God and Boundaries

Heaven is God's throne and the earth His footstool.  He has the power to raise up kings and depose them, to overthrow nations and establish them.  God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand and gave them land in Canaan by lot.  It is interesting to me God made Israel a great nation with clearly defined borders.  God could have given His people all the land on the planet, but He didn't.  He established boundaries for His people, something we ought to consider in our own lives too.  We should be content with our station and all God has graciously provided instead of always seeking to expand.  Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Not only did God provide boundaries for the land of the nation Israel, but He provided them His Law.  God's Law was to govern people's actions, words, duties, and the worship of God.  Left to their own devices and driven unchecked by the lust and wickedness of people hearts, they would become as the godless and wicked nations before them.  God instituted government, a priesthood, and morality upheld by Law which set bounds on what is good or evil.  These statutes were good but had their limitations:  law cannot make a man righteous or provide salvation, for it can only condemn.  Jesus Christ, who established a New Covenant in His blood is the end of the Law for righteousness for all who believe (Romans 10:4).  We have liberty in Christ, but this liberty also has boundaries.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."  He continued on this theme in 1 Corinthians 10:23:  "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify."  We should not do things merely because we can or they are considered "legal."  Those activities which prove not to be a help, anything which brings us under its power, and does not build us up in holy faith should be off-limits for us - just like we trespass when we go beyond our property line.  It is no longer the Law of Moses which provides these boundaries, but the fear of God, the Holy Spirit in our hearts, and love.  Love is the "bond of perfection" which is to govern and guide our words and deeds.

God is infinite, yet He has wisely given us limits.  Instead of seeking to always expand our circle of influence, let us be content to bless and love those with whom He has united us.  Paul learned in whatever state he was to be content (Philippians 4:11), and having food and clothes we ought to be pleased.  The exhortation in Hebrews 13:5 also comes with a reminder of how blessed we are in Christ alone:  "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Let us be content with our homes (whether owning or renting), land, job, marriage, and family.  We have a Saviour Jesus who will never leave or forsake us, and in Him is everlasting love, acceptance, and life.  Should times of increase come, let us not set our hearts on more but rest in the One who gives us all things.

The Influencers

It was probably around 9pm when I answered an unexpected knock at the door whilst still living at my parent's home.  The open door revealed a boy in his late teens wearing a laminated badge on a lanyard.  He carried a folder, and beside him was a large box filled with candy and other items to sell.  He went into his spiel before I could say anything, something to the effect of:  "Would you be willing to buy some items to keep teens like me out of gangs and off the streets?"  The irony of the situation was not lost on me:  a teenager was selling stuff door-to-door late at night to keep teens off the streets!  It seemed to me this industrious young man was not at risk of being drawn into a gang or homelessness.  He appeared ambitious and driven to excel, one who was a positive influence on others rather than being dragged down himself.

People have the ability to influence others in powerful ways, for good or evil.  When high-energy kids join together in activities, their combined power seems to multiply exponentially.  I have recently heard people who effectively market or blog on social media as "influencers."  There is a direct correlation between their attractive appearance or persona which drives interest and sales.  In the church - especially when I was a youth pastor - it was a common desire of parents to find godly influences for their children, whether at church groups or peers.  I once had an awkward encounter after moving to Australia where a man in another state asked over the phone if I would have a chat with his teen son.  "He won't listen to me," he said as a tragic matter-of-fact.  "Sometimes it takes someone other than a parent.  Maybe he will listen to you."

I am convinced as a dad who resided with his son, the man with whom I spoke had more opportunity to positively influence his kids than a stranger ever could.  That discussion had an impact on me as I gave the situation thought:  instead of hoping others will be a "good" influence on our kids, what if our aim was shifted to see them come to actually know Jesus as LORD, having sanctified appetites and holy desires?  Here is a question:  how are Christians able to stay holy and pure in a world defiled with sin?  It isn't because of outward influences, but because the life of Jesus Christ is within them.  When a woman is engaged to a man she loves and is intent on marrying, she will not look twice at other men.  All the rude cat-calls, requests for her number, or unwanted gifts will not shift her affections from her beloved.  Now if her relationship with her fiancee is going through a rocky patch, the draw towards other people and different relationships gains strength.  Though the romantic aspect is not the same, a similar dynamic is a work in the life of a Christian.  When our relationship with Jesus is neglected or suffers, we become dull to God's voice and numb to godly influences.  Youth groups and involvement in church activities are not antidotes to wayward hearts.

Are you easily influenced by this world or one who influences others to live godly as you follow Jesus in this world?  No amount of "good influences" will change the heart or mind of a person, but as children of God through faith in Jesus we can be an example of the parent, spouse, neighbour, employee, employer, and friend God has called and empowered us to be.  If all we want is for young people to stay out of trouble and off the streets our desires fall woefully short of the calling to present ourselves as living sacrifices unto God as His faithful servants (Romans 12).  Romans 12 concludes with this Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  This is our birthright as those born again by the power of the Holy Spirit:  because Jesus lives in us you and I are the influencers and are never at the mercy of evil.  It's good to surround kids with good influences, but they need a change of heart.  We need more than influence from Jesus to be saved from ourselves and sin.  We must be born again and abide in Christ to be transformed into the influencers He has called us to be.

Settling for the Ideal

Before crossing the Jordan river and entering the Promised Land, the Israelites obeyed the command of the LORD to war against the Midianites.  Numbers 32:1-5 reads, "Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock, ² the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, ³ "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon, ⁴ the country which the LORD defeated before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock." ⁵ Therefore they said, "If we have found favour in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan."

