Peace be Unto You

God's Word has the miraculous ability to sustain believers in trials.  There is no shortage of unwelcome and troubling news we receive, but a word from God draws our eyes to consider Him.  God knows what we need even before we ask, and He also knows exactly what we need to hear so we can say with the faithful, "I have been greatly helped."

Yesterday in the morning I read through John chapter 20 after Jesus rose from the dead.  Twice in the chapter Jesus addressed disciples who were afraid and did not believe, "Peace be unto you."  What a gracious, compassionate, and merciful thing to say!  They did not earn the right to experience this peace nor were they qualified by their courage.  They had fled from the presence of Jesus during His arrest and Peter denied even knowing Jesus.  Jesus kept the promise made previously in John 14:27 despite their folly:  "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

God's peace is always for us, graciously provided for our benefit.  To experience the peace of God which passes understanding faith in Jesus Christ is required.  Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  As we lay aside worries and cast our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us the peace of God guards our hearts and minds.  Our feet are shod with the "preparation of the Gospel of peace" though the indwelling Holy Spirit, even as shoes protect bare feet from sharp or hot surfaces.  The Gospel gives us traction to stand.  Jesus has declared "Peace be unto you," and the wise walk in it.

David wrote in Psalm 28:6-7, "Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! ⁷ The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him."  Recalling and receiving the words of Jesus personally when He said, "Peace be unto you" has carried me along throughout the day.  He didn't just say this to anyone but to the fearful, weak, confused, and overwhelmed--to people who followed Jesus who are a lot like me.  If God be for us, who can be against us?

Feeling Secure?

"And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure."

Judges 8:11

People these days go to great lengths to ensure the security of their homes, possessions, and identities.  Layers of identification help online banking and shopping transactions maintain high levels of safety and security.  For this reason it seems ironic Gideon was able to smite the host who encamped east of Nobah and Jogbehah when the scripture says, "...for the host was secure."  The NKJV sheds light on the situation:  "Then Gideon went up by the road of those who dwell in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah; and he attacked the army while the camp felt secure." (emphasis mine)  Shaved Samson who said, "I will arise as at other times and free myself" and did not know the Holy Spirit had left him, faith in self--instead of God alone--makes us complacent and vulnerable.

Being secure and feeling secure are two different things.  Personally there is no tent that makes me feel secure, a thin wall of canvas or nylon separating me from the elements and wild animals.  This feeling of security made them vulnerable to attack.  Because they felt secure perhaps they weren't vigilant to keep watch at all hours, have their weapons at the ready, or devise a battle plan.  This passage provides insight into how our possessions or position in this world can lull us into a false sense of security:  a profitable career, sound health and mind, investments, and money in the bank can cause our faith in God to drift.  Since we feel secure with what the world can provide, what daily need do we have for God?

Jesus spoke a parable about the danger of covetousness in Luke 12:16-21:  "Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' ¹⁸  So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." ' ²⁰ But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' ²¹ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."  The rich man in the parable had an abundance of food and possessions and felt secure concerning his future.  But in reality he was vulnerable because he had poverty of soul towards God.  He felt secure but did not realise that night God would require his soul.

Genuine fellowship with other believers in the reading and teaching of God's Word keeps us sharp and fit for our Master's use.  The rust of complacency which quickly forms on our faith in God often requires the friction of trials and difficulties to remove.  We need to feel insecure so we will seek God and cry out to Him for protection, provision, and help.  It is ironic much of our labours in this world is to provide feelings of security and independence which hinder a close walk with Jesus.  Praise the LORD as Proverbs 27:17 relationships with God and godly people works to prepare us to face unforeseen conflicts:  "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."  Only God provides security in this life and for all eternity.  Leaning on our own understanding brings false security, but all who place their faith in God can rest assured of His presence and provision for all things.

The Best Gift

There is something universally believed which is a big lie:  there is something on this planet which will provide enduring happiness.  The world and our flesh constantly reinforce the fantasy if our circumstances were different (and better!) we could be satisfied and at rest.  What people forget or are ignorant of is we live on an earth cursed with the consequences of sin.  The only true good news we could receive must come from beyond this world.

We are thirsty for good news and look everywhere to find it.  Like a person in pitch darkness trying to see beyond their nose, we strain to hear good news.  But the thing is, even when we do find welcome news it never lasts because nothing on earth does:  new things grow old, innovations become obsolete, every marriage will someday end, and good health always ends in death.  Seriously, think about it.  "All is vanity and grasping for the wind," said King Solomon after doing everything the richest man on the planet could do.  Solomon had fame, power, riches, and women.  He threw himself into building projects, religion, revelry, music, the arts, sex, alcohol, exotic collections, and possessions.  He sat on his ivory throne covered in gold and thought to himself, "Someday I'm not going to be here to enjoy the wealth and prosperity of this kingdom.  It's going to pass to others who won't appreciate it or even know my name."  And he was right.

Our hopes as human beings are firmly set in believing our circumstances are bound to change for the better:  if we work hard, when we acquire or make our first million, buy a house, have a romantic relationship, have a family and children we will have this feeling of inner peace and satisfaction.  We will have "made it," whatever that means.  But unlike dark clouds that have a silver edge, a positive to draw out of even the worst situation, in everything we long to obtain there are sinister, unseen, and painful heartaches we never counted on.  We like the idea of being famous and acknowledged for excellence, but few consider what it is like to not be able to go to the shops without being mugged for pictures or autographs.  People dream of winning the lottery but don't figure on people they love scheming to rob them of it.  And we are rarely satisfied:  like tattoos, plastic surgery begets more.  No one imagines they will experience complications or death for a common procedure or dentist visit, but it happens.

