Grace in Adversity

 "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down."

Daniel 4:37

The almighty God opposes the proud whoever they may be.  King Nebuchadnezzar experienced exactly what James said, that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.  When the heart of Nebuchadnezzar was haughty and proud as the king of an empire, God was able to bring him down without a struggle.  For 7 years the king who reveled in his glory and majesty was reduced to behaving like a beast without understanding.  After God brought Nebuchadnezzar low, at the end of his time he humbled himself before God who restored him to his throne.  For him, humiliation was the path to saving faith in God, humility and wisdom.

The psalmist described the proud soul in Psalm 10:4-6:  "The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.⁵ His ways are always prospering; Your judgments are far above, out of his sight; as for all his enemies, he sneers at them. ⁶ He has said in his heart, "I shall not be moved; I shall never be in adversity."  The proud man is so full of himself there is no desire to seek God and no room for the consideration of God, His judgments or power.  The Bible is full of examples of proud people saying what will happen (that God prevents from happening) and saying what cannot happen (and God chooses to do that very thing).  One reason why God does this is to bring people to their senses, that they might acknowledge His direct involvement, seek Him and may know Him as their LORD.  God is the LORD over all things, and He is willing to go to great lengths to soften hearts and break the pride of the haughty.

In the days of the prophet Isaiah, the Rabshakeh came from Assyria and spoke proud and boastful words against king Hezekiah and the God of Israel--whom he reduced to be just one of many gods that were powerless to save those who served them.  When Hezekiah sought the LORD for help and deliverance, God promised the proud Assyrians would not shoot an arrow or build a siege mound against Jerusalem, for God would zealously fight for His people.  In one night God routed the Assyrian army in fulfillment of His promise.  In the days of Jeremiah, the situation was reversed:  false prophets claimed Jerusalem would not see war or famine when God ordained the Babylonians to be His instrument of judgment against His proud, self-righteous, idolatrous people.  God said in Jeremiah 14:15:  "Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, whom I did not send, and who say, 'Sword and famine shall not be in this land'--'By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed!"  The things false prophets presumed could never come upon them, God brought with great force to expose their deceit and affirm His truth and power.  The children of Israel came out of 70 years of captivity a people refined and humbled, wiped clean of idolatry.

It is God's grace and mercy that ordains opposition and adversity for proud souls who boast against God.  Left without rebuke or correction, those who walk in pride would not give God a thought.  God shows His power by doing what to us is unbelievable so we might believe in Him and actively rely upon Him--rather than leaning on our own understanding.  Nebuchadnezzar believed he was the greatest and no adversity could come to him, yet God was able to put him down.  He went down on all fours and crawled around for years, but he was not out because God is compassionate and merciful, desiring all people seek Him and be saved.  God opposes the proud because pride opposes God, and He gives grace to the humble.  Not being God, we all have a problem with pride, and the LORD uses adversity to guide us to greater humility and the fear of God.

Lasting Peace

People all over the world have seen and celebrated the historic peace deal struck in Israel that ended a war that had spanned two years.  When President Trump signed the document, he said it was peace that would last.  Based on my knowledge of the human heart, I do not share his optimism until Jesus Himself sits on the throne in Israel.  The problem with peace deals is they depend on fickle people who will not be responsible to keep the terms.  Peace on paper, difficult as it has been to accomplish, is far more easier that peace between people and nations.  From a biblical view, peace with others is impossible without first having peace with God.  Even those who have received peace from God are not always inclined to live peaceably, and that is why Paul urged Christians in Romans 12:18:  "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."

See what God said about the condition of those who do not know or fear the living God of Israel in Isaiah 57:19-21:  "I create the fruit of the lips: peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the LORD, "and I will heal him." ²⁰ But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. ²¹ "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."  For those in rebellion against God, who walk according to the dictates of their own hearts, lasting peace is not possible.  There is no peace in the hearts of those who are in perpetual conflict with God, and they will remain without rest.  Like ocean waves that continue to break on the shore, the tides swell and currents swirl, so are the wicked troubled from within.  As churning water stirs up sediment and makes visibility impossible, people remain blind to their blindness.  We live in a day where some feel it judgmental to suggest anyone could be wicked, but God says plainly in His word all have sinned.  The natural condition of man is not peace and rest but to be troubled, anxious and easily provoked.

Jesus told His disciples He would return one day, and our Messiah will set up His throne in Jerusalem and rule the nations with a rod of iron.  This period is called the millennial reign of Christ that will usher in a era of unrivaled peace and prosperity upon earth:  Satan will be bound, knowledge of God will cover the land like the water of the sea, once fierce animals will be rendered harmless, and Jerusalem will be a global destination to worship Jesus Christ the KING OF KINGS during the annual Feast of Tabernacles.  Even when the Prince of Peace sits enthroned people will be far from perfect and will require correction and chastening.  Zechariah 14:16-17 says, "And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. ¹⁷ And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain."  Since this word will be fulfilled, it is evident people will choose not to appear before Jesus when summoned.

Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 5:3-9:  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. ⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. ⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."  Who is humble in heart and mourn their sin?  Who are those marked by meekness, desire for righteousness, who extend mercy?  Who has purity of heart and are peacemakers?  Only those who are in Jesus Christ, born again by faith in Him.  It is solely by the power of Jesus Christ we can be like Him.  Only Jesus can provide lasting peace for all eternity.  It is in Christ alone we find rest for our souls.

Clean and Righteous

Have you ever given thought to the phrase, "Clean up your act?"  From various sources online, it means to behave in a better way.  It means obeying laws and improving your behaviour in a socially acceptable manner.  There is one critical issue I take with this concept from a biblical perspective.  While improved behaviour is likely to benefit an individual and those around them, it does not address the source of our sinfulness--our hearts and minds that are intimately known by God.  Even if you are successful in adjusting your behaviour, it is like tearing off the tops of weeds and leaving the root of sin alive to grow back thicker and stronger.

This brings up another point:  the Bible establishes plainly by the 10 Commandments and countless other passages that all human beings are fundamentally corrupt and sinful.  We are unable to change ourselves on the inside, even as a leopard cannot change its spots on its fur.  Animals can be trained to modify their behaviour, but they retain their original nature.  There are marks we make that are impossible to remove; there are stains that cannot be washed away.  In a similar way, we are incapable of changing ourselves permanently for the better.  Things have happened to us that have shaped our perspectives, and habits form so easily we can spend a lifetime working to shift them.  We can put forth much effort to shift our habits from one thing to another while we remain enslaved to some manner of addiction.

