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.

Plumb Line Needed!

A majority of our back yard is supported by a short retaining wall, and my project of late was to repair a portion of it that had been damaged by large trees.  Based upon the location of the wall in relation to the driveway, it seems the lower courses of the wall were set before soil and sand was brought in to ramp up to the garage.  Rather than digging way down to reset the first course--and risk undermining the driveway--I removed enough dirt to grind the lower blocks level.  As a result of allowing the first course to remain, rebuilding the wall required small modifications and adjustments.  The results are not perfect, but it is in far better condition now that it is plumb.

The repair of the retaining wall has been a great illustration of the necessity for a solid, level foundation for our lives.  Because it was only a short section of wall and I lacked necessary stakes for a line, I made the decision to level one block according to the adjacent block, filling in from the exposed corner to the buried side.  What happened was similar to when we played "telephone" as kids, a group activity when one person whispers a phrase or sentence in the ear of the person next to them and the message is repeated down the line.  The best part of the game is when the phrase derails and becomes hilarious with nonsense that is nothing like the original sentence.  While this is a fun party game when the phrase is way off, it is not good when building a wall.  Since the first course was not fully removed, every block needed adjusting.

Looking at the wall from the broad side, it looks quite even and level.  But looking down the wall lengthwise, all the irregularities and imperfections are exposed.  My best efforts on the wall using what I had on hand is an example that without the plumb line of God's word and wisdom, spiritually speaking we all fall woefully short of God's perfection.  God used a plumb line as an illustration in Amos 7:7-9:  "Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. ⁸ And the LORD said to me, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said: "Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore. ⁹ The high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste. I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam."   A plumb line takes guesswork out of the equation, and it is only a matter of time before a wall out of plumb will fail.  God had given the plumb line of His word and established Israel in righteousness, but judgment was coming because of how crooked God's people had become.

Notice that the LORD stood on a wall made with a plumb line, and because it was built correctly it remained strong, straight and upright.  It could support weight properly and perform the function it was designed to do.  The children of Israel were given the Law of God, yet they were not able to keep it.  God's law is like a perfect straight edge that reveals how crooked we are, and the only way to be made right with God is through repentance for our sin and placing our faith in Jesus Christ.  It does us no good to justify our errors because we were simply following the example of others or the finished results don't matter because of all the effort we put in:  plumb is plumb.  None of us started plumb, and we can't straighten ourselves out no matter how hard we try.  Praise God He is able to save us, to make us new creations built on a level, solid foundation by faith in Jesus through the Gospel.  Those who hear the words of Jesus and heed them He likens to a man who builds his house on a rock that will stand and endure every storm.

Should our lives veer off course, rather than comparing ourselves to one another we do well to look to Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.  The LORD speaks with absolute authority as one who holds the plumb line in his hand and sees clearly, and by the power of the Holy Spirit He guides us into all truth.  When we resort to copying others or doing what is right in our own eyes, we cannot straighten up.  We can can have confidence we will not be led astray or go crooked when we seek the LORD, humble ourselves before Jesus and obey Him.

Built On Christ

I was inspired to tackle some yardwork when I read Proverbs 24:27 that says, "Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house."  While the situation for me is different than the agrarian society that was predominant in Israel in ancient times, God's word still guides us into truth and blesses those who take steps of obedience by faith in God.

If I could put the sentiment of this verse in my own words, the principle held forth here is:  "First things first."  People who had land set aside for farming needed to make preparing the field their priority, for wheat and barley was not going to plant itself.  Making the field fit for planting supplied necessary food for people, seed for sowing and fodder for working animals.  For those who are not farmers or live in a community where a sufficient amount of food is grown for their survival, many people today work for money they exchange for food and daily necessities.  The principle of this proverb is to prioritise work that helps provide for your needs for survival, and having done this you can concern yourself with renovating the house.  It would be better to have any honest job than to remain unemployed because it is not your ideal career or aligns with your interests.  Paul affirmed the responsibility of people to contribute by working in 2 Thessalonians 3:10:  "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:  if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."

