Great Scandal In The Kingdom

A.W. Tozer made this provocative statement in his book, “The Pursuit Of God:”

“It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the Kingdom, to see God’s children starving while actually seated at the Father’s table.”

I believe Tozer was reflecting on the same problem we have today—dissatisfied, joyless, loveless, dispassionate Christians—with some Biblical knowledge but who have no meaningful relationship with God. Teaching, doctrine, and mechanical obedience—don’t fill our desperate hunger to have a deep relationship with God. 

To be satisfied by God, He must be the CENTER of all of our choices and all we love. 

What does this gloriously satisfied life look like? Well, when God is our center: His presence directs our day; His Word sets the pattern for our thoughts, words, and actions; His Spirit fills us with love, joy, peace, kindness, wisdom, and strength. When we’re 100% surrendered to Him, we are faithful to have quiet time, pray, and we set aside time to study His Word. We are committed to and active in—a local church. We are sharing the Gospel and teaching. (Or, if we don’t know how—we have a passionate desire to learn.) Our born again soul is so touched by God that we passionately desire to manifest His presence. In fact, our life becomes so extraordinary that we draw people to His gloriously overflowing table.

But we will NEVER draw folks to God’s table if we’re sitting there starving. 

In fact, to sit at a sumptuous dinner and look like you’re starving sends a warning to those who are NOT at the table, like “The food isn’t good and the company is terrible!” Ah, this is NOT the message of Christ! 

Jesus is the most remarkable being we will ever know; and knowing Him—completely transforms us!

This change must begin with receiving the gift of salvation. It cannot be manufactured by our good works without the supernatural gift of the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. When we are born again, our soul and spirit are inhabited by God. God’s presence produces evidence of Himself. God is never hungry or dissatisfied with Himself. When He is our center—we aren’t either. In fact all the things money can’t buy—like love, joy, and peace—flow out of us. It’s evident that the presence of God has satisfied us. The Bible says:

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” ~King David 

Psalms 17:5

“I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” ~God 

Jeremiah 31:25

To be satisfied by God, we must LEARN His righteousness in His WORD; and APPLY it by heart obedience in our RELATIONSHIP with Him.

Then, we don’t just SAY we are satisfied; our lives, in fact, REFLECT it. God created us to be satisfied by Him. When a born again Christian makes HIMSELF the center of his life—he’ll be starving at the Father’s table. When a born again Christian loves another PERSON, a JOB, or ANYTHING ELSE  more than God—she’ll be as unsatisfied as a hungry baby sucking an empty bottle. It doesn’t matter how long we remain frantically latched-on to that empty bottle or how hard we try—it will never satisfy! We were created for a deep and abiding relationship with Almighty God and nothing less than the best will ever satisfy!

Are you completely satisfied with your life?

My friend, when I find dissatisfaction growing within me, I know it’s because I’ve dethroned God. Something else has become my passion. Sometimes it’s even worry or fear. Other times it may be my job or one of my children. What I think about and talk about most—reveals my greatest passion. As I sit here in the predawn darkness writing this devotional, I ask God to search my heart and try my thoughts and reveal if there is anything or anyone I love more than Him. I know from my experience with God that there is nothing in this fallen world that satisfies me like He does.

God must be our first and best love if we want to live this day in complete satisfaction!

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not ALL His BENEFITS: 

Who FORGIVES all your iniquities, 

Who HEALS all your diseases, 

Who REDEEMS your life from destruction, 

Who CROWNS you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 

Who SATISFIES your mouth with good things, 

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalms 103:1-5

We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.

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