You are highly valued

You are highly valued

By Clayton Adams The question has often been asked, why should I read the Old Testament, what is the value of reading what happened thousands of years ago? This is a very good question that deserves a very good answer. My answer is simple, (I hope it is good, too). Christians need to read and study the Old Testament because it provides among many things, numerous examples of how God used less than perfect people to accomplish His Will and bring Himself honor and glory.

Paul an apostle of Jesus wrote in his first letter to the believers in the city of Corinth, “Now these things happened to them as an example and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Corinthians 10:11) Paul was referring his readers back to the Old Testament accounts of the trials and tribulations of the Jewish people who suffered because of their poor decisions and lack of trust of God. I believe we suffer today because of our own poor decisions and lack of trusting God too!

What happened in years past involving the generations of people who came before us provides much needed instruction to live correctly today.

Sometimes, I think we are not good learners because if we were, we wouldn't struggle with the same problems that plagued those who lived thousands of years ago – but, we are not good or even fast learners.

Noah, (Genesis chapters 6-9) you know the guy with the world's largest yacht filled with all manner of animals. God used Noah to save a remnant of animals and people to continue humanity. Noah became drunk, embarrassed and brought shame to himself and to his children and grandchildren.

But, Noah serves as an example of a good man who made a poor decision but God still loved him and used him for good.

Moses, (Exodus chapters 1-5) murdered a man.

However, God used to Moses to lead His people out of Egypt beginning their long journey to the Promised Land. What made Moses kill the Egyptian man? Did Moses have an identity crises?

There was most certainly an ethnic and cultural division between the Egyptians and Israelites. What we do know is that God used Moses to do a great work.

Perhaps there is something in your background that you wish was not – God, can use this experience, your past, to bring about good just like God used Moses for good, He can use you for good.

Rahab, (Joshua 2) whether a prostitute by choice or coerced we do not know, demonstrated her faith in God by protecting the two spies. Rahab is mentioned in the great hall of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven and is recorded in the lineage of Jesus the Christ, Savior of the world!

(Matthew 1:5) Perhaps you are doing something you know you shouldn't be doing, God can change this too and bring about good in your life!

Gideon, (Judges 6:12) “a mighty warrior” as God saw him, was hiding from his enemies and had all kinds of excuses for not doing what needed to be done.

Excuses – we all have them, including me.

Excuses keep nations from winning wars. Excuses keep families and individuals apart. Excuses keep people from reaching their full potential. Read in the Evening Times, the excuses given to the judge in court – they are unbelievable! Church people are hypocrites, maybe, but aren't we all in our own thoughts and actions? On God's judgment day there will be no excuses for anyone. Ignorance is bliss, but it is also very costly and as the Bible states, we'll “without excuse.”

What excuses do you have for not doing what you know you should be doing?

The Old Testament, or more correctly, the Hebrew Scriptures, provides the instruction and encouragement we desperately need.

NO matter your past, NO matter your present, No matter your excuses, God can and will work all things in your life to bring good, honor and glory to Himself. You can have a great future!

You are loved, you have a future and you are highly valued by God. This is why He sent His Only Begotten Son to be born to die on the Cross of Salvation! This is why we celebrate Christmas – You have worth and you are highly valued by God!

Why should we read and study the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures)? We should read and study it because no matter the issue we face in life, no matter the circumstances, the Old Testament guides us, can correct us and encourage us to turn our face back to God. The past testifies to this truth. To know your future, read about the past.

Clayton Adams is pastor at Earle First Assembly of God. You can e- mail him at cpalaa@ yahoo. com, or find Earle First Assembly on Facebook.

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