May 4: Times of Ignorance

So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. Genesis 16:2

This practice was so widespread that it seemed a “normal” course to take. Sarai even prefaced the presentation of her idea by mentioning the LORD. Never mind the invasion of another woman’s personal life along with the plan to take her children (I shall obtain children by her) as well as ignoring the ordination of marriage—a unique and exclusive relationship—as set forth in Eden. From every angle, this was a terrible idea. Yet, our heavenly Father saw beyond this point in time. Indeed, He had just made a covenant for the future with Abram in the previous chapter. And we know that Abraham became well known as a friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23) and the father of all who believe (Romans 4:11).

The inestimable opportunity and privilege to learn from the successes and failures of those who have gone before us cannot be overstated. The long process of restoring the image of God in humankind has been—and continues to be—arduous. Consider the longsuffering of God! How we hurt Him through cavalier attitudes, inattentiveness to His ‘love letter’, and denominational pride.

But what about those who, through no fault of their own, were steeped in error from birth yet sincerely yearned to please Him? Abram was called by God out of the world’s most sophisticated pagan culture. He answered the call, and began the lifelong process of transformation. His life is an example of growing in a love relationship with our Creator.

Today, the wild combination of paganism, idolatry, false religions, and blended cultures—with every conceivable negative influence—is the state of affairs on the earth. It is Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31) on a worldwide scale or, we might say, ‘Babylon on steroids.’

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man who He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31

Beloved, as we joyfully marvel at the glorious resurrection of Jesus, let us look forward to His soon return as our King. Following His resurrection, He became our high priest in the heavenly sanctuary. And as our intercessor, He has voiced His will for unity in the body of believers (see the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17). Unity in truth, with no mixture of error. A worthy goal! Oh, that we may faithfully share the whole truth of God’s Word and be a unifying influence for our Savior. As grace is abundantly provided, let us relieve the tension and confusion brought about by the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). We serve the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). When someone is persuaded of the true character of our King, we are doing the work of reclaiming for Jesus that which is rightfully His.

And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock, and one shepherd.” John 10:16