The Bible never masks the flaws in people. It confirms to man what his conscience already knows to be true: no one is perfect. Jesus Christ is the only righteous one, the Lamb of God without blemish or spot. There is no "cult of personality" concerning the kings, prophets, and others who placed their faith in God. The Bible reveals weakness, foolish choices, sin, and pride. It shows us that although we can have our sins cleansed through faith and repentance in Jesus by grace, we still live in a body of flesh. The potential for wandering from God is real for us all.
Take the case of King Uzziah, for instance. His fifty-two year reign in Judah taken as a single body of work was good. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Chron. 26:4). 2 Chronicles 26:5 reads, "He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper." God made Uzziah to prosper as long as he sought the LORD. God helped Uzziah defeat the Philistines and the Arabians (2 Chron. 26:7). King Uzziah was given a great reputation and became well established. He strengthened his defenses, dug wells, planted vineyards, and had an army with quality weapons and armour. The Bible says they "...made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy." (2 Chron. 26:13) 2 Chronicles 26:15 tells us, "And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong." King Uzziah was helped by God, Zechariah, his army, servants, workers, and skillful inventors. He was wonderfully helped until he became strong. The strength and might of Uzziah would lead to his downfall.
The Bible doesn't just show us his smiling face like in some propaganda
posters of government leaders, where everyone is smiling and happy. It
paints the picture of a real man. Because he was flawed, Uzziah is someone I and all other flawed people can identify
with. 2 Chronicles 26:16 continues: "But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." King Uzziah transgressed by performing the role of a priest in violation of the Law. When he was confronted by Azariah the high priest and 80 valiant priests who opposed him, Uzziah was angry. He was a mighty king. He would not be corrected by another man! It was pride in his heart which lifted him up that led to disgrace.
As Uzziah fumed with rage any would oppose him, God struck him with leprosy on his forehead. He would not be corrected by men, so God chastened him. God showed grace in not striking Uzziah dead immediately for his sin! Uzziah fled from the altar of incense and lived the rest of his days in solitude until his death. Was God's hand shortened that He could not restore Uzziah's health as He had Miriam and Namaan the Syrian? No. We do not read of Uzziah repenting or seeking healing from God. He was not buried with the kings, but in a field of the kings because of his leprosy. Instead of being known as "the man God marvelously helped," in death he was "Uzziah the leper." We live in a world that defines us with our faults, but God views us on account of our faith. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Even though we receive this forgiveness, there are often still consequences of sin to be dealt with.
What a great exhortation for humility we see here! Paul learned that when he was weak, then he was strong. He was not strong in himself, but in his weakness God was able to strengthen Him wonderfully. We don't need to try to create an impeccable persona, or pretend we are without faults. Our call is to repent and seek to honour God continually in faith. God loves us because of His grace and goodness. He chastens and corrects those whom He loves. He has sent us the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us to live for His glory. Instead of being lifted up with pride, may we be humble and thankful. Let us live in such a way that the "until" is stricken from our lives so God is free to marvelously help!
12 June 2012
11 June 2012
Owner or Go-fer?
My dad is a carpenter. From a young age I was taught to distinguish between different tools. Almost every time I accompanied my dad on a work project, he would ask me to fetch a tool. I learned very early that it would not be good to return to him with the wrong tool or with no tool at all because I didn't look well enough. He would say something like, "In the back of my truck, in my shoulder box, under the tray, there is a set of Channellocks." Dad always knew where his tools where. If for some reason I couldn't immediately find the tool, I would double and triple check that it wasn't there. I hated it when I couldn't find a tool that my dad would immediately find! I became a pretty savvy go-fer! He needed a tool, and I would go-fer it!
This morning I was reminded of a acquaintance I knew as a youth. When the families of the church would gather together for a work day, there was one boy who was unlike all the rest. At eight years old, he had his own leather tool belt, hand tools, tape measure, and extension cord! While I was spending my money on action figures and baseball cards, this boy was always saving up for a new tool. Me and my friends would scurry off into the bush to play, while this boy was only interested in working. What a strange kid, I thought to myself. Our dads already have tools! Why should we use our money to buy our own tools? I was content to be a go-fer, but this kid wanted to be in the middle of the action with the tools he owned.
