Excluded for Christ's Sake

When I was in high school, I remember going with a friend to a country club for a round of golf.  Because there were only two of us, we figured we would be able to "walk on" without booking a tee-time previously.  Perhaps it was because it was a Saturday morning or due to our intentionally loud sweaters, but we were turned away by an unimpressed staff member who said curtly, "You're not playing here today."  Being excluded from the golf course was a disappointment, and even a reasonable explanation wouldn't have changed anything.  We wanted to play golf, and it wasn't happening.

Everyone, to some degree, has experienced being excluded from something we wanted to take part in.  Our job application has been rejected; our offer of friendship was rebuffed.  We have been made redundant from a job or had people refuse to even speak with us.  Even when we have achieved or obtained our desire, the actual experience may fall short of our expectations.  I played golf for fun and exercise, and a very bad round coupled with slow pace of play could prevent me from enjoyment I hoped to experience.  Jesus spoke on the subject of being excluded for His sake in Luke 6:22-23:  "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. ²³ Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets."  Being excluded usually feels like a bad thing, but when Christians are hated, excluded, reviled and thrown out as evil for Jesus' sake, we can know we are blessed in Christ and called to rejoice.

Even as we receive forgiveness of sin, salvation and eternal life by faith in Jesus, in faith we are called to rejoice when being excluded and maligned by others for the sake of Jesus because great is our reward in heaven.  Prophets of God who spoke His truth were excluded and hated by unbelievers, and we can rejoice to be excluded like they were for Christ's sake.  It is important to recognise this caveat--for the Son of Man's sake--for there can be many reasons why Christians are excluded and hated:  being arrogant and judgmental, pushing controversies and conspiracies, acting like we are "holier than thou," making callous and harsh comments, or hypocrisy without repentance.  Jesus Christ was compassionate, loving, truthful, righteous and perfect in every way, yet He was hated by the Pharisees because He rebuked them for their hypocrisy, was held in high regard by the people, and spoke with authority like the scribes did not dare.

When we take a stand on the Gospel according to the word of God, living to please Jesus and not others or even ourselves, this will grate on some people.  People did not approve of Jesus the Light of the World exposing their sins, and people do not appreciate Christians who follow God's righteous standards of living.  Some are troubled by the suggestion God exists and by those who believe in Him.  Christians will be excluded, hated and reviled for their beliefs and convictions.  Rather than caving to the crowd or seeking to find favour in man's sight, Jesus teaches us to realise and rejoice in the blessing of being accepted and included in His eternal, heavenly kingdom.  We are already part of the most awesome, wonderful community of the church with Jesus as Head, and we have a glorious future awaiting us together in the presence of God.  Let us rejoice (even when excluded!) because our reward in heaven in great.

Breaking Sin's Cycle

"As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."

Proverbs 26:11

Like seasons are cyclical and predictable, so we sinners tend to repeat our sins.  Like in the Steely Dan song "Do It Again," the gambler who swore he didn't have a gambling problem found himself back in Vegas with a handle in his hand without explanation.  Almost like by instinct, people are driven to sin and find themselves enslaved to it.  Though people have been created by God in His image, our freedom to choose and make wise decisions can be forfeited when we feed our flesh and go our own way.  Like babies born addicted to narcotics, all humanity lies under the curse of sin passed down from Adam, a chain broken only by Jesus Christ.  Without God's gracious intervention, we will continue pursuing and practicing what works to harm and destroy us forever.

In Psalm 73, Asaph wondered why those who continued in their sin seemed to flourish and not suffer trouble--despite their proud arrogance and rebellion against God.  He mused over what was the point of seeking God and doing good, receiving correction and chastening from the LORD, when others seemed to be prosperous without fear of God and without a care in the world.  But when Asaph drew near to God in worship in His sanctuary, it hit him:  the prosperity of people who remain in sin was an illusion, for God would bring them to destruction in a moment, and there would be no remedy.  Asaph was convicted of envy in his heart and ingratitude for God who loved him enough to chasten him so he might repent and be saved.

Asaph sang in Psalm 73:21-26:  "Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. ²² I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. ²³ Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. ²⁴ You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. ²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. ²⁶ My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  In the light of God's revelation of Asaph's folly, he compared his behaviour and thinking to that of a senseless beast, an animal driven by instinct that cannot help itself.  I have observed behaviours in animals that are completely irrational but predictable.  Growing up, our dog would always lick the flyscreen and run on the sliding glass door even though he was not allowed inside.  No amount of speaking to him was able to part him from this odd habit.  Asaph was a stark contrast to Slicker, our Cocker Spaniel, because he responded to God's guidance and counsel.  Faith in God caused Asaph's desires to change from his natural selfishness to satisfaction because God was the strength of his heart and his portion forever.

God allows this beastly condition of sin to bring us to our senses, even like the young man in the parable who demanded he be given his inheritance immediately.  It was after he spent all the money and began to be in want, he realised in a paddock with pigs how wonderful his father had been to him.  Remembering the goodness of his father prompted him to return willing to serve.  Proud and powerful Nebuchadnezzar was naturally full of himself, and God caused him to suffer a seven-year season of insanity.  He went completely feral, was unable to speak or listen to reason, ate grass like an ox, and lived outdoors night and day.  His hair was matted in dreadlocks and his nails grew long like eagle claws.  His senseless, irrational behaviour was a picture of how the sin of pride rendered him spiritually:  incapable of hearing God, receiving correction or changing his ways.  Seven years was a long time, but it lead to a most valuable lesson being learned by Nebuchadnezzar we can all benefit from.

Daniel 4:34-35 says, "And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. ³⁵ All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?"  Nebuchadnezzar being restored to his throne is a lovely parallel of what God desires in the hearts of all people:  God would have us look to Him in humility and praise Him.  When we receive God's correction and repent of our sins, our understanding returns to us.  The perpetual cycle of sin is broken by His power, and we ought to be moved to praise, extol and serve God who is wisdom, strength and salvation for us.  Because Jesus lives in Christians, we are delivered from darkness, granted the ability to overcome every instinct to sin, and can now live in the way that fully pleases God as His adopted children (Colossians 1:9-17).

The Dehumanising Trend

God created mankind in His own image, making human beings intrinsically unique among all living things fashioned by Him.  The almighty God also took human form and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Messiah sent by God to save lost sinners.  As G.K. Chesterton masterfully argued in his book The Everlasting Man, mankind towers distinct and separate from all creatures in the animal kingdom, and Jesus is revealed in Scripture to be infinitely higher in wisdom and holiness above all other men.  Even a casual comparison reveals this to be truth as plain as day.

Because God has created mankind in His image, it is natural for God's enemies who cannot touch or sully Him to turn their proud fury upon His image bearers.  During my lifetime I have observed an ongoing assault upon the human race by dehumanising the unborn, objectifying and degrading people in lust, and humanising animals.  It is a strange world we live in where domesticated pets are called "babies" and an unborn baby with a beating heart is clinically termed a "fetus" or a "clump of cells."  The dehumanisation of people created to know God and have a relationship with Him is a trend that can be perpetuated even by well-meaning, empathetic people.

