Keep Going Deeper!

Years ago a mate of mine led my wife Laura and me on a trek through the National Pass at Wentworth Falls.  This morning I decided I would rise early and have a special morning with Jesus, worshiping and reading the Bible (with a Thermos of coffee!) at the base of the falls.  It was a moving experience.  With the access available to Christians by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit to the Father, we do not need to rise from our beds to gave the presence of God with and in us.  But it is a profitable and glorious practice to set aside time to sit still before God when it costs something.  Jesus went away for solitary times with the Father, and we do well to follow His example.

At the top of the falls, I was delighted by the crisp air and beautiful scenery.  The volume of water was not as much as I have seen before, but the water happily rushed along.  It was in my mind to head straight for the bottom of the valley, down the "Slacker Stairs."  I do not know the history of the title in context, for it is not for the faint of heart or for those with feeble knees!  Down, down, down I went, waiting for the breathtaking moment when the lower pool of the falls came into view.  I was not disappointed.  It was gorgeous, and the time spent singing, reading, and praying with the LORD was more precious still.

As I trudged back up the steep incline, I passed several groups of tourists.  It was not so long ago I was a tourist in a foreign land, but now I am a citizen!  If I could speak the language of the travelers I would say, "Don't stop at the top - make sure you go all the way to the bottom.  You are in for a real treat!"  People smiled and gasped in amazement at the top of the falls, and others seemed a bit underwhelmed from the lookout points near the carpark with cameras in hand.  Imagine traveling from a faraway country, I thought, and staying in the carpark.  Imagine being content with pictures at the top of the falls because you are unwilling to climb down because of the climb back up.  Some people don't have the time built into their tour schedule to go down to the bottom, and for some it would be unsafe due to physical limitations.  But if you could go deeper into the canyon, the views would blow you away.

I believe many people know and love God, but they are fine with the vistas from the lookout near the carpark and to hear the waterfall in the distance.  Others are content to expend a bit of energy and see the falls from the top, even cooling their tired feet in the clean streams.  But then there are others who have discovered the beauty and grandeur of going deeper still.  Forty years of my life has passed, and I have been happy with a level of commitment of faith and sacrifice unto God which could be much deeper.  It took a friend who cared enough to drive me to Wentworth Falls and took me on the National Pass, but now I have gone beyond where we went before.  The same is true of discipleship and following Jesus.  We need people in the church willing to invest their lives in others, demonstrating a life of faith and love in Christ, so others can learn and go deeper on their own.

Keep going no matter the cost, follower of Jesus Christ!  You are in for a real treat in this life if you press on, and eternity will be even more glorious still.

Literal Unbelief

God says what He means, and means what He says.  There is no "fine print" with God, hidden caveats and conditions from which He benefits through the ignorance of men.  The truth is, most people do not believe what God says - even when He speaks literally with clarity.

Take the children of Israel, for example.  God put words into the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, warning His people of certain destruction at the hands of the Babylonians.  In Ezekiel chapter 20, God laid forth the facts concerning their rebellion and disobedience.  He went through the history of the people, how they carried with them idols from the land of Egypt and continued to blaspheme His holy name.  God spoke of the future, how they would know He was the LORD when He brought them back from captivity.  Despite the clarity of God's words, Ezekiel lamented by the response of the people in Ezekiel 20:49:  "Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! They say of me, 'Does he not speak parables?'"  What Ezekiel said didn't fit with the people's understanding of God, so they thought he must be speaking figuratively.

It is tragic when God speaks and His own people assume He is speaking in parables or riddles.  Would you believe this happens today?  There are some who think the first dozen chapters of the Bible are little more than symbolic language.  Because some view science and scripture at odds, they lay aside the literal account of the creation of the earth by God as figurative.  They claim to believe God and love God, but they assume He must be speaking in parables because they cannot see "days" fitting when some scientists affirm millions and billions of years must have passed.  God has spoken, but men find reasons not to believe.  This reminds me of John 12:42-43 which reads, "Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."  People who believe the Bible is the literal word of God are afraid to admit it, because it could ostracise them from people they admire.  To risk a career, advancement, or a reputation over a proclamation of belief doesn't seem worth it.  And God's verdict?  Such love the praise of men more than the praise of God, and that should be most troubling to a rational mind which remembers the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:32-33, "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. ³³ But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."

The crazy thing about unbelief is when God speaks the truth men assume He speaks in parables, and when Jesus spoke figuratively they were offended because they took His words literally!  Jesus said in John 6:47-55, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. ⁵⁰ This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." ⁵² The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?" ⁵³ Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴ Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁵⁵ For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed."  After hearing this saying, many who followed Jesus departed and followed Him no longer.  Many followed Jesus for a season and were interested in filling their bellies with bread, but they were offended at the suggestion to eat Christ's body and drinking His blood - not kosher!  Having established the Law Jesus was not an advocate for cannibalism, but spoke figuratively of partaking of Christ's body and blood by faith, symbolism maintained in Communion.

Both literal and figurative speech are stumbling blocks to those who refuse to trust in Jesus Christ and receive Him as LORD and Saviour.  Jesus Himself is a stone rejected by the builders who has become the Chief Cornerstone.  After people left Jesus, He turned to His disciples and asked, "Are you going to leave too?"  He would not have stopped them.  He desires fellowship only with those who freely choose to remain faithful to Him, unmoved by the protests of the world.  John 6:68-69 says, "But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Do you believe the word of God?  Or do you assume the Bible must be speaking figuratively because it opposes your current belief?  The Bible ought to always be taken literally unless the scripture itself suggests otherwise.  Using scripture to interpret scripture whilst deferring to literal language is good and right, for God will not contradict Himself.  Interpreting scripture by any other means strips the life right out of it, and fabricates a monstrosity out of the wickedness and hypocrisy found in our own hearts.  Our lives depend on the literal Word of God, Christians, so hold it fast and boldly proclaim it.  All other footing is sinking sand which leads to destruction.

Jesus and Outcasts

John 9 tells of a man born blind who was healed by Jesus.  Jesus saw the man's blind condition, spat on the ground, made mud with His saliva, and rubbed it on the man's eyes.  He instructed the man to go and wash in the Pool Siloam.  The man obedient went and washed and came away seeing - without having laid eyes on the Man who healed him!

Amazingly, the story grows even more interesting.  The religious leaders debated and argued that the man supposedly healed was a doppelganger, and it was not until they had talked with the parents of the man before they admitted it was the same man they knew previously who was born blind.  Despite the affirmation of the miracle, they still hated and refused to believe Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Jewish Messiah.  They grilled the man and his parents, having decided they would throw anyone out of Synagogue who claimed Jesus was the Christ - a cultural and spiritual death sentence in their culture.  Again and again they asked the man:  "What did He do to you?  How did He cause you to see?"  They could not argue with the simplicity of the man's testimony:  "I don't know if He is is sinner or not, but one thing I know:  I was blind, and now I see."  The rulers were quickly fed up with this ignorant man's insolence and threw him out.

In one day the man born blind had mud and spit rubbed on his eyes by a stranger, washed and could see, then went to Synagogue and was thrown out.  Talk about rags to riches to rags again!  He could now see what he was missing, and was no doubt saddened by this turn of events.  He was now excommunicated, shunned, and isolated from his community he treasured, even from his own parents.  But he was not left in this quandary for long.  John 9:35-38 says, "Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, "Do you believe in the Son of God?" ³⁶ He answered and said, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" ³⁷ And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you." ³⁸ Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him."

Jesus heard the man had been cast out, and sought him until he was found.  Jesus delights to reveal Himself to outcasts so they might believe in Him.  He is worthy to be worshiped in and outside the Synagogue, for He is the promised Messiah sent by God to seek and save the lost.  Jesus opened the eyes of the blind, healed the lame, raised the dead, and forgave people of sins.  The self-righteous Pharisees affirmed only God can do this (Mark 2:1-12)!  What love and grace, that Jesus would seek out the one who was cast out and likely downcast.  Those on the "outside looking in" can have a clear view of Jesus Christ and fellowship with Him.  Sometimes when Jesus opens our eyes it leads to us being outcasts.  But we do not need to fear or despair, for Jesus will not leave or forsake us.  Men may reject us, but take to heart the promise Jesus made in John 6:37:  "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out."  Even when it is impossible for us to recognise Jesus, He will reveal Himself when we ask Him in faith.

Looking For the Mercy of Jesus

There was a song I remember from childhood which began with the exhortation found in 1 John 3:1:  "Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God."  Being adopted by God as His own child is special because it means He has chosen us.  My son Abel is being graded for cricket this weekend, and will be placed upon a team.  His technique, skills, and overall fitness will decide whether he is on the upper or lower end of the selection.  It's amazing to think that God chose us while we were yet sinners and are only a helpless liability - the kind of ones who aren't picked as much as hang around until the end.  Yet God has set His love upon us sinners, and demonstrated it by sending His own Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die so we might live through faith in Him.

When I played Little League way back when, it was almost a guarantee the son of the coach would play a vast majority of the innings in the field, have plenty of "at bats," and have opportunities to play the "best" positions.  By virtue of being a coach, it is likely (from my experience) his  child had been coached and supplied with knowledge, equipment, and years of practice to fill coveted roles suitably.  Put it this way:  either the son of the coach was an upper echelon player, or he was treated as one!  While there are no doubt exceptions to my experience, I share this as a point of contrast concerning how God accepts all who come to Him in faith.  God sought us out when we were lost, dead in sins, and facing God's justice for crimes committed against Him.  He paid the price so we could be forgiven and set free, and then invites us to be part of His family and live with Him forever in heaven!  How great and good is God!

This morning in prayer, Jude 1:20-21 was brought to mind:  "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."  Such a display of love through Christ Jesus ought to build our faith in Him.  Those who love and trust Him will pray to God, abiding in the love of God.  Our eyes can daily seek out instances of "the mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ."  Hasn't God been merciful, showing us loving-kindness when we deserved hell?  I still deserve hell, but God loves me still.  Micah 6:8 says, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"  This is no drudgery or restrictive duty, but a joyous privilege:  to do what pleases God, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our Saviour.

There is no "riding the pine" with our Saviour (that means being on the bench, out of the game).  God has chosen us, set His love upon us, and given us His mercy so we can be "in the game" through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We can all be all God intended us to be when He created us in our mother's wombs and prepared good works beforehand for us to enter into (Eph. 2:8-10).  We need not fall short of our potential Satan would love to rob us of, for God works in us both to will and do for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).  Hasn't God been merciful to you?  Remember to thank Him today and share your joy with others so He will be praised and exalted.

A Good Fire Watch

"Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath."

Proverbs 29:8

During my stint as a mechanical insulation contractor at NASSCO, "fire watches" were a requirement for any "hot work."  When steel was welded or cut out of decks or bulkheads, a worker armed with a radio and a fire extinguisher inspected the work from the opposite side.  The job of a fire watch is to ensure there is no combustible materials adjacent to the hot work, and ensure the molten steel does not contact an ignition source.  The worker cutting or welding cannot safely monitor the other side of the steel, and the fire watch ensures all is safe and up to standard.

Small sparks and slag are capable of starting fires which can rage out of control.  Solomon says scoffers can set a city aflame, and one tongue can start the equivalent of an inferno.  James 3:5-6 says, "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell."  Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and our words can do great damage.  Once fire has taken to bush it is likely to spread, and scornful words do not stay contained:  they spread and do damage as they go!  The confined spaces of ships are especially dangerous.  As the fire consumes oxygen black smoke billows, burning eyes and lungs, impeding the way of escape.

If is important for us to set a guard over our hearts and mouths, giving no place to scorn, mockery, or lies.  We can also perform the duty of a fire watch as well.  By God's grace and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit - who Jesus compared to Living Water - we can quench the burn of harsh words, allowing them to stop with us.  A welder drops hot metal into a bucket of water for safety, and no matter how thick the sparks fly we can extinguish them with God's love, grace, and mercy.  Proverbs 26:20, "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases."  A sleepy fire watch places himself and others in danger, and we must be vigilant to turn away the wrath of scoffers - especially the scoffer who lurks within each one of us.

Today is the Day!

Today is the day of fulfilled promises, the consummation of unbelievable dreams.  God-willing, tonight my family and I will become Australian citizens.  What is impossible with men is possible with God.  When God spoke to me in 2002, "You will preach, and you will be sent," I had no idea where or when that would take place.  In 2005, after resigning from my decade-long career in mechanical insulation, on my 30th birthday I was blessed to take on a full-time role as youth pastor.  As if that was not enough of a life-altering step, the same year God impressed upon my heart the east side of Australia.  I didn't know a soul in Australia, and was frankly ignorant about how life is "down under."  I continued to plug away where God had me, believing in His time and in His way He would accomplish all.

There were times of doubt and thoughts like, "Am I going crazy?"  Looking back I can see how God was preparing me for tasks long before they came into my heart.  I went to university for two years to hone my English and writing skills, even though I planned to enter a trade.  Little did I know God would redeem that schooling for writing sermons and contributing to this blog.  I spent 10 years in a construction trade, which provided training and discipline to approach church ministry in a workman fashion.  He placed me in a church with a rigorous schedule with the perfect pastor to teach and inspire me to faithfulness no matter the difficulty.  When the door opened to be a pastor at Calvary Chapel Sydney, He had prepared me, established my family and me, provided for us, and sustained us.  It is nine days short of a full decade between quitting my career and starting work at Calvary as a youth pastor to being a pastor in Sydney and becoming a citizen of my new country.  Only God could have known or accomplished such things!

To all who have shared this journey with my family and me, thank you for your prayers and support.  People in the States and Australia (and hopefully in other places too) are rejoicing along with us today, seeing God's hand at work.  I believe God has us here for His divine purposes, and He has been preparing us for the next decade of service and on - should He tarry.  It has been the most exciting, satisfying ride of my life, and I am so grateful to God and all He has used to help and encourage us along the way.

I received this scripture from my mum today, and it is most fitting to convey the overwhelming joy and almost surreal qualities of dual-citizenship coming to pass.  Psalm 100:1-5 reads, "Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! ² Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. ³ Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. ⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. ⁵ For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."  Praise the LORD, for He is good.  Not one word has failed of His good promise, and He alone is faithful and wise.  He is holy, and His ways are past finding out.  Rejoice in His presence and shout for joy, redeemed of the LORD!

Untempered Mortar

In building, it is not difficult to conceal shoddy workmanship temporarily.  But in the long run, cut corners have a way of broadcasting themselves.  A new house can look immaculate until the rains come and show the waterproofing was not done correctly.  That retaining wall may appear straight and true, but before long the plaster can chip off to reveal massive cracks.  A unit may appear clean on inside and out, but a broken sewer main underneath will foul the air as waste ponds.  The lights may work fine, yet a quick peek above the ceiling might reveal a wiring nightmare and deathtrap.

God chose the Jews as His special people and gave them His Laws.  They were pleased to have His guidance, provision, and for Him to fight their battles.  Over the passage of time, however, the Bible describes an erosion towards idol worship and disobedience.  The morality of God's people looked much like the heathen which surrounded them.  They maintained the outer appearance of piety through traditions and sacrifices, but they had heaped false gods to themselves and did evil in God's sight.  The cracks in the walls of their society built upon the foundation of faith in God were evident and clear.  God sent Ezekiel to warn the people of impending judgment for their sins.  He spoke the truth among many competing voices - false prophets who told the people what they wanted to hear.

God was against the false prophets who spoke lies in His name.  They promised "peace" where there was no peace.  They were like the townspeople who complimented the naked emperor for his fine clothes and urged others to agree with them.  The word of the LORD was spoken through the prophet in Ezekiel 13:10-16:  "Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, 'Peace!' when there is no peace--and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar--¹¹ say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall. There will be flooding rain, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it down. ¹² Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, 'Where is the mortar with which you plastered it?'" ¹³ Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "I will cause a stormy wind to break forth in My fury; and there shall be a flooding rain in My anger, and great hailstones in fury to consume it. ¹⁴ So I will break down the wall you have plastered with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be uncovered; it will fall, and you shall be consumed in the midst of it. Then you shall know that I am the LORD. ¹⁵ Thus will I accomplish My wrath on the wall and on those who have plastered it with untempered mortar; and I will say to you, 'The wall is no more, nor those who plastered it, ¹⁶ that is, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her when there is no peace,' " says the Lord GOD."  Every word came to pass, and God's truth will endure forever.

We live in a similar day, when people speak led by their own hearts concerning morality.  The world is keen to be politically correct, but cares nothing for righteousness according to God's standard.  There are false prophets all over the world who build walls to suit themselves, daubed with untempered mortar - sand without enough cement.  Only a fool would render a cracked slab of concrete or structural wall with massive cracks, thinking a slather of mortar will fix the gaps.  No!  A superficial "fix" is no fix at all.  Rebar, epoxy, and concrete engineered specifically for the job are required to restore structural integrity, applied skillfully by trained craftsman.  God would see to it that the lies would be washed away as well as those who spread them.  The lying prophets would be utterly destroyed.

Satan is a liar and thief from the beginning, and he is the author of the social, moral, philosophical, political, and spiritual erosion we see in the world today as people depart from the precepts of God's Word.  He has many mouths spouting lies in every arena, spreading untempered mortar of subjectivity over moral deficiencies.  The structure is dangerously close to falling, yet the untempered mortar is daubed on.  God has been denied, His word scoffed, His people despised and blamed for all the problems in the world.  "A little more mortar and she'll be right," say the liars - unaware their souls and those who trust in them are in mortal danger.

Today is the day for boldness in righteousness, O Christian!  Let us not be those who flee when we are called to the fight.  We serve an everlasting God whose Word endures forever, a Rock of Salvation Who cannot be moved.  Not one who trusts in Him will be ashamed.  David wrote in Psalm 11:1-7, "In the LORD I put my trust; how can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain"? ² For look! The wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart. ³ If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? ⁴ The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. ⁵ The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. ⁶ Upon the wicked He will rain coals; fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup. ⁷ For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright."

Let us be as Ezekiel who spoke the Word of the LORD, not moved by the desires of his own heart.  The enemy of our souls will continue to smear his falsehoods, but they will not avail him on the Day of Judgment.  It is time to value righteousness over "political correctness," for love is willing to resolutely speak the truth - even willing to die - so others might have life in Jesus.

Commitment and Redemption

Jesus is truly extraordinary.  He is a man of authority, power, and divine wisdom.  At His word the blind were made to see, lepers cleansed, and the lame walked.  Jesus knew who He was, why He had been sent by the Father, and what awaited Him on Calvary.  Yet He set his face like a flint and faced struggles and pain, for the joy that was set before Him.  While every other person would have been blinded by their own pain, Jesus saw clearly the eternal victory of not only His resurrection, but the salvation of all who trust in Him. 

I was struck with a statement Jesus made from the cross in Luke 23:46:  "And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.' " Having said this, He breathed His last."  The heartbeat of the Son of God stopped on that darkest of days.  It seemed death had conquered the One sent to destroy the works of the devil.  The disfigured body of Jesus might have been buried in tomb hewn out of rock, His body wrapped in linen.  But the story was not over.  The Pharisees and Sadducees may have been giving high-fives to each other like the penguins in the Madagascar movies, but their celebrations were cut short with Jesus rising from the dead.  David the sweet psalmist, king, and prophet, wrote something centuries before which Jesus alluded to in His last words.  Christ's crucifixion had been finished, but Jesus was not finished!

Consider the words of Psalm 31:1-5:  "In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. ² Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. ³ For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me. ⁴ Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. ⁵ Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth."  Death for people on earth is a period at the end of a sentence.  Death in the physical realm is as we say in Australia, a "full stop."  But did you notice in verse five the statement Christ quoted from the cross ended with a semicolon?  There was no full stop between committing His spirit to the Father and Christ's redemption.  The price for sin had been paid, for atonement had been made for all who repent and trust Him.  As a lamb without blemish, Jesus was an acceptable sacrifice for sin.  Jesus had been delivered from His body, and would rise again in a glorified body days later in everlasting, immortal glory.

For a Christian, death of the body is not a "full stop."  Our bodies will cease to function, but those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God will be raised up even as He was.  We will someday ascend to where He is, even at the right hand of the Father.  When Jesus fed the 5,000, He instructed His disciples to gather up all the fragments of bread and fish "that nothing be lost" (John 6:12).  Jesus cares for men more than bread, and implores we who are alive and remain to seek to gather those who are lost and perishing.  Bread has a limited shelf-life, and we only have a short while remaining on earth.  Let's follow the example of Jesus and keep our hand to the plow, for night is coming when none can work.

Levi Lusko: Through the Eyes of a Lion

This morning I finished Levi Lusko's book, Through the Eyes of a Lion.  It was a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and wisdom gleaned through the unexpected death of his beloved daughter.  It is real, inspirational, and profound.  He wrote, "On the night she went to heaven, I did for Lenya what a daddy should never have to do.  I reached out and closed my little girl's eyes.  What I never expected was that God would use her to open mine." (Lusko, Levi. Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power. T, 2015. 182. Print)  This book is one of those practical, useful keepers I guarantee you will find hard keeping.  Buy two or three copies, and don't be surprised when they are all out on loan.

One particularly poignant moment came when Levi and Jennie received a call from the hospital and was faced with the excruciating request to donate her corneas and heart valves.  It must have been unthinkable.  It reminded me of my cousin Jimmy Thomas who suddenly died from a bee sting.  Death is always a tragedy, and him being a donor to help others became a redemptive aspect of his life - despite unspeakable pain and loss.  In Levi writing this book, in a sense he allows everyone to see his pain and suffering through eyes moistened with tears.  It is an encouragement to take heart in Christ despite the pain and difficulties you have and are going through, and how God is faithful to provide opportunities for you to bless others for their eternal benefit.

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Lusko echoed the words of Lewis and wrote "pain is a microphone" in recognision of the platform and voice God has provided all who have suffered and found light and life in Jesus.  When the time comes for each of us, may we be those brave and courageous souls in our Saviour Jesus Christ who fully give ourselves to Him and others.  Thanks Levi for the book which was over too soon, and to Jesus Christ our inspiration, Saviour, and Redeemer who has defeated death:  the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

Fellowship and Communion

"I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. ¹⁶ The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"

1 Corinthians 10:15-16

Every word of God is pure, and all have deep significance.  Recently God has been teaching me the meaning of the Greek word often translated "communion" and "fellowship" in the Bible:  koinonia.  According to the Strong's Concordance, the word "koinonia" is translated into English King James Version as:  "fellowship" twelve times, "communion" four times, and "communication," "distribution," and "contribution" once each.  Whereas "fellowship" and "communion" can seem subjective and vague, the last three words effectively paint the picture of koinonia in practice.

"Fellowship" is a word often loosely connected in church circles with gathering with other Christians for worship, or to share a meal or activity.  Koinonia does not occur by virtue of people being in the same building at the same time or doing similar things:  it only happens when we communicate concerning things which glorify God, distribute to one another of what God has provided for us, and contribute to the benefit of others according to the gifting and resources God has freely given.  When the church was first established, Acts 2:42 describes the culture:  "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."  The apostles contributed through the ministry of the Word and prayer, and the people communed with them.  Koinonia is not fostered through receiving, but primarily through giving of what you have received from God.  This is practically seen when disciples sold their properties and laid all their proceeds at the feet of the disciples to disperse to those who had need (Acts 4:32-35).  That is koinonia.

People commonly refer to the Lord's Supper as "taking" or "receiving communion."  Gathering in one accord and eating of the bread which symbolises the broken body of Jesus and drinking of the grape juice (fermented or not) that symbolises the shed blood of Christ is in obedience to Christ's command, that we remember and proclaim His death until He returns.  But "communion" is not a ritual, nor is it simply something to be received.  If we truly desire communion with Jesus Christ, we must communicate, distribute, and contribute.  We are called to offer more than our presence, open mouths, and bellies:  communicating to God through prayer, offering up ourselves sacrificially, freely giving to God all of our lives.  Gladys Aylward calls this, "our completed tithe."  God does not ask for one hand or a finger, for the blood of Christ has purchased our total life, mind, body, and soul for eternity.  Koinonia is giving to God what is rightfully His by practical contribution for the edification of the Body for God's glory.

Koinonia is not what you can receive from God, but what you can give back to Him compelled by His love.  Fellowship and communion at your church is not about rituals, programs, or joint activities, but the giving of yourself, your time, gifts, and abilities to edify others for the glory of God.  The next time you gather around the LORD's table to remember the price He paid for you, will you remember to contribute yourself?  Jesus has given all:  what have you given Him?

Simon the Pedlar

I have been reading through The Sword and the Trowel, a compliation of articles edited by C.H. Spurgeon.  I came across a stirring story written of a common man who refused to pay homage before passing idols.  He was willing to pay with his life for his principles.  The article was titled "Simon the Pedlar" and begins as follows:

"About the year 1553, at Bergen op Zoom, in Brabant, there was a pedlar named Simon, standing in the market selling his wares.  The priests with their idol passing by, the said Simon dared not show the counterfeit god any divine honour; but following the testimony of God in the holy Scripture, he worshiped the Lord his God only, and him alone served.  he was therefore seized by the advocates of the Romish Antichrist, and examined as to his faith.  This he boldly confessed.  He rejected infant baptism as a mere human invention, with all the commandments of men, holding fast the testimony of the word of God; he was therefore condemned to death by the enemies of the truth.  They led him outside the town, and for the testimony of Jesus committed him to the flames.  The astonishment of the bystanders was greatly excited when they saw the remarkable boldness and steadfastness of this pious witness of God, who, through grace, thus obtained the crown of everlasting life.

 Spurgeon continued:

 It is well to review the memory of the brave days of old that we may be inspired with the like uncompromising spirit.  Not a nod of the head or a bend of the knee will the solitary champion concede to the idol before which others prostrate themselves.  His life must answer for his daring, but no entreaties or threats can move him; he can burn but he cannot turn; he can yield his body to the tormenters, but not his soul to the tempter.  Things invisible have nerved his heart against all visible terrors, and the fear of the most holy God has banished from him all fear of men.  He sought not the conflict, but he dared not shun it, and now that the hour is come for witness-bearing, pedlar though he be, he bears himself in a right princely manner, and prove himself one of the nobility of heaven...Short and sharp was the action of the persecutor, swift and sure was the transformation of the pedlar into one of the white-robed throng before the throne.  That calm face was lit up for a few moments with the lurid glare of the blazing faggots, and anon that upright frame fell to ashes about the stake.  Think not that he threw himself away for the Lord, and was lost the Church by his decision; far from it; his death was more useful than his life; for through the page of history speaking from the stake he is to this day right eloquent, and being dead yet speaketh.

 This was written many years ago, yet Spurgeon remains a prophet for our day when he concluded:

In many shapes, in our own land, we are tempted to yield up the completeness of our faith, or withhold our testimony against error; but in any form and from any quarter, this temptation is always to be resisted as we would resist Satan himself.  We have no more right to give up truth than to give away our master's property.  Trimming and temporising, amiable silence, and unfaithful compromises are treason to God, and are devices of the devil to obtain space and place for the propagation of falsehood, of which he is the father; but decision for truth sees through the enemy's craft, and disdains to yield him so much as a single inch of vantage ground.  Charity is a virtue, and also is decision; and the one must never override the other, or it ceases to be true charity.  When believers are steadfast in the truth they impress their age with a respect for their faith, but when they vacillate and yield up their principles the world neither respects them nor their religion.  Men look at weathercocks, but never steer by them.  To the sinful pleasure of the world the believer must not yield; to its carnal customs he must not bow, and into its spirit he must not drink, or it will be all over with the power, and probably with the very existence of his testimony." (Spurgeon, C. H. C.H. Spurgeon's Works as Published in His Monthly Magazine The Sword and the Trowel. Vol. Volume 1. Pasadena, Tex.: Pilgrim Publications, 1975. 154-157. Print.)

Attacks upon the truth of God's Word and faithful followers of Christ is nothing new.  The temptation to bow to the views of others instead of standing resolute on the scriptures is very real.  To stand today still comes at a cost, though burning at a physical stake has fallen out of favour.  If one person who professes to follow Christ could be compared to a weathercock - turning wherever the winds of change blow, fearing to take a stand lest he offend others - it is one too many.  We are to continually point to Jesus regardless of the pressing winds.  Let us be steadfast in faith without vacillation, and thus hold fast to the example of our Saviour and His faithful followers like Simon the Pedlar.

Why Do You Follow?

"Birds of a feather flock together," the cliche goes, and this saying has a ring of truth to it.  The birds in the trees, people with common interests, and even users of social media support this sentiment.  People using social media typically "follow" people they know, respect, or admire.  If someone begins to share or post views with which others do not agree or strongly oppose, they can "unfollow" or even "unfriend" that person.  Social media provides the illusion of friendship, and it is frankly difficult ground to navigate.  It can consume time with meaningless activity, yet when used properly can be a beneficial tool.  It can be an addictive obsession or a voyeurs delight, but also a means to connect lives of loved ones.  Knowing why we do something is often more insightful than what or how we do it.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am aware my beliefs, lifestyle, and stance on issues are contrary to the majority.  Should my "likes" of Bible verses or praise to God show up on the feeds of others, I am sure there are some who have "unfollowed" me.  I have "unfollowed" pages or others at times, having become weary of my news feed being spammed by those who enjoy one word status updates by the minute, vulgarities, those who chastise their children publicly, or those who resort to using Facebook as free advertising for business, seeing their "friends" as potential business targets - something I personally find distasteful.  Depending on what function Facebook or social media serves in your case, it will impact your decisions on who or why you follow others.

I recognise many people we connect with on social media are not as interested in our personal beliefs as they are in who we are to them and how we are doing.  Having moved internationally Facebook keeps me connected with family and friends all over the world.  Based upon the articles, memes, and thoughts shared or posted by others, a small window of insight is opened into how others think or feel.  Even this is not a clear view, for what we see is obscured by the fact we only are shown what they want us to see!  When someone has a view or belief which conflicts with your own, a view that you oppose strongly, what do you do?  Do you "unfollow" the person while remaining their friend?  Should we make a practice of this, we segregate our friends and followers into a little clique we are comfortable with.  Instead of challenging us, we can order everything to affirm our confirmation bias and we will not learn, grow, or progress as we could.  If someone says something we don't like and persists in their belief, we might be tempted to cut them off - and effectively cut ourselves off from redemptive opportunities to connect with them.  Granted, email or Facebook is not an ideal way to have a heart to heart conversation or iron out differences.  But staying connected demonstrates you care, and that gives your words a chance to minister to others.

It is challenging to keep loving those who hate you, and it is difficult to be bombarded with views contrary to scripture.  Remember, Jesus was hated before Christians were!  Jesus did not avoid those who disagreed with Him.  He went out into the world!  He didn't only reserve time or energy for people who agreed perfectly with Him.  Jesus stood His ground and spoke the truth, and it was the decision of others if they would follow Him or not.  For those who continue to only follow Jesus in our lives and beliefs, we can be led by the Spirit when it is good for us to be silent or to speak.  I am not saying to beat people with the Bible, write or post unkind and insensitive things, or try to start quarrels.  For me it is good for me to be challenged with unbelief, vitriol, scriptural ignorance, and emotionally-fueled hatred of people who do not know God so I might seek God's answer and pray for them.  I have learned a lot from people I do not agree with, and so can you.  If someone's divergent beliefs begins to sour our view of them, let me gently say we are not loving them as we should.  Love does not grow bitter, impatient, or frustrated with others, and keeps no record of wrongs.  Love rejoices in the truth, and is bold to speak the truth at the right time in the right way for the right reasons.

Who do you follow, and why do you follow them?  As you follow Jesus, are you following others for yourself or the glory of God?  1 Peter 2:17-24 reads, "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. ¹⁸ Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. ¹⁹ For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. ²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ²² "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; ²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; ²⁴ who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed."  If we speak the truth in love or do good and suffer, we are following in Christ's steps when we remain faithful.  Despite pitfalls and snares, the internet has opened up a world of opportunity God can redeem, a digital mission field where hearts can be won for Jesus Christ by His grace and power.  As we follow Jesus, let's introduce Him to others.

Only Jesus can Transform

"Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him."

Proverbs 27:22 

When I heard shocking and sad news from Israel recently, this verse came to mind.  It was reported that during a Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem a man armed with a knife stabbed several participants.  What made the news more terrible was this same man had been convicted of doing the exact same thing over a decade ago when he stabbed three people during a Gay Pride event.  The man had paid the price the law demanded with 10 years imprisonment, yet all that time in prison was incapable of transforming his heart.  This is an extreme case to be sure, but it affirms the Word of God:  the severest punishments are incapable of separating a fool from his folly.  That is something only God can do.  Imprison a coward who stabbed unarmed people in the back for 30 years if you like, but it won't change his heart.

I knew a co-worker years ago who also spent a fair amount of time in prison.  In his words, it was not guilt over his illegal activities which straightened him out, but the loss of freedom and separation from his family which motivated him.  The perceived positives of his lifestyle began to be drowned out by negative ones.  Basically, his life of sin became increasingly inconvenient.  His heart was the same, but he worked at changing his behaviour.  Incarceration had not rehabilitated the man, though his behaviour might contribute to a statistic which would support the effectiveness of the justice system to reform criminals.  The folly was still there, and the experience of being locked up made him a bit more savvy with chances he was willing to take.  It takes much more than time or a little elbow grease to separate a fool from folly.  All animals act consistently according to their nature with predictable instincts and behaviours, and people are much the same.  Try to teach a dog to be a human being all you like, but he will retain the distinct nature of dog.  Dress him up in clothes, send him to kindergarten, force him to walk on his hind legs, but his nature will remain unchanged.  In the same way, men born of the flesh live for the flesh, and only those born again by the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ have new hearts capable of comprehending and walking in God's wisdom.

Foolishness will never willingly depart from a fool.  The biblical definition of a "fool" is one who denies the existence of God or lives without regard to Him or His judgments.  It is written in Psalm 14:1, "The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good."  Conversely, those who are wise in God's eyes are those who hear the words of Jesus Christ and obey them (Matthew 7:24).  Only Jesus Christ has the power to make people new creations through the Gospel.  We who were once foolish, separated from God because of sin, by nature children of wrath, have been brought near to God through the shed blood of Christ applied to our hearts by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:1-10).  Even after we come to Jesus Christ and are given a new nature, the foolishness of our flesh will not willingly depart.  We must be willing and determine with God's ever-present help to put it off and depart from it. 

Galatians 5:19-26 says, "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ²¹ envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."  God does not even attempt to reform men.  He knows the only way to gain the victory over the flesh is to kill it, to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God.  Walking in the Spirit keeps us from fulfilling the lusts of our natural flesh.  When we crucify the flesh in humble contrition and repentance, trusting in Christ, we are benefactors of His life risen in glory.

What evidence does your life present:  the works of the flesh, or the fruit of the Spirit?  Praise God for the power, deliverance, redemption, and the transforming work He does for all those who trust and cooperate with Him.  Sin and foolishness cannot be separated from our original nature, but Jesus is the One who makes all things new.

Seek Jesus Where He Is

Imagine thinking Jesus was with you and being mistaken!  To say it would be disconcerting would be an understatement.  This is exactly what happened to Joseph and Mary after celebrating the Passover with Jesus in Jerusalem.  Luke 2:43-44 says, "When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; ⁴⁴ but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances."  Joseph and His mother journeyed for an entire day, supposing Jesus was with them, but the distance between them grew with every step they took.