In our Christian life, a choice is placed before us. We can choose to occupy ourselves with godly labours and works, or we can pursue the passing pleasures of this life. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There is a difference between owning your tools and being a go-fer. Most of the tools I carried I never owned. I knew what they were called, I recognised them, and carried them in my hands. But I never actually did any work with them. God did not provide us the doctrines of His Word so we could be familiar with them, but for us to take them to heart. God owns us, and He wants us to believe Him. God is worthy to be believed and trusted. He did not give us words for the sole purpose of memorisation, but to renew our minds, work in our hearts, and be lived out according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Tools are most useful when used for their designed purpose. A hammer may be a decent paperweight, but it is designed to drive nails. We ought to use the scriptures not for our ends, but for the glory of God. God's word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The Sword of the Spirit is only discerned and properly wielded through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ecclesiastes 12:10-11 reads, "The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright--words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd." If men can utter wise sayings, how much wiser still is the God who has become for us wisdom? Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and all He says is truth. Let us seek to "own" His truth even as Christ owns us, having purchased us with His own shed blood.
This morning I was reminded of a acquaintance I knew as a youth. When the families of the church would gather together for a work day, there was one boy who was unlike all the rest. At eight years old, he had his own leather tool belt, hand tools, tape measure, and extension cord! While I was spending my money on action figures and baseball cards, this boy was always saving up for a new tool. Me and my friends would scurry off into the bush to play, while this boy was only interested in working. What a strange kid, I thought to myself. Our dads already have tools! Why should we use our money to buy our own tools? I was content to be a go-fer, but this kid wanted to be in the middle of the action with the tools he owned.
In our Christian life, a choice is placed before us. We can choose to occupy ourselves with godly labours and works, or we can pursue the passing pleasures of this life. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There is a difference between owning your tools and being a go-fer. Most of the tools I carried I never owned. I knew what they were called, I recognised them, and carried them in my hands. But I never actually did any work with them. God did not provide us the doctrines of His Word so we could be familiar with them, but for us to take them to heart. God owns us, and He wants us to believe Him. God is worthy to be believed and trusted. He did not give us words for the sole purpose of memorisation, but to renew our minds, work in our hearts, and be lived out according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Tools are most useful when used for their designed purpose. A hammer may be a decent paperweight, but it is designed to drive nails. We ought to use the scriptures not for our ends, but for the glory of God. God's word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The Sword of the Spirit is only discerned and properly wielded through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ecclesiastes 12:10-11 reads, "The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright--words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd." If men can utter wise sayings, how much wiser still is the God who has become for us wisdom? Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and all He says is truth. Let us seek to "own" His truth even as Christ owns us, having purchased us with His own shed blood.
09 June 2012
Jesus, the Humble King
Jesus is a humble King. The powerful in this world invest in bullet proof glass, secret elevators and entrances, security systems, bodyguards, and automated iron gates. Closed circuit televisions and paid guards ensure that no threat ranges too close. Though a King, Jesus did not live in a stone castle surrounded with a moat filled with crocodiles: He did not even have a place to lay His head. He picked up and blessed little children, healed the sick, delivered those who were demon possessed, and raised the dead. Kings historically have armies to fight for them. Courageous men faced and embraced death for king and country. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only King I know who died in place of all people: His own, and for even those who would reject Him. He could have called legions of angels to His aid, but He refused. Jesus humbled Himself, made Himself of no reputation as a servant, and laid down His life upon the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).
But the humility of Christ is not only revealed upon the cross. Last night I was enraptured to consider the simple fact that Jesus became flesh. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, yet he found out she was pregnant. He had not slept with her, so this was a most unfortunate event. The only natural explanation is someone else had, despite her claiming otherwise. As Joseph mulled over how to put Mary away secretly, without making a huge spectacle, an angel appeared to him in a dream. Matthew 1:20-23 relates, "...Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." The virgin Mary had conception through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was at that moment growing within her!
