Validation or Transformation?

Today I watched part of a video which discussed a new trend of people using A.I. chatbots like a personal therapist.  Some had positive feedback that the bot "gets" or understands them and served to validate their thoughts and feelings.  This reminded me of some "Jesus" ads I have seen that simply say, "He gets us."  This is an attractive message to a world of people who are seeking validation and people to agree with their opinions and outlook--a far cry from the way Jesus taught Jewish people under the law:  "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  Much more than validation, we sinners need forgiveness, salvation and transformation!

While Jesus invites everyone to come to Him in faith as they are, He does not keep Christians in our natural fleshly, sinful state.  When we are born again by faith in Jesus, we are adopted into the family of God and filled with the Holy Spirit who convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment.  God does far more than "keep us accountable" because He instructs, chastens, corrects, rebukes and tests us due to His love for us.  Unless we humble ourselves before the LORD and admit we want and need to change, accountability to fellow believers will not profit us at all.  Because God has given us new hearts and renewed minds, we are called to learn to live in the way that pleases God, doing what is right in His sight.

Matthew 21:42-44 speaks of an interaction of Jesus with the chief priests and elders of Israel who believed they were the teachers in Israel yet refused to submit to being taught or change their ways:  "Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? ⁴³ "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. ⁴⁴ And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."  Jesus identified Himself as the chief cornerstone referred to in Psalm 118:22-24 and also the rock (who is the LORD) God's people would stumble over in Isaiah 8:13-15.  The God of Israel is a sanctuary while also being a stone of stumbling and rock of offence.  Some would fall on Him and be broken, while others would be ground to powder and destroyed by His mighty vengeance.

David Guzik wrote in the Enduring Word Commentary:  "The choice before the religious leaders is the choice before every person. We can be broken in humble surrender before God or be completely broken in judgment."  God knows our every need, and our need for salvation is met when we humble ourselves and are broken for our sin as we look to the Saviour Jesus Christ for pardon and redemption.  It is true Jesus understands us, yet His intimate knowledge of us reveals our fundamental need to be transformed:  to pass from spiritual death to eternal life, to repent of sin and do what God says is good.  He does more than sympathise with us but chastens us to further break us so greater healing, godliness and spiritual fruitfulness will be produced by our lives according to His grace.

When I look for a kiosk to validate my parking ticket, I simply want the stamp that will cause the automatic gate to open, allow me to exit, and go where I want.  Some who like the idea of heaven and fear hell come to Jesus for validation rather than personal transformation.  Jesus loves us too much to put His stamp of approval on our sinful thoughts, motives and ways that work to destroy us.   We come to Jesus knowing we are sinners and only He is able to forgive us, spiritually regenerate us and provide eternal life.  Those coming to Christ for validation will be disappointed, but those who are broken for their sin and look to Jesus for pardon will be blessed beyond measure.

Complacency Kills

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon personifies Wisdom as a woman calling aloud to all who will listen.  In the opening chapter of the book, Wisdom rebukes and warns the simple and foolish people who ignore her words.  God calls out to people who are heading to destruction and stretches out His hand to draw people to safety and the path of life, but many are intent in going their own way which leads to ruin.  Those who despise knowledge and the fear of God, those who refuse the counsel of God and His rebuke, will find themselves needing help and never finding it.  In our natural, sinful state, this is an apt description of all people.

Wisdom speaks of the consequences of ignoring her in Proverbs 1:30-33:  "They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. ³¹ Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. ³² For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; ³³ but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil."  Eating the fruit of our own way reminds me of Adam and Eve eating fruit from the one tree God forbade them to eat, and they ultimately died as a consequence for their disobedience.  There are things which seem appetising and alluring to our flesh but work to poison our minds and corrupt our souls.  Those who listen to God and heed His word--Jesus who is Wisdom for us (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)--we will live and dwell in safety and security forever.  Jesus likened those who heard His words and obeyed them to a wise man who built his house on a rock that withstood all forces of nature.

The problem is not primarily the food they eat or even the appetites of the foolish:  it is in turning away from God and their proud complacency where the issue primarily lies.  There is naturally in the proud a fierce and stubborn resistance to yield our will to God's will.  Becoming complacent is a concern for the wise as well as the foolish, for it is a satisfaction in ourselves as we are and will not admit our need humble ourselves and change.  One who is complacent is gratified by themselves and is uncritically satisfied with oneself, pleased with all one has achieved.  It is one who in a sense feels they have arrived at their destination and have no desire or reason to go further.  The complacent are those who are in awe of themselves.  When Wisdom speaks, the wise are willing to examine themselves and acknowledge their folly.  Proverbs 9:8 says, "Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you."  Even as the wise can make foolish choices, the wisest among us can become complacent.

People follow programs developed by personal trainers who are fitter than them; those seeking financial advice trust those who have already made their millions by successful investing.  In the world there are people who are commonly viewed as "set for life" because of their notable success in business, sport or politics.  Fame, money and possessions do nothing to refine a person's character, moral compass or faith in God.  If anyone may have been seen as having "arrived" or reached the pinnacle of spiritual success, it was the apostle Paul.  Yet he dismissed this notion in Philippians 3:12:  "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me."  Paul was not complacent when other Christians may have been.  He freely confessed he had much to learn from the LORD and others, much ground to gain for Christ's sake, and further to go in his spiritual disciplines, practical wisdom and godliness.  The complacent are content where they are and with what they have already done, but the wise will respond positively to rebuke, increasingly walk in obedience to God, and admit they have far to go--coupled with intentional labour and personal sacrifice to head in that direction.

Wisdom said turning from God is deadly, and complacency kills.  Let us be those who receive all of God's counsel and heed His rebukes lest we eat the bitter fruit of our way.  May we believers press on in sanctification increasingly yielded to Christ, for if Paul had not already attained or been perfected neither have we.