The situation played out like this:  the Israelite tribes of Reuben and Gad had much cattle, and the region was ideal for cattle.  They therefore requested to inherit the land east of Jordan instead of the land westward of Jordan God had promised - sight unseen.  The men who made the request proved honourable in that they fought alongside their fellow tribes until all came into their inheritance of land, and they desired to keep the covenant of Law before God in unity with all Israel.  Yet because they could not imagine better land for their herds and flocks, they settled for what seemed ideal.  It makes me wonder how often God's people (myself included) have settled for what seemed best at the time rather than trusting God who knows best!  The tribes of Ruben and Gad were pleased to continue raising livestock as they had in the past rather than embarking on a new adventure with God at the controls.

I find it interesting the land east of Jordan is no longer part of modern-day Israel.  The pens and paddocks built by the children of Reuben and Gad and the cities they dwelt in are now part of Jordan.  The land they chose for themselves passed to others, but the land received by inheritance by those tribes willing to cross Jordan trusting God have been restored.  The decision of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to choose their own inheritance rather than trusting God's plan for their future is important to take to heart.  Perhaps in their situation I would have done the exact same thing, but the long-term results remain for all who live today to consider.  I am convinced God's eternal plans for me are far superior to my dreams, for God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20-21).  The prophet Amos is a perfect example.  He explains God's plans trumped his experience in Amos 7:14-15:  "Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: "I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. ¹⁵ Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel.'"

I love this!  While Amos was faithful to the LORD and was responsible and content in his current job, God tapped him on the shoulder to do something radically different: to be a prophet!  The tribes of Reuben and Gad may have owned great herds of livestock, but God's plans for them was not limited by their past experience or possessions.  Because of our skills or current job we might limit God to using us in that arena, but God is not confined.  We are the ones guilty of limiting Him, imagining there could be nothing superior for our needs and crossing the Jordan in faith is really unnecessary.  Thank the LORD He is patient with us, even allowing people who settle to be blessed.  Is it worth the risk of missing out on God's plans for settling for our ideal situation?  Not a chance!

Need for Fellowship

As a person who tends to remain at one church for extended periods, I often wonder about the metrics people use to determine which church is ideal for them.  At the onset I am unsure if an ideal church actually exists since all individual members (including the seeker) are in various stages of maturity and growth.  And if we ask the question, "What is the best or ideal church for me?" if "me" is the central or primary point of emphasis clearly my ideals are skewed.  There are both practical and spiritual aspects to consider.  Is the meeting place reasonably close to my home?  Are the doctrines taught biblically sound?  What I find most concerning is though there are many Christians denominations and groups of all kinds, some can't seem to feel comfortable or fit anywhere and thus are not engaged in regular fellowship with other believers.  Maybe comfort isn't the best metric to use.

Over the years I've heard things I didn't expect, like:  "I could never go to a church where the pastor is younger than me" and "I'm only here for the air conditioning."  Upon hearing these things I probably just stood there like a stunned mullet, not exactly knowing what to say.  It's sad when we approach church as consumers, as customers who enter into an arrangement of goods and services rather than a gracious contributor.  It's also a tragedy when we use worldly gauges to determine the quality of a church, like how many people attend, how "dynamic" the worship team or preacher is, the comfort of the seats, or how active the church is in mission work.  Church is more than a building, amenities, or programs, but a group of people who love God and one another.  Hebrews 10:23-25 is an exhortation fit for the family of God:  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

The Christian walk is much more than showing up to meetings with other believers, but it is impossible for us to be in fellowship with one another unless we are with one another.  It's impossible on your own to obey the "one another" commands Jesus gave!  We are to consider others as more important than ourselves, knowing and believing through us God intends to reveal His love to regulars and visitors alike - and God has things He will use others to reveal to us.  A lot of people who are not signed up for a particular role during a service might feel obliged to miss church gatherings, yet I am convinced when this is a chronic practice it is to the detriment of all.  This mindset seems focused on self rather than considering the needs of others, since God has chosen us for one another.  Our exhortations to stir up love and good works are without force if we are rarely present and model these virtues ourselves.

Since each of us are part of the church, the Body of Christ, we are to walk in the love of God through obedience to Him.  Jesus won't leave or forsake us because His is faithful, and our faithfulness in fellowship is the outflow of faith in Him demonstrated through obedience.  In the end, meeting up for church gatherings to celebrate and worship God is not about you or your comfort:  it is about God!  It is misguided to use church attendance as a gauge of the spiritual health of others or ourselves, but that we love one another as Jesus loves us.  To obey is better than sacrifice, and fellowship will cost us.  The cost of drifting without regular fellowship with believers, however, is far more costly.  We need fellowship, and others need us - whether we preach from a pulpit, greet people at the door, or pray.

Heart Problems

Everyone seems to have different opinions about what is "wrong with the world."  I have heard some claim religion is to blame for wars and conflicts, but such would be hard-pressed to argue with the biblical definition in James 1:27:  "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."  There is a lot in this world which defiles heart and soul, and many things done in the name of religion are sinful in God's sight.  Therefore it is not religion itself that is the problem, but sin in the hearts of people where the issue lies.  All religions are not equal or valid in God's sight, even as the end cannot justify the means.  There is only one way to salvation and eternal life, and it is not gained through observance of a "religion" but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus often said things which amazed those who followed Him.  After a rich man walked away from Jesus sad because he was unwilling to give away His possessions at Christ's command Mark 10:23 says, "Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  Riches and abundance were often seen as favour from God, so this was a surprising revelation to His disciples.  He doubled down with a clarification in Mark 10:24:  "And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  It is not riches themselves where the problem lies, but in our hearts.  When we have wealth we will tend to trust it and find our security in dollars rather than God and faith in His Word.  We foolishly tend to value riches of earth more than desiring treasure in heaven.