Into a world of dark hopelessness God in His mercy and grace sent the Light of the World.  We would have been temporarily happy with far less than this truly good news.  We would be ecstatic to hear a civil war ceased (that can start again) or a marriage has been restored (which will certainly one day end) or a health scare has been averted (which for us mortals is at best temporary).  God entered a world bound by time as a human being in the person of Jesus Christ to provide eternal life and hope for all who repent and trust in Him.  We can be adopted into the forever family of God when we respond to His call by being born again.  The hope Jesus brings is not like a carrot dangling in front of us--always out of reach that we cannot receive until our pilgrimage on earth is over--but is ours today and always!  Because of our weak frame and forgetfulness our affections and desires can drift from Jesus Christ, and then we begin to drown in a morass of cares, worries, and dissatisfaction.

About 2,000 years ago, the Messiah Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, wrapped in linen strips, and laid in a feeding trough for animals.  Into a hopeless and cursed world a Saviour was sent to seek and save the lost.  Birthday and Christmas gifts we receive will lose their shine and break, but the love of God demonstrated through Christ's life and sacrificial death for us continues regardless of our possessions or circumstances.  We will experience tough times and fiery trials, but our risen and living LORD Jesus Christ is with us every step as we follow Him forever.  Better than eternal life itself, Jesus truly is the best gift ever given.

Receiving God's Love

I think I can remember the first video game I ever played:  a Mattel "football" game which required a 9-volt battery.  There were no graphics or pictures but a red light which could be directed and controlled by the player.  Since the early days of Apple IIe computers and Atari consoles, gaming has exploded as an industry offering entertainment, online interaction, and competition.  Over the years gaming with my sons has been a hobby I quite enjoy.

The online game I play has a chat feed which I keep during rounds.  I have learned one of the great compliments in the gaming arena is when someone actually bothers to type your name in the chat.  Being accused of hacking is one of the better back-handed compliments--that is, when you are playing fair.  If someone mentions one of our names we will say something to one another like, "You're getting some love on the chat" and it makes for amusing and friendly conversation.  When you are one player being picked on by the other team out of 20 options or your reputation has preceded you, it is a rare reward.

Genuine love can be shown through compliments or criticism, and responding in love to harshness is a fruit of the Spirit.  At this time of year when we remember and celebrate the coming of Jesus to seek and save sinners, we must also consider the life Jesus lived and what He accomplished. Romans 5:8 says of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Jesus called out to all people--not just His countrymen, family, wealthy, or respected--but to the unworthy, weak, and flawed.  He gave all His love to every single person regardless of ethnicity, age, or political leaning.  His entire life was spent in this loving, sacrificial manner for the glory of God.  He gave Himself like no one ever could.

People gauge the success or merriment of Christmas based upon what they "get," but having received Jesus Christ by faith we have all.  Through Christ we can be transformed to living springs of water that refresh thirsty souls because the life of Jesus is ours.  God has given us all things richly to enjoy, yet we need Him to thoroughly enjoy anything.  It is more blessed to give than to receive, and the only way this can be accomplished in us is to receive Jesus who loves us completely.  The love of Jesus Christ is infinitely greater and enduring than any other love in this world.

The Loving Delay

God's love is demonstrated in most unexpected ways.  When Lazarus was deathly ill, his sisters Mary and Martha sent an urgent message to Jesus to alert Him.  Moved by faith, they knew Jesus had the ability to miraculously heal Lazarus and prevent his death.  John 11:4-6 reads, "When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." ⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was."  The writer John explained because Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, He did not immediately drop everything and depart.  He waited two days before leaving for Bethany knowing by the time they arrived Lazarus would have been dead four days.  Pause for a moment to allow this to sink in.

So often people can imagine what God's love looks like--I know I do.  Since God loves people and nothing is hard for Him, why doesn't He simply do what we ask Him in a reasonable amount of time?  One answer to this question is because His love is greater than us and our apparent needs.  John 11:14-15 shows Jesus was not caught off guard by the severity of the illness of Lazarus and addressing His disciples, "Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. ¹⁵ And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."  Jesus was speaking to His faithful followers, not strangers on the street.  There was still additional faith they needed, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead would be a powerful display of His power and love that would save souls from eternal death.

When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Martha and Mary both lamented the fact Jesus had not arrived sooner because after their brother died all hope for his healing was lost.  But notice what Jesus audibly prayed after the stench of death filled the nostrils of onlookers in John 11:41-44:  "Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. ⁴² And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." ⁴³ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" ⁴⁴ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."  Seeing dead Lazarus rise caused many people to believe Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.  In allowing Lazarus to die there was opportunity for God to demonstrate His love for the living and the dead, for Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

There are times when we have prayed urgently for God to act and nothing seems to change--perhaps things only grew worse!  A sick brother is better than a dead one, right?  But Jesus knew exactly what Lazarus and his sisters were experiencing, what He would do, and the ultimate glorification of God.  Four days for us may last for four decades, but let us never lose heart in God, His power, plans, and His amazing ability to redeem for good.  Paul who was shipwrecked, beaten, flogged, stoned and left for dead for following Jesus wrote in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Paul knew this, as well as Lazarus and many others to this day.  May the knowledge of God's redemptive work Paul spoke of and Jesus demonstrated in John 11 trump our imaginations of what we think God ought to do.

Drones and Distance

The way humans engage in conflict with others has changed over the years, though people haven't changed.  The first reference of human conflict with one another in the history of the world was when Cain struck and killed his brother Abel in a field.  We do not know if Cain wielded a weapon, but it is clear he purposely murdered his brother.  The blood of Abel cried out to God in heaven for divine retribution.