Is this what God desires, that people "clean up their act?"  Is God fond of actors, of hypocrites who appear to be living a clean life but are spiritually dead inside?  Absolutely not.  I have heard some people say they need to clean up their lives and then they will seek God, but this will be an exercise of futility when man cannot overcome or cleanse himself from sin.  Cleansing from sin is what only Jesus Christ can do!  He demonstrated His power over sin when He raised a paralytic to perfect health by speaking the word, and Jesus proved His power over the results of sin (death) when He rose from the dead.  Jesus does not call us to clean up our act and follow Him, but to believe in Him which makes us born again, new creations by the Gospel.  Then we are divinely enabled and helped to follow Him!  As it is written in Galatians 6:15:  "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation."  Removing a bit of skin will not change you into a new creation, but faith in Jesus does.

By the indwelling Holy Spirit, God begins to transform us from within and refines our outlook and behaviour because He is our source of purity.  No longer do we need to "act tough" but we can "be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).  By faith in Jesus we now have a choice if we will yield to our flesh or to Jesus Christ who is holy, righteous and pure.  Because Christians are alive unto God by faith in Jesus, Paul wrote in Romans 6:12-13:  "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. ¹³ And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God."  Having been washed free from sin within, we are to present ourselves as instruments of righteousness to God.  In Christ we now have a choice and strength to refuse to submit to sin we never had ourselves before, and God help us to walk in wisdom and righteousness.

Publicly Honour Christ

When people walk away from the LORD and no longer prioritise obedience to God and fellowship with His people, it is a cause for concern for Christians who love them.  Perhaps the most pressing concern is more in regards to people's future salvation than their present lack of fellowship with God and His people.  A passage I read last night details another perspective, one that looks at it through the lens of God's honour.  Though salvation is sure for those who trust in Christ, apostacy is a real possibility because God gives people the right and freedom to choose what they will believe and who they will follow.  He will allow people to change their minds, and He will not forcibly redeem them.

See what the writer of Hebrews wrote in Hebrews 6:4-6:  "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, ⁶ if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."  The point is being made that those who have had their eyes opened, received the Holy Spirit and experienced the goodness of God's word and they fall away--what could possibly prompt them to return to God?  Their departure suggests all the goodness of God weighed in their scales was not as sweet as sin and serving self, and in their pride God is lesser and expendable.  Of course what is impossible with man is possible with God, and His will is for all to be saved--even people who have departed from faith in Him.  But the point remains valid, that when some people are inoculated against God and the Gospel it is impossible to change their hardened hearts and minds.

Notice what the apostate does by departing from faith in Jesus Christ:  they crucify the Son of God all over again.  In falling away from Jesus, they are as the people who shouted "Crucify Him!" out of envy whose loyalties lay elsewhere.  Such did not lament His death and felt it was beneficial He was gone.  The second part of verse 6 also shows another consequence of apostacy, that Jesus is subjected to public disgrace.  Honouring Jesus publicly is of great importance for the Christian, and something we ought to desire to do ourselves.  God asked through the prophet in the first half of Malachi 1:6:  "A son honours 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?..."  We call God our heavenly Father, and we ought to honour Him (at the very least!) at the level of our earthly father.  Since God is our LORD and the LORD of Hosts, He is worthy of all reverence and obedience.  We ought to be more zealous in giving Jesus honour than being concerned what people stand to lose by departing from Him.

The author of Hebrews finished the paragraph with an illustration in Hebrews 6:7-8:  "Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. ⁸ But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned."  Two fields are contrasted here that align with one who remains faithful to God and one who departs from Him:  one drinks in the rain and produces a fruitful crop, and the other produces thorns and thistles and is worthless.  The one who is faithful to abide in Christ and receive the Living Water will be blessed, and the one marked with thorny consequences of sin is in danger of being cursed.  When a field was overgrown with thorns and thistles, a farmer would use fire to clear it.  By being a fruitful field we bring honour to our Father and Master, and we are blessed for it.  Those who find this blessed arrangement unacceptable will face the consequences.  It is required in servants to be faithful, and may we be those who publicly honour Christ.

Our Good Father

The other night I came across the passage in 1 Timothy 3:4-5 (NIV) concerning requirements for overseers in church leadership:  "He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)"  When I observe the interactions of children with their parents, the behaviour of the child demonstrates clearly if they have been made to obey their parents or if they have been permitted to disobey.  I remember a somewhat amusing situation years ago when it was very apparent a child was used to doing what he wanted, and because I was a guest in the home I received quite a show of consternation from a parent when he willfully disobeyed.  The behaviour of the child when I was present provided a strong indication of a lack of discipline from his parents when I was not present.  It is the duty of all parents--and especially those in church leadership--that they teach their children to obey them.

Paul made the point that if parents are not faithful to attend to their own house and the management of children God has made them stewards of, they are not suitable candidates for church leadership.  This aligns with a principle Jesus taught in Luke 16:10:  "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much."  Paul also said in 1 Corinthians 4:2 what servants and masters both knew, that it is required that stewards--those who were given a charge and responsibility by their superior--be proved faithful.  A servant who wasted his master's goods would be let go, but the one who was faithful to do a small thing well would be given additional responsibilities like Joseph who served Potiphar and Pharaoh.

The strong, inescapable implication is God is able to manage His own kingdom and family well, and He sees to it His children learn to obey Him.  We can make the mistake of wholesale blaming parents of disobedient and rebellious children, yet the Scripture is full of examples of God's people rebelling from their perfect heavenly Father.  We see the great lengths God went to in love of His people, how He guided them by His word, sent prophets to teach them, and disciplined them with trials to correct and restore them to Himself.  Like all good parents, God made clear His expectations of what He desired to see in His people and consequences should they disobey Him.  When they failed to meet His expectations and shirked their God-given directives, He addressed Israel like a landowner who discovered the vineyard he planted at great expense was not bearing any fruit.  From their own mouths and by their own deeds God judged them--coupled with divine love, mercy and compassion they refused to extend to those who were unprofitable like them.

In a parable Jesus told, He appealed to the understood order in society between a servant and master.  It was customary for the servants to serve their master first, and after he had eaten then they could eat.  Jesus said concerning the master in Luke 17:9-10, "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"  The context of the parable was in relation to disciples of Jesus forgiving those who sinned against them.  We should not expect to be thanked or commended by God when we forgive others, for that is our God-given duty to do.  If we lacked a gracious Father in heaven who loves, forgives and gives grace to us, it might be understandable for us to hold grudges or slander others.  God's expectations for His redeemed people is spelled out for us in Ephesians 4:31-32:  "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."  When we obey and do what is right it is not because we are good children, but because we have a good Father in heaven.