Jesus absolutely blew their minds in Mark 10:25-27:  "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶ And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" ²⁷ But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  It is impossible for a camel to pass through the eye of a sewing needle, and the suggestion it was easier to do the impossible than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God was incredible indeed.  They wondered how anyone could be saved!  Jesus told them with men it is impossible, and this is true.  No man can purchase with money the right to enter heaven or leverage his wealth to wash himself of sin.  All men, rich and poor, need forgiveness and atonement of sin through faith in Jesus Christ.  The poor man recognises his need perhaps more than the rich man who has a comfortable life.  Yet God is able to save the rich and poor, the orphan and the widow:  with God all things are possible.

I have heard this statement of Jesus applied to many situations, but the context concerns the eternal salvation of souls.  The rich young ruler who walked away sad was not without hope because with God all things are possible.  I am certain the Holy Spirit brought conviction of sin, of righteousness, and judgment, bringing the words of Jesus to remembrance.  But God would not save a man who refused to be saved.  The way of salvation through Jesus was open to the man, but it was his decision to embrace his riches or pass through the Door in faith marked with obedience.  When disaster strikes an aircraft and it lands in water, the safety brief says to leave everything behind - even your identification, wallet, and handbag.  I wonder how many people have traded their lives for their stuff they were rushing to grab instead of obeying the commands.  Jesus can save to the utmost all who come to Him, and we must submit to His terms.  Religion, money, or this world are not to be blamed for man's sin and unbelief:  we each bear this alone.

Jesus Rings True

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 18:24

The friend you desire is the friend you ought to be to others.  C.S. Lewis wrote something profound in his book The Four Loves:  "The very condition of having Friends is that we should want something else besides Friends." (Martindale, Wayne, and Jerry Root. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005. page 236)  If all you want is a friend - like a child who is glad to have a neighbour for an hour and then for them to go home - then it should be no surprise you find friendship rare.  Friends are not a commodity to possess but a fellow to walk alongside and encourage through life.  Yet if a person offers intimacy and accepts others with the same love reserved for family, this is a friend worth having.  Friendship is a gift of God we can cultivate which knits hearts together with a connection truer than that of blood relation alone.  C.S. Lewis went on to write this:

"The common quest or vision which unites Friends does not absorb them in such a way that they remain ignorant or oblivious of one another.  On the contrary it is the very medium in which their mutual love and knowledge exist.  One knows nobody so well as one's "fellow."  Every step of the common journey tests his metal; and the tests are tests we fully understand because we are undergoing them ourselves.  hence, as he rings true time after time, our reliance, our respect and our admiration blossom into an Appreciative Love of a singularly robust and well-informed kind.  If, at the outset, we had attended more to him and less to the thing our Friendship is "about," we should not have come to know or love him so well.  You will not find the warrior, the poet, the philosopher or the Christian by staring in his eyes as if he were your mistress:  better fight beside him, read with him, argue with him, pray with him." (Martindale, Wayne, and Jerry Root. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005. pages 237-238)

I am blown away by the fact Jesus called His followers friends as He revealed Himself to them by "ringing true" again and again.  He was consistent in His unswerving love and acceptance of them, even when one was a devil.  When Jesus Christ was first made known to me I was told He loved me and died on the cross to save me, and these facts were gladly accepted.  But as I have gone on with Jesus the more I appreciate other aspects of His life and ministry as well.  I have actually grown to know Him through His Word and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  It is not I who have stuck by Him but He has never left, forsaken, or forgotten Me.  He has kept me a friend according to His grace whilst I am a horrid friend!  He is the ultimate Friend and more than a friend:  He is my Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, Healer, Teacher, Shepherd, Master, and KING.  That God would be a Friend to sinners is awesome:  we shall be His treasured friends forever!

Revealing God's Wisdom

In many aspects of our Christian walk before God we bear a degree of responsibility.  Knowing this, it is possible we might begin to place more emphasis on our efforts or knowledge and create a subtle shift from simple faith in God.  It is true knowledge of God and His Word is intrinsic to faith and obedience, yet we are compared to one currently seeing a dim reflection of reality.  Even when we are able to view a picture or video in High Definition it could only portray a fraction of the details which could be known:  what led to the scene, the people involved, the outcome, and the future.

I am blessed God has plans, purposes, and the miraculous ability to perform them all in His way and time.  God declared through the prophet in Isaiah 46:9-11, "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, ¹⁰ declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,' ¹¹ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it."  This is encouraging stuff for those overwhelmed with their own inadequacy and failure.  We serve an awesome God who reigns on high and is not reliant upon us to do anything - but He delights to employ us in His service, and it is He who makes our labours fruitful.

My eyes were opened this week to one purpose of the church I hadn't considered before mentioned by Paul in Ephesians 3.  Despite viewing himself as the least of all the saints, Paul was delighted to be a prisoner of Christ and bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, to share the mystery of the creation of the church made of both Jew and Gentile which God revealed.  He continued concerning God's purpose in Ephesians 3:10-11:  "...to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, ¹¹ according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord..."  It seemed a wild enough thing Paul would be chosen by God to share the Gospel to Gentiles, but even more shocking that God purposed to use the church to make known the manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and powers, to angelic and demonic spiritual hosts.  Through Paul's life and all who have been redeemed and atoned for by the blood of Jesus, our lives are a living testimony of the power of God - not only to our fellow men - but to angels forever.