It occurred to me as I was stacking besser blocks the spiritual implications of the proverb must be addressed in the opposite order:  the rebellious inner man must be addressed before outer behaviour.  Our human inclination is to prioritise appearing to "clean up our act" by focusing on outward works rather than dealing with our inner man.  Because Jesus knows the hearts of mankind, He saw past the clean exterior of the Pharisees and perceived they were spiritually dead in sins on the inside.  Their primary need was to be born again by faith in Jesus, to be made new creations by the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit who indwells Christians.  Ephesians 2:8-9 shows we cannot earn good standing and righteousness by efforts of our flesh:  "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast."  No amount of good works can open the gates of God's kingdom to us, for we must first confess our sin and enter in through the Door (who is Jesus Christ) by faith in Him.

Having been born again by faith, then we are to seek to live in the manner that is pleasing to God:  loving and forgiving one another, being a servant of all according to Christ's example, trusting and obeying God and His word.  Without Jesus we can do nothing, and through faith in Christ we can do all things because He gives us strength.  Having been born again, Paul compared believers to being God's field and His building.  He wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. ¹¹ For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."  First things first:  the foundation must be laid before the house can be built, and we must be born again before we build properly on the foundation of Jesus Christ.  Reversing the order means we are building a life without a foundation in Christ, and the eventual fall and destruction of those who build foolishly are assured.

Immoral Outrage

Have you ever experienced an indignant feeling when you saw people doing what you believe is wrong?  I remember one such occasion when I was incensed as it became apparent I was deceived and misled by someone I trusted to tell the truth.  I was later convicted because I took personal offence when it was in truth sin against God.  It was easy to justify my anger through what is called moral outrage, but since my heart was not humble and contrite before God it was actually immoral outrage.

There are passages in the Bible where the outrage people expressed was more an indicator sin within them brought to light by supposed offences.  A classic example is when Nathan the prophet came to king David and told him what turned out to be a parable about a rich man who had many sheep.  In the tale he callously stole the prized, only lamb of a poor man and killed it to provide a meal for his guests.  David was furious at this injustice, and immediately condemned the rich man to death for his theft and lack of pity, and commanded four-fold should be given to the poor man.  The prophet Nathan said, "You are the man!"  Then he laid out how David conducted himself like that rich man he condemned to death, for he had stolen Bathsheba as his own wife (when he already had many) and used the sword of the Ammonites to murder her husband Urijah.  God laid out the worst of David's crimes from which all others sprang in 2 Samuel 12:10:  "You have despised Me."  David's response was immoral outrage and hypocrisy, seeing he had not repented of his own sin against God.

When Jesus was in Bethany, the Gospel of John tells us Mary poured a pound of expensive, fragrant spikenard to anoint Jesus.  The Gospel of Matthew says the disciples were indignant at what they perceived to be a waste of the oil, for it could have been sold and the proceeds--which amounted to be around the average annual wage--could have been given to the poor.  John tells us it was Judas Iscariot who expressed this outrage, and it was not for the sake of the poor!  His greedy and sinful motives are laid bare in John 12:6:  "This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it."  Jesus rebuked His disciples and told them to leave Mary alone, for the good thing she had done in anointing Jesus for His burial would be spoken about as a memorial wherever the Gospel is preached.

It used to be when I saw people living in some sort of sin, I used to experience what I will call immoral outrage because I took personally the offence committed against God--as if I was the victim.  More and more by God's grace I am finding that feeling of indignation replaced by compassion, for in clinging to sin people close their arms to the almighty, awesome God who loves them and seeks a relationship with them.  In choosing a sinful lifestyle people reject God and His grace extended to them, for He has done everything to pay the price for their redemption, joy, peace and rest.  Jesus looked upon the multitudes with compassion and wept because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and when we are consumed by immoral outrage we are among those who have wandered from His side in self-righteousness and pride.  May the LORD continue to change us to be more like Him:  to love others and pray for those who do wrong as we are no better.