Pleasures Forevermore

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

Jesus Christ revealed Himself to be the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Before His crucifixion Jesus told His disciples they knew where He was going, and they also knew the way because He is the Way.  Though under the Mosaic covenant, the psalmist David had a sure expectation of eternal life in the presence of God where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forever.

John 15:9-11 taught His disciples fullness of joy was not only enjoyed in the eternal state but presently in light of His love:  "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."  Having fullness of joy granted us by God's grace is a wondrous thing, and the pleasures provided by God transcend our physical senses.  The word "pleasure" these days has been reduced to primarily refer to sexual enjoyment, but that is a dumbed-down view of the present and ultimate reality.  The Bible teaches there will be no marriage or giving in marriage in heaven, and thus there will be no sexual activity or procreation.  Our pleasure will not be enjoyed by indulging fleshly appetites but in spiritual union with God who is pleased in us.

Webster defined "pleasure" this way:  "The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish or happiness produced by enjoyment or the expectation of good; opposed to pain."  Notice at God's right hand there are pleasures (plural) forevermore, wholesome delights enjoyed by God's grace.  It is important to point out what gives God pleasure is often different that what pleases mankind.  Psalm 147:10-11 says of God, "He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. ¹¹ The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy."  We are pleased and impressed by the speed of horses or the large muscles of athletes who perform amazing feats of strength, yet God takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.  God takes pleasure in the weak, slow and uncoordinated people who trust in Him and rest in His loyal love in the midst of a fiery trial.

God spoke from the heavens to identify Jesus as His only begotten Son in whom He was well pleased.  In Christ we are enabled to do what pleases God as it is written in Hebrews 13:15-16:  "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. ¹⁶ But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."  Colossians 3:20 also says, "Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord."  There is nothing more pleasurable to the child of God than to be pleasing in His sight, and it is good for us to maintain this perspective--especially when the passing pleasures of sin seductively beckon us during this earthly pilgrimage.  The fleeting pleasures of this life quickly fade in light of the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore in God's presence.

Reasonable Faith

After governor Festus was swept up in the squabble left unsettled by Felix between the Jewish religious rulers and the apostle Paul, he decided it would be beneficial to interview Paul before King Agrippa and Bernice in Caesarea.  The scribes and Pharisees called for Paul to be executed and he appealed to Caesar, yet Festus could find no evidence of guilt--certainly nothing that even hinted a sentence of death was appropriate.  Festus confided in Agrippa of his predicament in sending Paul to Rome without a charge in Acts 25:27:  "For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him."

It seems more than unreasonable, even unjust to imprison someone without specifying charges against them.  In many countries today those legally empowered to arrest people must notify the suspect they are under arrest and why they are being arrested.  In Jerusalem Paul had not been arrested for a crime but was taken into custody for his own protection because an angry mob attacked him.  He was then transferred to Caesarea because enemies plotted to kill him, and so as a Roman citizen he would receive a fair trial.  Festus was correct anyone accused of a crime and arrested ought to have charges formally laid against them. It was his role as governor to decide if the accusations leveled had any merit.

When it comes to the justice of God, I have observed people who assume the position of Festus and make censorious judgments Him.  They feel it is unreasonable anyone should be beholden to God or His righteous judgment.  Unlike Felix who kept Paul bound as a political favour, God has revealed in His word we are all bound by our own sin, and He specified them one after another.  The 10 Commandments is a good starting point that clearly shows we are bound by sin and under the sentence of death in hell forever due to our guilt, having broken God's law.  Paul wrote in Romans 3:19-20, "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰ Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin."  One purpose of the Law of Moses is to silence all sinners from attempts to justify ourselves, for our conscience agrees we are guilty of breaking it.

It is reasonable for God to condemn those who are guilty of sinning even as a judge gives sentence of a man declared guilty of murder by a jury.  It is entirely reasonable for the Judge of all the earth to do right and uphold what is right.  What is more unreasonable is when men choose to reject God's offer of eternal life purchased at the price of His beloved Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the world.  God said to sinners 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."  We have all sinned and the soul that sins will surely die.  Praise the LORD for the truth of  Romans 6:23:  "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  By faith in Jesus we who were guilty as sin and worthy of death can be forgiven and receive eternal life!  God's love and grace towards sinful humanity is beyond reason, yet it is reasonable considering how good God is.

Discerning Good and Evil

People can be funny when it comes to food.  Everyone develops their own preferences about the kinds of food they like best, their favourite flavours, texture, spices, ingredients used or avoided.  Sometimes we eat out of necessity because we are hungry, and other times we can be more picky.  As people grow older they can also develop an ideology around the best kind of ingredients to use and urge others to avoid foods that are believed to be harmful.  How we prepare and eat food is very personal, yet the common ground all people share is our God-given need of adequate nutrition for our bodies.

Observing children learning to eat is quite an experience.  Babies are born with bodies sustained by milk from mum, and over time they are weaned from milk to eat solid foods.  At first, "baby" food is not very solid or flavourful at all!  When our boys were babies I remember feeding them Gerber mashed peas or carrots--and I recall some pureed meat that I never worked up the courage to taste based on the foul smell.  Finally the day came when the boys happily fed themselves and managed to work some of the food into their mouths after smearing it all over their faces, clothes and high chair.  The next task was to teach them polite manners and proper etiquette when they joined us at the family table.

The writer of Hebrews made an important point concerning the spiritual development of his believing readers who had become dull in Hebrews 5:12-14:  "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."  The author of Hebrews addressed readers who were "unskilled in the word of righteousness."  They were like a child with a full set of teeth and the manual dexterity to use a knife, fork or chopsticks, but were still dependent on milk from their mother's breast.  They were content to rely on their very basic and general knowledge of God and His word (and needed a refresher course!) because they were poorly versed in Scripture.