The salvation of a sinner and the subsequent transformation by God's grace must be amazing from an angel's-eye view.  We marvel over the metamorphosis of a tadpole to a frog or a caterpillar to a moth because of their physical changes, but demons and angels alike marvel how fallen people can be adopted as sons and made co-heirs with Christ, granted eternal salvation, and filled with all the fullness of God.  Looking at the wondrous examples of God's design and wisdom in nature does not grow old for us, and seeing God's majesty and glory in the salvation of souls is a constant source of wonder for spiritual hosts.  I am so glad God's will to fulfil this eternal purpose in my life didn't start with me knowing, understanding, or asking for it.  How many more things, I wonder, has God planned and is accomplishing right now in the lives of His people who comprise the Body of Christ, the church?  Trust God, believing His plans are greater than what you can see or know, and rejoice in Him.

Forgiveness in Christ

Following Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour totally transforms our perspective.  Faith in God is not intended to be an isolated part of our lives but practically impact everything.  This goes far beyond our beliefs or thoughts but plays out daily in the way we respond.

Last night I turned on the rugby all-star clash between the New Zealand and Indigenous Australian teams.  After seeing the Kiwis belt out their national anthem with gusto as one, I was saddened to see the Indigenous players strangely silent whilst "Advance Australia Fair" was played.  It seems I was not the only one who noticed, as it was addressed in an opinion piece on the NRL website and an article on 9 News.  According to the article, the Australian captain responded when asked about the silence, saying "...he didn’t believe the song represented himself or his family and the lyrics embodied a different message to Indigenous people. It just brings back so many memories from what's happened, and it's something everyone as a group and everyone in Australia needs to, I suppose, get together and work something out.”  This isn't the first time people have been hurt, offended, or at odds with one another, but I was sad nonetheless.  Based on his comments it doesn't seem Walker is against the song, per se, but has unresolved conflict over the past.

I'm relatively new to these fair shores, and do not presume to be an authority on the terrible tragedies suffered by Indigenous Australians.  I do know there is a "National Sorry Day" celebrated annually on 26 May, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008 issued an apology on behalf of the Federal government.  It may be common sentiment among hurting people that "Sorry isn't enough," yet being genuinely sorry is of little benefit when there is no forgiveness.  That is when healing can begin.  I have seen people, though faith in Jesus Christ, forgive and pray for those who have hurt them when the perpetrator isn't sorry - and perhaps still denies all wrongdoing.  By Jesus Christ healing and freedom from inescapable pains of the past can be a lasting result.

Without Jesus, this freedom and capacity for forgiveness is impossible.  Having freely been forgiven by the grace of God, how fitting is it for followers of Jesus to forgive others too.  Matthew 18:21-22 says, "Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" ²² Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."  That's a lot of forgiveness!  God has forgiven us beyond measure, more than anyone could ever do us wrong.  Forgiveness is never easy, but is righteous, good, and a clear step towards healing wounds new and old.  Time does not heal all wounds; the past cannot be undone:  but by God's grace we can forgive and discover abundant life in Christ.

Democratic Musings of C.S. Lewis

I've been reading a compilation of quotes by C.S. Lewis lately and have been enjoying it.  I was especially intrigued by the section on Democracy, and his insights focused through a God-honouring lens are worthy of consideration today.  This is one of my favourites, quoted from an essay written in 1943 titled "Equality":

"I am a democrat because I believe in the Fall of Man.  I think most people are democrats for the opposite reason.  A great deal of democratic enthusiasm descends from the ideas of people like Rousseau, who believed in democracy because they thought mankind so wise and good that everyone deserved a share in the government.  The danger of defending democracy on those grounds is that they're not true...I find that they're not true without looking further than myself.  I don't deserve a share in governing a hen-roost, much less a nation...The real reason for democracy is...Mankind is so fallen that no man can be trusted with unchecked power over his fellows.  Aristotle said that some people were only fit to be slaves.  I do not contradict him.  But I reject slavery because I see no men fit to be masters." (Lewis, C. S., et al. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1990. #326; pages 152-153)

Another notable quote on the subject was gleaned from The Screwtape Letters penned in 1959:

Democracy is the word with which you must lead them by the nose...The feeling I mean is of course that which prompts a man to say "I'm as good as you."

The first and most obvious advantage is that you thus induce him to enthrone at the centre of his life a good, solid resounding lie.  I don't mean merely that his statement is false in fact, that he is not more equal to everyone he meets in kindness, honesty, and good sense than in height or waist-measurement.  I mean that he does not believe it himself.  No man who says, "I'm as good as you" believes it.  He would not say it if he did.  The St. Bernard never says it to the toy dog, nor the scholar to the dunce, nor the employable to the bum, nor the pretty woman to the plain.  The claim to equality, outside the strictly political field, is made only by those who feel themselves to be in some way inferior.  What it expresses is precisely the itching, smarting, writhing awareness of an inferiority which the patient refuses to accept...

Now this useful phenomenon is in itself by no means new.  Under the name of Envy it has been known to the humans for thousands of years.  But hitherto they always regarded it as the most odious, and also the most comical, of vices.  Those who were aware of feeling it felt it with shame; those who were not gave it no quarter in others.  The delightful novelty of the present situation is that you can sanction it - make it respectable and even laudable - by the incantatory use of the word democratic." (Lewis, C. S., et al. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1990. #332; pages 154-155)

I encourage you to find books of believing writers which make you think, for often they arrive at sublime conclusions we would not discover by ourselves.  It is good to read books which dive deeper into subjects than your thoughts natural range which stretch and challenge you to run at breakneck speed to keep up - whilst the author walks at a casual, conversational pace.  The best book of all is the Holy Bible which goes to a supernatural depth no great thinker can adequately plumb, but the truth and applications are revealed by the Holy Spirit to the humble heart and willing mind at all levels of learning.  It is a satisfying feeling to use our brains to consider and weigh concepts as God intended, realising there is much more to thinking than we previously imagined.

Sorrow without Regret

"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. ¹⁰ For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death."

