| Subject: Friend or Foe |
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Hillbilly
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Date Posted: 22:18:30 03/31/13 Sun
Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
There are many who would tell you that there never was or is a time to hate. This may be ideal but it is not biblical. There is a time to hate according to "the Preacher" as he wrote here in Ecclesiastes. His father David hated and stated before God: Psalm 139:21-22 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. You would say that these were imperfect men and were writing according to their feelings. Well now, let's just examined the subject a little. Romans 9:13-14 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. This is a direct quote from Paul referring back to Malachi 1:2-3 I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, 3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.
There was a time in God's mind and eyes to hate what Esau had become through his descendants the Edomites. This is by no means an isolated incidence either. Look at Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. We see this don't we. God hates (1) pride, (2) a lying tongue , (3) murder (how about abortion?) (4) a wicked schemer, (5) those who are always meddling and running to stir up mischief, (6) a person who testifies falsely for harm and (7) the troublemaker who is always trying to stir up trouble and break harmony whether in the Church, workplace or just among neighbors. It doesn't matter to God. He hates it all and you notice some of it as in number six is directed at the person and not just the action. God hates sin in any form or fashion and He hates withing the parameters He has set forth. Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. There IS a time to hate.
There is a time to love. Now I am going to say here that any time is a good time to love. Love does not work any ill to anyone so within our capacity we are to love. When it becomes impossible then we might consider the "time to hate" within biblical parameters. We are to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44) The problem we run into with love is that it is sometimes hard to love the unlovable. It is far easier to hate and be caught up in bitterness than it is to forgive and love. Christ is our example. When we were sinners and enemies of God Christ died for us. This is perfiect love. Love given whether it will ever be reciprocated or not. That is true charity. Many give charitably thing God will in turn reward us. Jesus gave period even if we spit in His face, place thorns on His head, beat Him and then crucify Him in one of the most cruel ways imaginable. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
A time of war. From Genesis 14 unto Revelation 19 there will be times for men to go to war. God commanded Israel at times to go to war. There was a time when "Kings go forth to battle" (2 Sam. 11:1) and David stayed home and made love and not war. He would have done well to give heed to the the time of war.
The last war will be in Rev. 20:7-9 and it will probably be the shortest war in history. God will "git her done" and that will be that. No more war ever. Some wars are just and some very unjust but all violent, vicious and cruel. To some a necessary evil to others opportunity for power and territory. In this age we are in constant warfare and and it is not going to get any better until Jesus returns in the advent of Zech. 14:1-4 and Rev. 19:11-21. The greatest war ever fought is over the souls of men and has been waging for 6,000 years. Soon the trumpet will sound and it will be a time of peace for God's Church. "Even so, come Lord Jesus."
A time of peace. There was peace in Solomon's time and Solomon's reign was a type of kingdom age. Peace and prosperity as long as he reigned. During his time the 1st Temple was built. A type of the Temple that will be built just prior to the kingdom. The time of peace, however, will be the sabbath rest of 1,000 years with Jesus on the throne of David. We are told that in this age when they say "peace and safety" sudden destruction will come (1 Ths. 5:3). People pray for peace constantly and it is our desire to see peace but it will not come until the "Prince of peace" comes and brings it. As true as this is there can still be a time of true peace of God's Church. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. In Jesus it is truly a time of peace.
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