I heard someone say recently they have observed Christians who "decide what Jesus is like" rather than learning of God from His word.  Full of their own ideas and preferences, they run the risk of creating a fictitious god after their own image because they have not "by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" by the study of God's word.  Think of the many faces and reactions babies have to new flavours--and they aren't always good!  In time children learn to enjoy foods they refused as babies, and their tastes continue to develop even in adulthood.  I have observed people who have been exposed to the expositional preaching of God's word learn to enjoy the flavour of sharp rebuke as well as the sweet promises of peace and rest in Christ.  God designed milk from mum to support the growth and development of their little infants, and God's word is milk to sustain a new believer.  At the same time God's word is meat for those of "full age," for those who, by exposure and practice of God's word, are able to discern good and evil.

The prophet compared God's word to delectable food in Jeremiah 15:16:  "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts."  Even as food is chewed, swallowed and absorbed into our bodies, God's word supplies the spiritual nutrition we need to grow and mature as Christians.  It is telling Jesus commanded His disciples to remember Him and proclaim His death until He returned by eating broken bread and drinking of the cup.  God had done a spiritual work within them by Christ whose body would be broken and His blood shed, and Jesus Himself would spiritually fortify and strengthen them because they received Him by faith.  God has provided His word so we would feed upon it--to read, heed it and be edified and changed by submission to it.  Let us not be as the Hebrews who were unskilled in the word of righteousness, but by reason of use may we have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Unity in Christ

God gives wonderful gifts to mankind, and we tend to take them all for granted.  Ageing can be difficult when we feel entitled to the fit body of a young person that heals quickly, is more coordinated, can recall information without a struggle, can see more clearly and hear easily.  When I was a kid I had a wrist contusion that required me to wear a splint for a few weeks.  There were many things that were instantly difficult and showed me how much I took for granted--like the ability to hold a fork, wash myself and tie shoes.  It is easy to take a healthy body for granted because God designed our bodies wonderfully, and we can also take the Body of Christ (the church) for granted too.

By faith in Jesus Christ, we have a connection with God and one another in the church which is miraculous, supernatural and wonderful.  We who were once foreigners and enemies of God have been accepted into the beloved, chosen and blessed by the LORD who we now know as our heavenly Father.  Through the Gospel, Jew and Gentile have been united as one with Christ and we are privileged to have fellowship with God and one another.  There are many professing Christians in the world and in many places many Christian denominations to choose from, yet the fellowship of believers is totally unique in this world.  From a group of sinning strangers God has created brothers and sisters in Christ.  Groups of friends, hobbyists, sports enthusiasts, or work mates apart from Christ cannot experience the oneness we share with Christ and one another.

Psalm 133:1-2 illustrates this unity well:  "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ² It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments."  The psalmist extolled how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.  The anointed of Aaron as high priest is a compelling example of how pleasing and unique our calling as God's people truly is.  The holy anointing oil was something most Jews could only smell and would never touch their skin, for it was reserved for the service of the tabernacle and temple before the LORD.  But the unity God's people can enjoy is precious and at the same time abundant, even as the poured oil ran down Aaron's head, through his beard, and soaked to the edge of his priestly garments.  Aaron was privileged and at the same time humbled to be chosen as high priest, in himself unworthy to  be accepted or to serve the holy LORD.  That is why he needed to be anointed to fulfill his God-given role.

Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Anointed One, our great High Priest.  He prayed before His crucifixion concerning His disciples He sent into the world in John 17:20-23:  "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."  As Aaron was physically anointed with oil, so all Christians have been anointed by the Holy Spirit and perfectly united with Christ and one another as one the world may know the Father sent the Son Jesus Christ and loved us as He loved His only begotten Son.  How wonderful it is to be chosen, accepted and anointed as members of God's body, the church!

Even as our physical bodies are not always functioning properly, so the church at times can have the spiritual equivalent of aches, pains and illness.  As the Corinthian church illustrates, divisions and conflicts can arise within the church and lead to serious problems.  Despite our falling short of God's perfection, the blessing of the fellowship and unity we have with God and one another outshines all other connections and relationships because unity in Christ profoundly deep and eternal, transcending our earthly existence and all our differences.  How good and pleasant it is to have brethren everywhere and to be united together in the rest, peace and joy of our glorious Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Rather than taking God or the church for granted, let's thank Him for the opportunities He grants to enjoy fellowship with God and one another continually.

Christ's Call to All

I have observed people refer to the role of pastor as a "calling" rather than a career, and this is true.  However, I suspect this reference may hinder people from understanding every Christian has been called by God regardless of their role in church ministry.  It may give the impression that if one is not a pastor, they have not been called by God to anything important--which is untrue.  All God's people are called to serve and glorify Him.  In Os Guinness' book The Call, he makes a distinction between the general call of all Christians and then specific, personal calls to each individual.  The second call can only be answered well when the first call is responded to with faith in Christ, humility and obedience.

The call of God upon the lives of each Christian is not an enigma only deciphered by dreams, visions or dramatic divine revelation, for it comes into view as clearly as our initial call to receive the Gospel.  Whether we are willing to answer God's call by yielding ourselves to Him is another matter.  God's call comes to us; we do not need to go seeking it.  As we seek the LORD, what He calls us to do becomes increasingly clear by God's word, His grace and the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth.  Samson was called by God as a Nazarite from the womb, one who would begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.  He did not aspire to this role, but it was God's call upon His life.

We may all wish we were as Samson, called to be the battle axe of the sovereign God swung against the Philistines.  Our call may not be as dynamic because we are not endowed with supernatural physical strength or established as a ruler over a nation.  Jesus called for all to come to Him in John 7:37-39, "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." ³⁹ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."  Answering this call of Christ in obedience by faith expresses our need only Jesus can supply.  The fact we have answered God's call is not a sign of strength but weakness, an admission of folly only God's wisdom can refine.