2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Sorrow is common in our human condition.  Grief, heaviness, and even guilt can be beneficial for us and others when godly sorrow leads us to repentance.  The context of the quoted passage is Paul was sad to see the Corinthians sorrowful over their sin, but he was pleased that it provoked a healthy and positive response in them to humbly repent before God.  It is one thing to acknowledge we have done wrong, but another thing entirely to put off the sin moving forward - and actually be joyful to move on in faith.  The lives of Judas and Peter provide illustrations of sorrow in a worldly and godly manner.  Both Judas and Peter fell into sin as do we all, and the way we deal with it will determine the fruit which remains.

There are many similarities between Judas and Peter:  they were both called by Jesus as disciples, followed Him for years, and were both informed they would respectively betray and deny Jesus. After Judas made a covenant with the Jewish rulers to betray Jesus away from the crowds for 30 pieces of silver, he was overcome with guilt for his sin.  Matthew 27:3-5 says, "Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, ⁴ saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!"⁵ Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself."  Judas knew he had done wrong, but the sorrow produced by his sin was not handled in a godly manner:  without repentance before God it produced death.  Instead of humbling himself before God, Judas determined swift justice was what he deserved.  He transgressed further by taking vengeance upon himself without care of God's grace or mercy.

Peter strongly opposed the suggestion he would deny Jesus, yet later that same night he did so three times.  It was only after he did deny Jesus it hit home in Matthew 26:75:  "And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly."  Peter experienced great sorrow due to his sin, and rightly so.  He had denied Jesus the Son of God who was crucified on Calvary.  Clearly Peter had the same opportunity to tie a rope around his neck and leap to his death, but his life revealed a response to sorrow in a godly manner.  After Jesus was risen from the dead, He called out to Peter and his fellow fishermen.  When they brought in a sizeable catch, it dawned on Peter who spoke with them in John 21:7:  "Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea."  Peter did not jump into the sea to swim away from Jesus, but raced to be close to Jesus.  Peter's friendship and fellowship was restored with Jesus that day, and he went on to lead others to salvation through faith in Christ.

Judas and Peter both sorrowed for their own sin, but their responses were totally different.  I am sure they both "beat themselves up" as we also are prone to do when we have done wrong, but followers of Jesus are called to repentance leading to salvation which is not to be regretted.  There is nothing to regret about restoration to friendship with God.  The sorrow of the world, however, always produces death even when a rope is not employed to end it all:  death of fruitfulness, death of a solid witness, death of viable ministry, the death of relationship.  Worldly sorrow is a slow, painful death leading to death we can be delivered from when we rush to Christ in faith and repentance.  Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, and the fact Peter jumped and swam to Jesus was evidence of godly sorrow coupled with genuine love.  May the LORD produce in us this godly sorrow which leads to salvation, not only for us but leading to the salvation of others.

Knowing and Experiencing God

There is a push today to "experience" God, and this is nothing new.  People want to have tangible evidence and experiences which for them confirm the reality of God's existence and power.  Whilst I applaud the desire to seek and know God who has revealed Himself in the world and His Word, the pursuit of religious experiences brings the divine down to the level of a hokey parlour trick.  To know God is to experience Him, and He is more than tingly or warm sensations.

In an old Mythbusters episode, the build team had the goofy idea that ancient people may have used small electrical currents to provide a "religious experience."  The largely western bias that what was believed to be a religious experience could not be supernatural was on full display.  Electric shocks, mind-altering drugs, and superstitions of ignorant people are seen by modern folks as plausible ways people believed they were in contact with God.  Whilst many ignorant and deceived people imagined they had an experience with God and were mistaken, it does not mean God is a sham.  Jesus backed up His claim of being the Way, the Truth, and the Life by rising from the dead and ascending to heaven in the presence of many witnesses.  This experience of Christ's disciples was more than euphoria but a realisation of God's reality and the promise of eternal life made theirs through faith in Jesus.

There is no set formula to receiving a revelation of God like we have to assemble a cabinet purchased at IKEA or following a wiring diagram to connect to electrical current.  In the scriptures we see God reveal Himself in ways which are shocking and surprising:  God spoke to people who loved Him and also to people who hated Him.  His presence was displayed as a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.  Mt. Sinai shook and trembled in smoke when He descended, and also spoke to the prophet Elijah alone with a still, small voice.  He caused barren women to bring forth children, and rendered Zechariah mute until he named his son John.  God caused Mary to conceive as a virgin and bring forth Jesus Christ - that sounds like an unique experience!  The truth is God desires to be known, and those who seek Him will find Him.  He has more than a tingle of the fingers or splintering the sky with a thunderbolt, but love, acceptance, and forgiveness.  He provides abundant life which transcends experience.

One of God's laments in scripture is His people did not know Him.  The nation of Israel worked to follow His Laws but their ignorance of God was revealed by their lives which were bankrupt of His character.  Knowing God transforms people from within.  See what He spoke through the prophet in Jeremiah 9:3-6: "And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me," says the LORD. ⁴ "Everyone take heed to his neighbour, and do not trust any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanderers. ⁵ Everyone will deceive his neighbour, and will not speak the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves to commit iniquity. ⁶ Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know Me," says the LORD."  As people gathered for the feasts, prayed, sang, and offered sacrifices, it was quite the religious experience.  No doubt hair stood on end as the priests shouted praise to God, and what about when fire fell from heaven at the prayer of Solomon and consumed the offering?  God desired more than shivers down and spine, prophesying, and memories, that people would know Him.