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?

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.

A Disciple Illustration

During a recent men's breakfast at church, we were treated to hear testimonies of God's faithfulness to work in the lives of His people.  I was encouraged and blessed by those who shared from the heart.

There was one story that opened up a fresh perspective of discipleship.  When people speak of or consider discipleship, often people look to spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible, regular times of prayer, attending gatherings with fellow believers to worship God, giving, fasting and Christian service--actions that are done outwardly and are quantifiable.  Some feel if they are doing these things more whilst avoiding sin they are doing well in their relationship with God, and this can be true.  Since the Pharisees were very good at maintaining their religious exterior without having hearts transformed by the Gospel, the embrace of spiritual disciplines do not necessarily correlate with being saved.

A brother rehearsed an event which happened years ago as a teen when he was smacked in the mouth by the school bully.  Raised in a Christian home, he said it was the first time he remembered doing something contrary to his will for the sake of Jesus.  After being struck in the mouth, he heard three voices:  his mother saying "Destroy him!", his father advising "Do what you think is right," and the voice of Jesus who said, "Turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39).  He had previously identified as a Christian, read the Bible, went to church and prayed, but that deliberate act to turn the other cheek was a massive step of faith in Jesus to deny himself and instead follow Jesus as LORD.

This is a wonderful illustration of what it means to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus.  As Christians, there should be moments on a daily basis when we deliberately lay aside our will to obey what Jesus has commanded us, to follow His example rather than the inclinations of our flesh.  Intentional obedience to Jesus is divinely translated into love for Him, for Jesus told His disciples in John 14:15:  "If you love Me, keep My commandments."  There are many voices that impress themselves upon us, but genuine disciples of Jesus will deny themselves to do as He says.

Pigeons and the Kingdom of God

Yesterday I visited Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park with family and enjoyed seeing the native birds, mammals and reptiles of Australia.  When we arrived the carpark was filled with tour buses, and the park was as crowded as I had ever seen.  Over time the crowds dissipated, and our leisurely stroll through the enclosures of animals both familiar and exotic to me was pleasant.

One thing I like about Featherdale is how the animals in some areas have freedom to move around and interact with guests but can also remain in a "refuge" that is off-limits to the public.  This means a hands-on experience with a wallaby or kangaroo is possible if they are in the mood to venture out of the refuge.  Another interesting dynamic is the feed, water and protection provided for the native animals is a draw for local, commonly found birds in Sydney like rainbow lorikeets and pigeons.  Pelicans stay in their enclosure that is open to the sky while ibis from the community fly in.

It seemed in all the feeding and watering places in Featherdale, I noticed pigeons had made themselves at home.  Unlike kangaroos whose movements are contained to their paddock, the pigeon pictured freely availed itself to the water provided for the kangaroos.  I do not know anyone who would pay to see pigeons, yet there were many pigeons resting in the enclosures of native animals.  The pigeons at Featherdale reminded me of how Jesus has opened up the kingdom of God to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, to whosoever will come to Him by faith.  Jesus did not forbid little children from coming to Him, and He also welcomes Gentiles into the kingdom and family of God according to His grace.

Jesus Christ is the Door to the kingdom of God today swung wide open for all who are hungry and thirsty for eternal life.  He invites and welcomes all people to repent of their sin and receive Him by faith, and to all who are willing He gives the right to become children of God.  Revelation 22:16-17 says, "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." ¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."  Seeing the pigeons drinking water among wallabies and kangaroos was a lovely reminder of God's divine acceptance and abundant provision of life for all who come to Him.  As pigeons and marsupials are all part of the Featherdale experience, even so heaven is for Jew and Gentile alike united by Christ.