Today I read an article that included an interview with man who had been an alcoholic for a long time.  The author commented how these "issues were exacerbated" as a "...result of colonisation, dispossession from land, and the institutional racism and discrimination they continue to face."  To me, this is an example of an intended sympathetic portrayal of a human being that works to dehumanise this individual created in God's image--a person God has given a conscience and capacity to make decisions and judgments animals cannot make.  To claim colonisation exacerbates a person's alcoholism is as senseless as saying Adam's choice to eat the forbidden fruit makes my cursing and lying more extreme.  Because God has created mankind His image, the Bible reveals there is the capacity in every one person (by saving faith in Christ) the ability to rise above trauma, racism and discrimination.  Making excuses for people's excesses promotes perpetual victimhood rather than repentance and deliverance from sin by faith in God.  In Christ we are no longer chained to our past, having been set free.

The problem of sin goes far deeper than ugly racism easily seen on the surface or in a particular society, for alcoholics and addicts can be found in every group of people.  From a biblical vantage point, the cause of sin that brings death is a spiritual problem of the heart that lies far beyond the reach of education, government programs or initiatives.  We cannot make wise and good decisions as human beings when we are bound by sin and pride, for we are sinners in need of the Saviour Jesus Christ.  God has treated humanity with great dignity in taking human form, and He preached repentance from sin and guided people to trust in Him and be born again.  When we make excuses for our sin or attempt to shift the blame to others, we are not on a path to spiritual and eternal transformation we desperately need provided by the Gospel.  My heart breaks for people who are in the midst of addiction and surrendered to it, content to live out their days on earth in bondage, when God has an infinitely better and glorious plan to draw sinners to Himself in faith and be saved.

God has provided an invitation and an opportunity for all people to be born again through faith in Jesus.  People are not sinners because they have been dealt a bad hand:  we are all naturally sinners because we are born of Adam and are not God.  To say people are basically good is all wrong, for the Bible makes it plain (and our consciences agree) that all have sinned.  Only the sinless Lamb of God Jesus Christ can forgive sins, and He has provided atonement with His own blood so we can be cleansed and born again by the indwelling Holy Spirit.  What exacerbates our "issues" is our refusal to admit our wrongs, denial of our personal responsibility and unwillingness to admit our inability to do right.  For all who are willing to confess their sin and repent, turning to Jesus in faith marked by obedience, God provides a new life and identity in Christ who always guides us to eternal victory.

David Danced Naked?

Our Bible study last night reminded me of an awkward interaction at camp when a worship leader emphasised David's joyful abandon in worshipping God when the Ark of God was brought into Jerusalem.  "He was so caught up in worship, he was dancing naked."  He looked at me to affirm the truth he claimed.  "He was naked, right?"  Actually, no:  David was not dancing in the nude.  The Bible passages say clearly he was wearing fine linen and a linen ephod, similar to what the priests or Levites wore (2 Samuel 6:14; 1 Chron. 15:7).  The idea of David being naked is likely based on the snide comments of Michal, David's wife, about David being "uncovered," which was to say he was not wearing his royal robes.  She was offended because she viewed his behaviour as immodest and inappropriate as a king.  Thinking someone should "cover up" does not assume total nudity.

The worship leader's comments about David dancing naked in public made me quite uncomfortable, for what was the purpose or application of this emphasis?  An encouragement for the true worshippers of God to strip down naked during the worship set?  God forbid!  God was the one who clothed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and He also designed clothing for the priests and Levites to wear in His presence.  Since the Law of God forbade steps leading to an altar lest the priest be upskirted and his nakedness seen (Exodus 20:26), how can anyone claim public nudity is acceptable in the praise of God?  To suggest David danced naked dismisses the plain reading of the text, and to say stripping naked in worship is a worthy indignity has absolutely no place in scripture or in the practice of God's people.  This obscene practice marked wild, unrestrained pagan rituals and idol worship , and it is a sinful action God-fearing people ought to condemn.

The tendency to follow the lead of other people--by repeating an interpretation of the Bible or following a pattern set by others--is found in this text.  It was good David was moved to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, the city where God put His everlasting name.  But David made a grave error by not seeking the LORD nor digging into God's Law to determine the proper order.  The Ark was transported from the house of Abinadab by Uzzah and Ahio on a new cart pulled by oxen when God commanded it be carried aloft with poles by sanctified Levites (1 Chron. 15:11-15).  Did you know there is only one occasion previously when the Ark was transported by an ox cart?  This was how the Philistines returned the cart to Israel in Beth-Shemesh after capturing it (1 Samuel 6)!  Without consideration of what God's word actually said, David and all Israel were led into sin that had deadly consequences.

When Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, the wrath of God was kindled and he was struck dead.  This was a shock to David, the 30,000 choice men who had been selected to parade the Ark to Jerusalem, and all who witnessed it.  David's immediate response was anger and fear.  But during the following 3 months, the death of Uzzah prompted David to dive into God's word where he read of the proper order God established to transport the Ark of God.  Reading God's Law and putting it into practice led to the safe transport of the Ark to Jerusalem, indescribable joy as David danced with all his might before the LORD, and the presentation of a new song of worship to God by David.  Tragedy borne of sin was redeemed by God to draw David and His people to Himself, and it resulted in the (fully clothed!) worship, praise and a closer relationship with God.

Known By Judgment

"The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah"

Psalm 9:16

I have been meditating on this verse lately, thinking about God's judgments according to His righteousness.  Though He is absolutely just, He remains gracious, compassionate and full of mercy.  His desire is not to destroy but to draw people to Himself to be delivered and saved from sin and death.  God's judgments are inescapable, yet He provides sure deliverance for all who trust in Him.

The LORD is known to be sovereign over all creation because He judged the whole earth with the great flood.  He observed humanity, not only their wicked deeds, but how the imaginations of their hearts was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).  He did not spring the coming judgment upon unsuspecting people without warning, but explained what was coming through Noah who built the ark and was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5).  God followed through on exactly what He said He would do, and that world that perished in the deluge.

God is known by His ability to do the miraculous by bringing 10 severe plagues upon Egypt.  After many warnings by Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the children of Israel go from bondage.  God made clear the 10th plague would affect every household as is written in Exodus 12:12:  "For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD."  Those who refused to believe God invited death into their households, and the Egyptian idols were powerless to protect or save people from the consequences of unbelief.

The almighty God is known to be powerful over heaven and earth by suddenly rained fire and brimstone upon Sodom and the surrounding cities for their wickedness.  God came down and spoke with Abraham, revealing that the cry of Sodom was great and reached up to heaven.  Judgment came in a moment for Sodom's iniquity (Lamentations 4:6) so escape was impossible.  After the flood God promised He would never again destroy the world with water, and has held back judgment that will one day come upon this world with fire as spoken in 2 Peter 3:7:  "But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."  The LORD has shown Himself sovereign, able and powerful to do exactly as He has said.