Knowledge of God is enjoined through the mind coupled with faith.  I expect many were physically healed by Jesus who wondered how He was able to heal but did not worship Him as God.  There were people who pressed through the crowd to seek Jesus and were healed, and others Jesus came to alone and restored body and soul.  There were people who only heard of what Jesus did and cried out to Him believing, and others who witnessed Him raise a man from the dead sought to kill Him.  The concept of a "religious experience" can be pleasing to the atheist and agnostic, but more than being pleased ourselves we should do what pleases God.  Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."  God was pleased to give people senses, yet His presence transcends feelings, senses, physical healing, and knowledge.  A lot passes for a religious experience today, and our lives are meant to be more than a successive string of them because Jesus is our life.

Fearless Servants

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, yet I wonder how many times the fear of things other than God is what moves us to take action or procrastinate endlessly.  Fear in us is as prevalent of consciousness as the aftermath of Adam and Eve's sin reveals.  After they sinned they hurriedly covered their nakedness under fig leaves because they were afraid to be exposed before God.  It seems they were not afraid of death at that stage because it was foreign to them, but their failure prompted them to cave to fear.

Last night I read the parable of the talents and the servants Jesus shared in Matthew 25.  Before going on a long journey, a master gave a significant sum to his servants each according to their ability.  Upon his return the good and faithful servants were pleased to reveal they had doubled the money provided them through trading.  There was one servant, however, who chose to dig a hole and bury the talent in the ground instead of utilising it for profit.

Upon examination by his master Matthew 25:24-25 reads, "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'"  What struck me as I read this is it was fear which prompted the servant to bury the talent in the ground.  Then I wondered about what exactly he was afraid of?  It could have been a number of things I can identify with:  fear of failure, fear of not being as successful as the other servants, fear of making mistakes, fear of having to give away what he worked for, fear of responsibility, fear of wasted effort, and on the potential list goes.

What was the basis of the servant's fear?  One of the root causes was a lack of faith in the wisdom of his master.  The master gave to each servant according to his ability, and it seems the servant who received a talent (a Roman talent was about 32 kilos in weight - that's a lot of gold or silver!) did not trust his master's estimation of his abilities.  In his mind it was better to hand back to his master what was already his than risking failure and displeasing his master.  But his disobedience through inaction due to fear led to him doing exactly that. Matthew 25:26-27 says, "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. ²⁷ So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest."  It was a lot of work to dig a hole and bury the talent in the ground, but it was the wrong sort of work:  the wicked servant dug a hole for himself out of fear from which he would never be free.

It is confronting to consider the riches God has given us through Christ Jesus and the meagre amount of increase due to my poor efforts.  God has filled us with the Holy Spirit and gifted each of us according to God's perfect will.  We must choose if we will let fear of failure due to unbelief or fear in God direct our steps as we seek God's glory.  Instead of being afraid we won't measure up, consider how God knows us and has promised to help us live a life that pleases God.  We trust God for our eternal salvation, so shouldn't we trust him to guide and empower us today?  All the servants in the parable had something in common:  without the talents given them by the master they had nothing, yet through his gracious provision they could make fruitful choices.  May the love of Jesus Christ for us dissolve all fears and doubts so we might live as God's good and faithful servants who are without fear.

The Dream of Redemption

I have a confession to make:  I'm not a big Elvis fan.  I have nothing against the late-great entertainer, but as a kid his music was played primarily on the "oldies" radio stations, the music my aunts and uncles blasted at family gatherings.  I appreciate his musical and singing talent, but admittedly I was never into his music.  Because I never owned one of his countless albums, there are a lot of songs I am unfamiliar with - like his famous "If I Can Dream."

I was driving and listening to ABC Radio recently and "If I Can Dream" was performed by Elvis with great passion and conviction.  I listened to the lyrics and was surprised by the shocking theology (or lack thereof):  "We're lost in a cloud with too much rain; we're trapped in a world that's troubled with pain. But as long as a man has the strength to dream he can redeem his soul and fly..."  What?  I was incredulous at the suggestion.  After arriving home I checked out the lyrics online to ensure I indeed heard correctly - that a man's strength to dream enables him to redeem his soul?  Where did that idea come from?  Not from the Bible - which is the only authority on the redemption of souls.

Man is no more capable of redeeming himself than he is able to conceive himself without mother or father.  Then there is the problem of sin as Proverbs 20:9 says:  "Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin"?"  If we cannot wash ourselves from the guilt of sin, how can we redeem ourselves from it?  God redeemed the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt with His mighty power as a gaal or kinsman redeemer.  Moses sang of the LORD's deliverance in Exodus 15:13: "You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation."  Men talk of "redeeming themselves" but it is a broken cliche, for the redemption of souls is solely God's sovereign work by His grace.

Peter spoke to disciples of Jesus and explained how they were redeemed by the blood of Jesus in 1 Peter 1:18-21:  "...knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. ²⁰ He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you ²¹ who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."  The right of redemption was reserved for a near-kinsman as Boaz was to Ruth, and Jesus Christ is the only One worthy among men whose blood is acceptable as the Lamb of God without blemish.  No amount of money, gold, silver, good works, or dreaming is able to redeem our souls from death:  redeeming us from the curse of the Law and granting us all the blessings of God.  Jesus alone can redeem, and to say anyone or anything else can is abominable blasphemy.

Man cannot fly unassisted, and he also cannot redeem his own soul - despite his grandest dreams.  The hope of redemption will remain a dream, a fantasy forever elusive without placing faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour.  This world remains in darkness and is inhabited by countless people who are lost, but Jesus is the Redeemer.  God can use being lost, trouble, and pain to draw us near to Himself.  Jesus went through excruciating pain to redeem our souls and grant us eternal life.  The prophet spoke the truth concerning the Messiah Jesus Christ in Isaiah 53:4-5:  "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. ⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

We're All Gonna Die! :)

Los Angeles Rams lineman Andrew Whitworth raised some eyebrows when he spoke candidly with reporters after his team lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots:  "At the end of the day, you're all gonna die."  Death has a way of re-centring our perspective on what matters most.  It is a rare accomplishment to be part of a team which has earned the right to compete on a global stage, but win or lose no one can shed or wisely ignore their own mortality.  This is the natural conclusion King Solomon came to in Ecclesiastes 3:18-20:  "I said in my heart, "Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals." ¹⁹ For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. ²⁰ All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust."

