Among the Thorns and Briers

“cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;” Genesis 3:17(b)-18

“Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young-- Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, My King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You.” Psalms 84:3-4

“And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned , nor digged ; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.” Isaiah 5:6

“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” Luke 24:12

This week my lesson was taught in the middle of a brier bush.  In the Bible thorns and briers are usually signs of sin and separation from God (such as Isaiah 5:6).  Sometimes these were caused by Israel departing from God and not trusting in His provisions.  Yet also this world has been cursed with sin and its consequences since the fall.  I was cutting a large bush (taller than I am) down, when I saw a nest in the midst of the briers.  It impressed upon me how we must live among the thorns of this life, just as this bird had.  God provided this bird a home (safe place of rest) among the thorns.

We all know sometimes this life can get complicated; when all our decisions become like these briers.  Our thorns may be results of our sins, or just a consequence of a fallen world.  Any way we turn we get stuck, and even some lashes leave behind deep scars. It is enough to make anyone just stop and do nothing more.

Friends I am glad to say that God will not leave us there alone. He may not always take away the briers, but He will come and give you rest if you turn to him. When Israel would turn back to God, He would begin to restore them.  He did not always take away the consequences of their sins, but they were able to see the hand of God again.  He says, "This world, with all its thorns and hurts, does not need to define you. Come and build your nest (temporary home), I will be with you. Trust me, and I can give you rest among the thorns, along with guidance to navigate your way."

 

Will you allow God to help you see through the briers, and guide you away from the thorns?  Jesus wore a crown of thorns on His head while on the cross, to pay for your sins.  If you will put your faith in Him, He will assure you that you will not suffer the consequences of your sins in eternity.  Please see and talk to someone today to show you the gospel.