How amazing is the thought, that Jesus was Immanuel while developing within His mother's womb! Jesus allowed Himself to be confined to a human body and even to be confined within a womb for 9 months! He did not forgo any part of the human existence. I wondered if He was active in the womb. When Jesus was born, He no doubt cried like any other baby. He needed someone to clean Him and cut the umbilical cord. He needed to be dressed, changed, and fed. His body functioned just like every other baby. God didn't have to humble Himself, but He did. Jesus Christ is greater than any earthly king, being KING of KINGS. No king would voluntarily give up His kingdom and live for the rest of His days as a peasant, but Christ stepped down from a heavenly throne to put on human flesh and embrace the cross. What love, what a King!
Kings, celebrities, and the powerful are isolated from the public with barriers and security. It is a huge deal when they walk down a red carpet and pause to allow people to take their picture. Yet Jesus walked on dirt paths, met with people without appointments, and loved it because He loved people. Instead of royal robes He girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciple's feet. As Christians, we ought to have such a humble heart and mind. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." It is only after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit that we will even desire or embrace such a life. But such is the glorious path to eternal glory our Saviour Jesus has blazed. He says to all who follow Him in faith in Revelation 3:21: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
But the humility of Christ is not only revealed upon the cross. Last night I was enraptured to consider the simple fact that Jesus became flesh. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, yet he found out she was pregnant. He had not slept with her, so this was a most unfortunate event. The only natural explanation is someone else had, despite her claiming otherwise. As Joseph mulled over how to put Mary away secretly, without making a huge spectacle, an angel appeared to him in a dream. Matthew 1:20-23 relates, "...Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." The virgin Mary had conception through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was at that moment growing within her!
How amazing is the thought, that Jesus was Immanuel while developing within His mother's womb! Jesus allowed Himself to be confined to a human body and even to be confined within a womb for 9 months! He did not forgo any part of the human existence. I wondered if He was active in the womb. When Jesus was born, He no doubt cried like any other baby. He needed someone to clean Him and cut the umbilical cord. He needed to be dressed, changed, and fed. His body functioned just like every other baby. God didn't have to humble Himself, but He did. Jesus Christ is greater than any earthly king, being KING of KINGS. No king would voluntarily give up His kingdom and live for the rest of His days as a peasant, but Christ stepped down from a heavenly throne to put on human flesh and embrace the cross. What love, what a King!
Kings, celebrities, and the powerful are isolated from the public with barriers and security. It is a huge deal when they walk down a red carpet and pause to allow people to take their picture. Yet Jesus walked on dirt paths, met with people without appointments, and loved it because He loved people. Instead of royal robes He girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciple's feet. As Christians, we ought to have such a humble heart and mind. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." It is only after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit that we will even desire or embrace such a life. But such is the glorious path to eternal glory our Saviour Jesus has blazed. He says to all who follow Him in faith in Revelation 3:21: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
07 June 2012
Is Tithing for Today? Part 2
Have you ever walked up to a group of people to find them involved into a passionate discussion? After standing there for a minute of two, you face a decision to either jump in or step away. That's a little how I feel after my last post on tithing. In the years of contributing to this blog, I have penned over 500 posts. I have had more feedback in less than 24 hours on this particular post than all the other posts combined! It is clearly a conversation that's been going on for a while. For those of you who have written messages, thank you very much. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Part of the reasons for the post is that I Google searched "Is Tithing for Today?" and was surprised at the amount of negative posts in the first five pages I scanned. I decided that I would share some scriptural reasons to support the other side of the discussion. I see tithing as a good work, not evil. After reading some responses, I thought it wise to clarify some potential misconceptions. I rejoice that we live in a blessed day of freedom through Christ. God forbid that I should encourage people to return to the Law! That was not my intent whatsoever. My reason for writing was not to condemn those who do not tithe, but to suggest that there are benefits for those who do. There has no doubt been abuse in the area of money in the history of the church - and governments, non-profits, money changers, and unfortunately wherever money is involved! I wrote for the purpose to encourage people to give as they are led by God. It is apparent that "tithing" is a loaded term for many, and for that reason I will instead say "Spirit-led giving." Whatever we do, we are to do it unto the LORD (Romans 14:1-6).
