Receiving and Reward

Receiving Jesus by faith is the best thing anyone could ever do, for it gives God glory and Christ the reward due His suffering.  Being born again is also for our good forever, and it is for the good of the church and world people would be sanctified to be more like Him.  John 1:11-13 says, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."  Those who will receive or "own" Jesus Christ as Saviour and Son of God He makes His own by redeeming them with His own blood.

The fact Christians have received Christ and have been adopted into the family of God is not a cause for proud arrogance but humility.  When the disciples disputed concerning which of them would be the greatest, Luke 9:46-48 reads:  "And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, ⁴⁸ and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great."  Fascinating, isn't it, how receiving and accepting a little child in the name of Jesus receives Him, for when we do unto the least we do it unto Him (Matthew 25:40).  In receiving Christ we receive God the Father who sent Him.

There was a time when the disciples tried to prevent children from being brought to Jesus, and we are told in Mark 10:13-16, "But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." ¹⁶ And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them."  Jesus did not embrace ministry to adults yet ignore children because of their low social status, but He took them in His arms and blessed them.  The children who came to Him illustrated the willing humility required to receive the kingdom of God, desiring protection, provision and blessing from Jesus.

God will richly reward all who receive Him, and the minds of the disciples must have been reeling after Jesus said in Matthew 10:40-42, "He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. ⁴¹ He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. ⁴² And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."  Jesus established those who receive Him by faith receive the Father, and He also taught those who receive a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward--and the same goes with a righteous man.  When we receive, support and help those who do God's work--one of God's little ones--we receive a reward that aligns with their reward.  We may think a prophet will be more rewarded than one who extends hospitality, but God would see to it one who offered a meal or bed for the night would receive a prophet's reward.

Giving someone a cup of cold water is a relatively insignificant act, but God will reward Christians who receive His people with love and humble service.  Our motivation in receiving a righteous person is not to increase our heavenly reward, for it is rewarding and fulfilling to walk in obedience to Christ today with intent to honour Him.  Seeking a reward aims to exalt ourselves when Jesus leads us to humble ourselves, even dying to self as we take up our cross daily to follow Him.  We consider Jesus who endured such harsh opposition from sinners, and this helps us endure and overcome the opposition our souls face from our own stubborn, selfish flesh by faith in Him.  Having received Christ as Saviour, He opens our hearts to receive others we would have remained closed to.  Fellowship with God and His people (including children!) by faith in Jesus is its own reward we wouldn't trade for the world.

Look to Jesus!

Jesus had a man run up to Him and ask, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus responded with a question in Mark 10:18:  "So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God."  Jesus did not deny He was good, but if He truly was good (as the man suggested but did not yet believe) He was indeed God.  It is no surprise the Jewish man thought he needed to do something to inherit eternal life, for he had been raised keeping the Law of Moses that gave no certainty of eternal life whatsoever.  Surely something needed to be done, for though he was a son of Abraham the enthusiastic man had no assurance of salvation.  This sounds a bit like the testimony of C.H. Spurgeon who was raised to read the Bible and taught of God, yet needed to wrestle awhile until he submitted his will to God by faith in Christ Jesus.  Spurgeon wrote:

"I can remember the time when my sins first stared me in the face.  I thought myself the most accursed of all men.  I had not committed any very great open transgressions against God; but I recollected that I had been well trained and tutored, and I thought my sins were thus greater than other people's.  I cried to God to have mercy; and I feared that he would not pardon me.  Month after month, I cried to God, and he did not hear me, and I knew not what it was to be saved.  Sometimes I was so weary of the world that I desired to die; but then I recollected that there was a worse world after this, and that it would be an ill matter to rush before my Maker unprepared.  At times I wickedly thought God a most heartless tyrant, because he did not answer my prayer; and then, at others, I thought, "I deserve his displeasure; if he sends me to hell, he will be just."  But I remember the hour when I stepped into a little place of worship, and saw a tall, thin man step into the pulpit:  I have never seen him from that day, and probably never shall, till we meet in heaven.  He opened the Bible and read, with a feeble voice, "Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and beside me there is none else."  Ah! thought I, I am one of the ends of the earth; and then turning round, and fixing his gaze on me, as if he knew me, the minister said, "Look, look, look!  Why, I thought I had a great deal to do, but I found it was only to look.  I thought I had a garment to spin out for myself; but I found that if I looked, Christ would give me a garment.  Look, sinner, that is to be saved.  Look unto him, all ye ends of the earth, and be saved.  That is what the Jews did, when Moses held up the brazen serpent.  He said, "Look!" and they looked.  The serpent might be twisting round them, and they might be nearly dead; but they simply locked, and the moment they looked, the serpent dropped off, and they were healed.  Look to Jesus, sinner.  "None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good." (Spurgeon, C.H. (2004) Spurgeon’s sermons: V. 1-2. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. pages 318-319)

There is something every sinner must do to inherit eternal life, and it is to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  A Philippian jailor asked a similar question to Paul and Silas in Acts 16:30-31:  "And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" ³¹ So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."  We cannot do anything to save ourselves; we can do nothing to inherit eternal life.  It is impossible for us to cleanse ourselves of sin.  But Jesus has done everything for sinners to be redeemed--saved from hell and granted entrance into eternal glory--purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ by the Gospel.  God's word that ministered salvation to Spurgeon by God's grace is extended to every sinner today:  look unto Jesus with faith in Him and be saved.  He has fixed His loving gaze on us sinners, not willing any should perish.  Will you look to Him today for salvation?

Yes and Amen

"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."

 2 Corinthians 1:20

People are not strangers to caveats and limited-time offers, how in marketing the bold print gives but the fine print takes away.  The little asterisk next to an incredible deal often leads to the realisation the advertised deal wasn't as great as initially thought.  I have also had the experience of buying what I believed was an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product only to find it was a very cheaply made knock-off.  Several times I returned products to sellers that assured me a full refund of money but never paid.  Prompt communication fooled me into thinking a company had good customer service until they failed to follow through--and all communication on their end went silent.

In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul reminded believers they were assured God was faithful to keep His promises in 2 Corinthians 1:18-23:  "But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. ¹⁹ For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us--by me, Silvanus, and Timothy--was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. ²⁰ For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. ²¹ Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, ²² who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."  The Gospel that assures forgiveness of sins and salvation not wishy-washy, but in Christ is Yes and Amen.  The faithfulness of God has been demonstrated continually through His word, covenants and promises kept.  All the promises of God are affirmed by Jesus Christ the Son of God and in Him Amen--all to the glory of God through us.