One thing all these severe judgments have in common is God preserved a remnant of people who trusted in Him.  Though the flood was global, the plagues widespread and fire raining down on Sodom instantly, God preserved those who believed and obeyed Him.  In every case, all who trusted God were saved.  Noah, his family and animals were saved from the flood.  The Hebrews were spared from plagues in the land of Goshen, their firstborn was spared by putting the blood of the Passover sacrifice on the doorposts of their homes, and they passed safely through the Red Sea on dry land whilst the Egyptians drowned. Lot was taken by the hand by angels who led him with his family out of Sodom before it was utterly consumed.  In all these judgments is seen God's grace, compassion and salvation for those who fear Him.

God is known by the judgment He executes, and the wicked are ensnared by their own hands.  God does not trick or entrap people because He desires their destruction, for man is the one responsible for his own sin God will hold to account.  Because God loves sinners, He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to provide atonement for sin, to die on the cross so those ensnared and enslaved by sin could be set free and saved from the wrath to come.  God's righteous justice has been satisfied by the death of Jesus, for the wages of sin is death.  The gift of God is eternal life given by our Saviour who is risen from the dead and will one day return to judge the world in righteousness.  The wise know God by judgment He executes, and thus bow the knee in reverence before Jesus Christ as KING OF KINGS--the God who alone saves.

Lifting Up the Horn

"'I said to the boastful, 'Do not deal boastfully,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up the horn. ⁵ Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck.'"

Psalm 75:4-5

What goes up must come down, the cliche goes, and and those who are lifted up with pride God can easily bring low.  On the other hand, those who humble themselves God will exalt.  The Bible is filled with examples that illustrate God's ability to bring low the proud whether it be king Saul, king Nebuchadnezzar, Haman--or even Satan himself.  Asaph urged people not to be proud or boastful when they were promoted or advanced in stature, for he remarked in Psalm 75:6-7:  "For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. ⁷ But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another."  One distinction between God and all other judges is He is perfectly just and remains gracious and merciful.  Sometimes there is no justice possible from earthly courts, and the judgments of men according to law can lack mercy and compassion.

In the book of Ruth, Haman was a man who boasted greatly about his high-ranking position, and he gathered family and friends to speak of his frequent access to royalty and the power bestowed upon him by his king.  It was in this lofty role he was arrogant, proud and despised those he viewed as below him--people like Mordecai the Jew.  When Mordecai did not bow or give him reverence when Haman sauntered past, Haman was incensed and decided to use his power to annihilate all the Jewish people.  He made a massive gallows with the sole purpose of hanging Mordecai, yet when his wicked scheme was uncovered the haughty Haman was brought low.  He was publicly hung on the gallows, and all Shushan could see Haman's meteoric fall from grace when he was executed high in the sky.

Haman was a man who lifted the horn in pride to his own destruction, even as an ox uses his strength to thrust with horns and inflict damage.  Bull calves are not born with horns, but they grow as they mature and gain strength.  Under Mosaic Law, if an ox gored a person to death, the ox would be stoned and the flesh not eaten.  The owner would bear the loss of his valued working animal for the damage it had done.  Exodus 21:29 says, "But if the ox tended to thrust with its horn in times past, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not kept it confined, so that it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death."  The implication is if an ox was known to be a danger to people because it aggressively lifted the horn, the owner needed to take all precautions to protect people by removing the horns, keeping the animal in a fenced paddock, or if all means failed it would become food for the next BBQ.  The meat would be eaten, and the hide of a stiff-necked ox that refused to heed commands and lifted the horn would be made into leather goods like saddles and sandals--objects that would be sat or walked on.  In some cases a dangerous ox could be more valuable and useful to the owner dead than alive.

Our strength, status or roles that men pride themselves in are the very things which ought to humble the child of God, knowing we are chosen and blessed by God's grace.  Should the LORD grant us horns like a mature bull, we must be wise and gentle in our use of them.  Balaam chose to ride a donkey that was faithful and dependable, one that humbly responded to his guidance by a light tug on a rope.  In a similar fashion, we are called by Jesus to take His yoke upon us and to learn from His example of meekness and lowliness.  Rather than having a stiff neck and refusing instruction, we ought to humble ourselves to yield to God's guidance without the need of bit, bridle or whip.  Knowing we are called to a relationship with the living God ought to humble us rather than puff us up with pride.  Psalm 65:4 reads, "Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple."  How humbling it is to know as Christians we are the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, and our satisfaction ought to be in God rather than ourselves or our promotion.

The Proverbs 31...Husband?

In Proverbs 31, Lemuel described a virtuous wife whose value to her husband and family was far greater than precious stones.  Many women have made the industrious qualities of this woman an inspiration to live up to, and others feel inadequate as they consider her superhuman work ethic.  Because this is written generally of "a virtuous woman," I do not believe all these specific skills or qualities are necessary to be considered virtuous.  At the same time, the praiseworthy description ought to inspire women (and men too!) to use their God-given talents to serve God and others in the roles He has called us to.

A virtuous wife is a blessing to her husband as it is written in Proverbs 31:11-12:  "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. ¹² She does him good and not evil all the days of her life."  The chaste, morally upright and active wife is marked by industry.  She takes initiative and prepares for the future.  She cares and provides for the needs of others, especially those of her own household.  This wife is savvy to earn money and brings prosperity, and she is governed by wisdom and kindness in what she says and does.  Rather than giving place to idleness, she excels in all she puts her hands to do.  Her domestic skills and talents are profitable beyond her home, and her husband and children praise her in Proverbs 31:28-29:  "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹ "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

What struck me as I consider this passage is how many virtuous wives have been hindered from reaching their full stature because of a domineering and untrusting husband.  As intimidating as the description of a virtuous woman is for women, it can also unsettle men.  It requires faith in God for a husband to trust his wife to take initiative as described in Proverbs 31:16:  "She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard."  Husband, would you trust your wife and approve of her making major financial decisions?  It is possible for a husband and a wife to take initiative in a complementary marriage relationship, and this requires mutual submission before the LORD and one another.  Speaking from the perspective of a husband of a virtuous wife, I can attest how the LORD has used her industry and labour to bring immeasurable profit to our marriage, family and home that would never have existed without her drive, wisdom and foresight.

Proverbs 31:25 reads, "Strength and honour are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come."  The strength of the virtuous woman is not derived from her independence but by submission to the LORD and her husband she respects.  A wife is made strong when her husband loves her like Jesus does the church, and God's sacrificial, active love makes her to thrive in her role.  The future of a virtuous wife is rejoicing, for her husband and children will rise and call her blessed.  The passage concludes with Proverbs 31:30-31:  "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."  It is one thing to be praised by your husband and children, but how much greater it is to hear "Well done!" from our LORD Jesus in His presence forever!  Since our LORD will praise us for a life well lived, the husband of a virtuous wife ought to honour her publicly and reward her with praise.

