Sometimes people feel they have gotten the short end of the stick in life. This expression generally refers to someone receiving unfair or unfavorable treatment. Often such is seen as being underserved but sadly the way things went. However, when it comes to our life, do we truly want all we deserve? Should we not rejoice in the reality God has graciously not treated us as our sins truly deserve (note Psalm 103:10; Ezra 9:13) but has provided the means in Christ to adequately deal with them? (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7) Still, when it comes to the “short end” of things, we need to properly understand where that does not rest.
During the days of Isaiah, part of God’s message to the nation through him was the need for a proper assessment of their lives. In chapter fifty-nine we read. . .
“(1) Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; (2) but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 ESV)
The following verses reveal how the heart and life of the people at that time were not with God; even being noted as turning back from following Him. (vs.13) Though they acknowledged God with their lips, they did not do so with their life. Even Jesus — during His earthly ministry — noted at that time those who honored God with their lips, while their heart was far from Him. (Matthew 15:8; quoting from Isaiah 29:13) Is it not the same today? How many speak God’s Name with expectations of being blessed by Him while not seeking to live in accordance with His desire and will? It is not God Whose hand is shortened, but humanity who comes up short. (note Romans 3:23)
Being encouraged God is fully able to save us from our sins by the means of Christ’s blood shed for us, let us we respond with a desire to glorify Him with our life by surrendering wholeheartedly to His Sovereign Will. That does not mean we merit our salvation — a salvation that is by grace (Ephesians 2:8) — but is what is to mark our life being compelled by the reality of that grace to submit to the will of God. (Titus 2:11-14) Trusting in the safety we can have with our life being in the hand of God (note John 10:28-30), let us repent — turn our life back around toward God — and allow Him to bring the transformation back to the holy essence He created us to possess. (Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:7) His hand is not too short to connect with us where we are. As He has reached out to us, may we accept His hand to aid us in properly living now as we continue to be drawn toward the eternity of Heaven!
Have a great day HELD IN THE HAND THAT DOES NOT FALL SHORT!
Carl