This morning I read Proverbs 3:9-10 which says: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." We see the principle throughout scripture, to honour God with what we have been given. But I am no farmer. I do not grow crops or raise animals. When I relate this principle to myself, money is the currency of my increase. In the Old Testament days, people would bring their firstfruits to the Levites so they could eat! The Priests and Levites ministered to the people in spiritual things, and God used the giving of the people to supply their physical needs. Paul affirms this principle in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:3-11: he and others had supplied spiritual needs, and it was fitting for the people to provide physical things. Paul never demanded a tithe from the people, but they should give as led by the Spirit.
This is my opinion: I see Spirit-led giving as a good work. If God should lead a man to give .3%, 10%, or 58% of a paycheck, good! For those who know to do good and do it not, to them it is sin (James 4:17). This principle, of course, is not restricted only to our handing of finances. No man is under the obligation to tithe except God lead Him to. Legalism is not defined by what you do or don't do, but where your heart is in doing. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart. When I was a youth, I remember one lady who believed head coverings were very important. I sadly judged her for her actions as being entrenched in legalism, even though her motivation may very well have been pure in God's eyes. Instead of judging, I should have been loving. People may judge me as returning to the Law because I have cited scriptures God has used to lead me to tithe in the past. My confidence is only in Christ and God's grace.
Anything we do in faith as led by the Holy Spirit will certainly reap heavenly rewards. Thank God for His patience! I humbly affirm that I am still learning, and may God help me to walk in love, grace, and mercy. Whatever we do, may we do it as unto the LORD!
Part of the reasons for the post is that I Google searched "Is Tithing for Today?" and was surprised at the amount of negative posts in the first five pages I scanned. I decided that I would share some scriptural reasons to support the other side of the discussion. I see tithing as a good work, not evil. After reading some responses, I thought it wise to clarify some potential misconceptions. I rejoice that we live in a blessed day of freedom through Christ. God forbid that I should encourage people to return to the Law! That was not my intent whatsoever. My reason for writing was not to condemn those who do not tithe, but to suggest that there are benefits for those who do. There has no doubt been abuse in the area of money in the history of the church - and governments, non-profits, money changers, and unfortunately wherever money is involved! I wrote for the purpose to encourage people to give as they are led by God. It is apparent that "tithing" is a loaded term for many, and for that reason I will instead say "Spirit-led giving." Whatever we do, we are to do it unto the LORD (Romans 14:1-6).
This morning I read Proverbs 3:9-10 which says: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." We see the principle throughout scripture, to honour God with what we have been given. But I am no farmer. I do not grow crops or raise animals. When I relate this principle to myself, money is the currency of my increase. In the Old Testament days, people would bring their firstfruits to the Levites so they could eat! The Priests and Levites ministered to the people in spiritual things, and God used the giving of the people to supply their physical needs. Paul affirms this principle in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:3-11: he and others had supplied spiritual needs, and it was fitting for the people to provide physical things. Paul never demanded a tithe from the people, but they should give as led by the Spirit.
This is my opinion: I see Spirit-led giving as a good work. If God should lead a man to give .3%, 10%, or 58% of a paycheck, good! For those who know to do good and do it not, to them it is sin (James 4:17). This principle, of course, is not restricted only to our handing of finances. No man is under the obligation to tithe except God lead Him to. Legalism is not defined by what you do or don't do, but where your heart is in doing. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart. When I was a youth, I remember one lady who believed head coverings were very important. I sadly judged her for her actions as being entrenched in legalism, even though her motivation may very well have been pure in God's eyes. Instead of judging, I should have been loving. People may judge me as returning to the Law because I have cited scriptures God has used to lead me to tithe in the past. My confidence is only in Christ and God's grace.
Anything we do in faith as led by the Holy Spirit will certainly reap heavenly rewards. Thank God for His patience! I humbly affirm that I am still learning, and may God help me to walk in love, grace, and mercy. Whatever we do, may we do it as unto the LORD!
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