Someone who receives a good price offered for a limited time realises others may miss out on the bargain.  But Christians can have complete assurance everyone who repents from their sin and believes on the LORD Jesus Christ shall be saved.  We have no need to look for miraculous confirmation of God's promise or wait for a warm feeling to know the prayers of humble sinners are heard and answered by God in the affirmative.  When born again Christians ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can have all confidence we will receive based on God's word that reveals God's will as spoken by Peter on Pentecost in Acts 2:39:  "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."  Jesus Himself said in Luke 11:13, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"  All the promises of God in Christ are Yes and in Him Amen, and what confidence we can have to ask God believing His word in accord with His revealed will.

The blessings, feasts and promises contained in the Law merely hinted and alluded to the substance we have fulfilled in Person in Jesus Christ.  The Law of Moses gave no promise of eternal life, but Jesus made this promise plain to all who received Him.  Jesus said in John 10:27-28:  "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."  How glorious is our Good Shepherd and Saviour forever, for all the promises of God in Jesus are Yes and Amen.  In Christ we find rest for our souls all can experience today regardless of circumstances, weather, bad news, feelings and failures.  The LORD has spoken truth and still speaks.  Blessed be the LORD whose mercies are new every morning, for great is His faithfulness.

Losing Battle Won

Many people assume they have more time on earth than they do, for death often comes unexpectedly.  There were likely many young ANZACs who grew up assuming they would live to old age and see their children's children who perished on the Gallipoli peninsula 110 years ago.  In war, winning battles is never assured:  having fighters wounded and losing their lives is almost guaranteed.  It takes great courage to bravely fight in what seems to be a "losing battle," and ANZAC Day is a reminder of the sacrifice made by willing Diggers who embraced their duty at the cost of their lives.

While Christians are not guaranteed a long life on earth, we are given assurances of eternal life by faith in Christ.  The psalmist struck a contrast between those who assume their lives will continue perpetually and those who place their faith in God in Psalm 49:14-15:  "Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling. ¹⁵ But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah"  See how the psalmist knew for certain God would redeem his soul from the power of the grave, and God would receive him.  What peace, joy and rest this provides us in a world where death and taxes are more expected than eternal life.

The psalmist spoke prophetically of what Jesus would bring to light through the Gospel.  Our recent observance of Easter shows the redemptive power of God by Jesus Christ defeating death by His resurrection after being crucified.  The night before His crucifixion Jesus told His disciples in John 14:3-6, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know." ⁵ Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" ⁶ Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  40 days after Jesus rose from the dead, the Father received Him up into heaven as He ascended in view of His disciples.  Based on the atoning sacrifice of Christ, His victory over sin and death, and the promises of God's word, believers have full assurance of being redeemed and received by God after our bodies go the way of the earth.

Those who receive Christ will be received by Him and born again as God's children as we read in John 1:10-13:  "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹ He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."  In a world where might makes right, God gives the right to become children of God by faith in Jesus.  It is not by fighting but by humbling ourselves and having simple faith in God we are granted victory over death no army or champion can obtain, having peace with God today and eternal life forever by His grace.

Splitting Hairs

The words we use are very important--especially when we aim to hold forth biblical truth of God's word.  Assured of its authenticity and accuracy, we ought to handle the Scripture with respect and humility.  It is beneficial to carefully consider scripture like a person who uses a fine-toothed comb, ensuring a scalp is free of lice.  The word of God is purer than a sanitised, stainless-steel comb because His words cannot be defiled or corrupted.  When God's word passes through our lives it reveals all manner of impurities and sins God desires to purify us from.

As we learn to rightly divide God's word in study and have fellowship with other Christians, it is important to avoid splitting hairs.  Frankly, I don't have personal experience with hair that can grow long enough to take damage or have split ends as I keep it short.  I was fascinated to observe hair can indeed split, and from what I have read there is a myriad of factors that result in having split ends--which is universally seen as a bad thing.  For those who agree with this assessment, I cannot imagine them going through the tedious process of splitting them individually by hand--pulling out a magnifying glass to see clearly to slice through the end of the hair as if something grand has been accomplished.  Somehow, this sort of approach can be adopted by Christians as they study the Bible, making distinctions and marking divisions that are more a hindrance than a help.  Obsession over fine details or differences can cause a shift from being spiritually discerning to recklessly damaging.

The smallest letters and markings of divinely-inspired scripture all have great importance, and God extends grace towards Christians to be united concerning major doctrines about the triune Godhead, the deity of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the Gospel--while providing allowances for different points of emphasis and practices.  God gives us time to learn, grow and mature through many seasons of life, refining us along with our theology.  There are doctrines that are set in stone that cannot shift because God does not change, but there are also controversial ones that lead to an array of convictions, opinions or leanings.  When we dig into controversial interpretations and argue about them, trying to prove people wrong or badger them to agree with our convictions, this is hair-splitting territory we ought to avoid out of love for God and others.

Paul described one who could be called a hair-splitter in 1 Timothy 6:3-6:  "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, ⁴ he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, ⁵ useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. ⁶ Now godliness with contentment is great gain."  Ironic, isn't it, that we could take the wholesome words of Jesus Christ and refuse to consent with them while wrangling over them?  Paul observed people who were puffed up with knowledge and yet knew nothing of what was important--of Christ and doctrines that agree with godliness.  Rather than taking a stand for Christ and contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, these hair-splitters argued and debated over words they had not received into their hearts--and had yet to transform their lives.

On the subject of God's faithfulness and how God cannot deny Himself, Paul urged Timothy and all believers in 2 Timothy 2:14-16:  "Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness."  We are called to rightly divide the word of truth without splitting hairs and doing damage to God's word, our Christian witness and other people by idle babblings.  We ought to ask ourselves about some of the questions people obsess over, "What does it profit?  Have people been unnecessarily disoriented or shipwrecked by these arguments?"  As sure as we should flee youthful lusts, we should avoid foolish questions and debates that cause strife (2 Timothy 2:23).  Instead of splitting hairs in pride, we ought to humble ourselves to submit to doctrine that accords with godliness.

Moved With Compassion

God spoke a timeless truth to prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, that God does not see as man sees.  Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.  The most discerning people cannot know exactly the motivations and feelings in the hearts of others, and we cannot even plumb the depths of our own hearts.  After being born again there are aspects of my flesh and tendencies of my character which the Bible has illuminated and the Holy Spirit has convicted me as sinful, and praise the LORD He is able to purify and transform us from within.  In my life God has purposed to refine and transform parts of my life I never had a problem with, and as we embrace our sanctification this is a continual process God's people can rejoice to submit to.

