MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
May 29, 2024
The Law of God and the Cross of Christ Series – Part 13
THE ‘TENTH’ WAY OF ESCAPE: COUNT TO TEN
When suddenly and sorely confronted with “the temptation that doth so easily besets you”—maybe to compromise and temporarily set aside conviction for convenience or temporal safety; duty and virtue for profit; violate conscience for any indulgence; sacrifice dignity and honor for viral fame, etc., it varies from person to person, yet there are those that are indeed “common to man,” but whatever it is—breathe” first by literally counting one to ten.
To the uninitiated, this starts as a conscious, disciplined effort until it becomes a subconscious habit. This alone affords you a “pause” buffer to think instead of instantly reacting compulsively and impulsively.
But greater and more effective than this is spiritual enlightenment on the meaning and importance of the number ten. The desired developed habit will be additionally-armored spiritually, empowered to “count the cost” (Luke 14: 25-35) and to discern with intelligent faith.
Here’s how and why. In Biblical numerology, ten is the number of completeness, completion, and comprehensiveness. Here are but two yet vital examples:
1. The Law of Ten Commandments which “God’s thought made audible,” readable, understandable, and applicable to all mankind. “Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and His fellow man; and all based upon the great fundamental principle of love. [Luke 10:26; Deut. 6: 4, 5; Lev. 19: 8].
In the Ten Commandments these principles are carried out in detail, and made applicable to the condition and circumstances of man.”
“The Ten holy precepts spoken by Christ upon Sinai’s Mount were the revelation of the character of God, and made known to the world the fact that He had jurisdiction over the whole human heritage. The Law of Ten precepts of the greatest love that can be presented to man is the VOICE of God from heaven speaking to the soul in PROMISE, This do [obey] and you will not come under the dominion and control of Satan.” (Ibid, 1BC 1105).
“The law of God is the standard by which the CHARACTERS AND LIVES of men will be tested in the JUDGMENT. Says the wise man: ‘Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.’ Eccl. 12: 13, 14, A.V.” Ibid, GC, 1911 ed., 482).
2. The Parabolic-Prophecy of the Ten Wise and Foolish Virgins. See Matt. 25: 1-13, KJV. In the Bible the woman is a symbol of the church (virgins) and the Bridegroom, Christ.
“In the parable, all ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. All had lamps, and vessels for oil. For a time there was seen no difference between them. So with the CHURCH that lives just BEFORE Christ’s second coming. All have a knowledge of the Scriptures. All have heard of the message of Christ’s near approach, and CONFIDENTLY expect His appearing. BUT as in the parable, SO IT IS NOW. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the CRY is made, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him,’ MANY ARE UNREADY. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are DESTITUTE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Ibid, COL 408). Now you know how and why “counting one to ten” as one of the “ways of escape” when tempted and tried is not merely to “breathe and buy time,” but to bring instant recall of the awesomely solemn truths that should make any and all of Satan’s fiercest temptations to “lose their sting.”’
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.