Our war has to be offensive

One of the things that concerns me most is that the church is satisfied in maintaining a defensive posture. Everywhere we hear testimonies of how people came out of debt or got delivered from some disease or distress. Now it is true that these acts of deliverance alone can prepare us because we have to know our God to do exploits for Him. But what if we are continually being trained and yet never enter the battlefield? We boast in our weapons and we thank God for our weapons but we do not know where the real war is going on. We encourage each other with our testimonies and we bless the Lord for His goodness and His mercies but why are we so ill equipped for war? I believe the answer is very simple. We are not willing to pay the cost. We are not willing to step out of our comfort zone. We are not willing to lose all so that we can gain all. Even among the few who are willing to take that extra step, humility and perseverance can alone bring them to places where few have tread. God has to build character first. Our battles may not be what we expect. Our idea of warfare is different from His. May His burden be on us even as our burdens are given over to Him.

Tongues as a sign

The Bible talks of tongues as an evidence and a gift. But it also talks of tongues as a sign. When Paul addresses the Corinthian church, he chides them for focusing too much on tongues. He then goes on to say that tongues are not merely to edify. It should be seen as a sign too (1Cor 14:22). A sign of displeasure from God. A sign to unbelievers that they are going to be judged. A sign not of redemption but of destruction. Just like the resurrection of Jesus was also a sign that God has fixed a day in which He will judge the whole world (Acts 17:31), similarly tongues was also a sign that in spite of strange happenings and phenomena, people just refuse to turn to God by themselves. There is enough evidence of God in the natural sphere. God is even drawing their attention through supernatural means. Yet they have hardened their hearts. There is no one who seeks God, not even one. God has to chose. God has to call. He has to justify. He has to draw some to Himself. If not, everyone is doomed. He has to do a double work. Not just to provide a solution for sin. But to soften people's hearts to respond to that solution. His mercy is great.

The curse of languages

It is not usual to see it this way but isn't it true that different languages are actually a curse upon mankind? Sometimes we are enchanted by various languages but what a terrible thing it is that human beings cannot unite together beyond a limit. What a sad thing that we cannot reach out to many people just because they do not understand what we are saying. When we study about the tower of Babel, we see man uniting with a common purpose to defeat God's authority over their lives. What a tragedy that man can unite to stand in opposition to God. The only reason why God scattered them throughout the face of the earth was not actually the wrath of God. He was showing mercy. He was pulling down their pride in one way or the other. He was destroying their vainglory because they were always prone to swelling up in self-glorification. He wanted them to be fearful, to be unsure, to know what they are really made of, if perhaps they would reach out for Him and find Him (Acts 17:27). O God, have mercy on us so that man can bow the knee and give you the glory that you alone can receive.