Principle of Projection

Jesus taught His disciples to observe what has been called the "Golden Rule," that as we should do unto others what we would have them do unto us (Matthew 7:8; Luke 6:31).  James said concerning the "royal law" in James 2:8-9, "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well; ⁹ but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors."  From these passages a corollary can be drawn, that our tendency to show partiality to ourselves was a means to guide our conduct towards others.  Jesus calls us to a higher and better standard than that of Law, for He says we are to love one another as He loves us.

Paul explained in his letter to Roman believers that when we condemn others for doing wrong, we expose ourselves as being guilty of the same.  He wrote in Romans 2:1, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."  The one who is very concerned about others cheating in a game is due to being a cheater himself.  Those who are suspicious of others being gossips and talebearers reveals their inclination to do the same.  King Ahab is a perfect example of one who projected his own sinfulness upon the righteous prophet what he was guilty of himself.

The Bible objectively reveals in 1 Kings 21:25-26, "But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up. ²⁶ And he behaved very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites had done, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel."  Yet hear what this wicked king said to the godly prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 18:17:  "Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, "Is that you, O troubler of Israel?"  1 Kings 21:20 also reveals, "So Ahab said to Elijah, "Have you found me, O my enemy?" And he answered, "I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD..."  Ahab viewed Elijah as the "troubler of Israel" and "my enemy" when Ahab was the troubler of Israel and hostile towards Elijah and all God's prophets!

God told Israel of the corrupt condition of their rulers and corresponding action He would take to purge, refine and restore them in Isaiah 1:22-26:  "Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. ²³ Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them. ²⁴ Therefore the Lord says, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, "Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries, and take vengeance on My enemies. ²⁵ I will turn My hand against you, and thoroughly purge away your dross, and take away all your alloy. ²⁶ I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."  Praise God He is able to set things right after people go very wrong.

Based on these observations, one takeaway for me is should I feel someone is a troublemaker and my enemy, I must examine my heart to ensure I am not a troubler, combative and adversarial towards them.  The LORD calls me to examine my own heart and walk wisely in love, to avoid showing partiality to myself, justifying my sin because others are sinners.  As we consider God's word and submit to His guidance, He purges the dross and sin from our own lives as we humble ourselves before Him and one another.  There was hope for the rebellious princes, thieves and corrupt judges in Israel by repentance and obedience to God who upholds the cause of the fatherless and widow--and in Christ there is hope of restoration and renewal for us as well.

Let Us Reason Together

Anyone who keeps an eye on the news or has internet access has likely heard of the murder of Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who for years engaged in open public debates on university campuses.  His approach provided an opportunity for students and professors to speak with him of their own free will, and passers-by were welcome to listen in.  To the very end, Charlie spoke with people believing they were worthy to be reasoned with--even when their views or actions were unreasonable.  Based on his approach to public debate, Charlie believed it was worth his time to speak with those who were hostile to him and God.

Speaking for myself, I try to do everything as efficiently as possible.  I also prefer to see some sort of progression towards a goal.  When I faced a seized bolt I could not remove with a spanner, I pivoted to a grinder.  Should I converse with someone who is firmly set in their views and unwilling to listen to reason, then I do not press the point to avoid being heavy-handed.  Yet God is willing to call prophets to speak to people who will not listen, and He provides opportunities by His grace for unreasonable and stubborn sinners to reason with Him in Isaiah 1:18:  "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."  God is willing to speak even with those who will not listen to Him, and His people ought to walk in His ways.  God will extend an audience to those who come to Him in faith.

I am not God, and it is ridiculous for me to imagine I can know human hearts.  Thus it would be unwise for me to write people off as unworthy of reasoning with even when our interactions have been unpleasant and unproductive.  To everyone God has given a soul also have the capacity for rational thought, and even minds hijacked by lies and self-righteousness God can overcome.  I am convinced a sound argument and reason cannot change anyone's mind or heart:  I must rely on God to do this in me and in others.  I am called to love God and love other people, and God's love is demonstrated in listening and caring about people as well as speaking truth.  As Todd Wagner is credited with saying, "Truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth."  Jesus didn't allow the hatred of the chief priests and Pharisees to silence Him from speaking with them or others, and neither should we.

Jesus said Matthew 7:6, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."  As pigs trample precious pearls tossed at them, sharing priceless spiritual truths does not make unbelievers value them.  There is a time when continued discussion is of no benefit as Jesus said in Matthew 15:14:  "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."  Yet Jesus demonstrated He was willing to continue to go among the unclean, barking, self-righteous and easily offended sinners because He loved them all.  Jesus continued to open His heart and His mouth to others after being despised and rejected continually.  By the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers born again Christians to do God's will, He leads us into truth and in our hour of need will teach us what to say.

In a world where people labour to cultivate a public image or gain followers, followers of Jesus Christ are called to prepare our hearts and minds to present ourselves approved to God, rightly dividing His word (2 Timothy 2:15).  Even if we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we are blessed and can remain fearless of anything man can do to us.  Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15-16, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed."  We are called to be ready to share the reason for the hope that is in us with meekness and fear of God.  Man may revile us for speaking the truth of God's word, but we can have a good conscience before God.  Since we will all stand before God, let us take a stand for His sake today and every day.

God in Your Theology

I remember an anecdote shared by pastor Steve Mays in a sermon.  He explained how he was driving with pastor Chuck Smith and a memorable discussion they had.  At one point he lamented, "It's lonely at the top."  Steve said he felt like an idiot when Chuck responded with a gentle rebuke:  "I don't understand your theology."  Chuck's response helped alert Steve to the fact his feelings had become an echo chamber that ignored much of what Steve believed was true:  the call of every Christian and pastor is to serve, to take the lowest place as we follow the example of Jesus; and God is with us and will never leave or forsake us.  If we are feeling lonely, like there is no one to talk to or can understand what we are going through, it very well may be we have forgotten about God who is with us!

The exchange between Steve and Chuck as they drove along illustrates how the theology of Christians can become theoretical.  We say the Bible is God's word and every word of God is pure, yet we can forget to apply what we know be true to our current situation.  Our feelings can impact us so profoundly we can be blind to our own folly, and our thoughts, attitudes and decisions can resemble those of a lost soul--not one who is born again, indwelt, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit.  Situations feel impossible for us to navigate, so we operate on the assumption it must be hard for God as well.  Should our struggles continue for a long time, we imagine they will continue forever.  Like king Saul who observed the Philistine camp growing and his own troops deserting, we panic and think the best course of action is to take matters into our own hands.