It used to be warring people met their enemy in hand-to-hand combat, using weapons like swords and knives crafted to inflict injury on others.  There have been strategic advances involving fortresses, reinforced gates, shields and armor.  Horses and chariots were utilised to effectively pursue and overwhelm foot soldiers.  Arrows were designed to inflict injuries from afar, and in more recent times catapults were employed.  Whilst physical combat has continued in the fighting ring for sport or in the street for honour, the rise of the firearm changed the scope of warfare.  No longer did a man need to physically grapple with his opponent, hear his voice, or see the whites of his eyes:  from hundreds and thousands of metres away he could be instantly shot dead.  Guerrilla tactics have perfected the concealment of mines and hidden explosives with brutal effect.

In the 17th through 19th centuries in the U.S. offended gentlemen challenged one another to duels, facing off with sword or pistol.  Concerning pistol duels there were rules to be observed like the colour of clothing worn, the distance they were to stand apart, and the amount of shots which could be fired (more than 3 was considered barbaric).  Over the years the ball and musket were replaced by revolvers and magazines; one shot bolt action rifles were made semi-auto and fully automatic to spray bullets faster.  There has been a rapid escalation in the last century in every aspect of warfare.  Nations are engaged in a global race to design killing machines that are faster, stronger, and more powerful:  tanks, aircraft carriers, jet fighters, missiles guided by computers and satellites, nuclear bombs, drones, sonic weapons and even railguns.

The drone translates well to modern sensibilities concerning conflict with comparatively low cost and low personal risk.  An attacker can fly reconnaissance and attack missions remotely from the comfort of an air-conditioned office a world away in a secret and secure location without any risk of being shot or captured.  Heat signatures allow the drones to expose people hiding in pitch darkness.  Drones can deploy missiles which lock onto a location and destroy targets without the one deploying the missile personally seeing or experiencing the horrors of war firsthand.  The victims of drone attacks are the ones who deal with the carnage, pain, and fallout.  It is their family members who have been killed, and their homes that have been destroyed.

I write this not to criticise modern warfare or technology but to use drone attacks as an analogy for the way people approach conflict with social media.  From a secure location, behind the safety of a screen, people can create or escalate conflict without any idea of the damage they are doing or have done to others.  The smell of gunpowder or burning flesh may not fill the air, but with precision missiles are deployed with unloving comments and posts--not to love and edify others--but to humiliate or provoke reactions.  Words can be weaponised to a point, sharpened to inflict maximum damage on others with no real intellectual engagement at all.  Many online interactions fall into the two categories of provocative or reactive from defensive, entrenched positions.  Instead of grappling in a gymnasium with another human being for exercise, debating with friends over dinner at the pub, or simply stopping to listen and consider implications of our claims, we are inclined to allow the drone of social media to carry the payload to obliterate opposition with self-satisfaction.

When we are led by the Holy Spirit, the love of Jesus enables us to navigate the minefield of political and personal posts without harshness, bragging, or gloating.  Secure in our relationship with God and armed with the truth of scripture, we will not give way to the urge to skewer others with the "truth."  What once made us angry and lash out produces grief we take to God in prayer.  No longer is our chief aim to prove we're right and others are wrong but to humbly examine ourselves and walk in light of the Gospel.  If someone does offend us, we ought to first forgive them and then see if our response is of the flesh or the Holy Spirit:  our motive to reach out privately or block them will reveal the truth.  It may be necessary to do what Jesus said in Matthew 18:15:  "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother."  Instead of dropping bombs from afar, we ought to draw near with a hug and handshake.  Even after all these years Proverbs 15:1 has remained true:  "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  When provoked it requires the strength of God to submit to speak softly--if at all.

Broken is Better

I was reminded recently of the refrain of the hit by the British band Yes that goes, "Owner of a lonely heart, (much better than an) owner of a broken heart."  The song is certainly catchy, but I don't know I ever bothered to consider if this assertion is true when I sang along.  Beauty and often truth these days is determined by personal perspective, but looking at this through a biblical lens provides insight and clarity to crushed feelings we all experience in this life.

God created man needy and for relationship with Him and other people.  Feelings of loneliness can plague people who know and trust God as well as those who enjoy meaningful relationships.  Loneliness can be exacerbated by unhealthy self-focus.  The feelings of being alone (and varying degrees of isolation) can be fleeting or chronic depending on more factors than I can suggest.  The point I feel inclined to consider is no heart created by the living God needs to settle for perpetual loneliness when God has revealed Himself, spoken to us, and abides in us.  A prisoner in solitary confinement can be enraptured in communion and fellowship with God because of the intimate relationship God has offered all who trust Him.  A constant in the life of human beings is potential for rapid changes of feelings and mood like cities that can experience all seasons in a day:  the bright happiness and new growth of spring, fierce thunderclaps of summer with oppressive humidity from which is there is no escape, autumn's chill with cutting wind that bends trees which groan, and the depressing freeze and solitary deadness of winter.

In spite of frightful weather, even in winter the warmth and brightness of a burning hearth can be enjoyed for those who gather wood and stoke the flames.  This is where the broken heart comes in.  Like the song implies, no one wants their heart to be broken.  It is a sorrowful, painful, and depressing prospect.  God is able to heal and restore broken hearts presented humbly to Him and these desperate, hopeless feelings can be the very thing which causes us to seek God at all.  A broken heart makes us feel weak, helpless, and hopeless, but this is the arena where God is uniquely poised to joyfully work His wonders.  David wrote in Psalm 51:15-17, "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. ¹⁶ For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. ¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart--these, O God, You will not despise."  As long as we remain under the illusion we are strong and sufficient to handle the griefs and difficulties of life we will not seek wholeness only God can bring.

