Ten Important Words
What happens when times get hard? What happens when people let you down? What happens when tears come? What happens when disappointment seems to be a constant friend? What happens when death looms? What happens when shame and failure weigh heavily? What happens when anger singes? We could go on and on with these hypothetical questions. Truth be told, these hypothetical questions are very real as we live life in this broken, sin-cursed, selfish world.
The key part in all these questions is the first two words: “what happens.” The Bible is filled with stories and accounts of people showing “what happens.” The opening book of the Bible, Genesis, tells us what happens when we disobey God. Genesis 2 records God creating Adam and Eve. It also tells us that God placed them in a perfect setting, the Garden of Eden. It had everything they needed. It was perfect. The garden also had guidelines and requirements that were given by God, and Genesis 3 tells us what happened when mankind disobeyed God. Rebellion brought death, chaos, and, most notably, sin.
There is another account of what happens in Genesis 4. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God did not abandon this first couple and their offspring (mankind). God showed grace, mercy, and provision. Evidently, God instituted and taught them about sacrifice. Part of their worship of God would involve bringing gifts and sacrifices to Him. In Genesis 4, we see what happens when our heart is not in our worship. When Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to God, Abel’s offering was accepted and Cain’s was not. While the story does not specifically tell us why God rejected Cain’s offering, most agree that the problem was that Cain did not give God his best. In other words, Cain’s heart was not in the sacrifice. In response to God’s rejection, Cain became angry. God, showing kindness, encouraged Cain to do better. The “what happens” scenario continues with Cain, and we see that when we allow anger to singe our heart and we persist in ignoring God, there are dire consequences. Cain’s anger and self-absorption ultimately led to the first murder.
While there are many failures recorded in Scripture that tell us what we should avoid, we also see many victories. 1 Samuel 17 records a particular conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines at the valley of Elah. The two enemies sent their armies to prepare for battle. Each army waited on one side of the valley. Each morning Goliath, the Philistine champion, would challenge the Israelites to send a brave representative to fight him. No one had the courage to face the Philistine giant. Then God shows what happens when someone has faith in His promises. With David, we see what happens when one chooses to courageously and faithfully believe that God can bring victory, that God can make all the difference. In a valley that was filled with Israelite fear, David stood up and declared to Goliath,
"I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 NIV)
In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul shares ten important words with Timothy, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.” Every day we are faced with “what happens” situations. We are tempted to walk in our own way and trust in our own strength. We must choose between our wisdom and God’s wisdom. Remembering Jesus makes all the difference. We find security and refuge when we remember that God is with us. I’m not saying that life in this crazy world will not have its challenges, hurts, and injuries. However, tears can be wiped away, lonely times can be lessened, and disappointment will be softened when we look to and remember Jesus. He is the lover of our souls and the anchor for our hearts. Every day is a “what happens” training ground. Trust in God and keep looking up!