The Lord gives and the Lord takes away? Wrong
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away? Wrong
Most Christians should know that God did not make this statement. Nevertheless, many of God’s children quote it more frequently than any other verse in the Bible. The book of Job has become more important than the four gospels for many. Identifying with Job’s sufferings seems to bring comfort for some reason.
The truth of the matter is that God gives and the devil takes away. Jesus declared that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus came that we might have abundant life! (John 10:10) Once again, those who witness or experience loss and tragedy want to feel justified and affirmed in their experience. What better way than to blame God?
In order to move from darkness to light we must have a revelation of the new creation and the better covenant established on better promises (Heb. 8:6). Our covenant is not based upon behavior, but rather on Jesus redemptive work on the cross. God gave Jesus to the world in order that death might not steal, kill and destroy us.
God has always been the giver. He cannot be tempted with evil nor does He tempt any with evil (James 1:13). Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). All of His promises are yes and amen (2 Cor. 1:20). It is His divine promises that allow us to escape the corruption of the world (2 Pet. 1:2-4). He gave us His Son and has determined to freely give us all things (Rom. 8:32). The Spirit of God abides in us that we might know the things that He has freely given us (1 Cor. 2:12). If we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, everything we need will be added to us (Mt. 6:33).
The list could go on and on. The point is, God is NOT THE THIEF! God is for us and His promises are alive and active. The only thing standing between us and abundant life is our gospel of clichés that promotes fatalism and passivity. Rather than learning to reign in life, many are content to say “whatever will be, will be.”