In a synagogue in Nazareth Jesus Christ opened the scroll of Isaiah.  Luke 4:18 records some of the words Jesus read to His hearers, words He fulfilled that day in their presence:  "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed..."  Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit and sent to preach the Gospel, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, recover sight of the blind, and set free the oppressed.  After Jesus miraculously gave sight to a man born blind, Pharisees asked him, "Are we also blind?"  John 9:41 reads, "Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains."  Jesus was able to open the eyes of a man born blind and was also able to forgive sins.  Since these skeptics did not believe in Christ and self-righteously justified themselves as without need to repent their sin remained.  IF they would admit their blindness moved by faith in Jesus, if they would admit their sin and need for forgiveness, Jesus would give them sight and set them free from the oppression of sin.  But since they would not admit their need they remained blind and broken.  The same principle applies with broken hearts:  God will not heal hearts people refuse to admit are broken.

It is good to own our hearts are broken and present ourselves to Jesus Christ as our Healer and Saviour.  His mighty deeds culminating in His resurrection proves He accomplished what God sent Him to do:  He preached the Gospel, opened the eyes of the blind, and healed broken hearts.  A broken heart healed and made new by the grace of God through faith in Jesus need never be lonely, for Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to comfort and help us.  Jesus has promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and all are blessed who seek and look to Him as LORD.  Having been purchased at great cost to God, He becomes our Owner who gives us a new heart and mind.  Feelings come and go, but those who abide in Christ will find themselves miraculously sustained.  Better to have a broken heart and come to Jesus and be healed than to resign to loneliness without hope.  For this reason the broken heart, strange as it may seem, is better.

Affections like Ivy

In the waiting room of a local doctor's office there is a small cabinet filled with books supplied by a local book club.  A sign encourages people to take, exchange, or donate books so others can read and enjoy them.  As I was waiting a classic book I never read caught my eye:  Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.  I flipped to the beginning of the story and was greeted by a gem of a simile on the first page:  "His friends were those of his own blood, or those whom he had known the longest; his affections, like ivy, were the growth of time, they implied no aptness in the object." (Stevenson, Robert Louis, and Jenni Calder. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: and Other Stories. Penguin Books, 1979, page 29.)

Comparing the affections of Mr. Utterson to the growth of ivy provides great insight into the man.  Ivy does not discriminate:  it will climb on a brick wall, a fence, or up the trunk of great trees to soak up as much sunshine as possible.  Though the pace of growth differs on the variety, over time vines can choke out other plants.  The point the author made is the lawyer Utterson grew to appreciate the company of many sorts of people over time.  The proximity of a person and the amount of time they spent together provoked a loyalty towards them regardless if their influence was beneficial or a detriment.  His affections grew like ivy and covered their cracks.

As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to love one another.  It is not the passage of time which is to order our affections but the love of God freely given to us by grace.  1 Peter 4:8 exhorts believers, "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."  If we say we love God, we ought to love one another.  At the same time we must take to heart 1 Corinthians 15:33 that warns, "Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."  There may be people we have known all our lives or are family relations who have no desire to please God.  Even as Utterson's affections did not depend on the "aptness in the object," we are to love those who seem unworthy.  Jesus taught in Matthew 5:43-45, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 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, ⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

Over time may our godly affections grow beyond human desire or longing that is often plagued with selfishness and insecurity.  The love God calls us to walk in and express is transcends natural affections of a mother for her child or a husband for his spouse:  it is selfless, giving, and sacrificial.  God's love is far more durable and resilient than the heartiest ivy, springing back to life when hacked away even by violent hatred.  Jesus prayed with nails in hands and feet, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."  The life of Jesus Christ provides the foundation and structure of what love looks like, and the fruit of the Spirit is love.  May we be fruitful to keep loving like Him!

Teachable and Blessing

Consideration of the immediate context is important in Bible study as well as acknowledging what other Bible passages say on the same subject.  It is possible to exaggerate an interpretation or application of scripture when different verses are not weighed against one another.  Undue emphasis on a particular point has ironically led to error and misrepresentation of the facts by students of the Word.  While none of us (and me especially!) claim to understand all things, as we humbly seek the LORD in the study of His Word we remain on guard against falling into this trap.

An example of this can be shown in the words of Jesus in Matthew 21:22:  "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."  If we were to camp on this verse alone without considering other scriptures it seems Christians have the power in prayer to obtain whatever we want.  If we believe we will receive what we ask for, we will receive--after all, Jesus Himself gave us this promise!  When we don't immediately receive our requests it is obviously (based on the unfailing Word of God) because we have not sufficiently believed a mountain can be removed into the sea.  I am jesting but the results of this misguided approach to scripture interpretation is not funny at all.  This scripture ought to be weighed and compared against other times Jesus prayed or other scriptures which teach on the subject.

Because of the breadth of the subject of prayer I will merely point out a few passages as examples.  There are passages which emphasise our need to pray and continue praying, like the present continuous tenses of the Greek verbs used in Matthew 7:7:  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."  Instead of viewing prayer as a means to our ends, we pray to our Father in heaven in submission to His will.  Jesus did not make demands of the Father based on His "authority" but prayed in the Garden, "Not my will but yours be done."  Also it is written in 1 John 5:14-15:  "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."  Our confidence is not in our prayers but in the God who has revealed His will and enables us to perform it.  James tells us it is possible not to receive what we seek because we have prayed with selfish motives as James 4:3:  "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."  You get the picture.  These verses shed additional light on the subject of the prayer and provide a balanced perspective.  When we magnify one verse beyond the others it is like focusing the light of the sun through a glass which blinds us to the rest.