Men are not animals - even if we choose to live like them - because God has created man in His own image.  God has put eternity in our hearts and also the ability to reason and communicate verbally as Andrew Whitworth did.  Knowing death is inevitable is one thing, but facing it with joy and peace is another thing.  I am grateful Jesus has conquered death and all who trust in Him need never fear death:  for disciples of Jesus it is not only an end but a glorious new beginning.  I am having a minor surgery Friday, and I am glad to say I am prepared to God-willing preach this coming Sunday or I have (unknown to me!) already delivered my final sermon.  It was a gnawing fear of death which convinced John Wesley he was not actually born again - despite his travelling to America as a missionary and his clean living.  What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

At the end of the day - and at a time we likely will not expect or predict - we're all going to die.  This knowledge will impact the way we live and is a healthy perspective to maintain.  Believers in Jesus have already died, and our life is hid in Christ because He is our life.  Colossians 3:1-4 says, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."  Praise the LORD for eternal life and the glorious future which is ours in Christ!

Nevertheless Obedience

"When He [Jesus] had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." ⁵ But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."

Luke 5:4-5

Peter and his fellow fisherman had toiled all night long for a catch and caught nothing.  These men were not casual fishermen who knew little but were seasoned professionals who knew the best times, the location of secret spots, and owned quality equipment to ensure success.  Over and over they cast out their nets only to pull them in completely empty.  Under the cover of darkness they moved the boat and tried again.  Empty.  Finally after fishing all night, they called it quits and headed back to shore to clean up.  They worked to wash the nets of debris and weeds which were caught in the net.  Then Jesus arrived at the water's edge and taught the people from Peter's boat.

After Jesus preached, He bid Peter to launch out and lower the nets for a catch.  Under normal circumstances, Peter wouldn't have bothered.  If he had been unsuccessful all night, how could the bright and hot conditions improve his chances?  Simon Peter reluctantly (but wisely!) answered after toiling all night and catching nothing, "Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."  Luke 5:6-7 describes what happened after Peter and his fishing buddies obeyed:  "And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷ So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink."  The primary lesson from this portion is not to make fishing in the heat of the day the pattern for success and fruitfulness, but to obey Jesus because He is the LORD.

A lot of what passes for Christian ministry consists of following programs and patterns which have been successful in the past.  How important it is to be led by Jesus as we minister unto Him!  Sometimes Jesus will have us do something which seems unlikely to be practical, effective, or fruitful, but because He directed us obedience to Him makes all the difference.  The children of Israel were commanded to daily circle Jericho silently, and on the seventh day make seven circuits around the city and shout:  it was not until they were completely obedient God wrought a great victory.  Naaman the Syrian was directed to dip seven times in the Jordan, and it was not until he rose the seventh time from the water he was healed of his leprosy.  Doing what Jesus asked seemed an exercise in futility, but it was an opportunity to exercise faith in Jesus - and for Jesus to prove His divine power and grace.

Are you willing to exercise "nevertheless" obedience - to do something where there seems little to no chance of success based on past experience - just because Jesus told you to?  When we obey God's Word as led by the Holy Spirit, God graciously moves in wonderful and miraculous ways.  We are not called to "hope for the best" or to "try and try again" but to trust and obey Jesus.  Wine was needed, and when Jesus directed the servants to fill large pots with water his mother Mary wisely said, "Whatever He says, do it."  That water was miraculously changed into the finest wine.  Those servants had likely filled plenty of pots in their day, but being directed by Jesus made the difference.  What would He have you do today?

Where's the Love?

Whilst ironing shirts yesterday I multi-tasked watching the science-fiction classic produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick:  2001: A Space Odyssey.  It is by modern sensibilities an incredibly slow film - I mean, who ever heard of beginning a movie with minutes of black screen?  Hearing the score took me back to when I took "music listening" in university (amazing, I know) and being introduced to "Also Sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss.

During this viewing I was struck with the "Dawn of Man" segment of the film.  Image after image shows a desolate, barren land.  Birds are heard and people dressed as primates portrays man's predecessors loosely according to Darwinian evolution.  I wonder if the writers of the film ever read G.K. Chesterton's book The Everlasting Man...but I digress.  These squatting, grunting, primates, fiercely protective of the scrubby plants they claimed, are supposedly our bone-swinging ancestors.  They had the sense, developed over time, to notice and take interest in a black obelisk which suddenly appeared near their cave.  I am amazed the fact all manner of life teems on this planet does not provoke the curiosity and awe today of sensible human beings.  We are a living, breathing, thinking type of obelisk created and planted on earth in the image of the God who created us, evidence we have been made by an all-powerful and intelligent being who speaks, hears, knows, and loves.

Yes, that is right:  loves.  In the film the savage primates hoot, shriek, gnaw, and kill - and man's violent tendencies and selfishness does not improve with time.  Man created computers who malfunctioned and killed, and man bent on self-preservation shut down all threats.  A purely naturalistic explanation of origins cannot explain how love arose from those violent savages who brutalised one another to the death in primitive turf battles.  The evolutionary worldview absolutely deifies and celebrates death, for it is the only path towards advancement.  And the film (honest men too) struggle under the weight there must be something or someone greater and more advanced than man to help the process along from time to time:  benevolent but distant; unknown to men but longed for; dangerous but to be pursued at great cost.

In the film scientists and doctors travelled great distances through space to examine evidence of extraterrestrial life, and the irony is God has revealed Himself in the Bible as transcendent of all space and time. His glory fills the heavens and reaches far beyond life on the earth, yet man largely remains unmoved at the revelation.  We search the heavens for evidence of life but we think very little of the life all around us.  In the film primate shouted in fear and shock at the unnatural black obelisk planted in barren soil and we blindly assume life on earth must have occurred without a thought.  Romans 1:20-23 speaks the truth exquisitely:  "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."

Man has done amazing feats on land, under water, and in space - and not without help.  God has graciously helped us to live, think, know, and discover a great many things about this world He has made, and yet He remains to many unknown, unwanted, and unnecessary.  We deserve to be regarded as such in the light of God's glory, but He loves us with an everlasting love which reaches back before the heavens and earth were created.  When we glorify and acknowledge God for who He is we begin to lay hold of His wisdom and experience His love.  There is an irreconcilable difference between all other living creatures on earth and mankind, for God has made us in His image with a moral conscience, a will beyond instinct, and knowledge.  Jesus, the everlasting man of whom G.K. Chesterton and the Bible speaks, is irreconcilably beyond mortal men as God made flesh.  He is the source of all life, and He gives everlasting life to all who trust in Him as LORD and Saviour.  How good it is to be loved by Him!

Erring in All

God has purposes He will accomplish in countless ways.  One of these was a surprise to me:  the seemingly incompetence of government.  I am not suggesting decisions which are proved inept or foolish have God as a cause, but there is often a correlation between rebelling against God and people being afraid, confused, perverse, deluded, and deceived.

See what God said concerning Egypt before the Babylonians defeated Assyria and Egypt in Isaiah 19:12-14:  "Where are they? Where are your wise men? Let them tell you now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt. ¹³ The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also deluded Egypt, those who are the mainstay of its tribes. ¹⁴ The LORD has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst; and they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit."  This is not a pretty picture.  God determined to mingle and perverse spirit in Egypt, and "they" caused Egypt to "err in all her work."

Remarkable how God brought the folly of nations and rulers upon their own heads!  They would not fear God, so they would fear enemies who were mightier than they.  A drunken man staggering in his vomit is a horrendous simile of the ineptitude of the governors and advisers because of the mingled spirits in their midst.  How dependant this fate should make God's people upon Him - though we live in nations filled with confusion, perversion, and deception.  A drunk man struggles to remain alert and even balance to stand, and pride brings the same result upon perfectly sane people today.  Intoxicated with wealth, fame, and power, confusion and ineptitude reign.

How this brings to life the spiritual forces at work in the world today as spoken by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-12:  "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."  It is easy to point fingers at politicians, but who can oppose the perverse spirits of wickedness in the world without Jesus Christ?  He is the One who gives the Holy Spirit to guard, empower, and help believers.  Without God we would be completely without wisdom or discernment in the most basic details.

Praise the LORD He is good and His mercy endures forever!  There is hope for the nations and people today - not in better legislation, policies, or programs - but through the fear of God and obedience to Him.  It is not against flesh and blood we wrestle, but often against powers we cannot recognise without God's aid.  Without the wisdom and strength of God we too would err in all.  Only God provides the defence we need, the ability to walk in victory, and the light of His wisdom, love, and grace.

The Burning Question

It's both curious and tragic to me how people allow questions to hinder them heeding and receiving the truth God has revealed in His Word.  It seems people imagine it is feasible, in exchange for a pledge of loyalty or belief (as if they are doing God a favour), that God satisfy their demands according to their ignorance.  I don't want to be sharp and cutting, but I will be blunt:  do not allow what you do not or cannot know blind you to God's proclaimed truth.  Often we ask the wrong questions anyway.

As I was doing yard work this morning, it occurred to me the variety of questions people pose now vary, but every soul damned to hell for their sin will have one burning question:  why didn't I believe Jesus when I had the chance?  One of the great torments of hell is intense, nagging regret in light of God's reality and the knowledge of salvation was freely offered to you during your life on earth.  The cautionary tale Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus shows by the statements of the rich man in torment that he remembered his brothers; he remembered the luxuries of his old life.  Whilst the rich man was tormented, Lazarus was comforted.

We all have regrets - things we wish we had done or said differently.  Memories of past failures can be beneficial as they remind us to do better in the future.  However, this luxury of "doing better in the future" is not be extended to those who burn in the lake of fire:  their doomed future is sealed by their own sin, unbelief, and refusal of the Gospel.  During their life they preferred darkness over the Light of the World Jesus Christ, and so into outer darkness they will be cast forever into an ocean of inescapable regret.  I do not know that people will blame God or even the devil for their plight, for in their inmost being their conscience will acknowledge in the light of God's revealed glory they alone are to blame.  The self-loathing people experience today will be nothing compared to their future in hell.  The question, "Why, why, why didn't I listen?" will burn in the souls and minds of the damned as long as hellfire does.  For all eternity, in light of what will be revealed, a satisfactory answer will never be found.

There is hope for those who will come to Jesus today in repentance and faith.  The unceasing torment of hell can be exchanged for the comfort, joy, and peace of the presence of God through the price beyond measure Jesus Christ paid on Calvary.  This is the Gospel truth all can enter into by God's grace through faith.  Cling to your questions if you like, but they cannot save you.  Even if God should rend the heavens and answer your questions, I expect His words would not satisfy - not being mixed with faith in you.  Are you willing to come to Jesus that you might be saved?  He does not need you, but if you will be saved from yourself you must relinquish all to Him.  Instead of hiding behind vain questions, why don't you trust Jesus?