The Pharisees were experts at devising hoops for people to jump through be more assured of God's favour by their tradition, and would you believe we can do the same thing with God?  We imagine there is an involved process required for God to intervene and help us in the midst of a trial, a complicated series of conditions which we must meet or precise wording we must utilise for God to be God.  This is what the lame man by the pool of Bethesda did.  He was among a throng of people who were blind, maimed and lame who waited for the stirring of the water by an angel, for they believed the first one who entered the water would be healed of any affliction.  John 5:6-7 says, "When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" ⁷ The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."  See how this man had arbitrarily and unnecessarily made hoops for God to heal him!  He could not even answer the direct question of Jesus due to his own inability, lack and previous failures.

See what happened next in John 5:8-9:  "Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath."  Jesus did not need to wait until the water was stirred, and He did not need to hurriedly place the man in the pool at all.  Jesus simply said the word, and the man was completely healed and enabled to walk.  It seems the man had no place for Jesus Christ in His theology:  though Jesus the Son of God came right up to Him, he could only think about his inability to navigate the complicated process he devised himself.  How about you, Christian?  What place does Jesus Christ have in your theology?  Have you come up with a complicated obstacle course that lies between you and deliverance or salvation?  Or do you keep Jesus in His rightful place as your Redeemer, Saviour and Good Shepherd who will never leave or forsake you, the almighty God who does everything?

Danger of Abiding Anger

"Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools."

 Ecclesiastes 7:9

How grateful I am the almighty God is slow to anger!  His anger is not easily inflamed, nor does His rage burn continually.  Psalm 103:8-12 speaks of the character of God:  "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. ⁹ He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. ¹⁰ He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; ¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."  God's righteous anger for sin is always justified, and His wrath and vengeance will be ultimately satisfied.

It is ironic the God who lives forever will not always be angry, yet anger is given residence in the hearts of fools for the duration of their lives which are soon over.  The Bible describes fools as those who do not believe God exists, that there is no Creator or Judge of the earth before whom they will appear on the day of judgment, the almighty who has the power and authority to cast souls into hell or save them for eternity.  Even God's people can be angry and vengeful, and thus many Bible passages warn of the dangers of remaining angry and being filled with wrath--regardless of the reason.  We observe the folly of Cain who was angry because Abel's offering was accepted and he was rejected by God, and he lashed out and killed his brother.

Anger rested in Cain's heart, and it did not remain hidden or contained there.  Pride and envy urged anger to violent action, and Cain felt justified to murder his brother.  Cain's sin had a devastating effect upon his family, brother and his own life--and it started with feelings of anger we have all experienced.  Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us Christians can be angry without sin, but remaining filled with wrath gives opportunity for Satan's wicked, lying influence:  "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil."  Paul concluded the chapter with a good exhortation for all followers of Jesus in Ephesians 4:31-32:  "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."

Since we Christians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, we are divinely enabled to do as Paul has said.  Rather than justifying anger that fuels us to say evil and seek vengeance, the life of Jesus can be lived through us by being longsuffering, slow to anger and forgiving.  A desire to see justice done is from God, but when anger resides in our hearts we are no longer being led by the Holy Spirit.  Rather than justify harbouring anger in our hearts, we ought to enter the rest God provides all who are weary, hurting and needy by active reliance upon Jesus.  He is the Judge of all the earth, and as Abraham said, He will always do right.  Knowing vengeance is the LORD's, we need not allow anger, hatred or wrath to dwell in our hearts any longer.

Disagreement Without Division

While studying the book of Ruth, I was struck with an interaction between Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth.  As they travelled to Bethlehem, Naomi urged both of her widowed daughters-in-law to return to their mothers houses, to go back to their own people and gods.  Orpah eventually did so, but Ruth clung to Naomi and professed her unwavering commitment to Naomi.  She was willing to leave behind the hope of remarriage and children to live where Naomi lived, and chose to embrace a new identity by faith in the God of Israel. 

Ruth 1:18 described Naomi's response:  "When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her."  Naomi had been very forthright and insistent returning to Moab was in Ruth's best interest, but Ruth was of another mind.  When Naomi saw Ruth's mind was made up, that her heels were dug in and she would not be swayed, Naomi dropped the subject.  The verse does not mean Naomi gave Ruth the silent treatment and refused to converse because her advice had been rejected.  The following chapters contain much conversation between the two, so it is clear they remained on speaking terms.

The decision of Naomi to strongly make her case and to drop the subject when it was clear she and Ruth disagreed is a good example for Christians to observe--especially when disagreements arise about personal or controversial subjects.  God has given everyone unique personalities, perspectives, interests and convictions, and with our diversity brings differences.  It is a tragedy when differences of opinion, emphasis or practice become divisive because people are unwilling to drop a subject after it becomes clear people are not in agreement.  In such cases it is good to be reminded of all we share in common by faith in Jesus Christ who has united us with the Holy Spirit as one to follow, serve and glorify Christ together.

After Naomi repeatedly urged Ruth to depart, Ruth told her not to say anything further on the subject. Naomi showed wisdom by listening to her daughter-in-law even as she wanted Ruth to listen and consider her advice.  Naomi was willing to agree to disagree on the matter of their opinions where Ruth should go and live, and Christians ought to extend grace to others as well.  It is reasonable those God has given His word and Spirit can judge among themselves, have different views, and remain united in the love of Jesus Christ.  Since coming to Christ, haven't your views been refined over time?  God who gives discernment for us to walk wisely can instruct and refine others as well.

Knowing only God can change hearts and minds, even when we are convinced we are in the right we need not continue to hammer away at those who have different or contrary views.  Paul affirmed this freedom concerning convictions in Romans 14:5:  "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind."  While Paul put forth strong arguments to support his doctrine and manner of life, he did not imagine it was his responsibility to change people's minds because God is able to do the impossible.  He said in Philippians 3:15, "Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you."

Humans are inclined to be divided by differences and become divisive.  We prefer to pressure others to change than God using a person we do not agree with as being His instrument to change us.  We would rather leave or have others leave us than trusting and submitting to God by leaving the convincing of others to God and continuing in fellowship with them.  If we say we love God, then we ought to love one another and value the unity and oneness we share by faith in Jesus.

