Last week I had a strange dream. In the dream I found myself in a house that was infested with mice and rats. Traps littered the ground, all of which had caught multiple rodents in a single snap. It was a bizarre sight, rats lined up side by side in formation. I had been called in to deal with the problem and end the infestation. With determination fueled by disgust of the horrible condition of the home, I set to my task immediately. In fact, the rats had become so bold and numerous that the people who lived in the house were starving: the rodents were eating all the food!
As I emptied the traps, I began to set them out again. The most disturbing moment was when an occupant of the home came and asked me not to set out the traps, at least not right away. Perhaps feeling a bit sorry for the rats and mice the woman said, "I didn't think you would put out the traps again so soon. Shouldn't we give them a week or two?" Perhaps she hoped that the rats wouldn't need to be killed, but they would just leave on their own. I was incredulous: here these poor people are struggling to survive, being eaten out of house and home. We can't afford to wait, I told her. Why should we allow rampant breeding and stealing of food without a fight? Should we allow the rat population to recover? The people in the house were conflicted: they hated the rats, but they didn't want to kill them. They knew drastic action needed to be taken, but didn't want to do anything to change the situation.
I had a shocking surprise when I entered a large room. While I had been trapping rats and mice on one side of the house, the rats had been feasting on pizza! Hundreds of pizza boxes had been placed on a table in a grid pattern, and I looked in horror as the rats gorged themselves until they became literally sick. By the time the inhabitants of the house came into the room, the food was gone. All that was remained was the waste and filth left by the rats. I don't often experience emotions in dreams, but I was very angry. I was more angry with the people than with the rats for allowing the condition to degrade to such a state. The rats had a comfortable living arrangement. They were simply following their animal instincts. But he people had means at their disposal for a long time to change the environment and chose to do nothing. They wailed pitifully when they saw their food was gone. They dried their tears, shrugged their shoulders, and hoped to eat tomorrow.
I can't help but think this is an illustration of a spiritual sort. God has offered people forgiveness and deliverance from sin, freedom from the tyranny of the flesh, and the power to live holy, righteous, God-fearing lives. God has granted Christians the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to help, empower, and guide us through this life. But because of our flesh, the cares of this world, and the raging enemy of our souls, we can allow things into our hearts, minds, and homes that will damage our relationship with God. We stop following Jesus closely. We slowly give into temptations and coddle addictions. We neglect the reading and studying of God's Word, becoming spiritually anemic, weak, and sickly. We allow the flesh to dictate the conditions of our lives rather than submitting to God and standing strong in the LORD and in the power of His might.
If there is a rat or two in your house, odds are you would immediately act: place poison, bait and set traps, close any holes or gaps where the rats are getting in, or call an exterminator. We must be just as vigilant with spiritual disciplines! When we have a single sinful thought or attitude, we must immediately confess it as sin and take it captive. When we fall into temptation we must confess it before God and other brothers and sisters in Christ so they might hold us accountable. This is nothing new for any Christian who seeks to follow Jesus Christ faithfully. The trick is to stay focused and strong in Christ day after day, week after week, year after year - without giving an inch in our lives to sin. Sin is like a roach or rat infestation. It does not start with 1,000 roaches: it does not start as an infestation at all. It starts with one roach and one little egg. Unchecked over time, with ample resources and minimal resistance, a few roaches will grow in numbers until the professionals must be called if anything is to be done.
Jesus is a Saviour, Deliverer, and Redeemer. He is able to drive out demons with a word: is stomping out any sin too hard for Him? He has paid the price on Calvary for our sins and sicknesses with His own blood. Our part is to confess our need, receive the cleansing of His blood by grace through faith, and walk uprightly, remaining sober and vigilant. We have an enemy named Satan, but Christians have a Saviour named Jesus the Christ! We never need be hungry again, for He will satisfy our souls. If there are rats in your home or heart, declare war and follow Christ's lead. If there is anything in your life which is sapping your spiritual vitality, be rid of that thing: end the conflict once and for all. Psalm 60:12 reads, "Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies." Willpower doesn't do anything against sin: God is the one who stomps our enemies and enables us to be valiant!
08 January 2012
04 January 2012
Work of Flesh or Spirit?
As I rode the train yesterday, I paused as I read the Bible to consider the battle between the Holy Spirit and our flesh. The most common battle we face is resisting or rejecting the desires of the flesh to sin. Though our hearts have been regenerated and filled with the Holy Spirit, our flesh still longs to satisfy itself apart from the will of God according to holiness and righteousness. As difficult as it is to always flee from temptation, there is a battle of a different kind which can be more difficult to recognize. Sometimes we feel led to do or say something for God and we are not sure if it is a work of the flesh or the Spirit. We struggle and choose not to act because we would not want our efforts to be a work of the flesh. Many times, I am realizing, this in itself allows the flesh to claim another victory.
