An Appealing Plea

An Appealing Plea

2 Corinthians 5: ²⁰ Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf: let God change you from enemies into his friends! ²¹ Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God.

 

============

 

Speeding tickets seemed to be the norm for me until one day I got one too many. “You need a lawyer” was the suggestion of the judge. I was unable to speak on my behalf to overturn the latest violation.  I needed someone who could appeal to the judge in a way that could be heard. “How do you plea?” was the question The lawyer spoke for me and used words that could be heard by the judge.

 

• I was guilty but needed an advocate.
• I was clearly in the wrong but needed someone to make an appeal.
• I was on my way to being sentenced, but had someone make a plea to overturn the violation.

 

Paul is trying to make an appeal to overturn the thoughts of people who did not believe in JESUS. He spoke as though GOD HIMSELF were making an appeal. He then mentions how JESUS was without sin, but for our sake, HE was made sin so we could share in the righteousness of GOD.

 

My Observations

• An appeal was made to me to guide my thoughts to JESUS.
• When I believed that JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead, I became eternally saved.
• I plead with others to open their eyes to the one true Savior, which is CHRIST our LORD.

 

Usually a plea is seen as a way to get “my” way. BUT GOD sees it different. JESUS not only gave up HIS life, HE pursues each and every one of us, pleading to keep us from harm. The HOLY SPIRIT begs on our behalf and GOD sends people to plea to turn to HIS ways. I am grateful for the people who prayed for me and pleaded on my behalf.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the plea from the writer?
• Have you ever been in trouble and needed someone else to explain things on your behalf?
• Will you make a plea on someone else’s behalf to turn to JESUS for all answers today?

Response to the Plea

Hosea 2: ²¹ “In that day I will respond,”
    declares the Lord—
“I will respond to the skies,
    and they will respond to the earth;
²² and the earth will respond to the grain,
    the new wine and the olive oil,
    and they will respond to Jezreel.
²³ I will plant her for myself in the land;
    I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
    and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

============

Some days I wondered if GOD was even listening to me. I mean some trials lasted longer than others. “Where are YOU?” I would cry out, only to hear silence and remain in my present state.

• There have been times when I have wondered if GOD is listening.
• There have been times when I thought GOD seems to not care.
• There have been times when I have thought GOD must be punishing me because things are not going the way I want them to in the time I want them to.

Looking back on my doubtful thinking I was venting at the one who put me in the situation in the first place. I did not know what HE was doing or why, I only knew I wanted out of the trial and into something ”better.” BUT GOD said something to calm me down.

• GOD says “I see you.”
• GOD says “There will come a day when I WILL respond.”
• GOD says “I WILL say you are MY people and you will say YOU are my GOD.”

Throughout my waiting period I can see GOD was there sustaining me, yet HE was growing me to become patient and more understanding of those who are going through circumstances. HE wants me to slow down rather than speeding up so I will not miss those around me.

GOD also wants me to have the faith to keep pressing forward and to plea with HIM daily. I will keep my measure of faith HE has given me and place my total trust in HIM. HE is my GOD and I am HIS.

• Are you still in a trial that has been going on for a while?
• Do you want out of the trial but it seems to still linger?
• Can you praise GOD for what HE is doing to sustain you?
• Will you stop feeling ashamed and speak about GOD boldly?

Remember the First Step

Daniel 2: ¹² This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. ¹³ So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.

^-------

¹⁷ Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. ¹⁸ He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. ¹⁹ During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven

============

My first inclination is to jump into action when things are going poorly. I mean, something has to be done so I figure I am the one who should step up and do the “something.” Sometimes it works, while other times it feels like things get worse and worse. What should I have done?

• Sometimes I think I can solve problems with my strength.
• Sometimes I think I can solve problems with my power.
• Sometimes I think I can solve problems with my intellect.

Nebuchadnezzar gave an impossible decree, either tell him what he dreamt and interpret it correctly or die! This was impossible or so it seemed. Sometimes the problems I face “seem” impossible as well. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD said “There is nothing impossible for ME.”
• GOD said “There is nothing too hard for ME.”
• GOD said “Come to ME first with your problem and I will make your way straight.”

Many times I think of GOD when the problem becomes too large for me. HE is an afterthought. BUT GOD wants to be first. HE wants me to come to HIM when the problem is small and before it gets too big and out of control. Even when the problem is large, HE does not want me to spring into action without consulting HIM first.

GOD wants to be my guide so HE desires that I consult HIM on a regular basis. Sometimes daily is not enough. There are days where I need to ask HIM several times for direction because of moments of feeling lost and left behind. GOD takes the impossible and laughs at how easy it is for HIM to solve the situation. Only HE can provide.

• Are you facing something impossible?
• Does it seem like you are at your last rope?
• Can you take a moment and ask GOD to intervene in your situation no matter how long you have been in it?