“So I went to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. ‘Yes, take it and eat it,‘ he said. ‘It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!’ So I took the small scroll from the hand of the angel, and I ate it! It was sweet in my mouth, but when I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach.” (Revelation 10:9-10 NLT)
While we’re not privileged to know the contents of the small scroll John was asked to eat, we know that sin is very much like that. We dive into sin believing it’s the answer to our every desire, enjoying it thoroughly – for a season! Then it turns sour and distasteful as our life goes in directions, we never intended for it to go. But isn’t that exactly what so often awakens us to our need of a Savior?
Thomas Watson wrote: “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” On some levels sin is like sweets, we know they’re not good for us, but we love how they make us feel, at least in the short term. Even after receiving the gift of eternal life, learning about Jesus, becoming faithful in our attendance at church, and in the establishment of godly disciplines, temptation is never far from us.
What I’m learning in this season of my life is that nothing compares to Jesus. There’s nothing this world offers that is as attractive to me as Jesus and what He has for me. Even with several physical issues, my heart is fixed on Jesus. If you think about it, as we age our health declines and Satan tries in every way possible to distract us. Usually, we have no greater concerns than our health, but I’ve resolved to let the Lord allow what He will, in terms of medical issues, but my unflinching gaze is upon my Savior, trusting Him and remaining as focused as I possibly can on Him and His will for me.
Why is that so important? Largely, because if we allow ourselves to coast, we will typically coast towards laziness and idleness, which is a quick step to restlessness which too often leads us into bitterness. Diligence will enable us to find our “sweet spot” in closeness to Jesus, and the closer we are to the Lord the more bitter the thought of disappointing Him, thus, we learn to detest even the thought of sin.
Holiness isn’t perfection, but it does, or should, lead to greater Christlikeness. Why is that important? Because too often I’ve seen those who profess holiness, but their demeanor isn’t inviting. It’s like holiness is reserved for those special few who are close to the heart of God, and their goal is to rub it in our face because we’re not as close to God as they are. To me, that sounds more like Pharisaical behavior than Christlikeness.
One measure that the Scriptures make clear is that the closer we get to Jesus, and the more invested we become in His Kingdom, the more the devil will attack us and seek to distract us. Thomas Watson wrote: “It must not be expected that the devil will let those rest who are laboring to destroy his kingdom.” In some ways it’s an encouragement to me when the enemy is riding my case, when he’s haunting me with his ugly shadow.
To me, and I hope to you, there’s nothing sweeter than walking with Jesus, abiding in Him, and trusting His promises as His Spirit leads us in His ways. Similarly, there’s nothing more bitter than deliberately walking in a way that we know is not honoring the Lord, yet, struggling to get back on track.
If that’s you today, may I encourage you to get alone with the Lord, let Him speak love and life into your heart, assure you of His forgiveness and willingness to walk with you through whatever mess you’ve created for yourself. Allow His sweet presence to be your healing balm as He restores your soul and renews your spirit.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 