Aspects of Atonement

The Law of Moses presents an accurate snapshot of God's judgments and statutes.  What is forbidden under Law is contrary to God's good character--like the perversion of justice by receiving bribes.  The assumption God is partial to people based on their "good deeds" is foreign to the kingdom of God, for the LORD commanded in Deuteronomy 16:19-20:  "You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. ²⁰ You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you."  The God of gods has revealed He does not regard persons nor receives rewards, for He executes judgment on behalf of all (Deut. 10:17-18).

It is important to understand sacrifice in itself does not and cannot provide atonement for sin.  The passage which speaks of Cain and Abel both offering sacrifices demonstrates God will not receive a sacrifice from one He does not respect--for Cain had no respect for God or His ways.  Under the Law of Moses sinners required the services of a sanctified priest to participate in the offering of sacrifices, and atonement for sin was made by shedding the blood of the prescribed animal.  The Strong's Concordance defines "atonement" as "to cover over, pacify, make propitiation."  Webster's definition gives insight into various aspects of atonement:  "1) Agreement; concord; reconciliation, after enmity or controversy; 2) expiation; satisfaction or reparation made by giving an equivalent for an injury, or by doing or suffering that which is received in satisfaction for an offense or injury."

Atonement for sin requires two major aspects:  coming into agreement with God for reconciliation and making an acceptable payment to satisfy or cover a debt.  Some overlook the first and most important aspect of atonement, assuming payment is the main thing God cares about.  Since God and His righteous standards do not change, it is man who must change by submission to God and choosing to agree with Him.  Without a change of heart that is brought into agreement with God through repentance, any sacrifice offered is in vain.  Psalm 51:17 reads, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart--these, O God, You will not despise."  To think God must receive us due to our sacrifices and is thus obligated to deem us in good standing with Him--without consideration of our hearts and motives--is presumptuous and folly.  God is not a respecter of persons but is discerning as Psalm 34:18 says:  "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

We ought to be sorry for our sin, but contrition does not excuse us from paying the price necessary to satisfy justice.  Praise God Jesus (our great High Priest who is righteous in Himself) has provided the required means of atonement through His shed blood, and all who repent and trust in Him can be born again, forgiven and receive eternal life by the Gospel.  See how there must be humble agreement with God coupled with a price paid to receive atonement for sin?  This is one reason why the death and resurrection of Jesus will not have a saving effect for those who will not receive Him.  Like Cain who would not submit or humble himself before God, their good deeds will not benefit them.  We Christians ought to rejoice that while we were enemies of God we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son Jesus, and having been reconciled we shall be saved by His life through whom we received atonement (Romans 5:10-11).

Life and Rest in Jesus

Have you ever heard someone say, "Where there is no vision the people perish?"  I have heard this repeated so often I have memorised it, yet it is only the first half of the verse!  I actually have never heard anyone say the verse in full, and when people employ partial quotes of scripture to emphasise a point I am wary of missing the main point God intended.  Typically people quote this verse to show the importance of a vision and the danger of lacking it, yet ignoring the second half of the verse and the immediate context allows "vision" (KJV) to mean a great many things that may not be scriptural.

Proverbs 29:17-19 says, "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. ¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. ¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer."  The verses before and after verse 18 contain the subject of correction, and this connects well with this purpose of God's Law given to Moses.  A feature of Hebrew wisdom books and poetry is parallelism, and this antithetical parallelism provides the first and second parts of verse 18 as contrasting statements.  Therefore this "vision" is not speaking of visionary leadership or a goal people make to work towards but the revelation of God through His word.  The connection between vision and divine revelation and guidance of God's word is affirmed in 1 Samuel 3:1:  "And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision."

Those under the covenant of Law were instructed, governed, guided, corrected and blessed to observe God's commandments that led them to walk uprightly.  There were benefits for parents who corrected their son, and there was blessing and rest for those who submitted to God's correction.  Like verse 19 said, often words were not sufficient to produce change in a servant, and in His wisdom God allowed individuals and all Israel to endure consequences for their sin to further refine them.  Those who looked to the Law of Moses were looking to God's word, and this is the spiritual vision spoken of in verse 18 that promotes life.  In the New Testament, Christians are exhorted to look unto Jesus and consider Him--His words, actions, teachings and endurance of trials in obedience to His Father--so we might avoid weariness and being faint in our minds (Heb. 12:1-3).  The traditional hymn "Be Thou My Vision" conveys the sense of verse 18 well:  only Jesus can prevent our perishing.

The vision being spoken of by Solomon is not a one-off vision in the night, a dream or plan we make for ourselves but spiritual insight we receive of God and understanding of His righteousness, holiness and goodness.  When people experienced literal visions in scripture it was more than conveying information but was instructive, corrective and a call to definite action.  It would be tragic for people to seek a vision when God has already revealed Himself through God's word and Jesus Christ!  Jesus said to religious Jews in John 5:39-40:  "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."  Without seeing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, people headed towards ruin.  It is Jesus who is our Life and rest, our Saviour who saves, corrects and keeps us.  Happy is the man who looks to Jesus and follows Him faithfully, for He who opens blind eyes gives the Holy Spirit and guides us into all truth.

Fretting Against the LORD

 "The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the LORD."

Proverbs 19:3

The picture of the foolish heart of man fretting against the LORD is an apt one.  I have several shirts that show evidence of fretting from scraping across rough surfaces, and it is unsightly when fibers of fabric pull unevenly.  Webster describes the word "fret" as meaning, "corroding, wearing away; agitating; vexing; making rough on the surface."  Should a fabric continue to rub upon a stone or block surface, the threads will wear away completely and create a hole.  God is the immoveable, eternal God who is resolute and unchanging.  Man's folly prompts him to dash against the righteous God like a bug impulsively flies repeatedly into a light and stuns itself.  It is the bug that comes off worse for wear.

God is not worn down by the folly, crookedness or perversion of man He has created.  It is man who wears down under the weight of God's judgments, correction and guilt.  Jesus did not commit Himself to men because He knew the hearts of men and what was inside them:  flattery, deceit, lies, unbelief and willful ignorance.  This passage shows the need for every person to receive a new heart and to walk in the wisdom of God rather than fretting against Him.  Jesus said it was hard for Saul to kick against the goads, and we make it hard on ourselves when we fret against the LORD--causing self-inflicted wounds without cure.  The only remedy for our ills is divine intervention and restoration made possible by faith in Jesus Christ.