I was recently both convicted and blessed by how different the observations of Jesus are from my natural perspective when I read Matthew 9:35-38:  "Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. ³⁶ But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. ³⁷ Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."  Because Jesus is good, loving and God, there is hope for everyone by His grace.  Jesus went all throughout Israel teaching, preaching and healing all the people who came to Him.  Jesus was not put off by their heresies, sinful practices, sickness or weakness.  After being completely spent day after day serving everyone, Jesus did not grow weary of doing good for unworthy and often ungrateful people.  We see multitudes and think, "Oh no, what now?" but Jesus was moved with compassion for them.

When Jesus saw crowds of people, He saw people who were weary and scattered, and they resembled sheep without a shepherd.  I like the NIV rendering of this which describes the multitudes as "harassed and helpless."  Instead of seeing people as rabble rousers (which they can certainly be), Jesus knew they were harassed and troubled by many things physically, socially and spiritually.  They were scattered and helpless like sheep are to deliver themselves from their many specific health ailments, parasites, bullying of the flock and their own skittish, fearful nature.  The Jews in the synagogues did not receive salvation by dead works or spiritual guidance only Jesus Christ provides being the Way, the Truth and the Life, and thus they were troubled by sin and lacked peace with God.  Without a shepherd, sheep can be weighed down by wool, without protection from theft or predators, and unable to thrive without rest.  I likely would have seen the Pharisees as arrogant hypocrites without compassion, but Jesus was moved by compassion to help them and everyone else.  Aren't we blessed to have Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep out of love for us?

Moved by compassion for the harassed and helpless, Jesus directed His disciples to pray the LORD of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd who does everything, yet more labourers are needed with His love, compassion and grace to toil in His bountiful harvest.  A blind person does not perceive all they cannot see, and no sensible person faults them for what they cannot see.  From the cross Jesus prayed for people who did not realise their sin for His Father to forgive them, for they knew not what they were doing.  The compassion of Jesus, His love in action and practical affection towards the weary and scattered ought to move us to seek to demonstrate His compassion to all.  Let us pray the LORD would send labourers into His harvest, rejoicing to be an answer to Christ's prayer request (and our own prayers) to labour ourselves for His glory and the good of others.

The God of Jacob

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! ¹¹ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah"

Psalm 46:10-11

Through the psalmist the LORD addresses the reader of His word with a command, to be still and know that He is God who will be exalted!  As much as we like to multitask, our capacity to focus on several things at once reduces our ability to pay full attention.  Being still also does not guarantee our focus on the LORD, for we are easily distracted and ideas flood into our brains without invitation.  When Jesus spoke to the raging waves of Galilee saying, "Peace, be still!" it is almost a taller order to still us because we have our own will we must submit before the LORD in faith and obedience.  God is able to still us, but He desires our willing cooperation.

Since God will be exalted among the nations and earth, how fitting it is for His people to exalt Him with praise, thanksgiving and adoration.  How blessed we are to know the LORD of hosts and that He is with us, and the God of Jacob is our refuge.  In considering these verses throughout the day, it proved beneficial to consider the many things God did for Jacob.  God knew Jacob, that though he was younger than Esau he would receive his father's birthright and blessing.  The LORD preserved Jacob, despite his deceitful ways, delivered him from the murderous intentions of Esau, saved him from the schemes of Laban and the dramas of having wives and many children.  God revealed Himself to Jacob, blessed him and protected his family when his sons stirred up trouble.

God made amazing promises to Jacob He was faithful to fulfill--even in the midst of a foreign land and a severe famine.  Genesis 46:3-4 says, "So He said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. ⁴ I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes."  Because God was with Jacob, he did not need to fear anything or what seemed an uncertain future.  Before Jacob's decease, Genesis 48:3-4 states:  "Then Jacob said to Joseph: "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, ⁴ and said to me, 'Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.'"  God spoke to Jacob, blessed him, made him fruitful, gave him a new name and an everlasting possession--all things Jesus will do for all who believe in Him.

Because God has revealed Himself to us, we can be still and know He is God.  It is in Jesus Christ we find rest for our souls, perfect peace, fulness of joy and spiritual fruitfulness.  The LORD of the hosts of heaven is with us, and He has promised never to leave or forsake us.  The God of Jacob is our refuge, and considering how God protected, provided for and blessed Jacob we see foreshadowing of the sure hope we have in Christ.  Our days on earth may be few and evil--and we may never attain to the level of our fathers--but like Jacob we can testify God has been good to us and with us all the way.  May God's people know the LORD Jesus, seek refuge in Him and exalt Him now and forever.

Parents and Taking Initiative

There are things in life nothing can really prepare us for:  you must experience them personally to learn more about yourself and grow in maturity.  It is good to undergo Christian premarital counselling, discuss expectations and plan for the future, but it is a massive difference between talking about marriage to being married.  The same could be said for having children.  A couple can go to classes in preparation for the birth of their first child, furnish a nursery, buy a car seat and read books.  But there is nothing like driving home with a new human being in the car with the sober responsibility to protect, provide for and nourish your own baby at every hour day and night.

One thing I have learned as a parent is the need to keep making necessary adjustments in every season as my children have grown into adulthood.  Young parents hear about the "terrible twos" and the rocky teenage years, but I do not recall those living up to the negative hype.  What I have found the most challenging is how to manage the young adult season, to learn by trial and error the tension between encouraging and supporting them or falling back into the habit of doing things for them.  A lot of parents, me included, at times can hinder the growth of character by catering to them and thus denying them valuable life lessons only learned by struggle and failure.

When I was an apprentice, the approach to training workers was three-fold:  curriculum that taught us about mechanical systems, hands-on practice in a classroom environment, and working full-time in the field on jobsites.  Reading books, answering questions or drawing patterns in a classroom was no substitute for being on a real job under the guidance of a foreman.  This is a good thing for parents to remember, that watching mum or dad bake or ice a cake, use the BBQ or smoker, mow the lawn or wash the car is not the same thing as them doing the job from start to finish without being constantly told what to do or pushed aside.  Mistakes will be made, but lessons will also be learned.  This means jobs will take longer and may not be done to the standard we hold ourselves to, but it means one day your child may outshine you at the task.  Knowledge of a job process and responsibility to do it suddenly provides awareness and empowers us to do meaningful work.