The thought occurred to me as I sat surrounded by silent people on the train. Everyone was reading the paper, using mobile phones, or music with ear buds in. Only a couple of people who clearly knew each other were talking in quiet voices. I thought, perhaps I should stand up on the train and say, "Good morning! I just wanted to let you know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the only way to heaven!" I recall a time in Seattle where a man stood up on a bus and told the people that all people are sinners and heading for hell and that all must repent and trust in Jesus Christ to be saved. I was a Christian and I felt the uncomfortable tension. True words were spoken on that bus, but people were clearly irritated by the interruption. The response, of course, should not sway us from the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That day many social norms were unapologetically broken and personal airspace had been commandeered by a terse Gospel presentation. Was that the right thing to do or not? Was it a work of the flesh or of the Spirit?
I am convinced that if the man on that bus spoke motivated by the love of Jesus for the glory of God, what he did in breaking the unwritten rules of public decorum were the right thing to do. He spoke not to make a name for himself but to bring attention to Jesus Christ. He certainly didn't become more popular on the bus with his fellow travelers! The opposite became true: people scowled and looked at him with disgust - something the flesh really hates. The flesh wants to be accepted and to fit in. Today it seems that in general the church is so conflicted about the flavour of the Gospel presentation that the Gospel is not shared as it ought to be. That is like withholding good meat from starving people because you are unsure if they would prefer a teriyaki marinade or a dry rub. Can you imagine hoarding bread from dying children because of the fear they might complain because the bread is wholemeal and not white? Consequently we choose inaction and justify ourselves with the fact that our motivation to give the bread and Living Water of the Gospel might be of the flesh - which is exactly contrary to the truth. The Spirit of God always wants to glorify Jesus Christ, while our flesh is much more concerned with social customs and fitting in with others.
I wish I could report to you that I did stand up on the train and boldly proclaim the Gospel - but I didn't. Thank God that He gives us opportunities all the time to glorify Him and not make the same mistake again, sitting down and remaining silent when God gives words He desires us speak. It was a great benefit to me to have that discussion with the LORD and once for all clear up that dangerous lie, that the opening of my mouth for the glory of God would be an act of the flesh. 1 Corinthians 12:3 states, "Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." If I open up my mouth to glorify Jesus Christ in public, I do so empowered by the Holy Spirit. Love, mercy, grace, and compassion ought to mark my words and deeds. It is time to stand up and be numbered among those who are not just open about their faith but boldly proclaim it. We will prevail and have overcome already, for He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!
The thought occurred to me as I sat surrounded by silent people on the train. Everyone was reading the paper, using mobile phones, or music with ear buds in. Only a couple of people who clearly knew each other were talking in quiet voices. I thought, perhaps I should stand up on the train and say, "Good morning! I just wanted to let you know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the only way to heaven!" I recall a time in Seattle where a man stood up on a bus and told the people that all people are sinners and heading for hell and that all must repent and trust in Jesus Christ to be saved. I was a Christian and I felt the uncomfortable tension. True words were spoken on that bus, but people were clearly irritated by the interruption. The response, of course, should not sway us from the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That day many social norms were unapologetically broken and personal airspace had been commandeered by a terse Gospel presentation. Was that the right thing to do or not? Was it a work of the flesh or of the Spirit?
I am convinced that if the man on that bus spoke motivated by the love of Jesus for the glory of God, what he did in breaking the unwritten rules of public decorum were the right thing to do. He spoke not to make a name for himself but to bring attention to Jesus Christ. He certainly didn't become more popular on the bus with his fellow travelers! The opposite became true: people scowled and looked at him with disgust - something the flesh really hates. The flesh wants to be accepted and to fit in. Today it seems that in general the church is so conflicted about the flavour of the Gospel presentation that the Gospel is not shared as it ought to be. That is like withholding good meat from starving people because you are unsure if they would prefer a teriyaki marinade or a dry rub. Can you imagine hoarding bread from dying children because of the fear they might complain because the bread is wholemeal and not white? Consequently we choose inaction and justify ourselves with the fact that our motivation to give the bread and Living Water of the Gospel might be of the flesh - which is exactly contrary to the truth. The Spirit of God always wants to glorify Jesus Christ, while our flesh is much more concerned with social customs and fitting in with others.