When God gives us a new heart, having been born again by the Gospel, we are more inclined to love God and walk in His ways rather than backsliding.  Hosea 11:7 speaks of God's people under Law who continued in their own ways despite His revelation of God in the Scripture and in their lives:  "My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him."  To backslide means to be faithless, to depart from God and fall away.  Years ago I would commonly hear people identify with backsliding but only partly--claiming they had relapsed into sinful habits but they still loved and believed in God.  It almost sounded acceptable to associate oneself with backsliding, for at least they were at church!  It did not seem to make a lasting difference when those bent on backsliding "rededicated" their lives to God, for they needed a new heart and Spirit within them when away from church gatherings.

Jeremiah 3:21-22 provides hope and healing for the fretting backslider:  "A voice was heard on the desolate heights, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel. For they have perverted their way; they have forgotten the LORD their God. ²² "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God."  God was able to heal Saul of Tarsus who kicked against the goads, and He is able to heal our backslidings when we return to the LORD.  The sheep that wanders from the fold is exposed to many illnesses, terrors and enemies without the protection of the Good Shepherd, and how good it is for us to return to God, to learn to remember God and be faithful to Him.  Praise the LORD for His mercy and grace, that He calls out to His backsliding children to heal those who return to Him in truth.

More than Satisfying Curiosity

Human beings have an insatiable appetite for knowledge, to learn facts about what has happened.  Hearing "facts" sounds dull and boring, yet learning about something of personal interest is fun and exciting.  Many times we have watched a movie, show on TV or skipped to the end of a book that wasn't very interesting or well made because we were still interested to know how it ended.  Our curiosity satisfied, we could then move on to making judgments about what would have made the movie better or the book more engaging.

We can take a similar approach when it comes to God and His word.  Our interest in reading God's word may be to glean the truth so we can discern between right and wrong.  We may open the Bible to remind ourselves of what happened in a historical narrative, to remind ourselves of the name of a person or city, or for verses of encouragement.  Some write down and memorise meaningful passages of Scripture as a spiritual discipline.  It may surprise you, but God has spoken and provided His word for more than giving us the facts or educating us about happened or what will happen--to the end we would know Him and walk according to His righteous ways.  While we are content to have our curiosity satisfied, God desires our transformed lives would proclaim His goodness to all.

Asaph wrote of God and His mighty works in Psalm 78:4-8, "We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. ⁵ For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children; ⁶ that the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, ⁷ that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; ⁸ and may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God."  Everyone likes to hear a good story, and Asaph declared the history of God's people and testified of God's faithfulness.  The stories told in the Old Testament, entertaining as they may be, were intended to instruct and guide people presently  and for generations to come in honouring, praising and obeying God.

The purpose of instructing the next generation was so they could learn from the mistakes of their fathers who were stubborn, rebellious, did not prepare their hearts and were unfaithful to God.  The continuous cycle of failure of successive generations and inability to rise above their fathers shows more than education, instruction and tradition is needed:  we must be born again by faith in Jesus.  We are no better than our fathers, nor will we ever be by the efforts of our flesh.  Knowing what God's word says ought to to guide our thinking, words, attitudes, motives and how we live.  God holds His people responsible to walk in His ways and boldly testify of God's goodness and how (even at our best!) we are naturally nothing like Him.  May it be through the declaration of God's word people would come to know God, and our testimony "...in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)

Lacking Without Jesus

"And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

Luke 12:15

There was a man who came to Jesus who had great wealth.  Despite all the goods he possessed, a sense of lack drew him to Jesus.  He inquired what good thing he needed to do to inherit eternal life.  This is a common assumption people make today, that entrance to eternal life in heaven is a divine reward for good deeds done in life.  When eternal salvation is tied to our works or worthiness, immediately we are stripped of all assurance of going to heaven.  We may have done some admirable things in the eyes of ourselves or others, but we have also done many shameful and sinful things in God's sight.  No matter how much "good" we do, only the most conceited could imagine they have done enough.  Even by man's standards, how can anyone be sure?

Matthew 19:16-20 says, "Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" ¹⁷ So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." ¹⁸ He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' ¹⁹ 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " ²⁰ The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"  The young man called Jesus good and thought by doing good he could receive eternal life.  Jesus questioned the man's use of good to describe Him and probed the man's heart He knew well:  was he calling Jesus good because he believed Jesus was God?  If Jesus was indeed good, would the man heed Him?

Jesus said the man could enter into life by keeping the commandments and rattled off a series of commands that pertained to man's conduct towards other people.  The man asserted he had kept all those commandments from his youth, yet he still felt a great lack.  Matthew 19:21-22 reads, "Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." ²² But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."  The man was right:  he lacked treasure in heaven!  It was not by doing good but by faith in Christ marked by obedience to Him which was the path to eternal life, for Jesus Christ is the Way.  In all his religious efforts the man lacked Jesus Christ who is good and God, the Door through whom sinners enter by faith into eternal life.  The young man who was convinced he had done everything was unwilling to do the first thing the good teacher asked him to do.

It turned out the man who lacked Jesus and eternal life loved his own life and valued his possessions more than a relationship with Jesus and assurance of heaven.  When the man walked away sorrowful, I wonder what sort of sorrow he experienced:  sorrow that leads to repentance not to be sorrowed of, or sorrow that leads to death (2 Corinthians 7:10)!  Praise the LORD what is impossible with man is possible with God, that stubborn, lost sinners can be brought to repentance and salvation by faith in Jesus.  God's word and wisdom wipes away our delusions of possibly being good ourselves and explains in verses like Titus 3:5-7 it is "...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 Saviour, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  There is no life to be found in abundant possessions:  eternal life consists in Christ alone.

Why Do You Weep?

When unexpected or unwanted things happen, it is common for people to wonder or ask God why.  This is never a bad thing to do, to bring our requests to God because we trust and fear Him.  At the same time, we may never agree with God's reasoning, for His ways and thoughts are above ours--nor is He ever under obligation to justify or explain Himself to us.  He alone is the living God who does all things well, and He is powerful to redeem even what man intends for evil for everlasting good.

What may be more advantageous for us in our pains and struggles than asking God for His reasoning is to answer why we feel compelled to ask God why.  When Hannah struggled because of cutting provocations of a rival wife, 1 Samuel 1:8 says:  "Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"  Hannah did not reply, but it would have been a good question to consider and answer.  Because of Hannah's disappointment and inability to fall pregnant, coupled with snide and mean-spirited remarks intended to wound her, she wept despite her husband's love for her.  Rather than lashing out at Peninnah or dumping her emotions on her husband, Hannah wisely poured out her soul to God in prayer.