Our security and strength is not in our calling but in Him who has called us:  Jesus Christ, the Son of God!  Do you know what your calling is?  God's calling is true of every Christian:  to be conformed into the image of Christ, to bring glory to Jesus as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31:  "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--³¹ that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."  Peter said when we do well and suffer for it, this is acceptable to God.  To this we are called, for in so doing we walk in the steps of our LORD Jesus who lived free of sin, did not speak deceitful words or threaten, and He committed Himself to God who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:21-24).  Our calling is in our weakness to rely on God for strength to fulfil Ephesians 6:10 in our lives:  "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."

The Bible is littered with such passages that flesh out God's call upon all Christians.  How wonderful that being called, chosen and empowered by God is not only for Nazarites, judges or pastors but for all God’s people.  We could not be born again or saved without being called by God, and Jesus calls us to believe on Him, to look to Him and come to Him.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  Answering God's call never gets old because we always need Him, and He is always worthy to be praised and obeyed.

Love Without Discrimination

Jesus taught we are not to discriminate concerning loving others, for we are to follow the example of Jesus who loved His enemies.  He commanded His disciples do the same in Matthew 5:45, "...that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."  Jesus used rain as an illustration of God's gracious provision for all, for God does not reserve the rain only for people who please Him.  God demonstrates His love for all by showering rain on the just and the unjust.  Job observed God also causes the rain to fall in the wilderness where no man is, satisfying the desolate places so herbs can spring forth (Job 38:5-7).

I was reminded of God's love and provision for all people by a Bible passage in Judges.  After God empowered Samson to kill 1,000 Philistines with the fresh jawbone of a donkey, he suddenly felt incredibly thirsty to the point he wondered if he would die!  He cried out to God who caused water to spring from a hollow place in Lehi, and Samson drank and revived.  Judges 15:19 goes on to say, "...Therefore he called its name En Hakkore, which is in Lehi to this day."  Samson named it "the spring of him who called" and it remained flowing in Lehi to the time the book of Judges was penned.  We read of many times in the Bible God miraculously answered prayers, and we might assume such wonders were only for those specially used by God.  This passage reveals the spring of water which flowed "to this day" was not just for Samson's sake, but for all who were thirsty who passed that way--Hebrews, Philistines, for anyone who was thirsty as a testimony of God's faithfulness and goodness to all.

Wasn't God gracious to hear the prayers of His people and also provide water for His enemies too?  The water that revived Samson could also have refreshed Philistines after a raid upon the land of Judah as they reveled in plundering God's people.  The Philistines had not cried out to God for water as Samson did and perhaps attributed their refreshment to the provision of Dagon, their god.  Yet the fact they drank fresh water in a desolate place from the rock was a testimony of the God of Israel who loves all people, who gives good gifts out of His grace, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and good, who sends precious rain on the just and the unjust.  God knows every soul who is His redeemed possession, yet He does not withhold love from anyone.  Jesus did not die only for the Jews but for the sins of the world so all could come to repentance through Him and have eternal life.  Not all are willing to come to Jesus in faith, but God extends the Gospel to them just the same.

How good it is for us to be like Jesus who loved His enemies like the spring of living water continued to flow and refreshed the parched and weary!  Having been born again by faith in Jesus, God intends the Living Water of he Holy Spirit to flow from us to others so they too can receive the love, grace and forgiveness of Jesus through our witness.  We are not to hinder the flow of God's love and goodness from our lives depending on whether we feel people are deserving of it or are pleasing or acceptable to us.  Before Christ came into our lives we were never acceptable to God because of our sin, pride and stubbornness:  should we arrogantly return to these sins in refusing to love others as Jesus does, having received so great a Saviour and salvation by God's mercy?  May Christ in us be the answer to prayers of others not yet prayed to meet a need presently unknown by others, that they too may be born again and find rest for their souls in Jesus Christ our LORD.

Avoiding Offence

When people are convinced they are right about something and others are mistaken, they can be brash, aloof or dismissive of others and their opinions.  For a great deal of my life I wrongfully valued being right over being meek and gentle like Jesus is.  I was more satisfied in having my facts straight than helping others who could be spiritually likened to lost people in the dark.  By God's grace, He made me aware of my sinful tendency and has worked in my life to transform my perspective, to care more about others and to direct them to Jesus Christ the Saviour than trying to prove my point.

In our Bible study last night, we discussed Matthew 17 and I was intrigued by an interaction Jesus had with Peter in Capernaum.  After they arrived in the city where Peter dwelt on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Peter was approached by Jews who collected tribute money for the temple tax from those 20 years old and above who were numbered according to the Law of Moses.  Nehemiah 10:32 also speaks of an ordinance made by the people to give 1/3rd of a shekel yearly to support the service of the temple.  They asked Peter, "Doesn't your master pay tribute?"  Peter affirmed He did.  When Peter entered the house, Jesus asked him preemptively:  "What do you think, Simon?  Who do kings of the earth charge tribute?  From their own children or strangers?"  Peter correctly answered that kings tax strangers, for their own house is exempt from paying tribute.

Jesus affirmed, "Then the children are free."  He continued speaking in Matthew 17:27:  "Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."  From a spiritual perspective, Jesus and Peter were justified not to pay the tribute demanded of them.  Yet Jesus did not make this a point of contention, lest they offend those who came to collect the tax.  It was not a point Jesus belaboured with the men, going into an involved discourse to demonstrate He was exempt from paying the tax.  Instead, Jesus directed Peter to go the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that came up first.  The fish would have a piece of money that would cover the expense of the tax for them both.

I am impressed at the effort Jesus went through, not only to avoid unnecessary offence, but to instruct Peter of spiritual matters and increase his faith by obedience.  As a fisherman, Peter had caught countless fish--and likely not one of them had a coin in its mouth!  Thus faith in Christ was required to do as Jesus said, believing it would be as Jesus said.  This is the only passage in the Gospels and New Testament which speaks of fishing with a line and a hook because fisherman primarily used nets.  Speaking as someone who has never fished with a net and only used a line and hook, it is interesting Jesus made no mention of what bait to use.  By Peter's faith in Jesus and obedience to His command, it is implied all happened as Jesus said and the tax was paid.  When we are compelled to pay an unexpected tax we can complain, let our annoyance and inconvenience be known, or scold others for just doing their jobs.  Jesus meekly avoided offending the tax collectors and used it as a teachable moment for Peter that resulted in great gain of understanding and faith for him and also for us today.  Jesus showed being correct is no excuse for causing unnecessary offence.