The Castle

When I first came to Australia, one movie widely recommended for me to watch and be thrown into the deep end of Australian culture and humour was The Castle.  It was hailed as a fine representation of the relatable Aussie battler who was willing to take a stand for his principles and a house that had become his happy home beyond price.  Rather than submitting to a compulsory acquisition of his property to extend the airport, Darryl Kerrigan was able to prevail in pleading his case in the high court--with the expert aid of an unexpected ally.

An interesting aspect of the film was the misplaced faith Darryl had in a local lawyer named Dennis Denuto who struggled to make copies in his office!  Dennis was more knowledgeable in matters of Australian law and the Constitution than Darryl, but his incompetence and ignorance was laid bare by his abject failure in court.  Darryl's case would never had been heard by the High Court without the aid of a retired Queen's Counsel and barrister, Lawrence Hammill.  When all hope seemed lost and Darryl was resigned to failure, Lawrence offered to bring his case for free to the High Court and successfully argued Darryl had the right to just terms of compensation under the Australian Constitution.

What is particularly heart-warming is Lawrence did not take the case to advance his career, as penance in hope of atoning for past wrongs, or out of spite for the system.  He was a man of wealth and high-standing who showed compassion on a regular fellow--not only to help him in his area of legal expertise--but was glad to be a mate to Darryl from the moment they happened to meet the first time outside the courthouse.  When they met two worlds collided, and they both were enriched by the friendship that followed.

One could compare Darryl's victory in court to a David and Goliath mismatch, but the important thing to realise is Darryl could never have won without Lawrence, and David could never have defeated Goliath without God.  The fact Darryl and Lawrence continued in a relationship is a wonderful part of the story as it hints at God's divine stoop to our level--not just to help us in a time of need--but to join with us forever in a friendship that is closer than family on earth.  How great is the LORD who has gone out of His way to reveal Himself to us, a friend who sticks closer than a brother, our God who came to us and saved us when we were lost, hopeless and helpless.  Doesn't it warm the heart to know we can be a friend of Jesus?  He gives us something much more precious than a castle, for He gives us Himself forever.

Departing From Evil

King Solomon asked in Proverbs 20:9, "Who can say, 'I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin'?"  The answer is no one!  We are all unclean due to sin, and we cannot address our spiritual malady.  A person tasked to wash windows with oil-soaked rags could not eliminate streaks or smears, and no amount of elbow grease could remove the greasy film.  When the light shines through, the filth is clearly seen!  One would have a better chance of cleaning a oily window that purifying our hearts from sin, for we are spiritually dead and powerless to revive or redeem ourselves.  In our natural condition, we are not inclined to humble ourselves before God or man at all.

The Bible teaches us there is one who can forgive sins, and that is the righteous God revealed in Jesus Christ who remained without sin.  Jesus demonstrated His power to forgive sins and that He was God made flesh when He healed a paralytic who suddenly, at Christ's command before many witnesses, stood and walked.  Jesus Christ is good and God; He is righteous, holy and pure.  By His shed blood He provided the means of atonement for sin, satisfying the justice of God by His death so all who trust in Him can be spiritually raised to life forever by faith in Him.  The rising of Jesus from the dead showed His authority and power over sin that brings death.  Having been justified by faith in Christ and set apart as God's own children and inheritance, we are called to live lives free of sin.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 16:6 long before the Gospel was revealed by Jesus:  "In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil."  Jesus has provided atonement for our sins, and our lives ought to follow His pattern of mercy and truth which guides us to walk uprightly.  For a long time we lived to please and satisfy ourselves, and as born again children of God living in the fear of God prompts us to depart from evil.  Before coming to Christ we were like orphaned children who lied, shoplifted, scammed and picked pockets to survive.  With winter well on the way and death inevitable due to the harsh elements, God was like a kind-hearted man who saw us starving and freezing in rags and offered to adopt us as children so we could be provided for, loved and comforted.  We liked the idea of having new clothes, a roof over our heads in winter and a place at a table for three meals a day, and we agreed to the arrangement.

