September 15

Are you a maggot or a prince?

Job 25:4-6 How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure? If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes, how much less man, who is but a maggot-- a son of man, who is only a worm!"

A little theology today. This is the definition of sanctification: It is the state of being separated unto God. All believers enter into this state when they are born again by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. This is a once-for-all separation eternally unto God. It is an intricate part of our daily experience with Christ. While our sins have been crucified to the cross and we no longer bear the penalty of them, we must kill sin everyday of our life otherwise it can interfere with our intimacy with God. It will never change our position in his family just the expereince of fellowship with him. It is like my daughter Jenelle, when we adopted her into our family we made a once in a lifetime choice which we will never revoke. But there were a few times when she decided to disobey us and we had to send her to her room for a time out. It never broke our relationship only our fellowship.

Bilhad does not believe that man can ever get out of the “worm” state of living. We will always be maggots compared to God’s righteousness. There are two responses to this:

1. Of course. We will never be holy to the extent that God is holy in his character.
2. “You Lie” Bilhad is not speaking the truth here. God does expect us to rise above the maggot state and enjoy his intimate friendship. And he has provided a way through his son Jesus Christ to become a prince or princess in his kingdom. (when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house)

Job was considered righteous and blameless by God at the beginning of this ordeal. How did he obtain that state of righteousness? He believed, had faith, trusted in what God had promised to him. A person who trusts in the promise of God will be credited with righteousness. Remember Abraham in Genesis?

Indeed God expects us to rise above maggot living.

Col. 3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Today make wise choices to fully enter into the freedom we have already obtained in Christ. Put off maggot thinking and start thinking and living like a prince.