May 20th, 2021
by Kevin Benton
by Kevin Benton
God interposes himself as it were, between me and myself; He separates me from myself; He desires to be nearer to me by his pure love than I am to myself. He would have me look upon this “me” as a stranger; He would have me escape from its walls, sacrifice it whole to Him, returning it absolutely and unconditionally to Him from whom I received it.
(Fénelon, Spiritual Progress)
(Fénelon, Spiritual Progress)
Reflection by Pastor Kevin
Interpose? What does that mean?
Interpose - To put yourself or something between two things, people, or groups, especially in order to stop them doing something:
God separates us from ourselves? What? Yes! He inserts Himself inside us. He desires to separate us from the self centered side of humanity and draw us close to Him. Remember what the first commandment says:
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. KJV
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
How does this apply? We can make ourselves, our wills, our emotions, our struggles take the place of God in our lives. We go through struggles, pain and discomfort and we focus more on the pain and the struggle than God. We need to focus on God, be devoted to God and committed to God no matter what is going on.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. KJV
Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. KJV
The above scripture shows us that God examines our heart. It tells us that our hearts can not be trusted. Our hearts combined with our intellect and emotions will get us into trouble almost every time. That is why the author say God interposes himself between me & myself. God always has our best interest at heart. God wants the best for us. God desires a deep and intimate relationship with all of us. Even though God desires this, it is ultimately up to us. He will not force Himself on us.
One way God interposes Himself is through His Word:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. KJV
Brothers & Sisters, God is so deeply intent on having an intimate relationship with all of us. He examines us and His word inspects us and leads us in the ways to get closer to God. His Word will confirm some things and expose others. Let us dig deep into His Word, Seek His Face and desire an intimate relationship with Him. Let us yield to Him and let Him separate us from ourselves and draw us unto the deep things of a relationship with Him. Keep Chasing Him!!! Let Him Catch You!!! (P.K.)
1 Comment
This was so powerful I could feel all theses conflicting thoughts & emotions. God is Symphony to my Soul. It reminds of that song" Hold On to Me" by Lauren Daigle. God Hold on to me when I forget I Need You & When the best of me is barely breath in' ; When i'm not somebody I believe in. Hold on to me Dear Jesus. #God Chaser#2 The End