No Shame in Sorrow

After hearing of the affliction and reproach Nehemiah's brethren were experiencing in Jerusalem, he was deeply grieved.  He wept, mourned and fasted and he prayed to God on behalf of those who lived in a city with the wall broken down and the gates burned with fire.  Four months after Nehemiah heard the shocking news, king Artaxerxes noticed he was sad in his presence--and this had never happened before.  Nehemiah 2:2-3 says, "Therefore the king said to me, "Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart." So I became dreadfully afraid, ³ and said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?"

I am no expert on proper etiquette of cupbearers in the presence of a Persian king, but Nehemiah understood very well the importance of showing upmost respect and honour to his king.  To appear before the Persian king in any context was a sober duty, for one misstep could mean your job, freedom or even cost your life.  It was important for Nehemiah to remember his station and the total authority of his king, and one did not speak unless being directly addressed.  When the king asked Nehemiah about being sorrowful in his presence, Nehemiah was afraid.  As a cupbearer, the king needed to trust him completely and remain confident of his loyalty.  Would seeing Nehemiah sad arouse suspicion of foul play?  Nehemiah respectfully and wisely explained the cause of his sadness, that Jerusalem lay waste.

It struck me today that as Artaxerxes noticed Nehemiah was sad, there were likely kings who frowned upon their servants being sorrowful in their presence as an unpardonable sin.  Artaxerxes was favourable towards Nehemiah, and gave him leave and all that was needed to commence on rebuilding the walls and gates.  What is awesome about the Most High God, the KING OF KINGS, is it does not anger or annoy Him when we are sorrowful and seek Him.  We can weep in His presence and He does not have us put outside until we pull ourselves together; He does not take offence when we are troubled and upset.  Psalm 56:8-9 (NLT) says, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. ⁹ My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!"  God keeps a better reckoning of our pains than we do, for who among us can know the tears we have shed?  God does not cast us off because we are unhappy, for He can use our unhappiness to draw us to Him and seek the help and salvation only He can supply.

We can be ashamed of our sorrow and tears and apologise for them in front of friends, yet there is no shame to shed tears in the presence of our LORD.  He draws near to us when we are sorrowful like Jesus did to Mary Magdalene who wept outside the empty tomb.  Mary had just finished tearfully telling angels she did not know where the Lord Jesus had been taken and John 20:14 says: "Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus."  Isn't that wonderful, how Jesus was right beside Mary?  Jesus asked why she was weeping and whom she was seeking--and this dear woman, sight bleary with tears, found the one she hoped most to see miraculously alive and at hand.  Rather than being put off by our sadness, our LORD draws near to hear and help as Psalm 34:18 says:  "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

When Progress is to Step Away

One key aspect of God's character and ways is that He does not change.  In this regard (and countless others!) God is entirely unique, unlike everything and everyone on earth.  There is much about us that changes over time:  our minds, bodies, reactions and abilities can improve or degrade in various ways.  Governments, laws, organisations, businesses, products, quality of components, and members of an association are among countless things that change--and not always for the better.

Recently there was a change of the pope of the Catholic church, and this position of leadership has sway of the organisation as a whole.  One concern voiced by ministry leaders was how "progressive" the views of Pope Leo XIV are towards controversial topics such as abortion, a homosexual lifestyle and euthanasia.  As a Christian who believes God and His word do not change, the word "progressive" as a description sends off alarm bells because it is always a departure from God's wise ways which are established and immutable.  People and society continue to change, and there will always be some who want the church to "change with the times."  The church of Jesus Christ cannot do this and remain the church.  What some people call progress would better be called apostacy.

It is an infinitely good thing God does not change, for our salvation depends upon it.  In Malachi 3, God spoke of the coming of the Messiah who would purify and judge His people that they would offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness.  Malachi 3:5-6 says, "And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien--because they do not fear Me," says the LORD of hosts. ⁶ "For I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob."  God's people failed to observe His statutes, yet God did not alter His judgments to accommodate sin that would lead to their destruction.  God will uphold His righteous standards in holiness, and it is because the LORD does not change His people are eternally preserved.

The living God who revealed Himself to Moses is the same LORD who has been revealed to all in Jesus Christ and the Gospel.  Exodus 34:6-7 says, "And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, ⁷ keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation."  If our Creator was not merciful and gracious, there would be no possible way for sinners to be forgiven, redeemed and transformed.  As all the good things we enjoy are from the hand of the LORD--even trials He makes work for our good--it is vital for God's people to fear God and walk in His ways.  Jesus Christ saves and makes fruitful those who abide in Him by faith.  To progress from Christ who alone has eternal life is to step away from Christ, to revert back to our own ways that only bring death.

Our Immune System and Unity

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

Psalm 133:1

God has created the human body to be comprised of many different parts that have unique functions that benefit the whole body.  Unity should not be confused with uniformity, for every person has their own personality and perspective.  Even identical twins that are difficult to tell apart are their own individual person, a unique soul endowed with gifts and abilities by our Creator.

In Psalm 133, David exclaimed how good and pleasant it was for brethren to dwell together in unity.  The Hebrews received an inheritance of land by lot, and they were separated into various tribes.  The tribe of Levi was distinct because God was their inheritance, and the ministry of the tabernacle and service to God was their privilege and responsibility.  The chief priests were of the line of Aaron, another distinction.  Yet all God's people were brethren, united by blood of the line of Abraham and spiritual brethren by faith in the God of Israel.

In the New Testament, several times the church of Jesus Christ is likened to a Body made up of many members with Jesus as our head.  Local Christian churches are part of the global church, united in Christ and His love despite different practices, form and heritage.  Jesus who unites us is greater than minor differences in theology that tend to separate us.  It is good and pleasant for brothers and sisters in the church to dwell together in unity for the glory of God and the edification of each member.  Because we are different people at various stages of spiritual rehabilitation and renewal, people who naturally think and express themselves differently and are often ignorant of other's struggles and pains, conflicts will arise.  Mix in misunderstandings, offence, bitterness, unforgiveness and other sinful works of the flesh, division of members seems inevitable.

Our bodies contain an incredible amount of complex systems that work together to support the health of the whole body.  One of these is our immune system that has various types of white blood cells that remembers all the microbes, fungus and bacteria that have been harmful to the body and identify them as they circulate.  Antibodies are able to determine the foreign invaders and mark antigens for attack.  T cells target these harmful cells and destroy them.  Massive problems arise when our immune system does not recognise harmful cells and feeds them, allowing them to multiply which results in colds, flu and even cancer.  God designed all the members of the church who are born again by the Holy Spirit to fulfil a similar function, having provided a blueprint of righteousness in His word so we can recognise sin and repent.

If a healthy body does not directly deal with invading microbes, this will result in sickness and possibly death.  Similarly, members of the body of Christ are to mobilise to directly deal with our sin by confession and repentance--while gently restoring sinners overtaken in a trespass--knowing we also can be tempted.  Our individual connection to the head (Jesus Christ) by abiding in Him means we can be a healthy, fruitful and productive member of the body even when a church is a mess.  We cannot walk in unity if we are proud, and we ought to follow Christ's example to humble ourselves as Philippians 2:1-3 says:  "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."

