It was working perfectly until during the inter-testamental period when the Pharisees came along. The sacrificial lamb was meant to be a foreshadow of things to come – pointing to the day when Christ, our sacrificial lamb, would make a one-time payment for all the sins of those who place their faith in Him. The Pharisees had turned it into a farce and a burden.

I would suggest that a parent that does not discipline their child from wrongdoing does not love that child. The same would apply to a parent that never forgives and endlessly punishes a child for one single misdemeanour. The Psalmist tells us that God’s ”anger is but for a moment”. His timing is perfect.

If Jesus says God will provide – and my trust is in Him – then He will provide for me. I need not be anxious, because if he cares for a little bird who does not have a home, then He will definitely provide for me as well.

This is the most frustrating part of evangelism – endeavouring to convince the listener they have a terminal disease, and the wrath of God hovering over them. Why don’t they understand? Because they are hypnotised by the gloss of this world, distracted by its’ allure and pleasure. This convinces them that everything is just fine – “nothing will happen to me. I don’t need Jesus; I have everything I need, and I’m just fine by myself thank you very much.”

It was necessary for Nicodemus to come and ask all these questions of Jesus, so that he (and us) could hear the Gospel; being that Jesus Himself must be lifted up on a cross and be crucified in our place, in order for sinners like Nicodemus, like you, and like me, to trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins – to be born again, and to be saved.

Our faith has an object, and that object is Christ Himself. Our faith in Him for the forgiveness of our sins has appeased the Father’s anger towards us, clothing us with His righteousness. When He now looks upon us, He is pleased, and we can enter His presence without fear.

One is now at war with the world. The hunger for more has created a dictator over everyone, accountable to no one. The depths of greed have even clouded judgement to the point of demanding that God rush to one’s side with a click of fingers like a divine butler, to fulfil all wants and desires. Of course, these will fall on deaf ears, as He bows to no decree.

If I write a book, who is doing the writing, me or the pen? I am the one writing the words, using the pen. In the same way, God is is the author of His Word. He used men as His pen, to create the passages. The words are perfect because the people writing them were His instruments, compelled by The Holy Spirit to pen His thoughts exactly. That is why we can rely on it for truth.

So how can we protect ourselves and others from the sin of pride and over-confidence? Well, we humble ourselves to God alone. We ask for His protection. We submit to His will, praying “Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.”. Pride is always at the root of all sin, and it takes a humble heart for God to tear it out. If we trust in ourselves, then sooner or later we will be destroyed.