Stumbling Blocks

Zephaniah 1:2-3 - "I will utterly consume everything from the face of the land," says the LORD; I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, the fish of the sea, and the stumbling blocks along with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land," says the LORD.

I was reading in Zephaniah. The words "stumbling blocks" stood out, as if they shouted at me although no one spoke them aloud. I know what stumbling blocks are biblically but I wondered why today these words stood out. I searched because I knew there was another reference to a stumbling block. I was surprised to find several passages. There is no doubt they are a problem and God wants us to know about them...and Him.

There are two forms of stumbling blocks. One kind are those that get in the way of knowing God personally, impediments or obstacles. We're so absorbed by these things. This goes for believers as well as non-believers. We are all at some time or another focused on something else. It can be a hobby, food, television, sport, friends, shopping...anything that comes in the way of God. I'm not saying we aren't to do these things but that they should come after seeking God. 

Ezekiel 7:19 - Silver and gold are stumbling blocks; they cannot save
Isaiah 57:13-14 - Trust in God and the stumbling blocks will be removed
Jude 24-25 - Trust in God and He will keep you from stumbling
1Peter 2:7-8 - Those who trust in God find Him precious; those who do not find Him a stumbling block

I'm suggesting that even that cup of coffee with the morning news before quiet time with the Lord...one can at least arise and have the first thought be of Him..."thank You for yet another day; guide me," instead of "coffee..." A song came to mind as I wandered out of sleep. It's by Sara Groves and it's called "First Song That I Sing." She describes this very thing: "before the dreams have left my head;" before our feet hit the floor; "before I fill my cup." What do we do? We are to praise God, ask for His guidance right off the bat. Acknowledge Him first thing.

Another type of stumbling block appears to be the ones that God lays out before us when we have chosen to reject His ways or have wandered from Him. I think these stumbling blocks are put there that we might turn back to Him, to begin to realize that the things we have found so appealing in our lives have very little meaning. They cannot take the place of God and it is His desire for us to find that out...the hard way, by stumbling.

Romans 9:33 - God brought about a stumbling stone; however, those who choose to believe in Him will not be put to shame

Jeremiah 6:21 - He has been made known and rejected; therefore, stumbling blocks will be laid to cause one to fall

Isaiah 8:14 - God is a safe haven for believers, a stumbling block for non-believers

Jesus was a stumbling block for many. The religious leaders of His day were worried about losing their followers because Jesus' way of teaching was so different. His teaching was not negotiable. It is said He was a rock of offense. Why? He got in the way of all they found so intriguing in their lives. He still is a stumbling block. People tend to like their things and their own way of living. And yet, the very Person so many consider a stumbling block is the One we need the most, the One who can keep us from stumbling, the One who provides all we need. How is it this can be overlooked?

What is important to us? What consumes our thoughts? Do we put God before all else? I know it's not all that easy. It takes practice. I can say Jesus is on my mind a lot, but constantly? No. Would I like Him to be? Definitely. I am reminded of a book called The Practice of God's Presence by Brother Lawrence. I might have to retrieve it again. It spoke of how He managed to do this (although he lived in a monastery!).

If there is something that's causing you to not take a good, hard look at the One who died for your sins, just one morning try thinking of Him before you get your day started. Thank Him for yet another day; ask Him to help you guide your day; ask Him to protect you as you go about your busyness. Keep Him close at hand and in the forefront of your mind and see what a difference a day makes. Let the things of this world not become the stumbling blocks from a God who loves you more than you can imagine.

Jude 1:24-25 - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.