Running a fever is a symptom our bodies are fighting off an infection, and fevers are not fun.  It is not pleasant or enjoyable to confess our sin, admit we have done wrong or need to ask for forgiveness.  In the end, however, dealing with sin directly provides incredible benefits we and the whole body of Christ can enjoy.  Cells in our immune system remember foreign microbes they have determined to be harmful and quickly mobilise to destroy them should they ever seek to invade again.  When Christ delivers and cleanses us from a sin that once held us in bondage, our senses are heightened to quickly recognise it, make wise choices to avoid it and to do what is pleasing to God instead.  By confession and repentance of sin, these are profitable spiritual exercises that contribute to the health of the church by walking in love and unity with Jesus Christ and one another.

Ascribe Strength to God

"Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. ³⁵ O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!"

Psalm 68:34-35

Because God is awesome and strong, the outlook of Christians should never be grim.  When we focus on the problems in the world, regrets of our past or feelings of anxiety, it is natural for us to be overwhelmed and to despair.  This was our lot before coming to Jesus Christ as Saviour, but we cannot justify our procrastination of God's praise any longer due to fear or cares of this world.  God allows unhappy situations so we might be drawn to Him who gives fullness of joy and peace that passes understanding.

Psalm 68 is wonderful as it extols the awesome strength and salvation of God, and I also love the descriptions of God's people throughout the chapter.  These are not people hunkered down in foxholes at war against fearsome foes, but people publicly and joyfully praised God without a sword, shield or bow among them.  These are people who celebrated and worshipped the almighty God who had taken captivity captive, who delivered them from death, who had gifts for them and graced them with His presence.  One would think they did not have a care in the world apart from glorifying God, and this is a snapshot of the joyous life God supplies for all who fear Him.

The glad countenance of the people described in this chapter is a far cry from the kind of Christian who is quite taken with their own spiritual authority, who expend their energies in forcefully rebuking Satan when praising God would have greater impact to shine for Christ.  When God arises His enemies scatter, and there is nothing we can do or say to add greater effect to His powerful words and judgments.  There is a Christian who imagines walking in victory depends on their knowledge and verbiage when the experiences of Jehoshaphat and countless other believers by faith stood still and saw the salvation of the LORD who fought their battles.

As Paul said, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, rulers of darkness in the heavenly places where God reigns as sovereign KING OF KINGS!  The purpose of our wrestling is not to take the devil to the mat and pin him, but that we would be strong in the LORD and the power of His might to stand and not remain cast down.  God grants victory, not to those who are strong to tout their divine authority, but who recognise Christ's supremacy and humble themselves before Him by faith and obedience.  Rather than wasting our breath rebuking Satan, how about praising and thanking God who is already victorious?  Isn't blessing God with praise and gratitude in tough times walking in victory Jesus has provided by His grace?

Evil From Within

When God confronted both Adam and Eve for their sin of disobedience to Him in the Garden of Eden, it is telling both of them blamed others rather than taking personal responsibility.  Adam blamed God for the wife He gave him, and Eve blamed the serpent who deceived her.  Adam and Eve presented themselves as unsuspecting pawns in the devil's game, except the devil wasn't the problem:  the situation exposed the sin that was in their own hearts.  Like a warm compress brings a boil to a head, Satan worked to bring mankind's natural corruption into full view.  All the descendants of Adam and Eve share their sinful, fallen condition.

I have heard people quip, "If only Adam and Eve didn't eat that forbidden fruit!" not realising sin had already stirred in their hearts it entered their mouths.  The Law of Moses put great emphasis on commands to do and to avoid what was deemed sinful, and thus people saw physical acts as sinful--which they certainly can be.  What the Law could not address was the sinful condition of the heart.  Jesus taught sin does not begin with the action but takes place in the heart and mind before sin is brought forth in our members.  Eating without washing hands according to the tradition of the elders did not defile the disciples of Jesus, for it is what comes from within that defiles.

The disciples of Jesus asked Him about the meaning of the parable, and Mark 7:18-23 reads:  "So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him,¹⁹ because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?" ²⁰ And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. ²¹ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, ²² thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. ²³ All these evil things come from within and defile a man."  Cain did not begin to sin when he killed Abel, but he sinned by pride, hating and being envious of his brother Abel before he struck him.  Before Cain murdered Abel, God warned Cain that sin was at the door.  I have often viewed this as Cain was inside and sin waited outside, but it may be more accurate in light of what Jesus said that sin crouched inside the door of Cain's heart, waiting to be released by angry blows.  When our sins are revealed by our actions, we ought to take personal responsibility to confess our hearts are sinful, the driving force of our own transgression--and we were at the wheel.

God is not sinful for allowing temptation, and the only reason we are tempted is because of our sinful desires.  God is gracious to bring the secret sins of our hearts into full view in the light of His Law so we can see our need to repent and seek cleansing and pardon found in Jesus Christ alone.  James 1:13-15 says, "Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."  God is not willing any should perish, and sin brings forth death.  While our lives continue the merciful God provides opportunity to repent of our sins and receive Jesus by faith.  He gives us new hearts, yet in these bodies of flesh old habits die hard.  It is good we avoid sinning with our bodies, but know we need transformation of the heart, a divine renovation God does within us that we must choose to yield to.  It isn't what goes into your mouth that defiles you, but what comes out of your heart.

Spiritual Small Ball

When it came to the game of baseball, my dad always had an appreciation for "small ball" to manufacture runs.  While hitting home runs and driving balls to the outfield gaps are flashy and impressive, my dad loved it when the batter noticed the infielders playing deep and dropped down a bunt for a base hit.  He would cheer what is called a "sacrifice bunt," when the batter bunts to move runners to the next base--even though he would be out at first.  Moving the runners set the table for the next hitter to drive in runs rather than grounding into an inning-ending double play trying to be a hero.

As a kid, I never quite understood the draw to small ball.  Preceding the All-Star Game Major League Baseball hosts a "home run derby" where the league's best sluggers compete to see who can hit the most home runs.  They never had a bunt derby (and never will), though bunting remains a fundamental skill most players ought to practice and master.  Many games have been won by splashy home runs, but well-placed bunts have also resulted in famous victories.  Unexpected bunts have ended no-hitters and created opportunities for baserunners that broke games wide open.

When it comes to Christian service, my desire is to do my best and make the greatest impact possible.  I would like every sermon I preach to be like a fastball hit out of the park.  The thought came to mind today that just as the manager gives the sign to "swing away," he may also give the sign to "bunt" or "hit and run."  The player may want to swing for the fences at every opportunity, wanting the chance to make the big play and win the game in an instant, but the batter needs to follow the sign given from the coach.  The LORD may choose to do the equivalent in spiritual matters, to call for a bunt or to even take a pitch rather than swinging:  it is not God's design every sermon will be a home run.  Laying down a bunt to move the runner along may be the manager's call, and to execute the play is always the right call.

