God Moves

The Greek word hamartia is one of the most frequently used words in the Bible that is translated as “sin.” It is closely aligned with the Hebrew word hata. The word means, “to miss the mark.” Romans 3:23 reads, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (emphasis added). The picture of falling short requires us to understand that there is a standard for how we live, think, act, and feel. Jesus is that standard. Humanity was created to walk in a relationship with God. Anytime we do not walk in that relationship, anytime we put self before love, the material before the moral, or happiness before holiness, we “miss the mark.” We fail to live in the relationship for which we were created. We fail to reflect the nature and character of Jesus. We sin.

Isaiah describes it this way, “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” (Isaiah 59:2). Sin creates a barrier that makes it hard for us to see and follow God. When we sin, we participate in rebellion, choose iniquity, and transgress the will of God. These are all ways that the Bible describes sin and the consequences of sin. It may sound harsh, but sin is serious. When we sin, we miss the mark and experience a separation that makes is difficult to walk with God. That is why we need a solution. Thank God that He loves us so much that He provides that solution, even though it hurts the heart of God when we sin.

In Genesis 9-16, our reading this week, we see incredible steps being taken by God to move His plan along in the lives of men. Noah has stepped from the ark, God’s amazing grace has been displayed in His power to wash away sin. Noah and his family begin anew the process of going into the world and living with God. But the sin problem still resides in the heart of men. But God is still moving.

Now Abraham comes on the scene. Through Abraham, God will establish a covenant and give a series of promises that will shape the future and impact our lives today. It is through Abraham that the people of God will become a family. We will see Abraham at his best and at his worst. But Abraham will always be responsive. Abraham will walk with God. God will continue to move and work in the lives of His people.