The Glorious Gate

In my daily readings I observed various psalms that spoke of gates, and this reminded me of the 80's Terry Clark praise song, "These are the Gates."  The first verse goes, "These are the gates to the Kingdom.  These are the courts of the everlasting King and we enter in with praise and thanksgiving.  We enter in with praise and thanksgiving with praises on our lips, thanksgiving in our hearts, in loving worship of our Lord."  The song captures well the attitude of God's people who enter His kingdom, thanking God with gratitude for the grace He has extended to all people through the Gospel.

In the Old City of Jerusalem today there are many gates with different names with long, storied histories.  The Gate through whom people enter the kingdom of God is distinct and unique because it is a Person sinners enter by faith.  Jesus said concerning the sheep of His pasture as the Good Shepherd in John 10:9:  "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."  Since Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, He is the exclusive path to God the Father and eternal life (John 14:6).  This righteous Way of salvation was spoken of in Psalm 118, a song filled with Messianic allusions.  Psalm 118:19-21 reads, "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. ²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD, through which the righteous shall enter. ²¹ I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation."  We could never find or open a gate of righteousness, but God has graciously opened it for us by the Gospel.

When I read this, my mind goes to Psalm 22 that begins with the words Jesus famously uttered from the cross in Psalm 22:1:  "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning?"  David prophetically sang of what would take place when Jesus was crucified.  His song contains lyrics the Jewish religious rulers hurled verbatim at Christ with scorn (Matthew 27:43; Luke 23:35).  Psalm 22:16-18 continued from David's perspective:  "For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; ¹⁷ I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. ¹⁸ They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots."  David may have been singing figuratively concerning himself, but by the power of the Holy Spirit he sang literally of what Jesus endured on Calvary.  Psalm 22:21 marks a major shift in the psalm from supplication to praise when God answers:  "Save Me from the lion's mouth and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me."

For all those who believe in the LORD Jesus Christ, our prayers for forgiveness and salvation have been answered with a resounding yes according to the Gospel.  By faith in Jesus we have spiritually entered the Kingdom of God, the narrow way that leads to eternal life.  Our hearts have received Jesus gladly even as subjects rejoiced to open the gates of the city for their returning king to enter.  As many as have received Him, to them Jesus gives the power to become children of God, born again by faith in Him.  Psalm 24:7-10 sings from the page with joy for all God's people:  "Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. ⁸ Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. ⁹ Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. ¹⁰ Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah."  Let us give God praise and thanksgiving, for the victorious King of glory has come in.

A Glorious Fragrance

"Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil."

John 12:3

The worthiness of Jesus Christ to be praised and worshipped is awe inspiring.  Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus, anointed the feet of Jesus with costly perfume as He and His disciples visited them for dinner.  As I considered the passage in light of what happened in the previous chapter, it marked an incredible change in Mary.

After Lazarus died of an illness and had been buried four days, Jesus and His disciples came to Bethany and found a town in mourning.  Martha initially came to meet Jesus, and later (seemingly with reluctance!) Mary did as well.  Both sisters expressed regret Jesus had not been there before Lazarus died, for they were confident Jesus could have healed him.  What they did not comprehend was Jesus intentionally did not return until Lazarus was dead and buried so people would come to know and believe Jesus had been sent by God as Messiah by miraculously raising Lazarus to life.

They drew near to the tomb where the body of Lazarus lay, and Jesus commanded the stone to be moved away.  Martha was opposed to unsealing the tomb because it was filled with the stench of death and decay.  John 11:40 reads, "Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"  By faith and obedience to Christ, the stone was rolled away and the pungent smell of death wafted out.  It was shortly thereafter, Jesus having prayed a simple prayer to the Father and called Lazarus by name, the man who was dead four days walked out of the tomb, alive and well.

It struck me that Mary did not use her precious perfume to mask the smell of her brother Lazarus in the tomb.  Perhaps she wrestled with the decision, to anoint the body of Lazarus or to save it for herself.  Was it wasteful to anoint a dead man who could not appreciate it?  After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, however, she realised Jesus was the one worthy of so precious a gift--much to the dismay of Judas who viewed the perfume poured out as a gross waste--costing a worker's annual wage.  The fact Mary did not use this perfume on her brother or save it for herself shows how highly she valued Jesus Christ, and He commended her for choosing to freely pour it on upon Him.  The fragrance filled the whole house.

Judas suggested a better use of the perfume would have been to sell it and give the proceeds to the poor, not because he cared for the poor but would have used it to enrich himself.  John 12:7-8 says, "But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. ⁸ For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."  Mary did not use the perfume for her brother's burial after he died, but she poured out the perfume on Jesus before He died.  She seized the opportunity to bless and worship Jesus through her costly gift, and she is an inspiration for all Christians who say we believe Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, the Messiah sent by God to seek and save the lost.  As we have opportunity, we can give to those in need as unto the LORD Jesus.

The problems of poverty are a permanent blight upon the earth, and no amount of giving will "solve" the problem.  But this means we always will have the opportunity to demonstrate we treasure Jesus Christ above everyone else when we feed the hungry, offer a drink to the thirsty, provide hospitality for strangers, clothe the naked, visit those who are sick and in prison.  Our gifts and service to God are not limited to these specific acts, but Jesus commends those who freely walk in His love towards others as He demonstrated and commanded us.  By the indwelling Holy Spirit, our LORD will guide us to give and serve that He be glorified.  Like the perfume Mary poured out, may our lives be a sweet smelling fragrance to our LORD Jesus Christ because we value Him over all.