The harder a batter tries to swing, the easier it is to miss.  We can make the mistake in spiritual matters to put all the pressure on ourselves to do everything, to win a battle with a single swing of the bat when there are many other players on our team who also can make meaningful contributions for a team victory.  Isn't this encouraging to consider in regards to the church?  Even when we fail in our execution and strike out, having done our best, we can trust Jesus has power to redeem all for good and His glory.  Our Little League managers used to give out game balls as trophies to a kid who hit a home run as well as the player who laid down a sacrifice bunt.  I believe God is even more generous with His rewards He gives those who love and serve Him the best we can.

He Is All Fair

 "You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you."

Song of Songs 4:7

In the love story Solomon penned, the Beloved and the Shulamite had a romantic relationship that resulted in an unlikely but happy marriage.  Both husband and wife were enraptured in the love of one another, and in their eyes their spouse was perfect in every way.  This is how people can be in the throes of romantic love, so smitten with happy emotions they overlook faults which become plain to them over time.  Though we admit theoretically no one is perfect, when someone exceeds our ideals we imagine we have found a person who is an exception to the rule.  Modern rates of infidelity and divorce suggest the discovery of flaws in one once chosen to be their lifelong partner.

I have found the greater my familiarity is with something or someone, their flaws become more apparent.  Take the purchase of a house, for example.  No matter how carefully I have observed the structure, appliances, roofing, flooring and landscaping, it is not until I have lived in the house for weeks and months I suddenly become aware of imperfections and faults that escaped my notice previously.  Some issues could not be seen on the surface, like a loose wiring connection to an aerial or a faulty globe in a garage door opener.  My focus in testing the door was making sure the door opened--not that the light was working.  Other things were in plain view the whole time, yet were easily overlooked because I had not shined light directly upon them or run my hand across the uneven surface.

It was not until months after moving into our current house I noticed a crack in the wall where a previous repair had come loose.  I tackled the project, imagining I was fixing the only gyprock damage in the house.  In the midst of the repair I began scouring the house, making sure there was no other significant damage.  I found a few more dents and holes I patched and primed--only to find more faults--which included affixing the whole ceiling of one room that was sagging from the ceiling joists.  There have now been three occasions I believed I was done with screws, fiberglass tape, mud, sanding, primer and paint only to start right back at the beginning because I discovered more problems.  The faults were always there, and it took close examination to notice them.  It would be utter folly to suggest the walls and ceilings are in pristine condition, for even my repairs are imperfect.

What is wonderful about Jesus Christ is the exact opposite is true:  the closer we examine Him and the more familiar with Him, His righteousness, goodness and holiness exceeds our wildest imaginations.  He who loves us is all fair, and there is no spot in Him.  The longer I have followed Jesus, the more impressed with Him I am.  The Queen of Sheba was overwhelmed when she came to visit Solomon in person, for the stories she had heard did not do him justice.  I have found this to be even more the case with Jesus, for He routinely impresses me and blows my mind.  He is continually faithful, true, gracious, keeps His promises and never disappoints.  He does not forget or forsake us.  The more I grow to know Him, the more His perfection appears.  I am convinced there is nothing or no one remotely like the almighty God who is perfect in all His ways.  I will joyfully stake my life on the reality of the perfection of my God and Saviour Jesus, and I urge you to do the same.

Insidious Idolatry

One insidious aspect of idolatry is the human capacity to make idols of things or activities that are not bad in themselves.  The problem of idolatry goes far beyond graven images, money or stuff.  We can turn a memorial of God's victory into a shrine we venerate as holy ground.  The children of Israel preserved and later worshipped the bronze serpent Moses had made, naming it "Nehushtan" and burned incense to it (2 Kings 18:4).  Gideon destroyed his father's altar and image before facing the Midianites, yet after God delivered them into his hand he used plunder to fashion an ephod which became a snare to all Israel and His house.  In Jerusalem. I have witnessed people moved to tears as they caressed and kissed stones Jesus might have touched, pouring out affection upon relics that are not God.

It isn't just objects that we can worship and put in God's place, but we can idolise things that can be good and even God-glorifying.  After king Solomon and the children of Israel built the temple in Jerusalem in obedience to the LORD, they venerated the temple because it was God's dwelling place--rather than reserving their affections for God alone.  There are some who, having benefitted from miraculous physical healing, make healing an idol they seek more than the LORD who heals.  It struck me today since a building consecrated for worship and physical healing can be idols, prayer itself can become an idol when we make the primary focus our activity and efforts rather than God who answers prayer according to His will.  The problem of idolatry is not in a place, object or spiritual exercise, but it is the natural inclination of our hearts to put ourselves, others or anything in God's rightful place.

Thus Christian ministry can be an idol; our abilities and exercise of spiritual gifts can be idolised.  One spiritual gift can be lifted up above the rest in emphasis because it gives us credibility among Christians.  Godly men and women who have been used by God and have been a blessing in our lives can be lifted up in our hearts, that we tend to look and listen to them and follow their lead instead of seeking the LORD first.  Easier than anything is to idolise ourselves:  our reputation, honour, role, convictions and methods.  What we have done, our successes and accomplishments, can be glorified in our eyes to the point we pursue them relentlessly to our own ruin--like a drug addict does a high.  Jesus taught His disciples in Luke 12:34, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  God is to have our complete loyalty, desire and affection, for He is the Creator and LORD over all.

Through Jesus Christ, born again Christians have fellowship and a relationship with the living God.  Everything we can see, hear, hold, think and feel has the potential to morph into idols because of the weakness and folly of our flesh.  Our knee-jerk reaction is to rid ourselves of stuff, to avoid doing or having anything lest we be ensnared by idolatry--and completely miss our need for a transformed and renewed heart.  Like the Colossian believers, we tend to embrace a "touch not, taste not, handle not" approach (Colossians 2:21) and idolise legalism rather than putting Colossians 3:1-4 into practice:  "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

By putting off the works of the flesh and putting on the new man who is renewed in the knowledge of Christ, we are divinely enabled to glorify God and be His conduits of forgiveness, peace and love to all.  Let us thank and praise God for delivering us from the sin of idolatry in its countless forms, that He would have all honour and praise.

Guided by the Light

 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Psalm 119:105

Due to the orientation of our house and dining area, direct beams of sunlight shine through the sliding doors.  Light reveals what a lack of light conceals.  Glass that previously appeared, both on the sliding doors and on the hutch, were exposed as streaky with water spots and in need of cleaning.  Without the sunlight directly hitting the glass, I never would have noticed or known.

It is one thing to realise glass is streaky, but another thing altogether to do something to clean it!  Streaky glass isn't the end of the world, but it certainly is more pleasing to look through clean glass.  Was this knowledge pleasing enough to drop what I was doing when streaks came to my attention and immediately clean the glass?  No.  I believe this provides a good illustration of how the LORD can make us aware of blemishes in our lives and character we do not bother taking intentional action to clean up.  Our procrastination and inaction suggests we imagine realising we are sinners is more important than stopping what we are doing, repenting of sin and doing what pleases God instead.