How blessed are those who read the scriptures with a teachable spirit, willing to receive the truth of one scripture which seems to contrast our established (but limited) theology.  And it is all well and good to form theology concerning prayer, but far better it is to put our understanding of Bible teachings into our daily practice.  It would be a great tragedy to hold degrees in theology yet spend little time or accomplish very little when we enter into the presence of God through prayer.  Hebrews 4:16 exhorts us, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  A young child with faith in God can demonstrate mastery in this arena even the learned cannot know or imagine.

Bearing Much Fruit

In contrasting the works of the flesh to the fruit of the Spirit, there are variations of an illustration I heard in a sermon yesterday I have also heard by others over the years.  It goes something like this:  "You don't walk by an apple tree and hear it straining to pop out apples by effort.  The fruit of the Spirit is something produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit within you."  I can understand why this analogy is provided to explain how we are enabled to be spiritually fruitful because the Holy Spirit indwells and enables us to do so.  But this example can be potentially misleading because it is narrowly focused on a complex, multi-faceted relationship believers share with God.  What it can suggest is, "Trees bear fruit naturally, and Christians produce fruit supernaturally without any effort or a struggle at all.  It will just happen."  And this is plain wrong.

In the scripture believers are compared to trees and branches of the Vine who is Christ, but we are not trees comprised of roots, bark, wood, and leaves.  There are critical differences between a tree planted by rivers of water and a human being who lives in a body of flesh with a sin nature,  has a mind and will of his own, and desires to follow Jesus faithfully.  It is true apple trees do not groan to expend effort as flowers bud in season, nor when the small apples develop into delicious, edible fruit we enjoy.  Trees do groan and creak under the weight of their heavy boughs in strong wind and rain, however, and sometimes limbs break.  I have never heard the analogy carried this far.  It is one thing to bear fruit, and another thing to carry it.

Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in contrast to the sinful works of the flesh in Galatians 5:22-23:  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."  Apart from this divinely produced fruit, there are at least two other ways people are connected with fruit in scripture:  the fruit of the lips, and the fruit of the womb.  There is personal sacrifice connected with this fruitfulness.  Hebrews 13:15-16 says, "Therefore by Him [Jesus] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. ¹⁶ But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."  It is wise to think before we speak, to be considerate and edify others with gracious words.  This does not happen automatically but requires intentional effort to these ends.  It may be at times due to the work of the Holy Spirit within us we are kind and gentle without realising it because God is faithful to sanctify us.  But I expect there are far more times when we must intentionally respond to conviction with repentance, take wicked thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, hold our tongues, or make an effort thank and praise God even when it hurts.

When it comes to the fruit of the womb the entire process is filled with intention:  conceiving, carrying, bearing, and caring for a baby is filled with personal sacrifices and effort.  Plum trees produce plums, and human beings bear human babies that require constant care.  Before Christ we were dead in trespasses and sins, spiritually impotent to produce anything pleasing to God.  We were like barren Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, or Elizabeth, incapable to conceive spiritual fruit which can only come from God.  God graciously intervened in the lives of these women and caused them to fall pregnant by natural means and give birth to sons.  It was God's work, yet they were personally involved in dealing with carrying a baby (or two!), enduring a painful natural labour, and then rising at all hours to feed, change, and care for their newborns.  This to me is a much better representation of the spiritual fruitfulness which comes from God and our subservient role to Him.  The Holy Spirit causes us to be fruitful and by God's grace we are enabled to cooperate in the process.

I do not believe for a moment as Jesus walked on this earth the fruit of the Spirit was produced in His life without effort.  Before He demonstrated love to all mankind by dying on the cross for our sins, He agonised in prayer and sweat blood.  He was not an immovable oak but the Son of God clothed in sweating human flesh with feelings, thoughts, and temptations.  Paul did not assure the Galatians this fruit would just happen because they were born again but said in Galatians 5:22-26:  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."  The fruit of the Spirit to be evident in a life which has been crucified with Christ.  Forget straining to pop out apples:  nothing less than crucifixion is required!  Jesus said if anyone wants to follow Him, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily.  Following Jesus isn't something we only choose to do once and then are supernaturally carried on a litter.  Walking means effort, decisions, and endurance.

Jesus was crucified on Calvary and died so we might live and He through us (Galatians 2:20).  See the exhortations to action here:  walk in the Spirit, do not become conceited, cease provoking or envying one another.  There are things we are called to labour to do and sinful things we intentionally cease doing.  No effort of the flesh can enable us to produce the fruit of the Spirit, yet having been born again by the indwelling Holy Spirit we labour, putting our hands to the plough alongside Jesus Christ our Saviour without looking back.  Jesus said to His disciples in John 15:4-5, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

Burning Questions For God

Over the years I have heard people say something to the effect of, "When I get to heaven I have some questions to ask God"--almost to challenge God to explain Himself.  Isn't it ironic to be bold or even proud over our own ignorance?  Praise the LORD He is pleased to hear our prayers and answer questions we may have right now, but let's not for a moment feel He is under any obligation to respond to our requests.  Are not His ways higher than ours?  As a passage in the book of Joshua reveals, because of our severely limited perspective and understanding we can ask the wrong questions.

Joshua had been called by God to be strong and courageous as He obediently led the children of Israel over Jordan and into the promised land.  When Joshua approached the stronghold of Jericho he was met by an unexpected and armed "man" in Joshua 5:13-15:  "And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?" ¹⁴ So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?" ¹⁵ Then the Commander of the LORD'S army said to Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so."

