Based on “The Reality of Hell” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 10/24-25/09,
Message #MB394; Daily Devotional #1 - “God and the Easter Bunny”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): One day last week I was talking with a student and a co-worker about homework. My student told me how difficult it has been to do her homework because she has been having rehearsals at church for a play she is involved in. After the student left, my co-worker turned to me and said, “That’s one thing I never got, no offense, is religion. I don’t believe in all that stuff just like Santa Claus and the Easter bunny.” She promptly turned around and walked away, before I even had an opportunity to speak back. I stood there for a moment, thinking in disbelief. Do unbelievers really put God in the same category as Santa Claus and the Easter bunny? It was a shocking moment, and the reality of how deceived our world really is was almost overwhelming. My heart broke, and then I knew my mission with this co-worker. Not to show a religion, but a relationship.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Back in Bible times, just as it is today, people saw religion. They saw the Jewish leaders and the overwhelming laws, rituals, and duties that must be fulfilled in order to follow religion. Just as today, people see all the “have tos” and “can’ts” that religion has placed on people. It doesn’t make sense to follow rules that don’t seem to apply to them when they can go about their day perfectly fine without the need of God or the Easter bunny. A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. (Romans 2:28) The same is true for us today. We are not Christ followers if we have only an outward appearance, religion, showing that we follow some type of “written code.” There has to be a change, a circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit, that makes a relationship. This is what people want to see in us to know if we are real or not. From the beginning with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:12-13), Satan has deceived people into believing there is no need for God. You can go about your day, your problems, and your happy times without God. Yes, he might exist, but He is only there for the finish, after living a good life. The rich man made a startling discovery after living his “good life.” In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far way, with Lazarus by his side. (Luke 16:23). Where did he end up? Not in heaven like he thought he would, but in hell. And even at this point he was still deceived into thinking that there would be some relief, by asking for just a drop of water. It was only after a plea for his brothers’ lives that he realized that the choice he made and the choice his brothers will make is indeed fixed. No take backs, no changes, but a permanent choice. The truth became all too real and too late. There are many people we know for whom a day like this is coming. So what are we to do? Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:2-6) We are to be devoted to prayer for those around us who do not believe. We are to be waiting and watching for every opportunity to proclaim Christ. We are to be wise in how we speak when those opportunities arise. Our conversations should be seasoned with salt, so they are thirsty to hear more. People are seeking truth even if they don’t think they need it. From one man He made every nation of men that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. (Acts 17:26-27)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Do you know people who place God and the Easter bunny in the same category? They have no need for one just as much as they don’t have a need for the other. Satan is a great deceiver, to the point that he has deceived himself into believing that in the end he will win. The devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10) That doesn’t sound like victory to me, but a place I wouldn’t want anyone to go. Take a moment and think about those around you who need prayer and an opportunity to hear about our amazing God, who wants no one to perish apart from Him. You might want to even make a list and place it on your frig, so it is a constant reminder to be devoted in prayer for those who don’t believe in the need for God.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Ephesians 5:1-20
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