Imagine the father going to tuck his adopted child into bed, and to his surprise found the bed empty and the window wide open.  It seems bringing a child in off the streets didn't purge his new son or daughter of their old habits!  After scouring the streets the father found his child in an alley behind a bakery, digging through rubbish and eating out-of-date baked goods rats had already spoiled.  Being a son or daughter at the table meant eating unfamiliar vegetables and needing to wait until after dinner for dessert, and as children of God we have many lessons to learn as we willingly submit to His pattern of life.  By the fear of the LORD one departs from evil, and recognising God as our Father and loving to please Him leads us to abandon our old ways and choose Him instead.  We cannot cleanse our hearts from sin, but we can wash our hands with soap and water.  God has provided atonement with His shed blood, and by the power of the Holy Spirit we can depart from evil.  We need God's help to have righteous standing before Him and to embrace our sanctification in submitting to Him.

Crowd Pleasers

When I was a kid in San Diego, it was a special treat to go to a professional baseball game and watch the Padres in action.  There were many years our local team was the "cellar dweller" (last place!) and did not field a competitive team.  It was rare for the Padres to keep young talent because good players were expensive, and the ownership was not nearly as financially invested in building a championship team as today.  Sometimes the most exciting thing that happened during a baseball game was when a fan jumped the barrier and ran around on the field until they were corralled by security.  It happened with such frequency that we developed a term for such trespassers:  crowd pleasers.  There were likely many times the roar of the few thousands in attendance was the loudest as unfit men ran onto the field and deftly dodged equally unfit and uncoordinated security guards.

Over the years, strict penalties were enforced to deter fans from running onto the field for the protection of the players.  All in attendance were warned anyone who ran on the field could expect to be arrested, be fined and perhaps be banned from entering the stadium.  Another step taken by the MLB television networks was to pan away and not broadcast anyone who went onto the field.  As a result only the people present in the stadium could witness the silliness and served to remove any hope of worldwide notoriety on television (even if infamy!) by breaking the rules.  These deterrents have proved effective and have greatly reduced the number of people who decided to storm the field of MLB games.

There is wisdom in the MLB network's refusal to provide air time for hooligans and trespassers whose disruptive and dangerous antics cause stoppages in play.  Fans may still enjoy watching people embarrass themselves as they scramble away from security guards like pet dogs trying to avoid capture by their owners in the street.  We Christians may not make millions of dollars through our networking, but we can choose to walk in wisdom concerning what we choose to broadcast to the world in our social media feeds, blogs, messages and comments.  God has given us His wisdom and discernment by the indwelling Holy Spirit to choose what stories are worthy of repeating and drawing attention to and those we should avoid mentioning.  There are funny jokes that should not be retold and stories left unsaid that paint others in a bad light.

Focus on "crowd pleasers" who run around on the field can tarnish the MLB brand, and as Christians we ought to consider if our broadcasts bring honour to Christ or distract from Him.  Messages that sow fear, doubts and controversial subjects should not be given the spotlight when we have God's word that speaks truth, provides wisdom and brings salvation.  Many times my family and I left the stadium after a forgettable game and it was an obscene heckler or crowd pleaser who took the field, gave security guards the slip and managed to slide into second base which provided the most memorable occurrences during the game.  Every day we have opportunities to focus on the infamous and please the crowd or to extol the glorious greatness of our God and please our Saviour Jesus Christ.  May the LORD teach us when to be silent and how we ought to speak.

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.

A Spiritual Emergency

Our local council is currently rolling out a new bin system to collect rubbish than includes a small pail with biodegradable liners to dispose of food scraps in a green bin.  I was amused when I saw the flashing lights on the minivan that delivered the new bins, similar to what you would see on emergency vehicles.  According to many climate activists, we are in the midst of a global emergency--one that has seemed to grow worse and more dire with every passing year regardless of intentional actions we take.  I have lived long enough to go from paper to plastic bags because it was killing the trees to using paper again because it is sustainable.  We ought to do what we can to protect the environment as good stewards of the planet God has provided for us, but ultimately it is His planet we could not save or destroy even if we tried.