Just the other day my son and I changed the inlet valve on a toilet.  Rather than my usual "doing it all by myself" approach, I walked him through the job he did pretty much by himself.  I explained the basic function of the main parts in a toilet cistern and what to look and listen for.  It was not a day or two later when I reaped rewards of this approach to household maintenance, for he pointed out an outlet value of a urinal was leaking at church.  This is one benefit of allowing others to learn under your watch, that their eyes and ears will be opened to put their knowledge to work.  Taking the initiative to clean, maintain and fix things is directly tied to knowledge of how to do tasks and what is needed to complete them.  If you find yourself as a parent frustrated or appalled at your child's lack of initiative, they may need some encouragement through on the job training.  Don't just show them what to do, but let them try their hand at it as you do as little as possible.  It will take longer and will be more work for you, yet it will be better for everyone in the end--including the next generation yet to be born!

Taking the Bible Personally

Personal application is a step we don't always take in reading the Bible.  We can observe what a Bible passage says, understand what it means, but never make it personal and consider how God's timeless truth ought to impact our present perspective on what we are going through.  Too often the wisdom of the Bible rattles around in our heads without ever reaching our hearts.  We have been apprised of facts that never wielded the transformational power God intends to impact our lives with because we are unbelieving or unwilling to receive God's word ourselves.

On Good Friday at Calvary Chapel Sydney, one of the passages we considered is found in Psalm 34:17-20:  "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. ¹⁸ The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. ¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. ²⁰ He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken."  The apostle John cites this passage from the Psalms in relation to Jesus Christ fulfilling it in His death, thus identifying Him as the righteous Messiah:  the body of Jesus was broken but every one of His bones were preserved intact.  Unlike the other men crucified on either side of Him, the legs of Jesus were not broken because He was already dead.  His decease was confirmed when a Roman soldier pierced His side, and this fulfilled another prophecy in Zechariah 12:10.

It is good that we take personally the fact we are sinners and God has provided atonement through the shed blood of Jesus Christ who forgives and grants eternal life to all who trust in Him.  For all those born again by the Gospel, Jesus is righteousness for us.  The aforementioned verses from Psalm 34 suddenly hit differently as Christians because of all Christ accomplished on Calvary.  These verses can now be taken personally as promises by God's grace.  Every Christian can know, based on the unchanging truth of God's word, when we cry out to the LORD He hears and delivers us out of all our troubles.  God is near and saves us when we humble ourselves, and the LORD delivers us out of all of our afflictions.

As Jesus lay dead in a grave behind a massive stone, there was no tangible evidence Jesus was going to rise from the dead--unless one hearkened back to what the prophets and Jesus previously said to His disciples as His hour approached.  In the same way, it may seem like deliverance from troubles and afflictions is never going to come for us.  There may be no hint based on our circumstances anything could possibly change.  Yet as sure as Jesus rose from the grave and defeated death, we can know God hears, delivers and saves us of all our afflictions.  Faith in God causes us to cling to Him, for the word of God stands sure forever.  Taking the Bible personally prompts us to answer questions:  am I troubled today?  Have I cried out to God for deliverance?  Do I believe God is near and will save me out of all my afflictions?

Blessed are those made righteous in Christ who take to heart God's word, trusting the LORD to fulfill all His promises in due time--as sure as Jesus rose from the dead and lives.

Salvation of my Countenance

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

Psalm 42:11

There are occasions in the book of Psalms David gave himself a pep talk, rousing himself from a spiritual malaise brought on by a combination of factors.  The circumstances of David's life, how he was feeling and stress from enemies who rose against him contributed to David being downcast.  Everyone can relate to this, for disappointments and hardships are sure to come.

The way people are feeling is often expressed in the face, and David's soul--his entire being--was cast down and troubled.  David knew the divine remedy for his depression was to put his hope and trust in God.  This would work to shift his perspective from David's problems to his God, from feelings of hopelessness and failure to his glorious Saviour.  In light of God's goodness, glory and power, ought not David's countenance reflect it with gladness rather than gloom?  But David realised he was downcast, so he reminded himself of God's praiseworthiness and His salvation.

The KJV I read this morning reads, "...the health of my countenance."  The Hebrew word translated "help" and "health" is defined "help, salvation, acts of salvation" in the Strong's Concordance.  The Bible connects the appearance of a person's countenance with light, lightning, even the sun shining in its strength.  The priestly blessing in Numbers 6:26 says, "The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."  David requested God's favour in Psalm 4:6:  "There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us."  Knowing God looked upon His people with grace, salvation and help, David was comforted as he waited on the LORD.

The questions David asked are good for us to consider personally:  why do we remain cast down when there is hope in the LORD?  Why complain and be troubled over situations out of our control when God is the sovereign ruler over all who looks upon us favourably?  When David's countenance turned to God in gladness, his downcast soul was sure to rise.  Looking to Jesus our Saviour helps us to regain the proper, God-glorifying perspective and to experience fullness of joy by exercising faith in Him.

The Strength of Sin

Blessed be the LORD God who has provided the remedy for our sin by atoning for it with the blood of Jesus.  In a sermon preached concerning the sting of sin and how the strength of it is the law (1 Corinthians 15:56-57), C.H. Spurgeon did well in building a strong case that every person has a deadly problem with sin we cannot shake by anything we do.  Sin goes deeper than our words and actions but our very thoughts teem with sin we have been steeped in from birth.  Justice can do nothing to help us, because the Law makes no allowance for mercy in judgment.  Spurgeon wrote:

"Before thou canst destroy sin thou must in some way satisfy the law.  Sin cannot be removed by thy tears or by thy deeds, for the law is its strength; and until thou has satisfied the vengeance of the law, until thou hast paid the uttermost farthing of its demands, my sting cannot be taken away, for the very strength of sin is in the law."  Now, I must try and explain this doctrine that the strength of sin is the law.  Most men think that sin has no strength at all.  "Oh," say many, "we may have sinned very much, but we will repent, and we will be better for the rest of our lives; no doubt God is merciful, and he will forgive us."  And we hear many divines often speak of sin as if it were a very venial thing.  Inquire of them what is a man to do?  There is no deep repentance required, no real inward workings of divine grace, no casting himself upon the blood of Christ.  They never tell us about a complete atonement having been made.  They have, indeed, some shadowy idea of an atonement, that Christ died just as a matter of form to satisfy justice; but as to any literal taking away of our sins, and suffering the actual penalty for us, they do not consider that God's law requires any such thing.  I suppose they do not, for I never hear them assert the positive satisfaction and substitution of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But without that, how can we take away the strength of sin?"

