6: Rise Up O Men Of God
I have written in a previous newsletter of my ongoing battle with condemnation. The fruit of condemnation in my life was discouragement and depression. I knew what I should be doing but didn’t have the energy or strength to do it. I was like the man described by Paul in Romans 7:18 for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.
In the area of family worship, I would do well and then for some reason or another I stopped leading these times. Then I would try again and fail once more. Maybe I would go to a conference and get inspired or listen to a message, but I couldn’t sustain our times together as a family. And yet, I kept on trying. And during these times of renewal I was much encouraged by the scripture in Proverbs 24:16 For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again. And so I kept getting up when I fell.
I did not recognize God’s hand in getting back on my feet. It wasn’t a natural impulse on my part, it was supernatural power on His part. It was God’s Spirit. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwells in you. Romans 8:11
This scripture is so encouraging to me. It is not up to me to generate will power, since I don’t have this ability. But I can tap into His life giving power and grace. He is the one who has the power to make me rise and stand. Jesus was dead, lifeless in the tomb. But the Spirit of God gave life to him. Even when we are discouraged to the point of despair, when we have no gas left in our tank, when our reserves have been depleted, His Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies.
And Jesus himself not only experienced this resurrection power, He was the resurrection. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: John 11:25. As we get back up on our feet and try again, we are experiencing a mini-resurrection. And as we keep getting up we are winning against the word, the flesh and the devil. We are are proclaiming the power of the resurrection of Christ.
Hebrews 4:14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.
I would like to close with this inspiring call to Rise Up! The words to this hymn were penned by William P. Merrill, and first appeared in 1911.
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
God bless you each in connecting with the Spirit of God enables us to Rise Up and Stand.
Steve