Upon seeing this armed Man Joshua boldly asked if he was for Israel or their adversaries.  The Man responded with "No."  Initially this seems an improper response, but the reality was Joshua was asking the wrong questions because he imagined he was in command.  The Man Joshua questioned was revealed to be the Commander of the LORD's army and infinitely outranked him.  Realising his question was invalid because of the identity of this divine Man who received worship, the One whose presence made the ground they stood upon holy, Joshua fell on his face before Him "...whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)  Joshua realised he was face to face with the living God in human form and his question completely changed:  "What does my Lord say to His servant?"  Instead of demanding an answer to a challenge, Joshua begged his LORD to choose the subject of conversation and waited for God to speak.

With a personal revelation of God Joshua's question drastically changed.  Currently the best we can do is ask questions from an imperfect, incomplete understanding of God and His plans.  It therefore follows our questions are focused on the wrong things.  The answers to countless questions men wrestle with are provided in scripture, and God has also invited us to ask Him for wisdom when we lack it.  During our earthly pilgrimage there will always be unknowns because of our limited minds and skewed perspectives, but faith in the living God comfortably fills these gaps with peace and rest.  If you have a burning question for God ask Him and wait patiently for His answer.  I imagine many of our burning questions will turn to fine ash in light of God's eternal glory.  Like Joshua's case you may not receive a direct answer to your particular question because it isn't the right question to ask.  Many times scripture recorded people who asked questions of Jesus and He answered with a question that seemed unrelated to the original statement because He was addressing the hearts of His hearers instead of the words used to camouflage them.

"What does my LORD say to His servant?" is a fitting request to our God who is not obligated to speak but is pleased to address all who humbly worship Him in spirit and truth.

The Compassionate Christ

In the face of trials and turmoil, we are prone to ask why a good God allows such things.  I am struck by the grim reality that if we could help it our aim would be to eliminate all need for God completely.  There is great appeal to us to live in a world without hunger or thirst, a world devoid of natural disasters like earthquakes which cause buildings to collapse or bushfires that consume property and wildlife.  We would gladly embrace a society free of conflict and angry rhetoric, a place where all people are loved and accepted with respect.  The utopia longed for by many has not been realised despite education, awareness, or effort.  Our hearts ache for those who have suffered tragic loss and wonder over the disparity between rich and poor.  When it comes to morality one person may grieve over what others celebrate.  This world is not what anyone wants it to be.

One thing I have been considering is how the miraculous deeds done by God in scripture have the common threads of His goodness and the great need of people.  A miracle is not required when a rich man needs to pay his bills, but when Jesus and Peter needed to pay the temple tax they did not have the money.  Jesus directed Peter to go to the sea, throw in a hook, and look in the mouth of the first fish he caught:  the money needed for the tax would be miraculously found.  A man with barns full of food does not need a miracle to eat, but the children of Israel in the wilderness didn't have sufficient bread or meat.  So God caused manna to appear and quail to flutter into the camp daily for 40 years so they would eat and be satisfied.  Think about it!  Can you think of one occasion when God did the miraculous when there was no need?  We are so naturally ungrateful and without trust in God we would prefer there be no need for Him who loves us and has freely given us life.  The way we view circumstances may suggest we would rather not have to trust God if we could help it.

Consider what Jesus did in the city of Nain in Luke 7:11-15:  "Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. ¹² And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. ¹³ When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." ¹⁴ Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." ¹⁵ So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother."  As Jesus arrived at the city, they were met by a funeral procession.  Luke tells us it was a dead man who was the only son of his mother who was a widow.  There was a woman who had suffered the loss of a husband and also the death of her son.  She wept as she walked, and Jesus had compassion on her.

This is what gets me:  some people would fault Jesus for having the power to prevent the death of the young man and not saving him before death--like Mary the sister of Lazarus.  But God had a plan in allowing Lazarus to die so through his resurrection after four days would prove Jesus is the Messiah and have life through faith in Him.  People who blame God as an evildoer for the circumstances He allows do not give Him the credit for the kindness He has already shown and all the good things He has done.  I do not hear anyone who has been born again complaining Jesus laid down His life on Calvary for sinners!  The passage does not tell us the widow or the townsfolk even had heard of Jesus.  Jesus drew near to the mourning woman and said to her, "Do not weep" or "Stop crying."  Does that sound insensitive to you?  We know it was not insensitive because of what He did next.  Jesus touched the coffin and said to the dead man being carried outside the city, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  And he did!  Jesus then presented the man alive to his mother, turning tears of sorrow to tears of joy.

If we were in Nain and had power to prevent this man's death, we would have made all effort to save him and it would have been right to do so.  But Jesus has the capacity to do what we cannot:  He can redeem a tragedy which has already occurred and make the result of His miraculous intervention better than if it never had happened!  God makes the trial and His redemptive purposes preferable to Him avoiding them.  This woman and her son both would have ultimately went the way of the earth in death, but through what Jesus did they may have believed on Him and been granted eternal life!  God has the ability to take a series of natural circumstances men would deem tragedies and turn them around for good.  When I say "for good" I mean in both the divine and eternal sense as Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Unless God had intervened, we would all be as that dead man, sorrowing and without hope like the widow.  But God has shown compassion on us and drew near at our time of need and miraculously opened our eyes to see He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Sifted and Saved

"For surely I will command, and will sift the house of Israel among all nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve; yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground."

Amos 9:9

The writer of Hebrews reminded believers in chapter 12 not to despise the chastening of the LORD because this shows He is treating us as beloved children.  The children of Israel who entered into a covenant with God were no exception.  Amos revealed to the northern kingdom of Israel judgment was coming for the sins of the nation, but God would preserve those who repented and sought Him.  Even after being taken captive by Assyria and Babylon God would sift the house of Israel from wherever they were scattered to gather them again:  not the smallest grain would be lost.