The strength of sin is in the law, first, in this respect, that the law being spiritual, it is quite impossible for us to live without sin.  If the law were merely carnal, and referred to the flesh; it if simply related to open and overt actions, I question, even then, whether we could live without sin; but when I turn over the ten commandments and read, "Thou shalt not covet," I know it refers even to the wish of my heart.  It is said, "Thou shalt not commit adultery;" but it is said, also, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath already committed that sin.  So that it is not merely the act, it is the thought; it is not the deed simply, it is the very imagination, that is a sin.  Oh now, sinner, how canst thou get rid of sin?  Thy very thoughts, the inward workings of thy mind, these are crimes--this is guilt and desperate wickedness.  Is there not, now, strength in sin?  Hath not the law put a potency in it?  Has it not nerved sin with such a power that all thy strength cannot hope to wipe away the black enormity of thy transgression?"

Then, again, the law puts strength into sin in this respect--that it will not abate one tittle of its stern demands.  It says to every man who breaks it, "I will not forgive you."  You hear persons talk about God's mercy.  Now, if they do not believe in the gospel, they must be under the law; but where in the law do we read of mercy?  If you will read the commandments through, there is a curse after them, but there is not provision made for pardon.  The law itself speaks not of that; it thunders out without the slightest mitigation, "The soul that sinneth it shall die."  If any of you desire to be saved by works, remember one sin will spoil your righteousness; one dust of this earth's dross will spoil the beauty of that perfect righteousness which God requires at your hands.  If ye would be saved by works, men and brethren, ye must be as holy as the angels, ye must be as pure and immaculate as Jesus; for the law requires perfection, and nothing short of it; and God, with unflinching vengeance, will smite every man low who cannot bring him a perfect obedience..." (Spurgeon, Charles Haddon. Spurgeon’s Sermons: V. 1-2. Baker Books, 2004. pages 285-287)

Spurgeon masterfully cut off all excuses and exits people utilise to deny culpability before God and demonstrated by additional points mankind's utter powerlessness to purify self from sin.  We do not realise how profoundly deep our malady is, how bent our minds and desires naturally are, and we are incapable of delivering ourselves from sin's corrupting influence.  God's mercy has been revealed in the Gospel, that God has sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to provide atonement for our sin.  When we were sinners and without hope, God sent a Saviour as it is written in Titus 3:4-7, "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  Accepting the sharpness of God's law prepares our hearts to repent and receive God's grace, forgiveness and salvation.

The Kingdom of God

During a Bible study recently, we briefly discussed the kingdom of God as a group.  There is a large amount of detail scattered throughout the pages of scripture that provide information about God's kingdom.  Some may assume it must include everything that is, similar to how Psalm 24:1 sums up creation:  "The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein."  Because God is the sovereign creator and ruler over all things, they view everything as His kingdom.  This is similar to saying, "We're all God's children."  Christians know this is only true to a point:  mankind has been created in God's image, yet the only way to become a child of God is by faith in Jesus Christ.  Jesus will say to many on the day of judgment and cast them out:  "Depart from me...I never knew you!"  God knows every child of God who knows Him by faith in Christ.

While God does rule over all things, it is important to maintain a distinction between what is physical and temporal (what is passing away) and what is spiritual and eternal.  When Jesus was grilled by Pontius Pilate concerning His kingdom, Jesus told Him it was not of this world (John 18:36).  Christ's kingdom is a spiritual kingdom where some are received into it, and others are unable to enter it.  Jesus revealed He is the Door to the kingdom of God, and it is possible for people to see and enter His kingdom by faith in Him as John 3:3 said to Nicodemus:  "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  It is difficult to enter into God's kingdom, but Jesus exhorted believers to greater faith in God in Luke 18:25-27:  "For 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 those who heard it said, "Who then can be saved?" ²⁷ But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom which can be entered by faith in Jesus, and Jesus revealed knowledge of His spiritual and eternal kingdom to people who thought it was like an earthly kingdom in 

Luke 17:20-21:  "Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; ²¹ nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."  Since Jesus was speaking with Pharisees who largely rejected Him as God and Messiah, Jesus explained how He brought God's kingdom near them--and entry into it was at hand and in their grasp through faith in Him.  In their case His kingdom being within them (as unbelievers) was theoretical, but Jesus is able to establish His kingdom in the hearts of all who trust Him.  Jesus brought the kingdom of God to people when He cast out demons, demonstrating the power of God over the rule of Satan (Matthew 12:28; Luke 11:20)

Many parables Jesus spoke concerned the "kingdom of heaven" and illustrated various aspects of it:  that it is inclusive (available to all people) but at the same time exclusive (reserved only for those who are born again by faith in Him), is most precious and valuable, starts small yet will increase exponentially, and what is hidden now will be revealed and declared.  The kingdom of God will take one form when Jesus Christ returns and establishes His throne in Jerusalem, and His kingdom will endure forever in the new heavens and new earth God will create where only righteousness dwells.  We are not told everything about God's kingdom, but Jesus has revealed enough to demonstrate it is the greatest, everlasting, most wonderful kingdom to be included in and to be citizens of by His grace.  The question is, are we willing to meet God's conditions to enter in His kingdom's narrow gate by faith in Jesus?

Knowing God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life, we sinners are wise to repent of sin and receive Jesus by faith.  Those who are poor in spirit God will make rich in faith, and He will also make us heirs of the kingdom He has promised to them who love Him (James 2:5)!  Rather than worrying and seeking things of this world to meet our needs, Jesus taught His disciples in Luke 12:31-32:  "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. ³² Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  Since the KING OF KINGS has given Himself for us, will any good thing of His kingdom be withheld from us?  Ought we not seek Him and give our lives to Him as His loyal, loving servants?

Know Your End

In a world that hypes up how strong, fierce and independent people can be, God leads His people to consider their frailty so He might be their strength.  David prayed humbly according to God's will in Psalm 39:4-5, "LORD, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. ⁵ Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah"  Slaying the Philistine champion did not bolster David's self-confidence but worked to increase God-reliance when enemies came against him.  Esteeming God above others and himself was key to David's successful rule.

David asked for God to impress his own mortality upon him, the realisation that his days on earth were relatively short.  It is good we would recognise and acknowledge our weakness so we might seek strength in God; it benefits us to remember our lives on earth will have an end so we will not take moments God has given us for granted.  At our wisest, strongest, wealthiest and influential, we are altogether vanity.  Knowing our frailty and brevity of life compels us not to live our lives in vain, for Jesus Christ our LORD redeems us so our lives can be profitable for the kingdom of God and for eternity.