I wish I could report to you that I did stand up on the train and boldly proclaim the Gospel - but I didn't. Thank God that He gives us opportunities all the time to glorify Him and not make the same mistake again, sitting down and remaining silent when God gives words He desires us speak. It was a great benefit to me to have that discussion with the LORD and once for all clear up that dangerous lie, that the opening of my mouth for the glory of God would be an act of the flesh. 1 Corinthians 12:3 states, "Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." If I open up my mouth to glorify Jesus Christ in public, I do so empowered by the Holy Spirit. Love, mercy, grace, and compassion ought to mark my words and deeds. It is time to stand up and be numbered among those who are not just open about their faith but boldly proclaim it. We will prevail and have overcome already, for He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!
01 January 2012
As a Root out of Dry Ground
Our family enjoyed a beautiful walk at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains this morning. We started early, beat the traffic, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of the National Pass. The waterfalls, lush green ferns and gums, gorgeous panoramic views, majestic rock formations, and squawks of sulfur-crested cockatoos made it an amazing setting I heartily recommend and never grow weary of. Not to say it was an easy walk, though: by the end of the walking track we were all ready for a well-deserved rest and light lunch at the Conservation Hut.
As we walked along the National Pass, I frequently observed gum trees which appeared to be growing out of the rock and sandstone. Gnarled roots heaved across dry stone, seeking after a water source. It reminded me of a scripture which speaks of the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:1-2 reads, "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him." As I saw roots growing out of dusty, dry sandstone, my mind hearkened back to the Isaiah passage. Jesus did not attract people because of His physical beauty, bulging muscles, light which emanated from His face, or a magnetic speaking voice. In appearance Jesus appeared like a normal person. The thing which Jesus possessed which set Him apart from all others was life. John 1:4 tells us, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."
Dry ground does not promote life. Grass does not grow on the dry footpath of the National Pass. But some trees do! Many of the roots of healthy, green gum trees are exposed along the path. The primary difference between the dust and the root is that the tree is alive. Jesus is distinct from all others because in Him is spiritual life. Jesus did not reserve life only for Himself, but offered the unfailing promise of eternal life to all who repent and trust in Him. The great irony is that Jesus embraced death on the cross so all people who place their faith in Him will be washed in His blood and live forever with Him. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World. Spiritually speaking, men are born dead in sins. But Jesus came as a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground, bringing life to all who believe through His death and resurrection.
Jesus says in John 12:24-26: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." Though there was nothing desirable in Christ's appearance which set Him apart, it is His love and grace which draws men to follow Him. He is glorious in the beauty of His holiness. While we were yet sinners, Jesus demonstrated His love for us on the cross. God has raised my soul from hell, and has brought life to these dead bones by His grace. He will do the same for you because God's Word teaches us He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Just like I wish everyone could experience the beauty and splendour of the National Pass, I desire more still that all would experience the love and life found in the person of Jesus Christ. The National Pass will someday pass away, but those who trust in Jesus Christ will rejoice in new life for eternity. You will need to take a plane, train, or car to the National Pass and walk it yourself to experience it, but no camera or video can contain the beauty you behold there. No man can discover the wonder of God alone. But Jesus has come to us! He has walked this earth, performed signs and wonders, died for us, and rose from the dead in victory over death. No article, blog, or sermon can adequately portray the beauty of the One who is likened to a root out of dry ground, Jesus Christ. You will never know what life is until you give your life to Him.
As we walked along the National Pass, I frequently observed gum trees which appeared to be growing out of the rock and sandstone. Gnarled roots heaved across dry stone, seeking after a water source. It reminded me of a scripture which speaks of the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:1-2 reads, "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him." As I saw roots growing out of dusty, dry sandstone, my mind hearkened back to the Isaiah passage. Jesus did not attract people because of His physical beauty, bulging muscles, light which emanated from His face, or a magnetic speaking voice. In appearance Jesus appeared like a normal person. The thing which Jesus possessed which set Him apart from all others was life. John 1:4 tells us, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."
Dry ground does not promote life. Grass does not grow on the dry footpath of the National Pass. But some trees do! Many of the roots of healthy, green gum trees are exposed along the path. The primary difference between the dust and the root is that the tree is alive. Jesus is distinct from all others because in Him is spiritual life. Jesus did not reserve life only for Himself, but offered the unfailing promise of eternal life to all who repent and trust in Him. The great irony is that Jesus embraced death on the cross so all people who place their faith in Him will be washed in His blood and live forever with Him. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World. Spiritually speaking, men are born dead in sins. But Jesus came as a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground, bringing life to all who believe through His death and resurrection.