As I mused upon the flashing emergency lights on the climate action van that seemed a bit excessive and unnecessary, it occurred to me people can have a similar view concerning our sin.  All this talk about the dangers of sin do not hit home because it does not seem like an emergency or dangerous at all, like when Adam ate the forbidden fruit.  Life went on.  Because our sinfulness is as natural to our flesh as breathing, eating and sleeping, even Christians may not see how deadly and destructive it truly is.  People who are not comfortable in their own skin can be very comfortable in sin due to familiarity with it; it is naturally part of us and intrinsic to our character, attitude and outlook.  In a sermon I preached on Judges 19, God's word lays the grotesque ugliness of sin bare for all to see to the end we might identify with the sinners rather than painting ourselves as innocent victims.  All have sinned, and God's desire is for all to repent, receive forgiveness and new life.

In year 9, a classmate and I were tasked to contact Greenpeace, an organisation that at the time was highly publicised for their efforts to "save the whales."  In the naivete of my youth, I was a bit taken aback by the rather militant and aggressive fellow who cursed us on the phone when he sensed disrespect by a comment made by my classmate.  I assumed people who care for the planet and whales must have a gentle and kind disposition to callers, when he was a regular person like everyone else--someone who feels frustration  and anger when his time is being wasted by young punks or when his cause is not taken nearly as seriously as it should.  I imagine the man felt quite justified to give us a piece of his mind since we called him, and it is shockingly easy for all people--Christians included--to justify what God identifies as sin due to offence or how we feel.  I once thought I was free of guilt because I avoided overt sins like cursing, but when I began to understand that being unloving is a sin, I realised I was in deep trouble.

Often we must experience negative symptoms before we will go to a doctor, and then we must receive a dire diagnosis before we will take our heath, treatments, diet and exercise as seriously as we should.  In a similar way, we need the word of God and the Holy Spirit to shine a light upon our sin with conviction and be brought to a place of broken desperation for forgiveness and restoration.  We need to realise the spiritual and personal emergency sin truly is--worse than a cancer or heart attack--because it has eternal implications.  Years ago I recall an ambulance with flashing lights and siren that was transporting a patient suffering a life-threatening emergency.  The light was red, and the driver of the car blocking the ambulance wasn't sure if it was ok to run the red light to make way to allow the ambulance to pass through the intersection.  As the fellow remained still, the ambulance driver shouted through a megaphone:  "Get out of the way before my patient dies!"  This is the sort of intensity we ought to have concerning our sin, for it is a spiritual emergency that requires divine forgiveness, healing and restoration.  Praise be to God 1 John 1:9 is the truth for Christians:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

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).

Hate the Light?

I have learned after moving into a house, blemishes that escaped notice at first later come to light--literally.  We had probably lived in our current house a week before I noticed a sizeable crack in the gyprock near the front door that could only be seen when the door was open and daylight streamed in.  It might as well have been colourful neon lighting with the attention the light brought to the crack in the wall.  This revelation led to closer inspection of other areas and resulted in gyprock and paint repairs in a large scale.  At one stage nearly the entire ceiling of one room required attention because the light shining across it made the irregularities an eyesore.

Every time I saw a bad patch on the ceiling or wall that needed repair, it marked the beginning of a multi-step process:  cut out the old patch, add sufficient backing, fitting the new patch securely, spread several coats of joint compound (mud), sponging or sanding, priming and a couple coats of finish paint to complete.  The process of repairs stretched over several days because time is required for the various materials to sufficiently dry.  There were at least 3 or 4 times I thought I was completely done with all patchwork repairs only to discover there were additional areas that required attention.  As a result, the laundry room was littered for a couple months with joint compound, buckets, tools and paint.