Awake in Christ's Likeness

What rest and peace God gives those who trust in Him who only does wondrous things!  In an ever changing world Christians have an anchor for our souls forever in Jesus Christ who loves us and has given us exceedingly great and precious promises.  His resurrection from the dead and ascension in glory gives us confidence through the Gospel our sins are forgiven, we have been justified by faith, and have a sure hope of eternal life in His presence.

When the church was birthed in the book of Acts after Jesus ascended to heaven, Christians faced intense persecution in Jerusalem:  none of the apostles, deacons or unnamed disciples were exempt.  It was not like the church was an organisation where leaders were insulated from the threat of beatings, arrests or execution as they were primary targets of those who hated and killed Jesus.  A man filled with the Holy Spirit named Stephen was falsely accused of speaking blasphemy against the Temple and the Law of Moses, and he was hauled before the Sanhedrin for examination.  His divinely inspired proclamation of truth can be read in Acts 7 that enraged his hearers and resulted in him being martyred for Christ's sake.

As Stephen's eyes were opened to see heaven opened and Jesus Christ standing in glory, the respectable mask of the Sanhedrin slipped and revealed them to be a murderous, hateful mob against Christ and His disciples.  They screamed, covered their ears, rushed upon him, cast Stephen out of the city and stoned Him to death.  Acts 7:59-60 tells us, "And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." ⁶⁰ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep."  In the midst of murderous chaos, Stephen was the one at peace and full of forgiveness.  Without regard for himself or any attempt to dodge the large stones hurled at him from all around, Stephen knelt and prayed with a loud voice to intercede for those who were killing him--even as Jesus had from the cross.  Suddenly a stone hit the mark, and Stephen fell asleep.  The implication is those who sleep will wake.  Though Stephen died, through faith in Jesus Christ he lives now and forever.

I was reminded of this as I read Psalm 17:15:  "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness."  Christians have the wondrous expectation that when our eyes close in death, we will awake in the likeness of Christ--satisfied, sinless, glorified and immortal!  Having been deemed righteous by faith in Jesus, there is no fear in death because our Saviour has defeated it.  Our death happened before our birth when Jesus Christ died on the cross, and having been born again and raised with Christ He now lives through us.  Since our death spiritually speaking is in the past, we have only life before us we will enjoy with Him and His people forever.  One day our eyes will close, and miraculously when we open them pain, trouble and sorrow will be a thing of the past, not remembered nor will come into mind, for we have been made new creations by God's grace through faith in Jesus.

Let us not be like those who are asleep spiritually as Paul exhorted believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11:  "Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. ⁸ But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. ¹¹ Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."

Convinced by Christ

"I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."

Romans 14:14

God had taught Paul many things by the time he wrote the letter to the Romans as led by the Holy Spirit.  As a Pharisee, Paul would have likely fought tooth and nail against the suggestion some things or people were not unclean in themselves.  The Law of Moses was full of clear statements that described kinds of birds or beasts as unclean for eating, and how a person could be made ceremonially unclean by touching a dead body or due to illness.  There were detailed washings and sacrifices required to cleanse the unclean, and a complete paradigm shift coupled with humble faith in Jesus was needed for Paul to write what he did.  The LORD Jesus Christ needed to convince Paul of the truth nothing was unclean of itself, and so he held forth this truth boldly to the brethren--even those who had not yet been convinced.

Paul confronted Christians in Colossians 2:20-23 whose actions suggested things were unclean in themselves and their spiritual purity was maintained or lost by objects they touched or food they ate:  "Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations--²¹ "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," ²² which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men? ²³ These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh."  The problem wasn't that believers in Colossae established wise boundaries for themselves, but the issue was they subjected themselves to self-imposed religion, not realising what Christ accomplished on Calvary.  The Law of Moses that condemned them was nailed to the cross, they had died to sin, and now were risen with Christ who lived through them.  The teaching of Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount shows freedom from the Law does not bring lawlessness, for the Holy Spirit guides God's people to a standard far higher than law.

I have observed in Christian circles an appetite for legalism when it aligns with their convictions, for it is easily justified as wise boundaries.  There is an attraction for us towards black and white, to strike a stark contrast and clear line between what is deemed acceptable and sinful.  We can feel a degree of confidence or safety by avoiding what is seen as bad in itself, and we can view ourselves as morally or spiritually superior when we do what is considered good.  Both of these are a snare, for it puts self at the centre and relegates righteousness by our own arbitrary standard.  It is good for us to acknowledge God created all things to be good, and if something is unclean for us we ought to observe it as unclean without fanfare.  We do not condemn a person for avoiding food when they have a severe allergy, and we also should not condemn a person who does not drink alcohol because it could lead them or others to sin.

I remember years ago a person who believed music, when set in a minor key or played with certain drum rhythms, was in itself an "evil beat."  This clearly stands at odds with Paul's statement that nothing is unclean in itself.  God is the God of the hills as well as the valleys; He is the God of the major and minor chords, the God of the acoustic and electric guitar.  He is sovereign over the light and darkness, the day as well as the night.  He is LORD over every atom, the entire spectrum of visible and invisible light, of all things seen and not seen.  Every vibration, frequency, element, chemical, creature and spirit has been created by God for His use.  Even the world, governments and wicked forces of darkness are all under God's rule, and God's people are sanctified by Him for Him in the midst of everything that is.  Rather than fearing things God has made or what man has made can defile us--we ought to fear the LORD and be led by the Holy Spirit in what we do and choose not to do because He is our righteousness.

By faith in Jesus Christ, we can have a clear conscience before God whether we eat meat or only vegetables--or a mix of both!  A Christian can listen to classic music and heavy metal without feeling condemned by God because both can glorify Him.  Paul concluded in Romans 14:21-23, "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. ²² Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. ²³ But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin."  For Paul, being convinced by Jesus meant he had the freedom to eat whatever foods he wanted, but he took pains to avoid stumbling those who expressed concerns.  It is the love of God and others as led by the Holy Spirit who guides us rather than legalism, fleshly desire or the fear of man.  May we all be convinced by Christ nothing is unclean in itself and to live to please and obey Him!

