The Stumbling Stone

See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Romans 9: 33.

It will be a great boost, if you read Romans 9: 30 – 33. .

A Stone has been put in Zion. People are stumbling and falling over this Stone. God’s own people are stumbling and falling because of this Stone in Zion. It is faith in the Rock, this Stone, that ensures that whoever believes will never be put to shame. Listen to this statement. There is faith, and there is faith.

There are many children of God who have pursued a law of righteousness, and have done so through works. Theirs is faith in works, their own works, and not faith in Jesus, the Sent Saviour. The children of Israel stumble and fall because they live by their own works, as they seek a righteousness that is according to works.

The Word of God is before you, placed in your Zion, and it is God’s Word that causes you to stumble, and His Rock that causes you to fall. Many believers, who profess faith in Christ Jesus, evidence, by their actions that they trust their own works, before they trust the unseen God. Faith is found in the works of human hands, as many trust the ideas, thoughts, advice and actions of men, before they trust the Given Word of God. Seldom do we as believers, find it easy to trust the Hand of God who always works, not according to human standards and human wisdom, but according to His Will and Way.

To Trust God is to: -

Take God at His Word.

It is to activate that word in us. It is to be motivated by His Spirit and not hide away His Word and be afraid to step out in Faith in Him.

Reach God, at His Word.

It is to associate with that word within us. The Given Word of God must never be a stranger to us. We are to be part of the testimony of that Word to the world.

Understand God at His Word.

It is to know, to appropriate all that He has offered us. To understand God at His word is not necessarily to understand the Word, but it is the understanding of that faith in us, which knows that God will never cause us to be ashamed, in Him.

Speak God, at His Word.

It is to articulate all that He offers and promises us. It is to be bold to speak after God, knowing that His Words are Flawless, words that will never disappoint.

Test God, at His Word.

It is to accommodate all that He gives and offers, to ensure that there is adequate room in our lives for them. It is to know the power and privilege given to us, to be the true test of His Word in human flesh.

Jesus, Holy Lord, Spirit Divine, do I trust You? Do I know Trustfulness and Peace in You? Jesus, Holy Lord, Your Word is free to all, yet Your Word is a Stumbling Stone, because we continue to seek You according to law and not by trusting in Your given Word. O Jesus, I believe that You are God’s Present, Living Word with us. Holy Spirit, help us please. Amen!