The psalmist said God's word was "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  The use of personal pronouns shows God's word is to be taken personally ourselves--not to be used like a torch to ascertain the way others walk, to note obstacles or the direction others chose to walk.  God's word is to guide our steps because we need illumination and course-correction only the Bible can supply.  If our hearts echo Samuel who said, "Speak LORD, for your servant hears," then we must subject ourselves to God's guidance, encouragement, rebuke, correction and instruction through His written word.

Even as the orientation of our house provides opportunity for the sunlight to stream in the window during the day, there are houses sheltered by shady trees or taller structures that do not allow direct sunlight in.  Thankfully people are not like houses which cannot be moved but can turn our eyes to Jesus and open His word with the intention to hear and obey.  Neglect of opening God's word and reading it keeps us in the dark about our own sinfulness, hardness of heart and foolishness.  Reading the Scripture without practicing it tends to foster pride and self-righteousness through hypocrisy.

Reading the Bible is vital, yet obeying what God reveals is just as important.  A little sunlight shining through the window can prompt an impromptu spring cleaning session, and opening God's word and allowing it to shine upon our own paths brings personal revival when we take action to heed Him.  Being the Light of the World, Jesus does not leave anyone in the dark.  He revealed the condemnation is people prefer the darkness over the light because their deeds are evil.  May God's people walk in the light of the LORD as it is written in 1 John 1:7:  "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

God Hears and Leads

Before mobile phones, once my friend and I went to his house and surprisingly, no one was home.  This posed a problem because he forgot to bring the key to the front door with him.  The prospect of sitting outside the house waiting for someone to come home potentially for hours did not appeal, so we looked around the house for an alternate means of entry.  I understood how to remove flyscreens without damage, and it turned out an open window accessed from the back yard was an easy way in.  This enabled us to open the front door from within.  Two lessons were learned that day:  always bring your house key when you leave the house, and for better security keep those back windows locked--that is, unless you choose to ignore the first lesson.

David sang in Psalm 61:1-3, "Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. ² From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ³ For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy."  In times of trouble and feeling overwhelmed David called out to God, as he knew God would hear and answer him speedily.  One might think a rock higher than him or a strong tower would be easily visible from below, but unlike structures built on earth God dwells in heaven where no one can approach without His guidance and leading.  Unless God graciously revealed Himself to us, no one ever could have known Him or shared a relationship with Him.  David had a relationship with the living God, for he said God had been a shelter and refuge for him.

Unlike my friend's house that could be accessed from one unlocked window, strongholds and refuges were not meant to be accessed by anyone outside them.  There was no unlocking city gates in ancient times:  gates and walls needed to be scaled, broken down or tunnelled under to enter.  Once secure, someone inside the refuge was needed to open the gates to enter.  The lowering of the drawbridge before castle gates needed to be done by someone who was already across the moat and in the safety of the castle.  Thus it makes perfect sense David would ask for God to lead him to the rock of salvation and the strong tower of refuge from the enemy.  Would the LORD open to Him?  Based on the character of God revealed in Jesus Christ, He is indeed open to those who humbly seek Him, those redeemed by the Gospel.  John 10:7-9 read, "Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

Like a door which is always open and accessible, God is a shelter and refuge for His people always by His grace.  Like chicks that seek refuge under the wings of a mother hen, so God's people flee and flock to Him when we are overwhelmed, and we learn to abide there continually.  The LORD guides and leads us like a shepherd does his sheep, and Jesus is our Good Shepherd.  Though we cannot see Him with our shortsighted vision in a world full of darkness, where confusion obscures our sight and even light dazzles us, our God is never far from us because He hears our cries and answers.  As a caring shepherd is drawn to the faint bleating of a lamb dying from exposure, the LORD draws near to us to help and save us when we cry out to Him.  Blessed is the one whose God is the LORD, for He is the open door to salvation, comfort, safety and eternal life now and forever.

Reason and Faith

I am blessed there are countless people in this world that are more intelligent and learned than I am.  My life and perspective has been greatly enriched by their contributions--even when I was not in agreement with those with different biblical interpretations and conclusions.  This has goaded me to dive into the Scripture to ensure I am convinced in my own mind concerning doctrines as well as I can and worked to sharpen my own views with greater precision.  Like a sharp blade requires maintenance to operate at peak performance, so a biblical worldview is improved by sound doctrine put into practice.  Carbon steel knives rust simply by exposure to the air, and unless we are grounded in God's word inhabiting this sin-steeped world tends to dull us.

Recently I read an abridged letter sent by Galileo Galilei (yes, THE Galileo) to the Grand Duchess Christina to defend his position from those who criticised his scientific discoveries as incorrect and heretical when they had little to no knowledge of mathematics or astronomy.  At some points I feel he articulated skillfully what I have felt at times concerning those who dismiss wholesale physically demonstratable evidence because of their own interpretation of a verse or word of the Bible.  Galileo held God and the Bible in very high esteem, yet some in the church branded him a heretic because the hard evidence he presented ran contrary to their assumptions--that he ought to abandon reason and evidence for spurious interpretations of Scripture.  He quoted an "...ecclesiastic of the most eminent degree: "That the intention of the Holy Ghost is to teach us how one goes to heaven, not how heaven goes."  Rather than being hemmed in, Galileo was free to delve into mathematics and all the sciences, giving God the glory for the order and meticulous details he came to comprehend.  He went on to write:

"It is the function of expositors to seek out the true senses of scriptural texts. These will unquestionably accord with the physical conclusions which manifest sense and necessary demonstrations have previously made certain to us. Now the Bible, as has been remarked, admits in many places expositions that are remote from the signification of the words for reasons we have already given. Moreover, we are unable to affirm that all interpreters of the Bible speak by Divine inspiration for if that were so there would exist no differences among them about the sense of a given passage. Hence I should think it would be the part of prudence not to permit anyone to usurp scriptural texts and force them in some way to maintain any physical conclusion to be true, when at some future time the senses and demonstrative or necessary reasons may show the contrary. Who indeed will set bounds to human ingenuity? Who will assert that everything in the universe capable of being perceived is already discovered and known? Let us rather confess quite truly that "Those truths which we know are very few in comparison with those which we do not know."