We cannot know the times and seasons God has in His own power, and we do not know how many hours, days or years we have left on earth.  Yet the LORD has told us in His word the end of all those made righteous by faith in God.  By the prophetic power of the Holy Spirit, David answered his own query in Psalm 37:37:  "Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace."  Jesus has been revealed as our peace who imputes righteousness to all who trust in Him, has reconciled Jew and Gentile to Himself and united us in His Body (Ephesians 2:14-17).  By His atoning sacrifice Jesus has come and preached peace to all, and all who have received Him are given the right to become children of God.

The mighty men and women of the earth will be brought to the grave, and not one is able to reverse the consequences of sin that brings death.  The lives of Christians can end in a most violent fashion, yet by the Gospel we know our future is peace and rest in our glorious Saviour who is risen and reigns on high.  Our lives are vapour, yet God has redeemed us from the power of the grave and promised us a home in His glorious kingdom forever.  This is a better end to our life story than we could have ever dreamed--made possible by God's grace--a new beginning in heavenly glory for eternity.

Your Gut or God?

In my mind, one of the most cringeworthy words of priestly advice on the silver screen were spoken in the D.C. movie Superman when Henry Cavill entered a church.  As Clark Kent wrestled with the idea of turning himself in to an alien invader to save the earth--knowing both General Zod and mankind were untrustworthy--the priest, identified by his white collar, asked:  "What does your gut tell you?"  From a biblical perspective, that question is entirely out of left field.  What good is a gut feeling when we can turn to God's word, considering God's truth, goodness and His personal guidance already established?

The priest doubled-down on strange advice as the budding superhero and future household-name walked from the room:  "Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith first...the trust part comes later."  Again, this advice was more whimsical than wise.  Never in the brief conversation was there any inkling to place faith in God, and that faith is trust marked by obedience to God.  It seems this "leap of faith" to the priest was a blind leap and simply wishing for the best, and that Clark was best served to go with his gut, rely on himself or others.  With God completely out of the picture (as D.C. comics have no place in its universe for the real God--preferring idols who wear tights and have a weakness), perhaps that is the best anyone can hope for.  This provides no hope for humanity unless you possess superhuman abilities and are a mild-mannered, nice guy.

The God who created the heavens, earth and all living things provides genuine hope in this life even when everything is out of our control.  To follow Jesus is no leap of faith, for He calls all to follow Him in the Bible and find rest for our souls.  Having been born again by trust in Him, our feet are shod with the Gospel of peace and have been made to stand on the reality of the God-Man Jesus Christ:  His coming, death, resurrection and ascension.  No priest, nun, prophet, apostle or martyr ever died for the sake of others and rose from the dead as he or she predicted three days later, and in doing so Jesus proved He has all God's authority and can give eternal life to all who trust in Him.  If Jesus did not rise from the dead after being crucified and buried in a tomb, it would be a leap of faith to follow Him--and there would be no one who survived the jump and landed in heaven.  Faith in Christ comes first, and our trust is demonstrated by obedience to Him.

I read an article recently by a professing atheist who said at a low point a priest "helped restore faith in herself."  Unlike the headline suggests, it was evident the priest intended to glorify Jesus.  Unlike the advice given by the priest in the film, the priest shared the teaching of Jesus Christ with his desire the inmate would trust Him.  Without faith in Jesus as God and Saviour, it seems the Gospel was reduced to a self-help mental exercise that missed the heart transformation, forgiveness and salvation God offers by His grace.  Being born again is infinitely more than blind faith, for Jesus opens the eyes of the blind and is trustworthy.  It is not our gut but God who has spoken in John 1:11-13:  "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."  God has revealed His will for humanity, and He gives each of us the opportunity to answer the question:  will you trust Jesus?

Desolate Waste no Longer

God is awesome in all His ways and thoughts which are higher than ours.  As the Creator of heaven and earth and all living things, He has thought of everything and provides abundantly for our needs.  Jesus taught His disciples not to worry about their life, what they would eat or wear, for the LORD can be trusted for all things.  Jesus directed His followers to consider the birds, how they did not build storehouses for food but were supplied with food by God every day.  He told them to think about lovely lilies, how they did not work to be clothed with beautiful colours and king Solomon in his glory could not compare to them.  Jesus concluded in Matthew 6:30:  "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

In God's revelation of Himself to Job, I was struck how God cares for what people never observe or see.  When I worked in a building trade, often concealed work people would never see had a lower standard than finished, exposed work in a mechanical room.  We can do the same with the condition of our houses, for we prepare before the arrival of guests or a home inspection differently than usual by scurrying around to tidy up.  See what God said in Job 38:25-27:  "Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water, or a path for the thunderbolt, ²⁶ to cause it to rain on a land where there is no one, a wilderness in which there is no man; ²⁷ to satisfy the desolate waste, and cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?"  It is God who divides channels for waters to flow and makes a path for the thunderbolt.  Mankind has developed many innovations to improve irrigation for relatively small areas, yet God does this constantly in places no man sees.

God satisfies the unseen, desolate wastes in due season so they no longer remain dry and barren.  We buy seed or sod to beautify our little patch of yard and carefully water it because it is ours:  the heavens and the earth are the LORD's and the fulness thereof, and thus He cares for it (and us!) continually.  What is true concerning the watering of land is insightful concerning the hearts and minds of people, places that are unknown and unseen by others.  Paul used an spiritual illustration from agriculture in 1 Corinthians 3:6, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase."  God is the giver of life who plants, waters and causes to grow, and He empowers His people to contribute in the process.  Know that God is working behind the scenes in the lives of people to soften, irrigate and prepare hearts to receive the Gospel, to respond to rebuke and be edified by encouragement so He will be glorified--long before we have done anything.

Pleasure In Prosperity

"Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

Psalm 35:27

David exalted and magnified the LORD who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servants.  It occurred to me there can be a disconnect with the meaning of the passage if we limit the words "pleasure" and "prosperity" to their most common, modern-day implications.  These words generally mean one thing to people now, but it is helpful to consider their use in the Bible to better comprehend them.

When we speak of "pleasure" today, it has almost exclusively been limited to concern sensual or sexual pleasure.  While this is one way to define it, the word has much more broad scope.  In addition to appealing to the senses, pleasure means to take delight in and to be pleased with, and in relation to God Webster described it as approbation--which is to approve of, like, and to be in favour of.  A different Hebrew word is translated into "pleasures" in Psalm 16:11:  "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."  The Strong's Concordance defines these pleasures as "pleasant, delightful, lovely and happiness."  It is clear therefore that "pleasure" should not confined to sensual satisfaction, and can have eternal implications.