As children of God, it is good for us to consider why we feel cast down when our God is so awesome and faithful.  God does not fault us for being weak and easily overwhelmed, for we are His children who desperately need Him.  I have observed children can cry for all manner of reasons, and as adults our emotions can be similarly stirred.  A child may cry because they feel picked on or excluded, while another cries because his heart is set to touch a pot on the stove and was sternly rebuked.  I recall a boy who cried when his mum dug poisonous berries out of his mouth, and another child who wept in the aftermath of traumatic accident because her shoe was lost.  One person may be brought to tears in brokenness for their sin while another can be upset because they are unwilling to confess or forsake it.  Consideration of why we weep can provide insight into the condition of our heart which God alone can purify, exposing our motives and intent.

After Jesus was risen from the dead angels asked Mary, "Why do you weep?"  She readily answered, explaining her LORD was missing and she did not know where He was.  Mary didn't notice at the time Jesus was standing right there because she didn't recognise Him.  John 20:15-16 reads, "Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away." ¹⁶ Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him, "Rabboni!" (which is to say, Teacher)."  It was no coincidence the living Christ revealed Himself at the moment when Mary expressed her broken heart, for Jesus has come to heal the broken hearted.  Because of our awesome Saviour, it was for Mary and for us today as Psalm 126:5 says:  "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy."  It isn't tears in themselves that warrant God's favour, but the sacrifices of a broken and contrite heart God will not despise (Psalm 51:17).

Honour God with Increase

There were a few classes in high school that went a bit over my head, namely Chemistry and Physics.  While I understood the content and performed well in life sciences, these courses laid my weak grasp of maths bare.  Because I found the mathematic concepts difficult to grasp, looking back I can see that I reached the point of wanting to be told what the correct answer was rather than wrestle to learn how to arrive at the correct answer.  Passing the class was a higher priority to me than learning information I would likely never need.  I suspect we can do the same when it comes to our relationship with Christ--preferring to be told what the correct answer is, placing ourselves under a yoke administered by those in "the know" instead of wrestling with God concerning how to please Him in our relationship.

Recently the topic of tithing came up in conversation, and I have observed the subject of giving often produces strong responses:  some want to be told how much they should give whilst others are opposed to any input concerning the management of their finances.  Since Christians are no longer under the Mosaic Law, commands to tithe (which means "tenth") in the Old Testament are not in themselves compulsory--though they do reveal giving with intent to honour God who gives us all things to enjoy is proper and good.  Some breathe a sigh of relief, content to give when they feel like doing so or are able to afford it.  Such prefer to exercise their liberty to withhold from giving.  Instead of asking how much we are obligated to give, it is better to examine our hearts to see if we are giving in a godly way.  Why we give is more important than what we give, for God looks upon the heart.

I read a timeless principle in the Bible Christians ought to take to heart in Proverbs 3:9-10:  "Honour the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; ¹⁰ so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."  As God's people, it is our responsibility and privilege to honour God with our possessions and with the firstfruits of all our increase.  This proverb was written in a season when the Law of Moses required the Jews to bring the best of their firstfruits and tithes to the house of the LORD where the priests and Levites served, and a portion of the offerings brought was used given to support the people who ministered unto the LORD.  The principle remains whenever there is increase, a portion of what comes in was to be set aside and given to honour God.  God's people are to give, not with the aim of gain, but as a response to what God has already given!  There can be people who give religiously tinged with greed, hoping their gifts curry favour for increased gain from Him.  This passage affirms God's people will not be impoverished by obedience to God, for He looks favourably upon those who are good stewards of His gracious gifts.

Whether our giving is on a annual, weekly, daily or case by case basis as led by the Holy Spirit, God loves a cheerful giver.  Paul shows the attitude we all ought to have in giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7:  "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."  In all the gain God provides, we ought to prayerfully consider how we can honour God directly with a portion of it, whether it be to distribute money to a church, Christian ministry or organisation, to needy people in the name of Jesus.  If we view giving as burdensome, it is interesting we do not feel the same concerning receiving a raise or when extra money comes our way.  If we rejoice to receive more from God, where is our delight in having capacity to honour God more by giving?  I confess giving has not always felt like a privilege to me; at times it felt painful!  Over time the LORD gently showed me my affections were misplaced, as I was more focused on what I could do with money given to God rather than rejoicing in His generous gifts already received.  Giving is a spiritual discipline Christians are called to learn and grow in.  Blessed is the one who trusts God and gives freely with no strings attached, for this causes thanksgiving to abound to God.

Consider this:  subjects in old times would not consider appearing before their king empty handed, similar to Australia where it is customary to bring a gift when visiting friends for a meal.  For the sake of good manners people bring a little something to contribute and bless their host--with a little chocolate, drinks, dessert, or side dish that can be enjoyed by all.  If we feel awkward to go to the house of a friend without bringing a gift to show our appreciation for them, where is our sense of obligation to bring something to give to the LORD when we go to a church building dedicated for the honour and worship of God?  Our friendly and generous host may urge us not to bring a thing, but we delight to do so anyway!  God does not demand any gift from our hand, no percentage of our income or firstfruits:  but He does love a cheerful giver.  All we have to live on and enjoy is a gift from God's hand, and we are richly blessed to be able to honour Him with all our increase.

Bold and Without Hindrance

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹ Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."

Acts 28:30-31

Before coming to Jesus Christ, Saul was bold to persecute Christians.  It was like a full-time occupation for Saul to obtain authority from the Jewish rulers to travel far and wide to find, arrest and prosecute believers--and even consented to their death.  Rage against Christ and His people fuelled Saul to pursue Christians until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, and from then on his life radically changed.  He went from Saul the Pharisee to Paul the apostle, a man chosen and sent by Jesus to be his witness to the Gentiles for the Gospel.

After coming to Christ in faith, Paul was bold to proclaim Him as it says in Acts 9:29-30:  "And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. ³⁰ When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus."  It didn't matter if Paul spoke with Jews, Gentiles, religious leaders or Roman rulers:  he was bold to speak the truth concerning Christ's death, resurrection and the salvation freely given to all who trust in Jesus.  Even after Paul was arrested, he asked people to pray he would be bold to speak as he should in Ephesians 6:19-20:  "...and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

Reading through the book of Acts and epistles Paul wrote, there is a pattern of resistance and opposition to the message of the Gospel by Jews and Gentiles alike.  When He preached Christ in the synagogues or before rulers, there were many who laboured to hinder the message of salvation by Christ.  After healing a crippled man in Jesus' name in Lystra, Paul was stoned by Jews who travelled to persecute him.  Silversmiths sparked a riot in Ephesus because they feared the spread of the Gospel would hinder their profitable business and livelihood.  Jews in Jerusalem falsely accused Paul of defiling the temple and shouted for his execution when he stood before them and explained how Jesus who appeared to him on the road had sent him to the Gentiles.

