ENOUGH

The Sin Nature at it's core says, "That is not Enough. What you have and who you are is not Enough. Has God really limited you?" ("Did God really say...?" - Genesis 3:1) The notions - do it yourself, you are all that matters, take matters into your own hands - contests God and His word by saying to God's face "You are not Enough" and eating of "the forbidden fruit". Rebellion feeds rebellion.

The nature of sin keeps the void in man's heart, mind, and spirit empty or unfulfilled. One's lifestyle in sin then is consumed with not Enough. It wasn't Enough for Lucifer to stay in his lofty, blessed position. He totally believed The Lie he told himself - "I will...." usurp God's throne, power, and authority (Isaiah 14:13-14). His fall was so fast, furious and finite that he would attempt to infect God's image with his same sickness. The Lie he told Adam and Eve was "You will not die", but you you will be like God knowing Good and Evil (Genesis 3:4-5). He even comes across as portraying God as threatened by this act of self-ambition - "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:5) I can almost hear Satan saying, "Oh my! What will God do then?" Misery loves company and Lucifer's misery started the moment he became proud in his heart on account of his beauty and corrupted his wisdom because of his splendor (Ezekiel 28:17). What he had and who he was - was not Enough and to his last breath he will attempt to drag all of humanity and creation down with him (John 10:10).

Life for humanity was like this UNTIL Jesus paid the sacrifice with His life and displayed His victory through His resurrection - this was Enough! Whatever the want, whatever the need - provision was paid in full at The Cross and conquered through The Resurrection. Philip asked what all knew to be a dangerous proposition, but was willing to take the risk none-the-less....... Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." (John 14:8) Jesus was disappointed in this statement. After all the time he had spent with them - sharing great teachings, displaying miracles, and proving His divinity they did not get that Jesus was acting and speaking directly on God the Father's behalf. In the very next chapter, Jesus makes sure they know His link with their lives and ours - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) No notion that a man is an island unto himself. No idea that by your own strength you can be all you can be. No inference for us to take matters into our own hands. Our total success depends on our joining and continued link with Jesus Christ, The Son of God, Lord of lords and King of kings who is........Enough.

Comments