Sifting isn't a comfortable process.  Grain, chaff, dirt, and other debris were tossed together to separate the grain from all the undesirable material.  C.H. Spurgeon made a great observation concerning the sifting God does with His people to separate them from what is undesirable to Him to sanctify us unto Himself:  "I think I see you, poor believer, tossed about like that wheat, up and down, right and left, in the sieve, and in the air, never resting. Perhaps it is suggested to you, ‘God is very angry with me.’ No, the farmer is not angry with his wheat when he casts it up and down in the sieve, and neither is God angry with you; this you shall see one day when the light shall show that love ruled in all your griefs.”  Times of hardship and upheaval does not mean God is against you, for He loves those who trust Him.  Like the children of Israel sin always has negative consequences for us, but having repented in submission to Jesus we find His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

What confidence we can have God will not leave, forsake, or forget us!  He has sifted His people from among Israel and Gentile nations so we might be one Body with Jesus Christ as our Head.  Romans 10:12-13 says, "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. ¹³  For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."  We are like the smallest grain He refuses to waste because God treasures us according to the riches of His grace because we have obtained righteousness by faith in Christ.  Whilst the Amos passage can be applied to the life of believers, Israel still has a special place in God's plans and purposes (see Romans 9-10).  The church has not supplanted Israel whom God compares in many places to His betrothed.   Praise the LORD for His goodness to all who trust in Him!

The Unprofitable but Good Servant

I am often amazed by the depth of insights in God's Word in passages familiar to me.  It is similar to sitting down to assemble a challenging jigsaw puzzle and find myself unable to find the piece I am looking for.  How many times have I walked away from the puzzle to make a tea or grab a snack and seconds after returning find many pieces which fit!  The internal consistency and accuracy of the Bible provides exceptionally strong evidence of its divine origin.

Take the parable Jesus told of the master who gave one mina (worth about 3 month's salary according to the Bible Knowledge Commentary) to ten of his servants and told them, "Do business until I return."  Luke 19:15-16 says, "And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. ¹⁶ Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.'"  The first servant who reported to his master had been most productive.  Undoubtedly he threw himself into his master's business and came away with a sizable profit.  In the hands of this faithful servant the mina had multiplied into ten.

Now had I been this servant who reported on the results of trading almost every sentence I can think of would start with "I":  "I invested the money in gold" or "I earned ten minas."  What would you say of your accomplishment, happy to report concerning your success?  The servant simply said, "Master, your mina has earned ten minas."  This servant completely downplayed his role in investing, trading, working long hours to achieve this good result.  Listening to him it seems the exponential increase had nothing to do with him:  without the money provided by his master he would have nothing.  He remained a servant despite his success, for all he had (and himself besides!) belonged to his master.  More than a savvy businessman, this servant was truly humble.  That's what came through to me.

Luke 19:17 says, "And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'"  Is it any surprise the master commended his faithful and humble servant?  The good servant demonstrated rule over management of time and resources, and he who is faithful over little will be faithful over much.  What great virtues are honesty, integrity, and humility, and these God will reward such who walk in obedience to Him.  Proverbs 16:32 says, "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."  The servant demonstrated himself faithful with the master's money so the master gave him cities to oversee.  Wise business and wealth management has many benefits, but the humility of the servant is what I covet to see reflected in my life by God's grace.  We cannot blame God for our failure but ought to always honour Him in our success.

Should humility ever be perceived within me, like the good servant I cannot rightly lay claim to it being my doing though it involves effort and sacrifices.  Humility is not my natural inclination or desire.  What Jesus taught in Luke 17:7-10 illustrates this well:  "And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"  We couldn't even be slaves except God had purchased us by His grace.  God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Worship in Secret

During a conversation a friend of mine made a wonderful observation of genuine worship by Gideon who trusted God.  The Bible reveals God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the hand of the Midianites who oppressed them.  Though he did not feel worthy or even competent to do what God commanded him, he was obedient as God led him step by step.  God was gracious to speak to Gideon and confirmed his calling, and he was emboldened and empowered to take a leadership role.

As the Midianites and Amelekites camped in numbers beyond measure, one night God commanded Gideon to venture into their camp because He had delivered it into Gideon's hand.  God told Gideon if he was afraid to go alone he could bring his servant with him--and he did.  Judges 7:13-15 describes what Gideon and his servant encountered:  "And when Gideon had come, there was a man telling a dream to his companion. He said, "I have had a dream: To my surprise, a loaf of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian; it came to a tent and struck it so that it fell and overturned, and the tent collapsed." ¹⁴ Then his companion answered and said, "This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel! Into his hand God has delivered Midian and the whole camp." ¹⁵ And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel, and said, "Arise, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand."

How amazing is this?  In enemy territory and darkness Gideon silently worshiped the LORD.  The Hebrew word translated "worshiped" means "to prostrate, bow down, do reverence, made to stoop."  When he heard the dream of the man and the interpretation which included God delivering Midian into his hand, worship was his reflex.  The text does not tell us Gideon even said a word as he worshiped God, but it was real and received by God who knows the hearts and thoughts of men.  It is good to sing praises unto the LORD and express our gratefulness through words and deeds to extol and glorify Him.  In the secret place of our hearts, having been made holy by faith in Jesus Christ, we find a private and personal temple to honour and worship the almighty God whose presence dwells within us.

Jesus taught in Matthew 6:5-6, "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. ⁶ But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."  Those who are born again can pray to our heavenly Father "who is in the secret place," who created, redeemed, and loves us.  Part of a routine health exam is the testing of knee reflexes:  is the worship of God in the secret place of your heart a regular reflex for you?  In darkness we can worship God in light of His goodness and faithfulness.  In the camp of the enemy we are enabled to celebrate God's triumph and faithfulness--even before the conflict is complete.

