most did not know), He told them that they were made beautiful in the image of God, and if they would believe Him, He would reveal it in their living.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I have an appointment with a family of sinners. We shall gather and sing and pray; and a sinner will preach while others will teach. Some will hide in pews of wood, and some will cover their soul with good. Then in a Word or maybe a tune; a sound will echo in the room; a question will come to every name and every heart: “Where are you?” “I was lost, but not anymore, for the Lord has come through my door.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray (3/16/2019)

“Link to YouTube Video – Just As I Am”