God's Compassions Fail Not

In my Bible reading this morning, I considered Psalm 107:17-19:  "Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted. ¹⁸ Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. ¹⁹ Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses."  The Bible describes the fool as people who say in their hearts, "There is no God," those who live as if God does not exist, has not spoken, and proudly exalt themselves in God's rightful place.  It is a very predictable and guaranteed outcome, that sin embraced brings affliction and trouble we cannot escape.

When we see people experiencing trouble as a direct consequence for their actions, we are less apt to show compassion on them because they "deserved" what they suffered.  A parent who warns their child not to bring a balloon into the kitchen or swat it towards a burning stove would likely remain unmoved when their child disobeys and cries when their balloon pops.  "That's what you get," a matter-of-fact parent might say.  Now if the child burns themselves on a hot stove or pot, a loving parent will administer first aid and seek to comfort their little one.  If the injured party happens to be a teenager or adult who knew better than playing around with fire, again, we would be less considerate of their self-inflicted wounds that stand to teach a valuable lesson.

God's grace and love towards us sinners is amazing, for even when we have played the fool--knowing better and without any excuse--He continues to extend compassion and help to those who are afflicted as a consequence of their own sin.  When we cry out to God in our trouble, He will save us out of our distress; He will give the word to heal us.  At times in Israel's history when God's people departed from Him and served idols, He told them to cry out to the idols they had chosen so they would learn how worthless and incapable they were to deliver or heal.  The season of their suffering pained God, for His heart yearned to save and help them.  But like a father corrects and disciplines a son in whom he delights, so God is willing to allow self-inflicted wounds to draw sinners to Himself through repentance.

Lamentations 3:30-32 says, "Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him, and be full of reproach. ³¹ For the Lord will not cast off forever. ³² Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies."  God is grieved by sin, and He is also grieved when we suffer as a result of our sin.  Because of God's immutable, righteous character, when we are afflicted as God's people there will be an end to it because God is merciful.  Even in the midst of suffering we deserve (and we deserve far worse than we receive as Psalm 103:10 says), God shows compassion according to the multitude of His mercies.  It is because His mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Having freely received such compassion from God, let us extend compassion to others--even when they are responsible for their own affliction.

Praying Child of God

According to the Bible, we are assured of many things concerning praying to God, the eternal Creator of all things.  The true, living God knows all and is able to do everything:  nothing is hard or impossible for Him.  We can know God hears and answers the prayers of those who need Him.  This morning I was reminded of this when I read Psalm 102:17:  "He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer."  God invites and welcomes His people who pray to Him.  His words to the prophet Jeremiah show God's ready willingness to answer prayer as it is written in Jeremiah 33:2-3:  "Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the LORD is His name): ³ 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'"  God freely chose to reveal Himself to people He created in His image so we might have a relationship with Him, and what is a relationship without regular, personal communication?

Perhaps you have heard people pray with flowery language or in Old English, with copious sprinklings of "thee" and "thy."  While some have prayer books, the only prayer book needed is the Bible that holds forth the divine revelation of God and His will.  Perhaps one of the most tricky things is people feel for prayer to be effective they must follow some sort of formula they are ignorant of, not realising God looks favourably upon a humble heart regardless of the words spoken.  Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee who "prayed with himself" and touted all his service and sacrifices for the LORD, and he expressed gratitude God had elevated him far above base sinners--despite his proud, hypocritical display.  Jesus said in Luke 18:13-14, "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Some expect they will be answered because of their many words, others put a measure of confidence in who or how many people pray for them, and others insist particular words they use are akin to invoking magic utterances that cut through spiritual red tape to expedite the granting of their requests.  The simple prayer of the tax collector in the parable shatters these notions, for he went home justified and received God's mercy just for asking.  Simply put, God hears prayer, delights to answer prayer, and invites people to pray to Him because He desires a relationship with us.  In addition to looking favourably upon the humble in heart, God responds to the prayer of faith.  James taught the prayer of faith would save the sick or weary, and confession of sin and repentance leads to spiritual healing and wholeness that is in Christ, freely offered to all who are born again (James 5:13-16).

Philippians 4:4-7 holds forth God's will for every believer by faith and obedience to Him:  "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  See the joyful, grateful attitude we ought to have in praying to God who loves us and answers prayer!  Praying is not only for special occasions or before meals and going to bed, for Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:  "Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

When we pray, let us never forget we are not God.  Our role is not to tell God what He ought to do or how He could use something for His glory (hoping for our will to be done), for God is infinitely wiser than us.  Books on prayer have a place, but better than reading a sample prayer it is better to pray from the heart to God ourselves knowing He loves us, with confidence He delights to hear and answer us, and that nothing is difficult for Him.  In praying we seek the LORD who guides, helps us and needs no help Himself.  We pray not to earn God's favour but because we have received His favour in Christ and are responding with joyful obedience, glad to cast our cares upon Him, make our requests known, and rest in the knowledge He will answer in His time.  There is no one more carefree and glad than the praying, trusting child of God.

Blessing of Affliction

Last night at Bible study the passage was Psalm 73, a song of Asaph that describes his struggle with how the wicked seemed to prosper and the envy this stirred within him.  He wrestled with God's grace of blessing the wicked who ought to be punished (in Asaph's mind), and that compared to him they did not seem to suffer.  His legalistic mindset bucked against the grace of God that seemed to reward bad behaviour and repay God's faithful followers with affliction.

It was when Asaph sought the LORD in His temple that he received insight from God in Psalm 73:16-19:  "When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me--¹⁷ until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. ¹⁸ Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. ¹⁹ Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors."  As Asaph turned his eyes from the prosperity of the wicked and his own suffering and looked to God, he realised the happiness and security of the wicked was a mirage, an illusion that disappeared in an instant.  The wealth and riches of God's enemies was incapable of helping or delivering them from ruin.  Having wealth, money, power and fame did nothing to help avoid coming judgment by the holy God of Israel.