The word "prosperity" is also a word generally viewed as present wealth and success.  Webster defines it as, "Advance or gain in any thing good or desirable; successful progress in any business or enterprise; success; attainment of the object desired."  What is largely neglected from such definitions are the spiritual aspects of prosperity, the eternal salvation and sanctification of the human soul.  The apostle John connected the two in his epistle to Gaius in 3 John 1:2:  "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."  Some might desire their spiritual prosperity would match their prosperity in business, yet John put it the other way round.  A person who soul prospers by faith in Jesus Christ is most prosperous indeed, and it is unlikely our efforts and health could possibly rise to such a level in this life.  In a biblical sense, without Christ the most prosperous people on earth cannot prosper but resemble chaff the wind drives away.

David urged believers to shout for joy and be glad, to magnify the LORD who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant David and in all His servants.  God does not show partiality, only favouring men of the tribe of Judah, shepherds, kings or psalmists, for He is gracious and generous to all who fear Him.  God not only takes pleasure in the prosperity of our souls, but that our prosperity presently would increase by faith and praise of Him.  Our portfolios may diminish and our health can fail, but we can prosper despite these things today because we look to God who alone can help and redeems us.  David concluded the song in Psalm 35:28, "And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long."  May God's people be pleased to proclaim praises of God continually, for He is righteous and takes pleasure in the eternal prosperity of His people.

Godly Sinners

When people think of a "godly" person, it is natural to think of someone who is blameless and above reproach.  In our primary school days it would be the equivalent of a "goody two-shoes" or a "teacher's pet," a student so eager and intent to please the teacher it grated on other students.  It may be a surprise to people that a godly person is far from perfect but one who freely admits their faults and confesses their sins to God and man.  Godliness is righteous standing by virtue of God's grace by faith in Him, and in light of God's perfection His people notice our sins more than ever.

David wrote in Psalm 32:5-6, "I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah ⁶ For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him."  David said everyone who is godly will pray to God and acknowledge their own sin before the LORD, those who recognise their need for forgiveness and restoration.  It is not good deeds that lift Christians above judgment that rushes like a flood to drown mankind in perdition, but humble contrition and repentance for sin before the God who hears, forgives and exalts the lowly.

In a sermon C.H. Spurgeon delivered concerning Romans 8:7 that says, "The carnal mind is enmity against God," he shed light on the enormity of man's sin and how the godly become acutely aware of it:

"The carnal mind," he says, "IS ENMITY against God."  He uses a noun, and not an adjective.  He does not say it is opposed to God merely, but it is positive enmity.  It is not black, but blackness; it is not at enmity, but enmity itself; it is not corrupt, but corruption; it is not rebellious, it is rebellion; it is not wicked, it is wickedness itself.  The heart, though it be deceitful, is positively deceit; it is evil in the concrete, sin in the essence; it is the distillation, the quintessence of all things that are vile; it is not envious against God, it is envy; it is not at enmity, it is actual enmity...

The holiest men, the most free from impurity, have always felt it most.  He whose garments are the whitest, will best perceive the spots upon them.  He whose crown shineth the brightest, will know when he hath lost a jewel  He who giveth the most light to the world, will always be able to discover his own darkness.  The angels of heaven veil their faces; and the angels of God on earth, his chosen people, must always veil their faces with humility, when they think of what they were.  Hear David:  he was none of those who boast of a holy nature and a pure disposition.  He says, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."  Hear all those holy men who have written in the inspired volume, and ye shall find them all confessing that they were not clean, no, not one; yea, one of them exclaimed, "O wretched man that I am; who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Spurgeon, Charles Haddon. Spurgeon’s Sermons: V. 1-2. Baker Books, 2004. pages 232-233; 235)

The child of God can have confidence in forgiveness, cleansing and pardon of sin by faith in Jesus Christ when we ask as it says in 1 John 1:9-10:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."  Those who refuse to admit their sin in pride--like the self-righteous Pharisees Jesus confronted--are marked by sin which remains.  The godly who walk in the light of God's word see how often they stumble; the indwelling Holy Spirit who illuminates our consciences convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment.  The godly are not people without need to confess and repent of sin but those who frequently humble themselves before God to acknowledge their sin in light of God's holiness.  It is the ungodly who refuse to repent of sin, and without atonement for sin it will cling to them forever.

The Sanctifying Journey

In the Australian show Kath and Kim, on occasions Kim referred to her husband as a "pants man," which is Aussie slang to convey he was promiscuous.  She always said it as a matter of immutable fact, as if there is no possible way Brett could change--that his dalliances were indicative of a character trait so fundamental to his nature the only option was to accept it.  In regards to the show, Kim's husband was unable to change his ways, similar to how a leopard cannot change his spots.  As born again Christians, however, we have all experienced the transformation Jesus brings to our lives.  God fundamentally changes who we are by spiritual regeneration, and He frees us from bondage to sin.

There are aspects of our personality and character that are not in themselves sinful, and I believe God is able and desires to change these natural tendencies as well.  One trait I have observed in myself is I tend to be a "destination" person, focused on completing a task without any appreciation of the journey at all--especially if there are delays, obstacles or setbacks.  I have observed God in the Bible as being One who redeems long, time-consuming journeys of sanctification.  Jesus was not in a hurry like I can be; God does not expedite troubles or immediately bring resolution.  He allows the righteous to suffer for a long season, and He allows the wicked to prosper for decades.  While I look for the satisfaction of a job done, God is doing a job through the process that is greater and better than my efforts and aims.

Over time the LORD has opened my eyes to the benefits of relishing the journey as well as accomplishing a task.  I believe I appreciate my journeys more than I used to, but I confess I still tend to want to just reach the destination as quickly as I can to move on to what I would rather do.  Rather than being disappointed with my lack of progress, I am encouraged the LORD opened my eyes to realise the benefit of the journey and my desire and intention to appreciate the journey more.  Even in this journey patience from the LORD is required to keep from giving up when change does not come easy.  Knowing God has created me to be me is coupled with the knowledge He wants to transform me too--and He has the power to do in all aspects of my personality and character by His grace.