Remembrance and Responsibility

Remembrance Day is observed in Australia on 11 November to remember and honour Australians soldiers.  What was once called "Armistice Day" was later called "Remembrance Day" after World War II, and many in Australia pause and observe a minute of silence at 11am to respectfully remember those killed or wounded in warfare.  Though it is not a national holiday from work, it is fitting such sacrifice and bravery be remembered today and for generations to come.  Those who have been granted knowledge also have a responsibility to enlighten their children.  This is a very light burden compared to those who lost family members in war or being a soldier who never lived to have children of their own.

This coupling of remembrance and responsibility is seen when the children of Israel were brought into the promised land by Joshua.  God caused the Hebrews to pass through the Jordan on dry ground and directed 12 men to each carry a large stone from the river to make a memorial.  To be numbered among those who experienced the miracle by God's hand meant there was responsibility to instruct their children of the future generation.  Joshua 4:21-24 says, "Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?' then you shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land'; ²³ for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever."

God commanded stones be arranged as a memorial so a future generation would know of God's great salvation, deliverance, and faithfulness--and it wasn't to stop there.  Generation after generation of God's people were to be taught of God and His fame was to spread to "all the peoples of the earth," that all would know the mighty hand of God and fear Him forever.  If God's people neglected to teach their children, how would their children know God?  How could all the people of the earth hear of His mighty works?  Memorials or special days do not guarantee the knowledge of God, for Judges 2:10 describes what happened after the death of Joshua and those he commanded:  "When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel."  We cannot blame the first generation for the second not knowing the LORD, for how many believers in God have raised their children with the benefits of church who did not fear Him?

Whether or not our children are receptive to the things of God does not release us from our responsibility before God to teach them of Him.  The Joshua passage shows in answering simple questions we can wisely include wisdom from the scriptures as we remind ourselves of the mighty hand of God.  It is not for us to change people or guilt them into church or ministry involvement to please us.  Jesus commanded His followers to receive communion together and "Do this in remembrance of Me."  The death and resurrection of Jesus impacts our lives every day forever, not just on Christmas or Easter.  What humility Jesus showed by taking on human flesh as the only begotten Son of God!  What love He demonstrated for us unworthy sinners by laying down His life on Calvary!  What power over sin and death He displayed when He rose from the dead and ascended to the Father in glory!  We who remember are responsible before God to walk in light of His salvation, redemption, and forgiveness in the fear of the LORD.  If we will not teach our children by Christ's example, who will?

As You Follow

"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.'"

Amos 7:14-15

Angered by what Amos said, Amaziah the priest of Bethel scorned Amos for being a foreigner and accused him of being a self-appointed profiteer in prophet's clothing.  In response Amos pointed out he had no aspiration or desire to be a prophet but God took him as he followed the flock as a sheepbreeder (and seasonal harvester) and directed him to prophecy to Israel.  Being a prophet did not run in his family, nor had Amos the benefit of schooling or training.  His prophecies which came to pass were the best evidence God had called, ordained and gifted him as a prophet.  The fulfillment of prophecies over time would confirm the calling of Amos.

One thing which resonates with me about Amos is his testimony that God took him as he followed the flock.  There is no suggestion Amos possessed passion for public speaking, to labour for government reform, or for ministry beyond his ordinary sphere:  God had other plans.  Amos was a man who feared God and simply was going about his business when God gave him a clear directive to speak on His behalf to Israel.  I do not believe Amos earned the role due to his faithfulness but was called because God is gracious and faithful.  Though God's ways are higher than ours, perhaps the principle Jesus held forth in Luke 16:10 was a factor:  "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much."  Amos was faithful in the secular arena and God provided a spiritual revelation for him to share.

The testimony of Amos has the potential to provoke a similar response in skeptics and believers:  how did Amos know God was calling him?  It is not the skeptic who makes arrogant demands upon God to prove Himself which concerns me (for even miracles do not make believers) but believers who genuinely are curious for themselves.  The first thing is not to obsess over what God might call you to do, when the call will come, or what future ministry might look like.  Believers can make the mistake of looking for our future "calling" instead of looking to Jesus as we are faithful today in what seems a little thing.  Working in a shop, farm or office as unto the LORD is as important as delivering a message from God to a wayward nation.  Colossians 3:23-24 exhorts us, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."  Having responded to the call of Christ we are directed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as we go about our business.

The God who took Amos as he followed the flock also enabled him to accomplish the good works God ordained for him.  Breeding sheep and picking fruit is not a career path to being a prophet, but God often takes the unqualified in the eyes of others and equips them supernaturally to show the work is of God.  Jesus called fishermen from Galilee and a tax collector to be apostles; He called a murderous Pharisee to be an apostle to the Gentiles!  He put it in the hearts of people who were uniquely skilled in business and sport to go to seminary or go as missionaries to spread the Gospel.  People have given their lives to toil anonymously in remote places without recognition because God was faithful who called them.

The call to "go" is not just for prophets but for all followers of Jesus Christ.  What is often called the Great Commission is not limited to evangelism in foreign fields but primarily making disciples of Jesus in the place on earth God has placed you.  Matthew 28:18-20 reads, "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.¹⁹  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,²⁰  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen."  In the authority of God Amos went and spoke and it is Jesus Christ we stand and proclaim His glory through faithful service unto Him right where we are.  Being connected as a branch to the Vine Jesus Christ ensures we will be fruitful and experience His abundant life as He leads us.