Blindness | September 6, 2023

"He sighed deeply in His spirit." -Mark 8:12

Jesus, the Son of God, sighed deeply within His spirit. Do we know what it was that touched the heart of our Lord? Jesus said, "Why does this generation seek a sign?" The hardness of their hearts grieved Him. Their sinful hearts caused the Lord to sigh deeply in His spirit. There was no sincerity in their questions about Him being the Messiah. The Lord had given numerous evidences that He is the God-man. Their hearts of stone blinded them to the truth that Jesus was the Savior.

At the same time, it is comforting to know that Christ was moved with such feelings for people. He is a high priest who understands our infirmities and weakness. However, may we not cause the Lord to sigh because of the sin and indifference to who He is in our hearts. Our hearts doubt the Lord. Our feet tend to stray. However, Jesus is longsuffering with us. We should be eternally grateful for His unceasing kindness. Let us humble ourselves beneath the mighty hand of God and His mercy that is made new each day for us.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Waste in the Soul | September 5, 2023

"They had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; He gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them." -Psalm 106:14-15

The will of God should be preeminent within our hearts. Beloved, let us be sober-minded in our desires. For the Israelites doubted the goodness of God, complained against Him, and wanted their ways. The consequence of their desires being fulfilled was the leanness of their soul. Some physically perished. A life can appear robust and prosperous while decay lies within. They had disdain in their hearts for the manna of God. God's people were not content with His ways. This temptation still comes to the hearts of His people. We must humbly pray that God's desires become our own, finding contentment in Him and the ways of God. The Lord will help us delight in Him and in that which He has for us. In this is joy and peace. Seek the will of God and His providence.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Acknowledging Sin | September 4, 2023

"Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness." -Psalm 106:6

It is easy and common for one generation to point out the sins of another. How many are willing to acknowledge their iniquity? When we reflect upon the sins of others, often it is examined in how it has affected us. We do not regard the effects of our sin upon others with that same scrutiny, but they are just as damaging. Here, the Psalmist acknowledges the sins of one generation to the next before God. This should be our foremost concern. One must honestly acknowledge one's sin before a holy God. Without excuse or blame upon others for causing our sinfulness. All have fallen short of the glory of God. We are responsible for our sin, our iniquity, and our wickedness. Before the Lord, every mouth is shut. Christ came to us in this hopeless condition while we were dead in sin. He ransomed us with His life. Now, we belong to God if we have repented. By His grace, we turn away from a life of iniquity. Let us rejoice in the mercy of God and flee all works of unrighteousness. Let each generation tell the next of the glory of God and His saving grace in Christ.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight