Trials are No Accident

This morning I read an article written in 1868 which holds forth a simple truth:  all who labour for the cause of Christ will have hard times.  We will experience opposition and setbacks while we are doing God's will.  It is a commonly held misconception among Christians that when we do something for God, He should make it easier.  Yet God does not remove from us the very trials which perseverance proves our faith to be genuine to us and a lost world.  Trials are opportunities for our growth and for deeper trust and reliance upon God moving forward.

C.H. Spurgeon had no shortage of difficulties in his ministry which was greatly blessed by God.  When there is opportunity we can certainly expect adversity.  Spurgeon was deeply troubled by an incident at the Surrey Music Hall where he was slated to speak and many people died in a panic.  Nature itself may seem to labour to hinder us by inclement weather.  He experienced loss when a strong wind knocked down a building being constructed at Stockwell Orphanage.  From the scripture Spurgeon cited the incident where a young man had a borrowed iron axe head fly off the handle and into the water as a case where a man can do a good thing with a right motive and suffer loss (2 Kings 6:1-7).  The prophet Elisha miraculously recovered the iron by making it float, and we can be encouraged by this illustration of divine aid in times of loss.  Here is an excerpt from the article titled, "Accidents In the Lord's Work:"

"God would have us serve him under trials and difficulties; to screen us from them would be to make babies of us, and not to develop the manly qualities of patience, courage, and perseverance.  In this world and under its ordinary laws the Great Master would have us labour, not under a glass case of miracles and wonders, but under the cloudy skies which look down upon a fallen world:  he trains us to work not as a race of amateurs protected from all the dust and sweat of ordinary life, and laid up in lavender by supernatural exemptions from hardships, but as real workmen, to whom things are as they are, who find trees hard to fell, and the heads of whose axes fly off unless they are well fastened on to their handles.  Of course, if trust in providence be a guarantee against flood, wind, fire, and hail, it is clear that all who meet with such calamities are great sinners, and their works obnoxious to the Ruler of all things, but this can hardly be true, when we frequently see those called to suffer who are the very cream of the church of Christ.  Paul was engaged upon no ill errand when he suffered shipwreck; his soul was fired with the noblest ambition of which sanctified humanity is capable, and yet the vessel was dashed to pieces.  The fact is, that the same events may be curses to some and blessing to others, and thus a judgment which overwhelms the ungodly may be a gracious visitation to the saint.  Our business is to learn the lessons which adversities are meant to teach us, and they are not difficult to discover." (Spurgeon, C.H. (1975). C.H. Spurgeon's works as published in his monthly magazine The Sword and the Trowel, Volume 2. 1st ed. Pasadena, Tex.: Pilgrim Publications, pp.30-31.)

Rich with Nothing or Poor with Everything

"There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."

Proverbs 13:7

Social media is strewn with people displaying luxurious cars, watches, and jewellery.  There is enviable status attached to celebrity, money, and branding.  People seem to love showing off their homes, bodies, collections, and exotic holiday locations as they "live the good life."  The old adage goes, "Money can't buy happiness," yet the pictures and captions labour to paint a different picture.  It's a fair question:  if we are not happy with what we have now, what's to say we will be happy with more? We can only eat so much at once, but our appetites for more are insatiable.  Isn't the good life more than the pursuit of happiness?

King Solomon penned the Proverbs, and this powerful, wise, and famous man knew what he was talking about.  1 Kings 10:14 tells us how much gold Solomon received annually:  "The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold..."  A talent is about 34 kilograms, so that adds to 799,200 ounces which (at $1600 per ounce) is worth about 1.28 billion dollars today!  During the reign of Solomon, silver in Jerusalem was as common as stones (1 Kings 10:27).  Solomon bought imported wood, peacocks, apes, horses, and led expansive building projects.  His throne was made of ivory - covered in gold.  Let's just say there weren't enough Rolex watches or Ferraris for this guy.  He had his pick of women from all over the world and partied hard.  In the end Solomon came to the conclusion money, fame, sex, wine, and stuff leaves us empty.  A rich person ends up having the same as the poorest servant in the end:  nothing.  Naked we are born, and naked we die.  Someday that cold, dead person on the gurney is going to be you, and it will be me.  On that day none of us can hide our nakedness behind designer clothes, cars, makeup, or jewelry.

The Bible teaches there are riches which transcend retail value.  Jesus urged His disciples in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  If our treasures are on earth, we will end up losing them.  Yet if we labour to lay up treasures in heaven by investing our time, resources, and money for the advancement of God's kingdom, we will enjoy these rewards forever.  I know people who could be much more wealthy monetarily than they are because they choose to work for free.  They have rejected roles which pay more so they can volunteer more to serve God and others.  They have quietly given to people in need without fanfare.  These people are not flaunting their wealth or bodies on Instagram, but are quietly storing up treasures in heaven God is reserving for His glory no one can steal.  People pay thousands to go to a concert with backstage access:  can you put a price on being in the presence of God?

Those who have a heavenly legacy with God are the ones who live the "good life" on earth and in heaven for eternity, for Jesus Christ is the source of life.  If we seek security and status in this world, we will find it hopelessly lacking.  It can never deliver what we hoped it would.  A rich man on earth can have great riches in heaven, and the poorest of men can invest his life for eternal good.  Jesus is a prime example of one of wealth and privilege (being the Creator of all things!) and made Himself poor for our sakes, so by His sacrifice we could be redeemed by Him for eternity.  Born-again followers of Jesus are His inheritance, and God is ours.  Thanks be to God for His gracious gift of life.  Isn't He amazing?

The Pierced God

"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn."

Zechariah 12:10

When Jesus preached and performed miracles, people wondered in amazement:  "Is this the Son of David?"  He was of David's line and was born in Bethlehem, but this question is concerning His identity as the Messiah, the Anointed One sent by God to be a Saviour and Deliverer.  After Jesus claimed to be sent by the Father John 7:31 reads, "And many of the people believed in Him, and said, "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?"  It would be the death and resurrection of Christ which was the ultimate sign He is indeed the Christ, the Son of God.

Last night I read through Zechariah 12, and God spoke through the prophet of what He would accomplish.  Over and over in the passage God says, "I will."  He said, "I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication."  Then there is a shocking shift through a pronoun change:  God goes from saying "I will" to "they will look on Me whom they pierced."  And then again:  "Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn."  God identifies the pierced Messiah as "Me," but also referred to this Saviour as "Him."  In this passage we see strong evidence of the Triune God:  one God revealed in three Persons:  the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Another great passage to illustrate this truth is seen in Paul's exhortation to church leaders in Acts 20:28:  "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."  Jesus affirmed in John 4:24 that God the Father is a Spirit, yet the Acts passage states God purchased the church with His own blood.  The only way God could have blood to shed is if He became flesh and dwelt among us, and Jesus Christ shed His blood on Calvary for the sins of the world.  Isn't God amazing, whose ways are past finding out?

Let us look again upon the One who was pierced, whose blood has atoned and purchased us to be children of God.  He exchanges ashes for beauty, sorrow for gladness, and grief for unspeakable joy.  With transformed hearts and renewed minds, give God the glory for His goodness towards us as it is written in Romans 5:8:  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The Christian "Rope" Theory

Despite having the solid truth of the scripture, it is possible for myths to worm their way into common Bible teaching.  I do not know the motives of those who do so at the first, but the human tendency to parrot stories without critical thought is prevalent.  As a kid I remember being told in Sunday School God was unapproachable in holiness.  This was illustrated by the chief priest wearing bells on his robe so other priests could hear him beyond the veil in the most holy place in the temple.  I was told a rope was tied to an ankle so if there was a prolonged silence (because the priest had offended God and been struck dead!) his corpse could be hauled out without endangering anyone else.  Perhaps you have heard a similar tale?  You might be interested to learn there is no scriptural evidence to support this idea and much which contradicts it.

This morning I read the scripture where God laid out in great detail the clothing of the high priest.  In Exodus 28:33-35 it reads, "And upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: ³⁴  a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around. ³⁵  And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he goes into the holy place before the LORD and when he comes out, that he may not die."  Ministering unto the LORD is a sober business, and God gave commands to what the priest was to wear from the top of his head to the soles of his feet.  God did not always explain why each item was significant, but it would be foolish to add or omit what God commanded.  The Priests carefully followed each command as carefully as a scribes were trained to copy the Torah letter by letter, for their lives depended on it.

In observing the text the alternating pomegranates and bells were important, and when the High Priest moved the bells would make a sound.  God's command was not that the High Priest continually make noise with the bells, but when he walked into the most holy place and out from the presence of the LORD the bells sounded.  The bells were not for the benefit of those outside but the one who ministered.  There is also no suggestion the priest would be struck dead on the spot, for the passage says, "...that he may not die."  I do not know of a single place in scripture where a priest was struck dead as he ministered in the Temple.  I remember King Uzziah was struck with leprosy when he sinned in offering incense in the holy place and was a leper until his death (2 Chron. 26:19).  Zacharias was struck mute in the Temple for his unbelief when he was met by the angel Gabriel who spoke of the son which would be born to his wife (Luke 1:20-22).  There were a lot of shady things done by wicked men who defiled the Tabernacle and Temple, yet I cannot recall one of them who was struck dead in the Temple.  People were struck dead many times in scripture for their transgressions, don't misunderstand.  My point it is a gross misrepresentation to portray God as One who slays His sanctified ones, flawed though they certainly are.  Wasn't the blood of the sacrifice graciously provided by God to cover sin?

There are other reasons why the "rope" theory is without merit.  All the articles of the Temple were to be cleansed and sanctified.  God was very specific about the composition of fabrics, types of wood used, the intricate thread and dye used in the ephod, ingredients for bread and incense, and articles of gold and silver.  Of what materials was this "rope" to be made and how was it to be sanctified?  Would not wearing foreign material tied around the leg in the most holy place be reserved for priests with a death wish?  The picture created is a group of priests listening to the tinkling priest beyond the veil, even as the servants who waited until they were embarrassed outside King Eglon's summer chamber.  Can you imagine the High Priest praying in silence before the Ark of the Covenant and suddenly there was a terrific yank on his ankle?  It would be funny if it was not so ridiculous.  The Levites would have a quick conference in hushed tones:  "We'd better give him a few minutes.  Maybe he's only mostly dead."

As followers of Jesus Christ, it is important we do not parrot teaching or men's interpretations of dubious origin.  A parrot is able to mimic sounds, but these are spoken without understanding.  Praise the LORD He has given us the Holy Spirit, His everlasting Word, and brains to think!  There is a lot I do not understand and questions I cannot answer.  I do not know why pomegranates were chosen over bunches of grapes, or why the bells and pomegranates were in an alternating pattern.  But the Law tells us plainly the bells were important, for refusing to include the bells would cost the High Priest his life.  If those little bells were so critical, how important is it to speak clearly the words of life, not diluting or corrupting them with men's assumptions or commonly used illustrations.  May God open our eyes to rightly divide His Word of truth, and to faithfully hold it forth to impressionable hearts.

God's Word (without apology)

Last night at youth we discussed impact of our worldview in interpreting scientific evidence.  A participant in the conversation bravely asked something like, "Can you be a Christian and still believe in evolution?"  Though many young people in our group go to Christian private schools, belief in Darwinian evolution is largely believed and advocated by teachers and students alike.  I explained God has allowed a wide latitude of beliefs and practices among His people, and a belief in evolution does not strip anyone of their position as a follower of Christ.  The grave concern I have for all who do so is their willingness to substitute the ideas and philosophies of men for the plain Word of God.

Evolutionary thinking is not the problem here.  The issue at stake is the authority of the Bible.  I have never heard anyone use the Bible to remotely prove their case for evolutionary theory - because evolutionary theory did not arise from the scripture.  Still some make room for it, explaining away plain passages as metaphorical in the first 11 chapters of Genesis.  IF it is God's Word, let it be God's Word without apology.  Let the Word of God speak for itself, even if all the learned men and women disagree with it.  If the Bible contains the words of life, woe to us if we deny them!  There are deep philosophical and personal reasons for people to deny the existence of God and the veracity of God's Word, but let no follower of Jesus be named among them.  This kowtowing to oppositions of science (1 Timothy 6:20) is a disgrace to God and does Him dishonour.

Can you be a genuine Christian and believe in evolution?  Sure, just like you can be a born-again Christian and a scientist.  Following Jesus and a keen interest in science are not mutually exclusive, for God is the One revealed by scripture who made men with minds who have freedom to choose.  Yet there is an erosion in the church and in Christian schools where evolution is no longer a theory, select portions of the Bible explained away as myths and fables, and God is not really necessary.  Brothers and sisters, humanistic and naturalistic philosophy and the denial of scripture has been a virtual millstone which has dragged countless down to hell, and I will (God help me!) stand on the divinely inspired Word of God without fear.

Luke 3:28 (written by a doctor, by the way) traces the ancestry of Jesus Christ all the way back to Adam, the man God created from the dust of the ground and breathed into a living soul.  Paul spoke several times of Adam, as did Jude.  This is clear evidence one cannot intelligently chalk Adam's existence up to myths and fables - whilst claiming the Bible is the Word of God!  Again, the issue isn't evolution, the age of the universe, the moral morass which seems to plague society, or the use of figurative language:  the core issue is a devaluing of God's Word where men (men who profess Christ) twist and distort the Bible to accommodate themselves.  The world doesn't care for the Bible anyway:  why change it to suit their unbelief?

The God of Life

I recently saw a trailer for an upcoming movie titled "Life" which seemed cliche:  scientists go to Mars seeking "life" and initially celebrate after discovering it, but it turns out this form of life is a deadly threat to humans.  It struck me as amusing how man's quest for "life" beyond our planet is not only found in science fiction films, but is the aim of many scientists today.  I don't know what is crazier:  the fact we haven't found living organisms on other planets or the fact the earth is absolutely teeming with them.

Pretty much everywhere on the earth, life is found flourishing.  Trees, grass, mammals, bacteria in the dirt and in the air, from the deep places in the sea to the highest mountains, in birds which soar above the clouds or human beings in aeroplanes, life on earth is everywhere.  Places completely unsuitable for human life are packed with other living creatures quite at home.  Look inside both living and dead things and there is an abundance of microscopic life beyond measure.  Life on our planet gives rise to more life.  There has never been a known case of non-life producing life.  Creation must have a Creator, and it logically follows a Living Being is responsible for all the life we see.

Yesterday I saw a video of a man named Robert Lang who once worked for NASA as a physicist but now uses his math savvy and skills as an origami artist - folding intricate designs out of paper.  He is able to fold paper to replicate the clear likeness of animals and insects after solving complex mathematical equations.  His designs have also been used in advanced technology in aerospace and the automobile industry.  When I see those folded bits of paper into familiar three-dimensional objects, I know they are the product of an intelligent mind, quality materials, and skilled hands.  Beautiful and intricate as they are, however, they are virtually nothing compared to the complex living creatures they resemble.  To create a living creature which can reproduce offspring according to its kind, grow, speak, or have instincts unique to a species is infinitely more complex than patterns composed of dried pulp.

When I saw those intricate origami shapes, I wondered in amazement:  how can people hail Robert Lang a genius because of his incredible designs and mathematical prowess folding paper (and I applaud his immense talent), yet deny the existence of God?  Doesn't all life inspire awe in the One who created atoms, DNA, chromosomes, living creatures, our earth and atmosphere, and things too small or far for our amazingly designed eyes to see?  No three-year-old child could understand or possess the dexterity to perfectly execute the simplest of Lang's designs, though having a keen mind and functional hands.  The mathematical odds of the life we have on earth just "happening" are beyond astronomical.  The Bible says the "heavens declare the glory of God," and He is the God of life - the One who gives eternal life to all who trust in Him.

The Pool Cue Lesson

Years ago, God used a piece of wood to convict me of my lack of faith in Him.  When I bought a pool table second-hand, a few old cues were included by the seller.  One of the cues was warped to the point it was not worth repairing.  As I went to throw it away, however, I was impressed by the solid feel in my hand.  This wouldn't be a bad club, I thought to myself.  If someone broke into my house, I would feel capable of defending myself with this in my hand.  So I discreetly stashed my improvised personal defence system in my bedroom.

It wasn't long before I started thinking:  hasn't God promised to defend me and my family?  Was it possible I was trading divine protection and safety for my own strength?  Wouldn't it be better to do my part to responsibly secure the home with locks and lights and entrust myself to His care?  My club wouldn't do me any good if I was asleep, but the God of Israel does not slumber or sleep.  A club offered limited protection against a gun in the hands of a desperate thief.  If I cried out to God couldn't He strike an intruder with blindness as He did the men of Sodom or make people with evil intentions hear sirens and flee like the Syrians outside the walls of Samaria?  There is a limit of my strength and skill to fight, but there is no weakness in my God.  Strengthened with faith through remembering my God, the club went in the bin and I slept peacefully.

Do you believe God can protect you and your family, believer?  Or have you exchanged the divine protection God provides with reliance on your ability to shoot with precision or swing a club in the dark?  Psalm 118:6-8 says, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? ⁷  The LORD is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. ⁸  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."  If fear of man or government control is our motive in arming ourselves, we may be displaying a lack of confidence in God.  Isn't He the one who sets up kings and deposes them?  Hasn't Christ commanded if His disciples are persecuted in one city they should flee to another (Matt. 10:23)?  He did not tell them to hunker down in compounds but to make disciples of all nations.

The only weapon I have in my house today is the Word of the Living God, the Sword of the Spirit:  the Bible.  It cannot bludgeon trespassers or make thieves flee, but it reveals the character and power of my God who loves and protects me.  Its pages are packed with instances of God miraculously saving His people.  Thieves can break in and steal, and murderers can kill and destroy.  But if I am God's and He is mine, I can joyfully entrust myself to His protection.  I am an overcomer through Jesus Christ, and those who do His bidding God can employ as His battle-axe and weapon of war (Jer. 51:20).  Our fight is not against flesh and blood or governments but against spiritual powers of darkness which can only prevail when we rely on our strength and wits instead of the power of God.  Praise the LORD for His protection, for our Good Shepherd will faithfully keep His flock forever.

Works in Progress

"The golf swing is just about the farthest thing from a perfectible discipline in athletics...The most reliable swings are only relatively repeatable.  They never stop being works in progress."

Butch Harmon (citation below)

When it comes to golf, I have never been more than a dabbler.  I have never been committed to playing and improving at golf as I have with others sports like baseball or ten-pin bowling.  I have never had professional lessons, have never been a member of a club, or played competitively.  To me golf is a fun activity over the past decades I have had various levels of engagement with, and my seasons of playing "regular" golf once a week is dwarfed by long stretches when I wasn't playing.

I don't believe a sane person steps onto a golf course and expects to play at the level they played in previous years without practice.  As a teacher of professional golfers, Butch Harmon knows what he is talking about.  Players at the top of their game, people who have dedicated their lives to hitting a golf ball with accurate precision, do not maintain their skill without hard work.  It is easy to develop bad habits.  It is relatively simple for a pro to know what to do, but even they end up in deep rough, bunkers, and hit into the water.  Executing a shot under pressure is hard.  Overcoming injuries is part of every sport, and navigating the changes age brings and remaining mentally strong separates decent golfers from great ones.

This need for constant maintenance and labour to maintain a consistently good golf swing reminds me of the effort a Christian must expend in following Jesus.  No matter our age, perceived level of maturity, or role in the church, we are all works in progress.  Watching golfers walk through beautiful scenery over a weekend and making millions of dollars seems quite the life, but it is good to have an awareness of the kind of dedication and practice required to reach such a level of play.  To play golf at a high level requires years of practice, thousands of practice shots of all kinds, and continual coaching.  As we follow Christ we also must examine our hearts and minds, confessing and repenting of sin, and pressing on in faith.

Our hearts and minds are more difficult to manage than a slice or hook.  What often happens with us dabbling golfers is we learn to manage our slice rather than correcting it through mechanics.  We stop aiming at the target itself because we project our former tendencies into the current shot.  The Gospel enables us to be overcomers, to live our lives in perfect alignment with God - not to put up with sinful behaviour we dismiss like a "power slice" - as if that's our intention and we wouldn't rather hit straight and true.  God's will is for us to examine our own hearts, repent of our sin, and choose to do what is right.  This takes effort and the result is humility, grace, and honour to God's glory.   We make a lot of mistakes, and God keeps loving us.  There is nothing good in us, but thanks to God's grace we can grow and persevere through trials.

We are all works in progress, and praise the LORD it is He who does the work in us as we partner with Him.

(Dweck, Carol S. Mindset. New York. Ballentine Books. 2006. Print.)

Forgiveness and Fear

"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? ⁴  But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."

Psalm 130:3-4

The Psalmist rightly pointed out the inability of anyone to stand before God in their own righteousness.  Man is universally condemned by his sin and rebellion before a holy God.  Yet God in His mercy, has not dealt with us according to our sins.  He has given us life, sent His Son to seek and save the lost, and opened our eyes to salvation through the Gospel.  A single sin would disqualify us from the presence of God forever, yet we have been washed clean and made righteous by faith in Jesus Christ.  God demonstrated His love through the death of Jesus for us sinners so we might be made saints.

There is forgiveness with God, and verse 4 says for this grace He deserves our reverence and fear.  The ironic thing is because we have been forgiven and adopted into God's family we can actually fear God less.  We can carelessly shrug at the very sins which Jesus died to cleanse and save us from.  This follows the pattern of man's flesh and folly.  God gave His people the Law to prove their sinfulness, and they used it to justify themselves as righteous.  God revealed His glory in creation, and man chose to worship creatures rather than the Creator, offering sacrifices to the sun rather than the One who spoke it into existence.  Like the parable Jesus told of the servant forgiven of his massive debt, he seemed to forget all he had been forgiven and threw a fellow servant in prison for owing him loose change in comparison.  God's forgiveness isn't to make us think He will go easy on our sin, but to remember how much Jesus suffered to free us from it.

Because God has forgiven us, we ought to fear Him more - not less.  Forgiveness and salvation are gifts of God!  We walk in the fear of the LORD when we avoid evil, choosing to do what pleases God and putting away from us all manner of sin.  God cleansed us of all that condemned us and deserves our eternal loyalty and allegiance.  Like the midwives in Egypt who feared the LORD, the fear of God results in making choices which honour Him above all.  Jonah 1:16 tells us what the mariners did who were saved from the storm:  "Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and took vows."  God has saved us from eternal damnation and in addition granted us miraculous salvation, eternal life with Him forever.  He delivered us from hell and saved us for Him.  Fear the LORD, you His saints!  Praise Him forever and ever.

Turning the Other Cheek

The scriptures are maligned when removed from their immediate context.  When the Bible is reduced to cliches, the original meaning is lost and replaced with assumptions and misconceptions of flawed people.  Take the now-cliche phrase, "Turn the other cheek."  The modern interpretation of this statement of Jesus is to be passive and avoid confrontation, to simply take personal attacks and say:  "Thank you - may I have another?"  Others have used this verse to encourage others to willingly remain in abusive or dangerous situations.  These interpretations misrepresent what Jesus is saying.

In the Law of Moses, people had the right of retribution (Lev. 24:17-20).  The Law provided protection for the innocent and provided limits on punishing wrongdoers so the "punishment fit the crime."  Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-39, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' ³⁹  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."  Instead of urging people to press their legal rights to the full extent in punishing wrongdoers, Jesus told His followers not to return in kind.  Under the Law if someone accidentally gouged out your eye, you could take them to law and have their eye gouged out too.  There was no requirement a victim needed to force the other to lose an eye.  Jesus commanded His followers to not use law to take revenge on others, for vengeance is the LORD's and He will repay.  There is nothing passive about "turning the other cheek."  We are to actively trust God's protection and power over our lives more than pressing our legal rights in court.  Instead of vigorously defending or standing up for self, we can stand strong in faith of God who loves us.

Jesus continued in Matthew 5:40-42, "If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. ⁴¹  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two."  Those who followed Jesus were to be characterised by humility before God and men, not demanding retribution or seeking revenge.  Christians are called to overcome evil with good.  "Kill them with kindness," the world says, but this focuses on my effort instead of viewing the situation through the Gospel and all Jesus has done for me.  I can entrust my clothing and time to God's control and go far beyond what the world would say is "reasonable."  We are benefactors of God's grace and should extend the same to others - even if the world deems them undeserving.  That's exactly what grace is, right?

Paul spoke on the same theme in Romans 12:17-19:  "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord."  When we receive the equivalent of a slap to the face, we have a choice if we will return in like manner.  If harsh words are spoken to us, we do not need to avenge ourselves with harsh words of our own.  As we follow Jesus we will learn to actively submit to His will in our interactions with others, choosing the path of grace over forcefully demanding our rights.  If we are in Christ, our actions will follow His command in Matthew 5:44, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you..."  Instead of self-preservation, a follower of Jesus seeks how to love, bless, and do good to our enemies.  Our Saviour Jesus Christ has provided our example.

Water From the Rock

"Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink."

Exodus 17:1

It is significant God led the children of Israel to a place where there was a lack of what they needed.  They went to Rephidim according to God's command, yet there was no water!  The children of Israel did not pray for water but complained against the leadership of Moses.  One might think because God had miraculously made sweet the undrinkable waters of Marah they would have considered the infinite power of God.  In their distress the people did what we also tend to do instead of seeking God:  we think of ourselves and complain!  All along, God had their good in mind.  God led the people to a place without water so He could be revealed as their supply.  Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where there was no food because men do not live on bread alone, but by every word of God.

God knew the needs of His people and their livestock, and He would supply an abundance of water for all.  How might this passage compare to your current situation?  We can be led by the Spirit and experience dry times, even though He is the Living Water which regenerates and refreshes our souls.  Will we look at our hopeless situation and despair, or will we thank God for His leading and provision?  If we open our mouths in thanksgiving and praise, we will fill us with the joy of the LORD.  God heard the complaints of His people and graciously met their needs after speaking to Moses in Exodus 17:6:  "Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel."

God chose to provide water in conjunction with the obedience of Moses.  It is obvious God could have led the people to an oasis, even as He did in bringing them to Elim (Exodus 15:27).  While we want our needs met speedily at our destination, God accomplishes great good through the trials of our long journey.  When we are thirsty, let us not complain against God or those in leadership roles in the church.  Instead, see the LORD to satisfy your soul and be willing to be an obedient instrument God employs to meet the needs of others.  Lift your eyes above the barren landscape which surrounds you and fix your eyes on our risen LORD Jesus Christ.  He has promised Living Water to all who repent and come to Him.  We need never thirst again, and you can be the source of His life for others!

Passing the Test

Has God ever revealed things and you wondered how He could bring them to pass?  His way are higher than ours, and He is able to do the impossible.  The life of Joseph provides a riveting tale of how God used difficult circumstances to accomplish His will.  Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but God meant it for good.  We read in scripture when his brothers sold Joseph to merchants God was sending him to Egypt.  How important it is to maintain a view God remains in control, even when life is out of our control.

God sent Joseph to Egypt in chains to save His people, including the very men who hated Joseph.  We read in Psalm 105:17-20 of God's grace and wisdom:  "He sent a man before them-- Joseph--who was sold as a slave. ¹⁸  They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. ¹⁹  Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. ²⁰  The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free."  God had given Joseph dreams as a lad he would be a ruler, that his brothers and even his parents would bow before him.  As Joseph considered God's promise to him as he lay in irons, there seemed no possible way this could be accomplished.  How could a slave become a ruler?  What chance could a man rotting in a foreign prison govern?

Given Joseph's troubling circumstances, God's word tested him.  Had Joseph's life followed a clear path of ascendance, rising quickly through the ranks as a public servant, making contacts with influential officers, and gaining a reputation among his peers for his political savvy, perhaps Joseph would have predicted how God would make good on His promise.  But Joseph did not see it coming, nor as he lay in irons could he have predicted how God would even arrange his release - much less his promotion to second to Pharaoh in Egypt!  In painful irons Joseph chose to believe God's promise to him and trusted God.  It was the word of the LORD which tested Joseph, and when the word was fulfilled Joseph could look back in awe and say of his slavery and imprisonment, "Even in my darkest days, God was there."  God is always true to His Word.

Is God's word testing you today?  Will you continue to believe His promises, even if it seems like there is no possible way it could come to pass?  Trust in God, for He is able to do exceedingly above what we could ever ask or think.  Those who believe Him will be richly rewarded for such faith.  Their eyes will see the salvation of the LORD.

The Most High Way

It's common advice we should "take the high road" in conflicts.  No matter what people do or say to us, it is best for us to choose the path of righteousness.  The life of Jesus provides an example.  When Jesus was hungry, Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread.  Jesus answered with the unbreakable Word of God in Matthew 4:4:  "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"  Then Satan was especially crafty.  His next temptation was backed with the word of God!  Matthew 4:5-6 says, "Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, ⁶  and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"  How treacherous and evil, to use scripture to pressure Jesus into sin!

I suspect Satan's recall of scripture is quite sharp, especially when it concerns his advantage.  The other day I read the same passage to which Satan referred in Psalm 91:11-12.  If I had been in the position of Jesus with His immaculate recall (and praise God I wasn't), I might have directed him to continue his recitation with the following verse (Psalm 91:13) as a taunt and ask him for a brief exposition concerning his certain future:  "You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot."  But instead of dangling Satan's ultimate defeat before Him, Jesus took the "high road."  Matthew 4:7 tells us the response of our Saviour who is altogether wise:  "Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'"  God's ways and wisdom are higher than ours, and with a simple sentence Jesus diffused the smokescreen of scripture Satan employed.

Jesus did more than take the high road because He is the Most High, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  His interactions with satanic temptation in the wilderness are insightful and instructive of how we should deal with conflict by the use of scripture properly applied.  There are many who may use the Bible to justify their own sin, and it may provoke anger and indignation.  They aim to accuse, provoke, and confuse us, and they will say anything to lure us into their trap.  Yet we see a calmness exuded by Christ who could have resorted to many fleshly tactics against his hypocritical foe, and shined the light of a simple sentence of scripture to turn aside every attack.  Praise the LORD that we too can take the Most High Way and are equipped by the Holy Spirit to walk in victory.

The Edges of God's Ways

"He who builds His layers in the sky, and has founded His strata in the earth; Who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the face of the earth-- the LORD is His name."

Amos 9:6

I love how God speaks about the order of the world He has created.  I only recently learned about the layers of atmosphere scientists have discovered, and God founded these layers even as He "founded His strata in the earth."  There is the Troposphere, where "weather" happens; the Stratosphere where the ozone layer is; the Mesophere which burns meteors which could impact the earth; the Thermosphere where satellites are launched; the Ionosphere which is crucial for "Sun-Earth interactions;" and the Exosphere which is the upper limit of Earth's atmosphere.  I look to the heavens and I do not see any of these layers, know how they function, or how they protect us.  But God designed and founded them according to His wisdom, and the scripture tells us so.

When God created trees, He made them mature and able to bear fruit after their own kind.  He filled the earth with vegetation, and I expect if a mature tree had been cut down the day it was created it would reveal a series of rings.  In the same way, God founded His strata and layers of the earth.  There are molten layers far deeper than man can probe, yet many layers are visible on the surface as well.  God has laid them down one after another, many at the time of creation, and many layers since.

The third part of this verse speaks of something I learned about in the third grade:  the water cycle.  About 70% of the earth is covered with water, and about 97% of that is found in the oceans.  Water from the sea evaporates, forms clouds, and then is deposited in the form of snow and rain on the land.  The God who created the oceans "calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the face of the earth."  We can observe this process and imagine it "just happens," or we can acknowledge the wise and powerful God who graciously provides for all He has made.

"The LORD is His name," the prophet Amos said.  God is the eternal, self-existent God who created everything according to His plans and purposes.  He has built the earth on nothing, and founded earth with His voice.  Job 26:6-14 magnifies our God well:  "Sheol is naked before Him, and Destruction has no covering. ⁷  He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing. ⁸  He binds up the water in His thick clouds, yet the clouds are not broken under it. ⁹  He covers the face of His throne, and spreads His cloud over it. ¹⁰  He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness. ¹¹  The pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at His rebuke. ¹²  He stirs up the sea with His power, and by His understanding He breaks up the storm. ¹³  By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. ¹⁴  Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?"

Jesus Saves!

"Then Moses said, "Thus says the LORD: 'About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt; ⁵  and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the animals."

Exodus 11:4-5

After unleashing 9 plagues on the gods and people of Egypt, God promised to send a final plague:  the death of the firstborn of all people and animals.  Unlike previous plagues which were restricted to the Egyptians, this plague would affect Pharaoh, his servants, and even the Hebrews in Goshen.  Though this grievous plague would affect all Egypt, God provided a way for households to be delivered from it if they would meet God's conditions.  Not one person or animal had to die.  If people would sprinkle the blood of the paschal lamb on the doorposts and lintel of their homes, having eaten the lamb in the manner prescribed, God would spare the firstborn.  The life of the lamb killed for the Passover was the substitute for the firstborn.

I wonder:  did all the people who heard God's conditions obey them, even though they had seen firsthand His wonders with plague after plague?  For those who did not apply the blood to their doorposts and lintel, all households mourned at least one death.  In the world today, death will come personally for all people as a result of sin, for the Bible says the wages of sin is death.  None are excluded from our inevitable decease.  But the same verse which reveals the wages of sin is death tells us of the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus (Romans 6:23).  Our bodies will someday go the way of the earth, and God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer, Saviour, and LORD.  If a sinner will acknowledge his sin and repent, trusting in Jesus, the same will be born again and receive eternal life.

It wasn't enough for the Hebrews to eat lamb for dinner.  It wasn't enough for blood to be spattered on the doorposts of their homes.  God provided specific instructions outlined in Exodus 12 the people needed to follow in obedience to Him.  The lamb or goat was to be a male in the first year without blemish and kept from the 10th to the 14th day of the first month, and to be killed in the evening.  The lamb was to be roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.  They needed to remove leaven from their homes and eat in readiness to depart with shoes on their feet.  If any of the lamb was left over until morning, it was to be burned with fire.  The tradition of the Passover has evolved to require great attention to details not mentioned in Exodus, but the point is it was much more than eating a lamb or sprinkling blood.  Careful preparation and obedience was required to assure the feast was kept and the benefit of life received.

The ordinance of the Passover protected the firstborn from death in Egypt on one night, and Joshua the son of Nun was the only person by my reckoning who was a firstborn spared in Egypt who also entered into Canaan some forty years later.  Joshua means "Jehovah saves," and it is the same Hebrew name of Jesus (translated from Greek):  "Jehoshua."  Jesus is the God who saves, the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sins of the world.  Jesus was God's own Son who died on the cross as a sacrifice and substitute for sinners.  One does not need to adhere to a tradition concerning eating or drinking to meet God's requirements for eternal life, for all who repent and believe on Christ will be saved.  Romans 10:8-10 affirms, "But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): ⁹  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."  There is no hope of salvation in keeping of the Passover, but there is eternal life for all who repent and trust in Jesus.

Give God No Rest

"I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, ⁷ and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

Isaiah 62:6-7

These verses remind me of the great love God has for the Jewish nation and Jerusalem.  Watchmen were set on the walls to provide early recognision of enemy attack, but God's people were called to look to Him.  Unless the LORD guards the city the watchmen watch in vain.  God allowed Jerusalem to fall before the Babylonians and Romans, yet even now those who fear God ought to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  God directed His faithful watchers to intercede on behalf of Jerusalem, to "give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."  It is amazing our great God who promises to provide rest for our souls says concerning our prayers for the establishment of His kingdom in Israel to command, "Give me no rest."

God's will and the fulfilment of His plans do not depend on man.  It is not like the sheer volume of prayers moves God's timetable, but those who fear the LORD will be moved by Him in pray in due time.  Prayer does not bend God to our will, but the Holy Spirit enables us to pray according to God's will.  Jesus spoke often of the importance of persistence in prayer.  He gave an example of man who had an unexpected visitor, and persistently knocked at his friend's door late at night asking for bread to feed his guest.  Jesus said in Luke 11:8-9, "I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. ⁹  "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."  If we are evil and give good gifts to our children, how much more will God give the Holy Spirit to those who give Him no rest in asking Him?

Another memorable example Jesus gave was in the parable of the unjust judge.  Luke 18:1-7 reads, "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, ²  saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. ³  Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' ⁴  And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, ⁵  yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' " ⁶  Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. ⁷  And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?"  The unjust judge did not care for widow or even justice, but saw fit to avenge the woman because of her persistence:  how much more will God aid His own children who cry out to Him?

When our souls are troubled, let us draw near to Jesus Christ in faith and find rest for our souls.  Concerning our cares, trials, and troubles let us give God no rest, remembering to intercede for Jerusalem and others according to God's Word.  Do not lose heart nor be weary in doing good.  Keep asking, seeking, and knocking, and the LORD will open a way to rest and perfect peace.

Random Acts of Kindness?

Yesterday I saw a heartwarming video of a man whose co-workers pooled funds to buy him a car.  He was genuinely touched by the blessing and expressed how grateful and thankful he was.  The one who shared the post on social media praised the virtue of "random acts of kindness" and how they can be instrumental in changing lives for the better.  I believe I know what is meant by the phrase "random acts of kindness," that without a special occasion people would unexpectedly do something to benefit someone else without strings attached.

When I reflected upon the gracious gift of a vehicle, there was nothing at all "random" about this act of kindness at all!  Generous co-workers saw someone in need and purposely put thought and sacrifice into action to help him.  They considered what car would be best suited for his needs.  They even bought insurance to make sure he was not out of pocket.  He even was given money for petrol!  Everything about this act of kindness was intentional - albeit unexpected by the receiver.  The point to be considered is no act of kindness is random:  kindness is only kindness when there is an intentional, joyful giver and a receiver.

The 1828 Webster's dictionary defines "kindness" as, "good will; benevolence; the temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses; kindness ever accompanies love."  There would be no kindness in this world without the God who created man in His image.  He is the One who has been purposefully kind to us.  Paul wrote to Titus of man's sin and need for salvation and how God met our need through Jesus Christ in Titus 3:4-5, "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵  not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit..."  God has demonstrated His kindness to all people by offering redemption and eternal life through faith in Jesus.  It would be tremendous to receive the gift of a vehicle, but it pales in comparison to the gift of God through Jesus.

Since Christians are receivers of God's kindness, we ought to be vessels through whom God pours His kindness in practical ways upon others.  We are not kind to find favour with men but to bring glory to God.  Man's kindness and generosity has limits, but God's is infinitely greater and completely unexpected.  There is nothing random about God's kindness!

Concluding with Praise

Before going to bed recently I have been reading through the Psalms.  I always try to take note of the brief explanation provided before each Psalm.  It struck me how many Psalms were inspired during troubling times.  In situations when might write in a journal to vent, post our status on social media for sympathy, or call the police to respond to an emergency, David wrote songs of praise to God.  Selah - think upon this!  These passages flow with worship, seeking God, and praise.  Though troubles may have moved David to write, he did not remain troubled because of His glorious God.

• Psalm 3 was written "when David fled from Absalom his son."  He concluded in Psalm 3:8, "Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah"
• Psalm 7 was what David sang unto to the LORD "concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite" - and they were not kind words.  The last verse of this Psalm?  Psalm 7:17 reads, "I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."
• Psalm 34 was written when David "changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed."  David feared for his life in this occasion!  He finished the song concluding of God's grace in Psalm 34:22:  "The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned."
• Psalm 52 was penned after "Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech."  This resulted in the slaughter of the priests in Nob, and David freely took the blame for this incident upon himself to Abiathar in 1 Samuel 22, the son of the slain high priest who escaped with the ephod,  He ended Psalm 52 with verse 9:  "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. ⁹  I will praise You forever, because You have done it; and in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good."
• Psalm 54 was in response to David being betrayed by the Ziphims who "said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?"  He wrote in Psalm 54:6-7:  "I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good. ⁷  For He has delivered me out of all trouble; and my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies."

May all our troubles, like many David endured, move us to praise and glorify God for His goodness towards us.  David was quick to bring his petitions of deliverance before God, but his praise of God is evidence he trusted and believed God would preserve and help him.  Thank the LORD for His faithfulness to us and may our lives be a testimony of His praise and worship forever.

Trust God (and His Plan)

God called and enabled Moses to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt.  After Moses returned to Egypt armed with three miraculous signs which confirmed God's promise of deliverance, the people believed and worshipped the LORD.  They were convinced of God's power and rejoiced He had visited His people.  Any day now they would be free!

The Hebrews were all for freedom from bondage.  There was one looming problem however:  Pharaoh was not.  He was not at all impressed when Moses appeared before him and scorned his God.  He was incensed anyone would even suggest the idea of the Hebrews leaving their tasks for a day!  He accused the people of idleness, refused to provide straw for bricks, and told the taskmasters to kept the production quota the same.  The people worked feverishly, trying to gather up stubble and make enough bricks to meet Pharaoh's demand.  When they failed, they were beaten.  They felt cheated, trapped in an impossible cycle.  The people complained about this treatment to Moses:  what sort of deliverance was this?  In their mind Moses was killing them, not saving them!

Exodus 5:22-23 describes the response of Moses:  "So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? ²³  For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all."  Moses agreed with the assessment of the people.  They hadn't signed up for such trouble!  They expected God would miraculously and quickly bring them out of Egypt as He promised them.  What they didn't understand at the time was God's promised deliverance involved a process.  Perhaps they assumed because of God's great power He would save them quickly without a struggle.  But it would prove to be a fight waged within their own hearts and minds:  would they continue to trust God and the wisdom of His plan through the process, or would they lose heart and give place to fear and doubt?

The decision to repent and trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour also results in opposition and renewed aggression by all which held us captive in sin.  This spiritual and largely inner battle will continue to occur throughout our earthly pilgrimage.  In choosing to obey God the results may seem disastrous and we think, "I didn't sign up for this!  Why doesn't God just do it?  Why does it have to be so painful and impossible?"  If we want deliverance and salvation, we must submit to God's process and plan.  He will continue to be faithful and with every temptation will make a way of escape so we will be able to bear it.  Moses nor the Hebrews could deliver themselves, and God would reveal His power over His enemies and His protection and provision for His people as time wore on.  Slowly Pharaoh's resolve crumbled, and the faith of God's people grew exponentially.

Allow me to conclude with a quote from an address I read by Spurgeon titled, "On Returning to the Renovated Tabernacle:"

"My friends, beloved of my soul, more dear than ever as years roll on, I do not ask trouble for any of you; but if there be no other way of renovating your spirits, you may on your own account cheerfully welcome the severest trials, when sent by heaven, to visit your house.  Come they will, whether we welcome them or no, for the promise is sure to all the seed, "In the world ye shall have tribulation."  Let us most devoutly praise God that he does not consult our whims, or our fancies, as to how he should deal with us; we have a Father who does not spare the rod for our crying, knowing better than we do what is good for us.  He does not ask us in which path we will go; he directs our steps according to his own wisdom, and not according to our folly.  Surely we poor shortsighted creatures can even now feel that it is good for us to have infallible wisdom to direct us, and that it is our duty to give up our unbelief, and all our questionings, and submit ourselves absolutely to the will of the unerring Father.  All our misery springs out of our self-will.  Self-love is the nest out of which the hornets fly in their armies; would to God it were utterly destroyed.  If self-will were slain, sorrow would lose its sting.  The daily cross in itself is not heavy - as Jesus' yoke, it is easy; but self-will makes our shoulders raw, and then the cross becomes very heavy to bear." (Spurgeon, C. H. C.H. Spurgeon's works as published in his monthly magazine The sword and the trowel. Vol. 1. Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1975. Print. pg. 321.)