PODCAST
A Better Cup
December 15th, 2013
Isaiah 51:17-23
It has taken me 22 years of marriage to learn how my wife wants to start her day. With a cup of coffee. In bed. That I bring to her. I am especially grateful for the one cup, pod-loaded coffee makers that provides me with an easy way to make her day.
It wasn’t coffee that the Israelites had been drinking. It was punishment and it was bitter. God made it clear that it was time to remove the bitterness from the consequences of their disobedience. He would never make them drink that gall again. However, they had to learn and practice obedience.
There is another cup that represents the sacrifice Jesus paid for our waywardness. The baby, swaddled in the manger, would grow to drink that cup of punishment for us. His once-for-all gift means we do not need to taste for ourselves from the cup of God’s wrath. We can drink from the cup of remembrance to understand how obedience to God will always take us through enemy-filled wilderness and lead us all the way home.
Author: Debbie Salter Goodwin
December 15th, 2013 at 8:25 am
I start each day with coffee too ! I’m impressed with a spouse who would so generously prepare that first cup. The act of service is a beautiful demonstration of their love language.
My spouse of 28 years recently served up a bitter cup to me. He filed for divorce. Left my home in foreclosure and moved back east to be near the woman he’s having an affair with.
I’m praying this morning for grace and truth and the will to show forgiveness.
December 15th, 2013 at 8:42 am
I failed to mention that he’s a pastor.
I wonder what the Nazarene Church stance is if this man was one of their ordained elders. Can someone tell me? Call me curious.
December 15th, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Lynne, when we hear that God doesn’t put anything on us that we can’t bear, He supplies us with that support through the Holy Spirit. It is made tolerable by patiently waiting, abiding in Him, and hearing testimony from others who likewise believe. We just have to lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) which is hard for our flesh.
If we test the spirits according to what is pleasing to the flesh or what is pleasing to God, we know what the Holy Spirit is telling us.
December 15th, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Also, if I heard “the will to show forgiveness” in your words, I’m sure God hears it in your “heart”. You just have to make your “mind” up to “walk the talk” whereas you accomplish the heart, mind, and soul for Christ.
December 15th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
“I wonder what the Nazarene Church stance is if this man was one of their ordained elders.”
The biblical stance is in 1 Timothy 3. However, in respect to your relationship with Christ, I would recommend the forgiveness route and leave the desire for retaliation or judgment to the church.
Sin (along with the desire to sin) has consequences.
December 15th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Thank you “Barbara” your words really cleared it up for me.
December 15th, 2013 at 8:48 pm
While circumstances may be different, the “been there,” “done-that,” and “got-over-it” (with the help of the Holy Spirit) is basically the same.
Keep encourage in the faith and remember “Job” was tested (with God’s permission) probably to refine his devotion into “love.” He also received more than he lost!
Faith is only lost by the lack of it. . .