Because God is good, the sanctifying changes God desires to accomplish in our lives are also for our good.  Life is trying and change is hard, but Jesus promises His disciples His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  Let us be patient with the changes God is doing in others and humble ourselves to walk in His grace as He changes us.  Has it ever occurred to you God desires to change how you naturally are--even concerning personality traits that are not expressly sinful in themselves--to lead you to humble yourself, know Him, rely on Him and resemble Him more?  Do not lose heart when progress is painfully slow or when you suffer setbacks, for God is with us on this sanctifying journey He has masterfully designed.  Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"

New Spiritual Wardrobe

Deciding what clothes to wear can be quick and easy for some people, and for others it resembles an arduous chore.  I suspect if we are looking for comfy clothes to wear around the house or clothes for work it is easier than finding suitable clothes for a fancy formal or party.  Such occasions can overwhelm us and suddenly we exclaim, "I have nothing to wear!" though our closet and chests of drawers are full of clothes, shoes and accessories.  We feel a twinge of horror to go to a luxurious event with a dress code without wearing something new.  Praise the LORD God provides His own righteousness to clothe us when we enter into His presence for eternity, for our best works are filthy rags by comparison.

David sang in Psalm 30:11-12, "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, ¹² to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever."  What an exchange God offered David, for his mourning was turned into dancing in the presence of the LORD.  David credited God for putting off his sackcloth and clothing him with gladness.  I suspect David did not rejoice in painful and sorrowful circumstances of his past, but by faith in God and His goodness he was enabled to rejoice in God presently moving forward.  Wearing sackcloth was a strong statement of grief and mourning, rough clothes worn to proclaim great depth of sorrow.  God was not cruel or unkind to remove David's sackcloth, for the LORD would not leave him naked and exposed:  God clothed David with gladness.

God gave David a choice and capacity he did not possess on his own in the midst of sorrow and mourning, for the LORD divinely, miraculously provided David a change of clothing.  Putting on clothes is merely an external exercise that cannot change the person, yet laying aside sackcloth and donning gladness was a result of an inner work by faith in God.  This prompts questions we ought to consider personally:  should we continue to mourn our past or what is lost when we can praise God for His presence today?  Should we perpetually mourn for ourselves over what we cannot change when God draws near to change us and make us more like Him?  Do we believe God is able to turn our loses and griefs into net gains we would not trade for the world through His love, grace and mercy?  David could have clung to his sackcloth, yet he welcomed the joyous change God ushered into His life.

Did you see God's purpose in turning David's mourning into dancing, putting off sackcloth and clothing him with gladness?  It was to the end that David's glory would sing praise to God and give thanks to the LORD forever.  The Messiah was anointed for this purpose in Isaiah 61:3:  "To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."  Hebrews 1:9 says Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness more than His fellows, and being born again by faith in Jesus means we are of God and have more than consolation--also oil of joy in exchange for mourning and the clothing of praise for the spirit of heaviness--so He might be glorified.  This is the new spiritual wardrobe God has provided us as His children, and it is our choice if we will gladly wear it.

God's Unexpected Ways

During a morning walk before dawn I prayed the LORD would speak to me, and He did in a most unexpected way.  Not long after I saw a woman jogging towards me, so I moved to the edge of the footpath to make as much room as possible.  What happened next was in slow motion:  my toe clipped the edge of the slab of concrete (which had heaved from a mature tree) and after a couple of stumbling steps I sprawled onto the footpath in a heap.  I can't remember the last time diving onto concrete, but it was a good reminder to keep stumbles and falls to a minimum.

The jogger stopped and asked if I was ok, and I said I was fine as I popped up on my feet, relieved no bones were broken.  Apart from grazes on my hand and leg, I jogged away relatively unscathed.  What struck me is that even though I was able to stand up unassisted, it was kind of the woman to pause and ask if I was ok after seeing me fall.  I imagine me falling looked hilarious, but her instinctive inquiry about my wellbeing was a gesture I appreciated.  Then I considered how automatic my response was, that if it was at all possible to stand up without assistance, that was my preference.  My instinct would be to stand on a broken foot or leg if it was at all possible and "walk it off," not even calling for a ride.

What happened on the footpath today was insightful concerning when someone falls spiritually into sin or stumbles into depression.  As an observer we may not want to ask if others are ok lest we embarrass them or draw unwanted attention to the fact we noticed.  The one who falls may be incapable of rising and still wave the observer on, not willing for others to slow down or stop on their account.  The good Samaritan in the parable drew near to the man who was beaten and left for dead, and given the background between Jews and Samaritans perhaps the wounded man only received help because he was physically unable to refuse it.  Speaking for myself, I have room to grow both in expressing care for those who are down and also willingness to receive help after I have fallen down.

Another thought that came from today's incident was how God can use our embarrassing and painful experiences to teach us and others.  There are always good lessons to be learned from our fails, and the fact I am around to speak about it tells me it could have been much worse.  I can praise God for guarding my bones, and the fall prompts me to be seeking God earnestly who can keep me from stumbling--physically and spiritually.  What we learn from a fall can be more valuable for our character and spiritual growth than walking without ever stumbling.  See how God can redeem a painful, awkward situation for good?

Heart Like Sand

One detractor of going to the beach is no matter what we do, we seem to bring much of the beach back home with us!  Even after a thorough rinse and shaking off sand, grains of sand ultimately will show up in the car, between toes, in wetsuits and on the tiles at home.  The fine and clinging nature of sand enables it to stick to skin and embed in fabrics, and thus it is difficult to shake off.  Some don't mind this at all, as it is a small trade-off for the sun, waves and fun of the beach.

As I considered the properties of sand at the beach, I remembered what God did for Solomon at his request in 1 Kings 4:29:  "And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore."  God gave Solomon divine wisdom, vast understanding and "largeness of heart" compared to sand on the seashore.  Solomon was given wisdom that was carried away by all who came in contact with him, as the Queen of Sheba from a distant land heard of the wisdom of Solomon.  She was so intrigued by the report she travelled a long way to visit Solomon in person.

The heart today is often connected with love, affection and care.  Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing for the hearts of Christians to be massive like sand on the seashore, that whenever people came in contact with us they couldn't help but have the wisdom and love of Jesus stick to them?  Sand is gritty and abrasive, and wisdom can have this impact on the minds of others--like a rock in the shoe that gets the attention of the conscience.  To have a heart filled with love that generously offers it to everyone is even more pleasant  and impactful than the greatest beach holiday.  People may not agree with our convictions, outlook or beliefs, but may God's love through us be embedded in every conversation and interaction.

The beach has an endless supply of sand, and by God's grace Christians have an endless supply of love and grace.  As the beach is generous with sand to all who visit, so we ought to be with God's love towards strangers, friends and family.  It is a blessed thing to realise we truly love people who came to church for a season or even for one service, to genuinely care about a stranger on a bus or someone we conversed with on a pier.  No Christian is the source of this great love, as if we are naturally kind and gracious people:  it is not of us, for it is Christ in us.  May the LORD grant us wisdom and largeness of heart like sand on the beach so all will know Christ's glorious fame.