As Asaph was in the temple, he likely saw people leading animals to be slain as sacrifices and burn offerings to the LORD in obedience to the Law of Moses.  These animals resembled his view of the wicked, that they were well-fed, without blemish or fear of death.  They were used to being catered to and enjoyed the best life had to offer.  Their prosperity only fattened them up to be killed.  The owner of an ox, ram or lamb was not cruel to feed and protect their animals without blemish, and God is not cruel to give a man more than he can wish.  God graciously supplies good things to all people, even His enemies, and He will hold all accountable to acknowledge Him as the Creator and giver of all things.  Being well-fed, having a life free of hard labour, conditioned to expect prosperity to always increase, set people up for a shock when God required their souls.  Those who reject Jesus Christ will be brought to certain destruction, and it is only a matter of time.

The news recently has reported missile bombardments raining death and destruction in Israel and Iran, and also there has been a shocking tragedy of a plane crash in India that resulted in deaths of passengers and civilians.  On a daily basis, countless people wake up never realising it would be their last day alive.  Being envious of those who are prosperous leaves us without satisfaction and gratitude we have when we look to God who comforts, provides, protects and saves.  In Christ, we are able to look Death in the face without fear and worry because we died with Christ, and our lives are hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:1-4).  Christians, having been raised to new life by Jesus, are called to seek those things which are above, where Christ is, setting our affections on Him and on what will endure.  Life on earth is short, time is precious, but Jesus is infinitely more important and valuable.  May our eyes be opened as Asaph's were, to recognise the blessing of current suffering for sin that prompts us to seek a Saviour than to live in the lap of luxury and be lost forever.

God Most Loveable

What do you view as loveable?  A newborn baby or a fluffy puppy?  What if I told you the most loveable being in the universe is not something small, cute and cuddly but the almighty God who is love?  Truly, there is no one more worthy of being loved than God who loves us with an everlasting love.  The amazing thing is how God presently and eternally rewards those who love Him when it is the very thing we ought to do.  Loving God is right for everyone to do, and God's desire is we would go beyond liking what we receive from God to loving Him with our whole heart.

See some things God promises to do for those who love Him in Psalm 91:14-16 which are all beyond price:  "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. ¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him. ¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."  For the one who simply loves God, God will personally deliver him and set him on high.  The one who loves God will be heard and answered by Him; God will be with him in trouble, deliver and honour him.  God also gives long life (everlasting!) that satisfies, and will reveal His salvation to all who love Him.  Those who love God place their faith in Him which is evidenced by obedience.

Loving God is more than feelings of attraction or affection, but it is connected with doing what God says as is written in Deuteronomy 5:10:  "...showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."  Later in Scripture Jesus, who revealed Himself to be God made flesh by many signs including His resurrection from the dead, said to His disciples in John 14:15-17:  "If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."  To those who love God, Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to regenerate, empower, comfort, guide and enable followers of Christ to be spiritually fruitful, to love as He loves.

A newborn baby is not loveable because of what he or she provides you but because of who it is in relation to you:  someone small, needy and new.  God is awesome, eternal, needs nothing, and is greater than we can imagine, yet we should love Him because His is our Creator and due to our relationship with Him as His beloved children.  Our love for God ought to be from a heart that delights in who God is and His love for us--rather than God's promises of blessing for those who love Him we hope to receive.  As it is written in Psalm 31:23-24:  "Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. ²⁴ Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD."  May our love of God be courageous in obedience and strong by faith in Him, for God preserves the faithful who hope in Him.

Doing Is Better than Promising

In a parable Jesus told, a man asked one of his sons to work the following day in his vineyard.  His son replied, "I go sir!" yet he did not go.  His words proved to be empty because he did not follow through with all he said.  The son saying what he would do did not profit him or his father at all, and his good intentions were shown to be fleeting by his empty words--which have been remembered to this day.

The point James made about claims of faith being pointless without works that provide evidence of it is a valid consideration in regards to words we say.  James 2:15-17 reads, "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."  James gave a practical example to illustrate how faith without corresponding works is dead by describing someone who was cold and hungry.  Will saying, "Be warmed and filled!" do anything to cover their nakedness or fill their belly?  Of course not.  Someone who loves the needy person and truly desires their wholeness would do what they could to help them without a word.  People who love others demonstrate their love in action rather than simply declaring it.  Faith is more than words we speak, for it is always shown by our decisions and way of life.

It is good that our words agree with our actions, but it is better to prioritise doing good rather than speaking of good we have yet to do.  Recently I read Luke 9:57 that described Jesus walking:  "Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, "Lord, I will follow You wherever You go."  It was good this person recognised Jesus as worthy of following everywhere, yet this would be better done than promised because talk is cheap.  It is very easy to say we will do something, but to actually follow through is exponentially more difficult and complicated.  When visitors attend church it is common for them to gladly volunteer without being asked anything, "We'll be back!" and to never see them again.  My preference is for them to appear indifferent, say nothing, and return for the next service.  People being in Christian fellowship somewhere is better than saying that is what we want and need:  attending church can say this without a word.

Jesus knew the heart of the person who called Him LORD and promised to follow Him wherever He went.  He was not cynical, sarcastic or dismissive.  Luke 9:58 gives us Christ's reply:  "And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."  Jesus made it clear to follow Him would be difficult and not to expect to settle down anywhere.  Jesus did not call any place on earth His home, and the only refuge Christ's disciples would have was in Him by faith.  The Gospels demonstrate how Jesus and His disciples were provided for day by day:  they ate grain as they walked through fields, were guests at houses, received gifts, and ate leftovers.  It would be better for Jesus to observe us after a space of time, "Friends, you have followed Me wherever I have gone!" then for us to promise beforehand, "We will follow you!"  There is no harm in voicing our intentions, but what we do and how we live is of greater importance.

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).