Last night I had a repeat of an familiar experience:  light from a lamp illuminated a mark on the wall that I had not previously noticed.  Upon closer inspection, I found a crack had been papered over and it seemed only paint was holding the joint together.  With a grin I expressed my displeasure--not with poor craftsmanship or the condition of the wall--but with the light that exposed it and the prospects of fixing it meant a lot of work for me.  Was the light the problem?  No!  The light merely exposed a blemish on a wall which revealed a problem in my own heart that would prefer there would never be a problem I need to address.  My annoyance with the light showing another bad patch that needs work is something Jesus spoke about in a spiritual sense.  Naturally people would rather stay out of the light than be exposed as flawed should it shine upon us.  We do not frame holes punched in walls:  we prefer to cover holes in a wall with a picture than admit they exist because they present an unflattering picture of us.

Jesus taught in John 3:18-21:  "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. ²¹ But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."  Jesus is the Light of the World, and many people were loathe to be exposed as sinners needing spiritual sight, repentance, forgiveness and salvation.  People are condemned because light has come into the world and men loved darkness more than light.  We are unable to rectify our faults or wash ourselves of sin:  when we come into the light with humility and transparency, it is Jesus Christ who cleanses us and changes us for good.  He does all the work of illuminating and saving, and our part is to come into the light, repent of our sin, and submit to God.

Don't hate the light of God's word, the conscience God has given you, or the various means God uses to make our sinfulness, selfishness and folly apparent to us.  We ought to hate sin and take prompt action to repent of it, cease practicing it and walk in obedience to God.  God is good to shine His light upon our hearts to save us from sin and ourselves.  Galatians 6:9 is an appropriate exhortation concerning repairing walls and repenting of sin:  "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."  We ought to treasure and love the light God shines upon us so we might be prompted to address our own sins so the work Jesus has begun and is faithful to complete continues to advance.

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!"

The Scene of the Fall

Today I walked by what could be called, "the scene of the fall."  I took a tumble a couple months back when I kicked a raised kerb on the footpath during a morning walk before daylight.  It seems the local council took notice of the lifted kerbs in the area and ground them flat to prevent others from tripping like I had.  Without me notifying anyone, the council put into practice a principle of Romans 14:13:  "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."  A council worker observed the raised area, judged it to be uneven and unsafe, and ground it flat to remove the walking hazard.

It is possible to have a perfectly flat footpath and still trip over our own feet and fall down.  But if we are the ones who have fallen, we ought to be circumspect and more careful when we pass by that way again.  When I came to the area where I fell, I took care to walk more to the middle of the footpath.  The wise do the same when it comes to falling into sin, and the term "fall" may be a misnomer in many cases.  Many times we dive into sin like a swimmer does a pool, taking to it like a duck to water.  I have seen clips of people accidentally falling into pools while doing maintenance or when talking on their phone, but sin is rarely an accident.  Sin is natural to our flesh and often intentional, even habitual.

Sometimes we have failed to recognise our attitudes, outlook, judgments, actions, motives and words are sinful, and because He loves us God convicts us of our sin.  His word is like a light that shines in the darkness of our hearts and reveals how contrary to God we actually are.  Other times our sin is premeditated, and there are well-worn paths to sin we have habitually frequented.  As Proverbs 26:11 says, "As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."  I always wondered what our dog was thinking when he did weird things like eating grass or returned to eat his own vomit.  I don't believing thinking had anything to do with it, for he was an animal driven by instinct.  He did so because he was a dog, and those are commonly observed behaviours in dogs.  In his parable Solomon said dogs and fools act according to their nature, and fools express their folly by repeating it.  Without thought of God, fools do not learn from their folly and on their own cannot change.

Having been born again by faith in Jesus Christ, we no longer are to walk as fools--who live as if God did not exist.  We no longer have a "sin nature" because Jesus has made us new, raised from death to life.  We are empowered by God to put off the deeds of the "old man" and sins associated with life apart from Christ, and we can do as Ephesians 4:23-24 says, to "...and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."  Though we continue to live in a body of flesh that has a hearty appetite for sin and tries to justify itself in pride, we are to walk wisely and remember what led to previous falls.  We ought to avoid what has caused us to sin in the past and ensure we do not stumble others.  Even if the council worker hadn't leveled the footpath, by God's grace I was not doomed to fall again.

Knowing I had fallen and can fall again today prompted me to walk wisely and carefully.  It would have been foolish for me to walk away from the "scene of the fall" proud I didn't fall today, scoring a victory over that dumb kerb!  We can make the mistake of feeling proud of ourselves for avoiding where we stumbled in the past only to have another sin like pride overtake us because we believe we are sufficient in ourselves due to our knowledge, maturity or spirituality to avoid such errors.  How we need to rely on Jesus to walk uprightly!  God save us from sin and flesh that repeats its folly!

Consider the Birds

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

Matthew 6:26

When Jesus taught His disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, He directed their attention to the birds that soared in the skies.  Without sowing, reaping or storing food, they were fed every day by the grace and goodness of God who created them.  No man could know the number of them, the location of their nests or young, where they came from or where they were heading.  The point Jesus made was His people did not need to worry or be anxious about their lives or what they were going to eat because God is faithful to feed the birds--and His people are of far greater worth to Him.  Rather than seeking to have their physical needs met, God's people were to prioritise things of far greater importance as Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:  "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Because we are people with needs and limited resources in an uncertain world, worry and anxiety are natural responses for human beings.  We can worry about landing the job, and once we are employed we might worry about advancing in our career or keeping our job!  The scope of our worries is not limited to ourselves, for we can worry about the health of loved ones, conflicts between nations, even potential problems that have yet to arise.  Worry is endemic among humanity whether rich or poor, those who experience good health or illness, whether we are single or married.  Cares of this life weigh on our minds and do nothing to provide rest or peaceful resolutions.  Like heads of the mythical Hydra that sprouted again once lopped off, the satisfaction of one worry does not kill our anxiety dead.  A new worry is sure to arise that is more intimidating and beastly than the previous one.

I was greatly encouraged yesterday as I drove to church.  A light rain was falling, and I noticed two birds perched on a street light, leaning towards and resting their heads on one another.  These were the only birds I recall seeing on the drive, likely because of the rain.  Seeing that lone, mated pair of birds was a wonderful sight as I recalled the words of Jesus, and considered that God not only feeds the birds but often provides a partner for them to enjoy companionship, warmth and to breed young.  There is in many people a desire for love and companionship that seems far beyond reach.  It is glorious our God supplies an invitation and opportunity for a meaningful relationship with Himself as our Father, and He supplies all our other physical, spiritual and emotional needs as well.  Since God provides a mate for birds of the air, shouldn't we trust Him to provide a spouse for people too?  Looking for love in this world does not guarantee we will find it, but knowing God loves us, cares for us and provides for our needs, we can be content in Him whether single or married.

Seeing those birds leaning on one another in the rain was a testimony of God's faithfulness in the animal kingdom we do well to apply to our lives.  It was a reminder I do not need to be anxious or worried whether my sons will one day marry and have children, for God is able to provide the right spouse for each of them in His time.  It is an incredible that with all the birds that flock, sing and squawk in Sydney, God brought a male and female that was content to settle down together in the rain, happy to perch and snuggle together without a care in the world.  Like God provides for the needs of birds for food or a mate, He will also provide for our need of companionship with a relationship with Himself by faith.  By His grace God is also able to provide a husband or wife in His time, like He joined the widow Ruth with older Boaz.  The birds teach us our love life (or lack thereof!) is nothing to be anxious or worried about, for God is faithful to supply all our needs.

 

Our Immune System and Unity

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

Psalm 133:1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spiritual Small Ball

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

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

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

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