We understand how people can be physically separated from others, but we must consider the reality that even those who believe in Jesus can also be separated from Him.  Thousands in Israel did not know Jesus, and they did not miss Him.  Even his parents did not miss Him for a day.  Is this not a sobering fact?  His own parents assumed Jesus was with them, and we can think in our efforts to please God Jesus must be with us when we have walked away from Him.  Believing in Jesus does not mean He tags along with us.  He is the Good Shepherd, and we are the sheep.  We are called to abide with Him.  Reversing this order is a great danger indeed!

When Joseph and Mary discovered Jesus was not with them, they immediately sought Him.  Luke 2:45 reads, "So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him."  What a good example this is for Christians, followers of Jesus Christ!  Should we realise Jesus isn't with us, we need to stop, lay aside our plans, and drop everything to seek Him.  We can toil in a ministry, thinking by virtue of our effort Jesus must be with us.  But sometimes we have moved away from where Jesus is, following family, a schedule, or the crowds.  If we ever make the mistake of wandering from the presence of Jesus, let's retrace our steps to find Jesus again without giving up.

God said in Jeremiah 29:13, "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."  Those who humble themselves, trusting in Jesus, will find Him.  Jesus revealed Himself as the Son of God so He might be believed and save sinners, people who have been separated from God by sin.  Praise the LORD that He may be found!  Isaiah 55:6-7 says, "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. ⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."

Feeling Unappreciated?

Do you sometimes feel unappreciated?  When we feel unappreciated, the tendency towards bitterness, resentment, and ultimately inaction is a natural slide.  We can fall into the trap of measuring the usefulness of our deeds based upon the response we receive from others.  Did Jesus embrace the cross because He knew some might appreciate it?  No!  The lack of "appreciation" expressed by others didn't enter into His decision.  He shed His blood knowing most people wouldn't appreciate or appropriate it!  God had prepared a good work to enter into through sacrifice, and Jesus was obedient and faithful to see it through regardless of how much others appreciated it.

I don't always feel appreciated.  Just yesterday I was feeling like my efforts to help others were not appreciated or being recognised at all.  But as I examined my feelings according to scripture, I realised I was looking to the response of others to encourage me to serve when my eyes ought to be fixed on Jesus.  "I don't feel appreciated, God." I said to Him.  At that moment I felt as if God smiled upon me and said, "I still love you."  That little word made all the difference.  Even if I wasn't appreciated at all by others, I was still loved by God.  When God's love for me is my motive in serving Him and others, what profound joy we can experience!  Too often we substitute the appreciation of others for the love of God, and it is we who rob ourselves of the joy and strength we need to endure times of difficulty.

So instead of looking for signs of appreciation or affirmation from others in doing good, recognise and respond to the love of God demonstrated for you.  Even if no one notices or seems to care about the sacrifices you make, God still loves you.  And if this doesn't warm your heart and bring a smile to your face, may God open your eyes and heart to receive His love.  Improperly received or over-valued appreciation by others is a thief that robs God of glory.  When we don't feel appreciated by others, it provides deeper channels for us to draw upon the love of God.  How good it is therefore to feel unappreciated and remain obedient!  Man's praise quickly fades, but the joy of the LORD endures forever.

Answer Christ's Questions BEFORE Asking

People ask God a lot of questions.  Jesus demonstrated He is under no obligation to answer any question - especially the dishonest questions of men - though He is glad and willing to answer all sincere questions.  In an interaction with the Pharisees, before Jesus agreed to answer their question they were required to answer His.  This is the correct order of things, for God has all authority over men.  If we demand an honest answer from God, we must first be honest with Him.  When we refuse to answer Christ's questions, do not be surprised when you do not receive answers.

Matthew 21:23-27 tells the story:  "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" ²⁴ But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: ²⁵ The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' ²⁶ But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." ²⁷ So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."  Jesus only did what pleased the Father, but His actions did not please the chief priests and elders.  They openly questioned His authority.  Knowing the hypocrisy of their hearts, Jesus agreed to answer them on the condition they first answered His question.

Christ's question prompted a private discussion.  Answering the question Jesus asked would expose them as hypocrites or prompt indignation and outcry from the people - two things they had planned to do to Jesus by asking Him such questions publicly.  So the most learned men in Israel lied and played dumb:  "We do not know."  Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."  Jesus had been given all authority from His Father.  Since these rulers did not trust or believe Him, they wouldn't believe the truth even if He told them.  They would only accuse Him of dishonesty when it was they who were dishonest themselves.  This is a good lesson for Christians.  We are never under any obligation to answer the dishonest questions of the unbelievers.  Does God need me to defend Him?  Well did our Saviour warn not to cast pearls before swine, lest after trampling those precious truths underfoot they turn and tear us apart (Matt. 7:6).

Do you have questions you want to ask of God?  How about answering some of the questions Jesus asked first?  Your answer or unwillingness to answer likely reveals why heaven seems silent.  In the following passages, the bold emphasis is mine:

• "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26 
• "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26 
• "Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. ¹⁶ And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. ¹⁷ Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" ¹⁸ But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? ¹⁹ Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. ²⁰ And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" ²¹ They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:15-21
•  "When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" ²⁸ And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." ²⁹ Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." ³⁰ And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, "See that no one knows it." Matthew 9:27-30
•  "And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." ²⁹ So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" ³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" ³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³ Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Matthew 14:28-33

Do you believe Jesus is who He claims to be, the Christ?  What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul?  Why do you test Him in hypocrisy?  Do you believe Jesus is able to do what you ask of Him?  Why did you doubt?  Why do we doubt?  Oh, that we would answer Christ's questions in humility and faith proved in reality!  Then He will speak, we will hear, and receive Him as the answer we have be searching for!