 We have it from the very mouth of the Holy Ghost that God delivered up the world to disputations, so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end. In my opinion no one, in contradiction to that dictum, should close the road to free philosophizing about mundane and physical things, as if everything had already been discovered and revealed with certainty. Nor should it be considered rash not to be satisfied with those opinions which have become common. No one should be scorned in physical disputes for not holding to the opinions which happen to please other people best, especially concerning problems which have been debated among the greatest philosophers for thousands of years. One of these is the stability of the sun mobility of the earth, a doctrine believed by Pythagoras and all his followers, by Heracleides of Pontus (who was one of them), by Philolaus, the teacher of Plato, and by Plato himself according to Aristotle..." (Internet Modern History Sourcebook, Public Domain, © Paul Halsall Aug 1997)

It is evident by this letter Galileo was troubled by coming to a conclusion concerning the physical world based on factual evidence by careful observation (the movement of the earth around the sun), only to have his discoveries dismissed entirely without consideration or rebuttal by other physical evidence contrary to his theories.  As Galileo intonated, mathematics is not a matter of faith:  in a sense he said if his sums were wrong, he would be pleased to humbly receive correction.  Those who castigated him could at least confirm his errors by showing their work with the correct solution.  To dismiss his sound arithmetic with unsound Bible interpretation was problematic--and being accused of heresy for utilising his God-given skill and understanding was repugnant.  God has provided the heavens which declare the glory of God, and the natural sciences do this incredibly well with a God-honouring lens.  Our Creator has also provided the Bible to reveal Himself to us personally, and thus in matters of faith and the observable world the LORD has supplied all the evidence required to know the truth.  Reason and faith are not contrary to one another but pair perfectly in the Christian faith.  Ours is not a blind faith, for we are those whose eyes have been opened and born again into a relationship with God--who sees and knows all.

Robe Dipped in Blood

"He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God."

Revelation 19:13

Today at church we observed Communion together.  We ate of the bread that symbolised the body of Jesus broken for us and drank of the cup that represents the blood of Jesus shed for sinners to provide atonement.  Christ's trial, flogging and crucifixion were all bloody affairs, and He was pulverised beyond recognition as He drank of the bitter cup given Him by His Father out of love for lost sinners.  After Jesus was confirmed dead by a spear driven into His side, His body was removed from the cross, washed, wrapped with spices, and laid in a tomb.  When Jesus rose from the dead days later, He identified Himself to His disciples by the prints of nails in His hands and the mark on His side.  They were not open wounds but scars on a glorified body.

When I heard the passage in Revelation recited recently, I was struck that the robe Jesus wore was dipped in blood that was not His.  Since His crucifixion on Calvary, Jesus has never bled and will never bleed again--though He still retains physical form with flesh and bone (Luke 24:39).  He who is called Faithful and True in righteousness will judge and make war.  The bloody robe He will be adorned with does not hearken back to His sacrifice years ago but will be the blood of His enemies as it is written in Revelation 19:15-16:  "Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."  Jesus has a name no one knows but He Himself, yet He has been revealed to mankind as KING OF KINGS before whom the wise will submit and reverence.

Christians do not bow before Jesus because we are afraid to be trampled in the winepress of God's wrath, but because God has demonstrated His love by taking the punishment on the cross we deserve to pay forever in hell on account of our transgressions.  The wages of sin is death, and everyone who lives long enough in this world will realise all our lives will end in death.  Walk through a graveyard and every person memorialised in that hushed place has a date their lives began and another when it ended.  Jesus does not threaten anyone with death or hell, for we are all heading there due to our sin.  Titus 3:3-7 says, "For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. ⁴ 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."

How awesome it is God has made known to mankind His kindness and love of God through Jesus Christ our Saviour!  Even as Christ's body poured blood on Calvary, so His love has been poured out so all who repent of sin and trust in Jesus can be forgiven, cleansed and born again--justified by God's grace.  Bless the LORD for His Gospel and the cleansing flow provided by grace through faith in Jesus.  We had made our bed with sin and were lying paralysed in it without hope, and God would be justified to let us die and rot there.  Having ascended to the Father in glory, Jesus will one day return and tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God upon sinners, those who have rejected and rebelled against Him, those who wickedly returned evil to God for the good gift of His only begotten Son.  Unless the blood of Jesus has cleansed you of sins, Christ's robe dipped in blood is a sobering revelation--because that blood could be yours.  God's will for you and all people is for us to be among His armies in heaven that follow Him clothed in linen, fine and clean (Rev. 19:14).  By God's grace, the choice is yours.

Where Is God's Honour?

This morning I awakened to the verse running through my mind:  "Where is my honour?"  This prompted me to look up the passage in the Bible, which I found in Malachi 1:6:  "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honour? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence? says the LORD of hosts to you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?'  Through the prophet Malachi, God confronted priests and His people who claimed they honoured God when their actions showed they despised Him--very strong words indeed.  A son honours his father by calling him "sir" and obeying him, but God's people had neglected to give Him basic respect.  A master was reverenced by his servants who knew they would answer to him, yet the priests did not behave as those who would answer to anyone--much less the living God.

Posing rhetorical questions is a repeated technique throughout the book of Malachi, especially in response to God's statements against His people.  When God called out the priests for withholding honour and reverence from Him because they hated Him, they protested.  "In what way have we despised your name?"  I suspect many of the people who brought sacrifices to the priests would have wondered the same thing.  The priests had faithfully served for many years and were upstanding pillars of society.  Priests despising God?  How could this thing be seeing their continual sacrifices to God?  God answered plainly in Malachi 1:7-8:  "You offer defiled food on My altar. But say, 'In what way have we defiled You?' By saying, 'The table of the LORD is contemptible.' ⁸ And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" says the LORD of hosts."

The priests offered sacrifices morning and evening unto the LORD, and they were to give a burnt offering of a male lamb in the first year without blemish (Numbers 28:3).  God said they had not been faithful to offer sacrifices according to the requirements of the Law of Moses.  They would not say, "God's table is contemptible!" but their actions showed a complete lack of respect for God and reverence for His word by offering the blind, lame and sick on the LORD's altar.  God continued in Malachi 1:13-14:  "You also say, 'Oh, what a weariness!' and you sneer at it," says the LORD of hosts. "And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?" says the LORD. ¹⁴ "But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished--for I am a great King," says the LORD of hosts, "and My name is to be feared among the nations."  It would be disastrous for a subject to bring a gift to their king they knew was corrupt and blemished.  What was dishonourable to the king would result in greater dishonour to them.  Their very lives might be at risk for such a foolish stunt.  God is more gracious and compassionate than kings of the earth, but let not God's people suppose He is less aware than man!

Seeing Christians are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto God because it is our reasonable service toward the LORD who redeemed us from the corruption of sin and death, the verses in Malachi hit hard.  If priests could offer blemished animals as burnt offerings, we can also offer God scraps of our lives and resources that could not be considered of our firstfruits or our best.  Like the sons of Eli, we may hoard the choicest bits for ourselves and give God the leftovers of our lives, stuff that was heading to the tip anyway.  The sacrifices of God are broken and contrite hearts (Psalm 51:17), yet our hearts can be lifted up with pride and self-righteousness.  Forgive me, LORD God, when I have done as those priests, deceiving myself to think I was honouring you when I was despising you and viewing your service as a weariness.  Create in me a clean heart that gives you my first and best without thoughts of myself, knowing you indeed are the KING OF KINGS who is worthy of all honour, glory and praise.  As it is written in Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer."