Trust

This post was written by a guest writer.  I am very glad to share his insight and hope it is meaningful for you.

"Trust" is a small five letter word that is easy to spell, easy to say, but a challenge to live.  In worship this past weekend we learned about trust (or the lack of it) in the Parable of the Tenants from Matthew 21.   If the tenants would have understood the depth of the landlord's love, they would have never attempted a hostile take-over of his winery.  This principle is repeated throughout God's Word - the principle of trusting our Owner's love in spite of our desire to control what He owns.

Had Adam and Eve trusted what God said about eating the forbidden fruit, they would have never succumbed to Satan's influence (Genesis 3).  Had Cain understood that God loved him just as He loved Abel, perhaps the first murder would have come by the hand of another (Genesis 4).  Had Jacob trusted what God said about "the older serving the younger," he wouldn't have resorted to deceiving his father to gain his promised birthright (Genesis 18).  Had the unmerciful servant described in the parable of Matthew 18 really trusted the King's word of forgiveness, he would have gladly forgiven his fellow servant.

All of these lessons lead us more brilliantly to the cross of Christ.  Trust culminates there.  Paul says it best in his letter to the Philippians.  "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ."  As you walk in this trust throughout this week, be confident that the one you are leaning on loves you beyond measure (just like the owner of the vineyard).  In this, find strength to resist the temptation to follow after the world and find the motivation to live as one who trusts in the word of the Lord.

What does living as one who trusts look like?  It looks like Adam and Eve enjoying creation within God-given boundaries.  It looks like Cain rejoicing with Abel and God being pleased.  It looks like Jacob waiting patiently for God's plan to unfold.  It looks like a grateful servant extending forgiveness to a fellow servant.  It looks like <<insert your name>> putting trust in God by <<insert your trust challenge>>.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Monte