Jesus and Ronaldo

I saw a video of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo going "undercover" as a bearded man in sweatpants and sunglasses in Madrid, Spain.  During the short film, he pulled out a soccer ball and a cardboard box like a busker.  After demonstrating some footwork, he tried to encourage other people to play soccer with him.  No one seemed very interested in the man juggling and kicking the ball to himself.  Finally, Ronaldo managed to gain the interest of a boy, and he encouraged him to try to steal the ball from his lightning-fast feet.  After a few minutes Ronaldo picked up the ball, signed it, and began to remove his disguise.  He handed the ball to the boy and gave him a hug.  Onlookers can be heard gasping in shock and amazement as the sportsman revealed his true identity.  The once desolate square quickly packed with people with mobiles out, and strained to capture images of the world-famous celebrity.

Who receives the glory for Ronaldo posing as a homeless man and giving a signed soccer ball to a boy?  Ronaldo, of course.  Why?  Because he didn't have to.  He makes more than 50 million dollars annually as a soccer player and could very well be one of the world's most famous athletes.  This little gesture of putting on makeup and going into the real world without security or bodyguards as a busker with a soccer ball only took a few hours and was a small sacrifice.  But because it was Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a huge deal that only improves his image (and provides advertising for products at the end of the video!).

What I find most compelling about the film (not knowing the motives of the man) is how everyone's attitude towards the man with the soccer ball changed when he pulled off his disguise.  People seemed to come from nowhere to swarm Ronaldo.  Security quickly ushered him away from the growing crowd of adoring fans, trying to press in as close as possible to the celebrity.  He had demonstrated world-class talent in that square moments earlier, but no one recognised it.  Only a couple of men and a boy were willing to humour the man and play with him for a few minutes.  It was only after those who passed by saw the beard removed from the clean-shaven face they realised under that disguise was the best and most famous footballer on the planet.  They couldn't believe their eyes.

When I saw this video, one thing flashed in my mind:  Jesus never removed His beard.  Ronaldo dressing as a homeless busker is nothing compared to the God of the universe becoming a man and walking among us.  God didn't have to, but He wanted to.  Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a devout Jewish woman and born as a baby in Bethlehem.  Around 30 years old He began to preach repentance and the kingdom of God.  He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons.  But Jesus never once "removed His beard" or His fleshly disguise.  Most people had no idea Jesus was God in human flesh because He looked ordinary, and only a handful followed Him until the end.  He did not step out of His human body and reveal His unrivaled divine splendour and glory, but chose to die the excruciating death of the cross as a sacrifice for sinners.  Even after He rose from the dead, some doubted (Matthew 28:17).

Do you realise what Jesus has done in coming to earth?  He shed His blood to provide atonement for sins so He could be with us forever - far more than Ronaldo did in giving a boy a signed ball.  If the video of Ronaldo warms your heart, how much more should God's divine condescension fill us with love and appreciation for the One who has so vividly expressed the love of God for man?  Many people still don't recognise Jesus for who He is, but one day every eye will see Him and bow before Him.  Only those with faith like that little boy - the one who appreciated and played with Ronaldo before his disguise was removed - will receive His rewards when Christ is revealed from heaven.  Only those who trust in Jesus, believing He is the Son of God, will be rewarded with eternal life.

Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself as the Son of God through wisdom, signs, wonders, sacrificial death, and resurrection.  Remember me when you come into your kingdom!

Is God Knowable?

I read a comment today which held forth sentiment I have heard many times.  On the topic of God a person wrote, "Only the foolish claim to have knowledge of what is unknowable. Science can't prove God doesn't exist and religion can't prove one does."  Instead of offering a direct rebuttal to this claim, it is a fair question to ask:  are "science" and "religion" the only authorities to invoke in the quest for the proof of God's existence?  If God exists, couldn't He chose to be known and reveal Himself?  The God who created mouths and speech, the One who has provided His written Word, can't He speak for Himself?  Science has its limits, and "religion" has been aptly defined by some as "man's attempts to reach God."  Science and religion are not the authorities concerning God's existence:  God is!

The statement that God is unknowable is partially true.  In the beginning God said, "Let there be light!" and there was light.  The Bible reveals God as an omnipotent, all-powerful Spirit who created the universe in three distinct persons:  the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the glory of sun, moon, and stars reveal His divine order and power.  A blind man could never see, even if light shone brightly upon him.  Because of sin, all men are spiritually blind and in darkness - unable to discern the divine presence of God and separated from Him - even though we were created to be in relationships with Him.  Jesus came to earth to reveal God's existence to the unbeliever, His love for the sinner, and His power and glory to all.  He said in Matthew 11:27, "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."

God is not a nebulous construct of the feeble minded, for who could have dreamed up Jesus?  His existence is scientifically and historically verifiable by eye-witnesses.  Jesus is a real person who walked the earth.  He healed countless people of incurable diseases, did miracle after miracle, and spoke wisdom like none before or since.  He claimed to be equal with the Father, a clear claim to deity.  Religious leaders out of envy arrested and accused Jesus, and was condemned to die on a Roman cross, though without committing a crime.  Jesus bled and died on the cross, and even in dying convinced the Roman centurion and his fellow soldiers He was indeed the Son of God.  Three days later, Jesus rose alive from the grave.  Death could not hold Him, and He has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all those who believe.  Religion had a hand in killing Jesus, and science only supports the reality of Christ's life and resurrection.

Content yourself with doubts if you wish, but I am also an eyewitness of Christ's glory through transformed lives.  The Holy Spirit lives inside of me, for I have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ.  Chalk me up as a fool for Jesus if you like, but personal attacks do nothing to deny the reality of Christ's existence, His promises, that I have been forgiven for my sins, have experienced joy and peace even in trials, and a new life without any fear of death.  The shed blood of Jesus has paid for my sins, and I have a relationship with the living God.  It is not science or religion which affords me this privilege, but is a gift provided by the grace of God.  As it is written in Jeremiah 9:23-24, "Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; ²⁴ but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD."  Did you see that?  God says He can be understood and known, even though His ways are past finding out.

I don't know much, but I will pledge my life upon this truth:  I was once blind, but now I see.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  God is knowable, my friends, for He has done everything to make Himself known.  If you don't yet know Him, do you want to?  Seek Him with all your heart and He promises you will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29).