Jesus says in John 12:24-26: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." Though there was nothing desirable in Christ's appearance which set Him apart, it is His love and grace which draws men to follow Him. He is glorious in the beauty of His holiness. While we were yet sinners, Jesus demonstrated His love for us on the cross. God has raised my soul from hell, and has brought life to these dead bones by His grace. He will do the same for you because God's Word teaches us He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Just like I wish everyone could experience the beauty and splendour of the National Pass, I desire more still that all would experience the love and life found in the person of Jesus Christ. The National Pass will someday pass away, but those who trust in Jesus Christ will rejoice in new life for eternity. You will need to take a plane, train, or car to the National Pass and walk it yourself to experience it, but no camera or video can contain the beauty you behold there. No man can discover the wonder of God alone. But Jesus has come to us! He has walked this earth, performed signs and wonders, died for us, and rose from the dead in victory over death. No article, blog, or sermon can adequately portray the beauty of the One who is likened to a root out of dry ground, Jesus Christ. You will never know what life is until you give your life to Him.
30 December 2011
Make a Difference with Jesus
Our family is enjoying the privilege of hosting my parents who are visiting us from the United States. It has been great to chat at length, share delicious food, and show them around our area. Though we have been able to stay in touch via phone calls, skype, and email over the past year we've been in Australia, there's nothing like spending time in person. Even while I type this, I can hear my folks singing praise songs to the LORD. That's something I haven't heard in a while!
Today I went to wash my hands in the upstairs sink, the same place where my sons brush their teeth morning and night. The sink was clean and sparkling. I thought to myself, no doubt my mom has been here. My boys are not slobs, but they are boys. They still at times need to be told when sinks, toilets, and even their bodies need some attention with soap and scrubbing! After they clean the sink, it is not long before it needs to be cleaned again of the ever-present toothpaste residue. Seeing that sink my mom left cleaner than she found it was a good object lesson of how Christians ought to impact this dirty world through the influence of Christ.
Christians are called by Jesus Christ to go the extra mile, not just doing the bare minimum. If our job is to put away the knives and forks and we notice the container is a bit grubby, we can wipe it clean before we put them away. In a spiritual sense, we should seek to bless others with a joyful countenance and a good attitude. If the conversation begins to drop into the gutter, let us speak wholesome words. When we are treated unfairly or with animosity, we can respond with meekness, humility, and love. If someone feels left out, we can greet them with a smile and engage them in meaningful conversation. Christ is the reason why we serve and we rejoice in following His example of giving and giving some more - even doing menial, thankless tasks like washing feet or removing toothpaste residue.
No matter our situation, through Christ we can perform good deeds to bring glory and honour to God. When my kids forget to clean their toilet I can grit my teeth and mutter in frustration: "Those lazy kids! When will they ever learn?" Or I can use it as a moment to demonstrate the love and patience of God and use it as a teaching opportunity. People think serving the LORD is when you volunteer at church, preach sermons, or hand out tracts. Serving God is doing all things unto Him right where you are, meeting even the smallest needs around you as God leads. There is nothing more fun or satisfying than labouring for the glory of God! God wants to make a difference with His positive influence through you today!
Today I went to wash my hands in the upstairs sink, the same place where my sons brush their teeth morning and night. The sink was clean and sparkling. I thought to myself, no doubt my mom has been here. My boys are not slobs, but they are boys. They still at times need to be told when sinks, toilets, and even their bodies need some attention with soap and scrubbing! After they clean the sink, it is not long before it needs to be cleaned again of the ever-present toothpaste residue. Seeing that sink my mom left cleaner than she found it was a good object lesson of how Christians ought to impact this dirty world through the influence of Christ.
Christians are called by Jesus Christ to go the extra mile, not just doing the bare minimum. If our job is to put away the knives and forks and we notice the container is a bit grubby, we can wipe it clean before we put them away. In a spiritual sense, we should seek to bless others with a joyful countenance and a good attitude. If the conversation begins to drop into the gutter, let us speak wholesome words. When we are treated unfairly or with animosity, we can respond with meekness, humility, and love. If someone feels left out, we can greet them with a smile and engage them in meaningful conversation. Christ is the reason why we serve and we rejoice in following His example of giving and giving some more - even doing menial, thankless tasks like washing feet or removing toothpaste residue.
No matter our situation, through Christ we can perform good deeds to bring glory and honour to God. When my kids forget to clean their toilet I can grit my teeth and mutter in frustration: "Those lazy kids! When will they ever learn?" Or I can use it as a moment to demonstrate the love and patience of God and use it as a teaching opportunity. People think serving the LORD is when you volunteer at church, preach sermons, or hand out tracts. Serving God is doing all things unto Him right where you are, meeting even the smallest needs around you as God leads. There is nothing more fun or satisfying than labouring for the glory of God! God wants to make a difference with His positive influence through you today!
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