No! Neither! Never! - Part 3: “NEVER”

Never….is a far-reaching word. “Never” has no exceptions, exclusions or exemptions. “Never” leaves no room for compromise, concession or negotiation. So, with that in mind we will focus on three different passages of scripture where the word “Never” is used.

John 7:45-46

“Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”

That which the officers spoke of Jesus then, can be said of Him now: “Never man spake like this man”. Priests, presidents nor professors have ever spoke like this man called Jesus. It was said of Him that He spoke or taught as one that had authority…and He did…and He does! The words of Jesus still comfort, counsel and correct people, regardless of their place or position in life. Jesus’ words still draw the wayward and the wicked to the place of God’s great grace.

It is absolutely imperative that we teach and preach the words of Jesus for Jesus Himself said, “The words that I speak they are spirit and they are life”. Every child, teen, mom, dad and senior adult desperately needs those words that bring spirit and life. The words of Jesus: may they be preached by preachers, taught by teachers, sung by singers and given as counsel by the counselor.

Mark 2:2-12

“He (Jesus) said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Those that saw Jesus heal the paralytic that day said, “We NEVER saw anything like this”. Sad to say, many that attend church today have never seen the sick healed or outpourings of the Holy Spirit. In reality, people are longing for the supernatural Presence of an unfailing God to be evident when they go to church. Young families need an encounter with God that infuses them with faith and fire to do life with the touch of God on their heart and home. Regarding manifestations of God’s supernatural power, may it NOT be said where you go to church: “We never saw anything like this”.

Heb 13:5-6

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will Never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say "The LORD is my helper, I will not fear. what can man do to me?"

What a profound promise of God’s Presence: “I will Never leave your nor forsake you”. Perhaps you are where you’ve never been, going through what you thought you would never go through. Be encouraged by this profound promise: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” That means when we don’t feel Him…He’s there. When our questions exceed our answers…He’s there. When we want to run from life…He’s there. When we don’t merit His Mercy…He’s there. When we are frustrated by that which we can’t change…He’s there. When the quality of life is limited by a sick or aging body…He’s there. Aren’t you glad He’s there! He’s with us in the “now” whatever our “now” looks like.

May the unchanging truths of the following verse touch your life today in a special way:

“Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed (discouraged, downcast or depressed) for I am the Lord thy God. I will strengthen thee, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”. Isaiah 41:10