At the close of the book of Acts, we are told Paul stayed in Rome awaiting trial in his own rented house and he preached the kingdom of God and about the LORD Jesus Christ "boldly and without hindrance."  Isn't that wonderful?  Enemies of Jesus had tried to silence Paul; they beat, flogged and even stoned him.  Paul suffered all manner of conflict and trials inside and outside the church.  Yet after he was unlawfully arrested and transferred to Rome to face trials on false charges, without hindrance he was given opportunity by God to preach boldly of Christ for two years to all who came to him.  Whilst imprisoned Paul wrote much of the New Testament as well, his words a testimony of God's faithfulness, strength in weakness, and power to preserve His people to fulfill His calling upon their lives.

Let this be an encouragement to you, believer, when you feel your witness for Christ is far from bold and without hindrance.  Boldness is not a feeling of self-confidence but reliance upon God to speak the truth in love as led by the Holy Spirit when we would rather hide or remain silent.  Even if you should be muzzled and chained for the sake of the Gospel, recall to mind Paul's words in 2 Timothy 2:8-10:  "Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, ⁹ for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."  Speaking boldly of Christ is not primarily for our sake, but for Christ's sake and all who will come to Jesus in faith through our witness.

Boldly Proclaiming Christ

It seems like whenever an election comes around, political campaigns tend to focus on flaws in other political parties or candidates.  Sling enough mud, and some of it may stick.  The last time we voted in New South Wales, we were bombarded with television ads, fliers and posters that warned us what people stood to lose or how much costs could surge if voters supported the other party.  Another common tactic I have observed among politicians is when mildly criticised about the weakness of their policies, they swiftly change the subject with earnest to point out the ineptitude of the other party.

When it comes to following Jesus Christ, we are most blessed with only having good things to say about Him.  There is nothing concerning Jesus we need to apologise for or defend, for all He has done and said is wonderful beyond measure.  In sharing Christ and the Gospel we do not need to say how awful other religions are to try to build Him up, for Jesus stands above all other men and gods without rival.  I was reminded of this as I read through the book of Acts and the great tumult that arose because the silversmiths of Diana felt their profitable trade was in jeopardy.

With their livelihoods being at stake due to the spread of Christianity, for two hours straight men of Ephesus who gathered in opposition to Jesus and His disciples shouted, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"  The city clerk finally quieted the crowd, rebuked them for disturbing the peace, and he said concerning Paul and his brothers in Christ in Acts 19:37:  "For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess."  The Jewish and Gentile Christians did not steal the money of the traders in Ephesus nor had they blasphemed Diana.  They did not need to speak poorly of Diana to exalt the name of Jesus!  What was a silver image compared to the Saviour of the world?  All the believers did was proclaim Christ crucified, risen and glorified.

Rather than arguing or being combative with those who refused the Gospel, Paul went to those who would hear him testify of Christ.  Acts 18:6 tells us, "But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."  A similar situation played out in the synagogue in Acts 19:9-10:  "But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord."  By Paul's bold, faithful preaching, people heard the word of the LORD--not how powerless or worthless the goddess Diana was by comparison.

How good it is for God's people to proclaim our Saviour whom we trust, love and obey rather than speaking poorly of other options.  Should people oppose Christ and become abusive, we are not obligated to lock horns with the obstinate.  When people were not receptive to Christ in Macedonia, Paul went to Corinth and Ephesus.  When they were combative and abusive in a synagogue, instead of debating with the unwilling Paul had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus with all who attended.  As God is faithful, so we can be faithful to freely share of the greatness of our God--and we do not need to malign a soul (or goddess!) to do so.

Repent, Turn and Live

God graciously gives every person the opportunity to experience a relationship with God founded upon His unfailing love.  He has also allowed every human being to make a personal choice if they will trust and love Him or not.  Our Maker allows us to freely choose if we will accept Him as Master.  He is not cruel or brutal for extending this once in a lifetime opportunity to us every day of our lives on earth at the expense of the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

From a young age, people generally understand the rights of ownership.  As a child I could comprehend there was a difference between my toys and those owned by my brother and sister.  There were also responsibilities that came with ownership, whether it be a pet or a vehicle.  As the owner of a car it was my decision if I chose to paint or modify the car, to buy new tyres or sell it.  I could wash and wax my car every week or I could avoid cleaning it altogether.  It was my right as a car owner to drive and maintain it as I pleased.  Regardless what other people thought about me or the state of my car, it was mine and I had the final say.

Because God is the Creator of the world and all that is in it, He has every right to do whatever He wants with anything and everyone because everything is all His.  In our Bible study at Calvary Chapel Sydney last night, we spoke about the responsibilities in the Mosaic Law of the owner of a bull that was known to "push with the horn," to be aggressive and dangerous.  Exodus 21:28-29 reads, "If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, then the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be acquitted. ²⁹ 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."  A dangerous bull needed to be kept in a paddock to prevent him from hurting anyone.  If the owner of a bull was deemed negligent to adequately restrain his ox whose rampage resulted in someone's death, both the ox and owner would be executed.

The owner of a rogue ox faced a tough predicament.  A bull was a very valuable animal that could accomplish great labour through its strength, but if the bull refused to be trained to wear a yoke and lashed out at people, it was a liability that put his own life and others at risk.  If the ox had ability to reason like a human being, it would need to make a decision that its life and future depended on:  would it rather submit to the yoke and the commands of its master and live, or would continuance in stubbornness and aggression make it most useful to the master by slaughter for meat, leather, tallow and glue?  The loss of the bull's life would be a loss felt by the master, but no one could blame him for dispatching a dangerous animal to mitigate the risk of personal injury or death and to benefit as much as possible on his investment of time, feed and money.

God issued a warning to the proud in Psalm 75:4-5, "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.'"  God who created mankind has given us the choice if we will trust and submit to Him in faith or we will continue in our pride and self-reliance.  Jesus came to earth as a human being to offer forgiveness and eternal life for sinners headed to ruin in hell forever.  God will be glorified by those who repent and trust in Him or by the destruction of the proud who lash out at Him with hatred.  Either way, God's power and strength will be on full display.  God's heart of love toward sinners is shown in His appeal to reason in Ezekiel 18:30-32:  "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. ³¹ Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? ³² For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!"