Reading the Bible this morning, my eyes came across this exhortation of Christ in Revelation 2:25: "But hold fast what you have till I come." No matter how difficult or hopeless our situation may appear on the surface, we are to hold fast to what we have. We may not have much faith, but let us exercise it. We may not have many talents, but may we use them feverishly for the glory of God. There may not be much daylight left, but let's work hard until Christ returns. Our hands may be blistered and sore, our legs almost without strength. Keep going! Don't give up! Don't concede any ground to Satan in your heart or mind! God has not forgotten us, and nothing is impossible for those who believe. Be strong in the LORD and the power of His might, having done all to stand!
A great example of this holding fast can be seen in the life of Shammah the son of Agee, one of David's mighty men. When all of his fellow Israelite warriors fled, he found himself alone facing a troop of disciplined Philistines. Instead of running from the fight or giving up ground against seemingly impossible odds, he stood up against them! 2 Samuel 23:11-12 recounts his courage: "The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. Then the people fled from the Philistines.
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But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. And the LORD brought about a great victory." Can you see Shammah taking up position in that field of lentils all alone? He wasn't alone, for His God was with him. Shammah only had a field of lentils, but he defended that field. "You want this field? These are God's lentils! My lentils! I'll die before I give up!" He kept going and God brought a great victory.
Eleazar the son of Dodo was another mighty man. Finding himself in a situation similar to Shammah - alone and without backup - he defied the Philistines and fought against them valiantly. 2 Samuel 23:10 says, "He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder." He fought so hard that his hand stuck to his sword. He was unable to drop it. Again, the LORD brought about a great victory because there was one man of God willing to hold fast. The Bible is referred to in scripture as the "sword of the Spirit." Oh that that our hearts and minds would cleave to God's truth like the hand of Eleazar involuntarily gripped his sword from use! Let us cling to Christ alone, the Word of God!
Hold fast, brother and sister in Christ. It matters not if you are the only one you perceive on the field of battle. Keep praying, keep seeking, keep running, keep trusting, keeping following Jesus without intermission! Even if all have forsaken you, God will be with you. You may only have a little strength, but take heart! He will never leave you or forsake you, and God will bring about a great victory for His glory!
05 November 2012
04 November 2012
Searching for Something?
Life on earth is one of pursuit. Everyone is chasing something: status, a feeling, career, relationships, sexual conquest, entertainment, riches, security, and on the list goes. Inigo Montoya in "The Princess Bride" thirsted for revenge, but when his desire was finally obtained he didn't know what to do. It was anti-climactic and left him empty. King Solomon explains his many royal pursuits in Ecclesiastes. His conclusion after following the rabbit trail of alcohol, comedy, women, work, and music to the end? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!
An example of this human tragedy is seen in the story of Amnon and Tamar. Amnon was a prince in Israel and loved his half-sister Tamar. He was so love-struck he became literally ill with desire. One of his scheming friends concocted a plan so he could have his way with her. It's an ugly story, but a reality that plays out in unregenerate hearts every day. The trap was set by feigning illness and requesting that Tamar bring food for him to eat. After commanding that everyone leave his chamber, he asked her to sleep with him. When she refused, Amnon raped her. 2 Samuel 13:15 reads, "Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Arise, be gone!" Amnon had his wish, but ended up with a mouthful of gravel.
I can see a new CEO sitting in his high-rise office, looking towards the beautiful ocean view. He leans back in his leather chair which cost thousands, stretching his clasped hands behind his head, drinking it in. I've finally made it to the top, he smiles to himself. I'm finally here. My dream that I've worked my whole life for is fulfilled! I see his smile slowly fade as it dawns upon him: is this it? What now? I've climbed to the top of the ladder but I haven't actually gone anywhere. The emptiness in his heart can't been touched, even by millions of dollars or a new parking space. Why so empty?
I see a gridiron star fall to his knees jubilant as his team wins the Super Bowl, the biggest game of them all. It means football immortality, a huge ring, perhaps even a bust in Canton and a yellow jacket. As he slaps on the hat that says "Champions" amid the falling confetti, the decades of labour in the weight room, on the field, and studying film flash before his eyes. With his teammates he hoists the trophy with a shout, lowering the silver beauty only to give it a kiss. But the nagging feeling he can't shake is that this will soon be over. In a few weeks he will be preparing for next season, starting all over again. Tonight the alcohol will flow, tomorrow he will have a headache he'd like to forget, and wake up next to a woman or two he can't get rid of fast enough. Hugging his coach, he puts these thoughts out of his mind for as long as possible.
Every person in this world is running, chasing, grasping for the wind. Even when we obtain the desire of our eyes, it cannot satisfy us as we hoped. The reason? Man has been created in God's image with a spiritual component. Every human being has a soul that longs for God. As we grow older, we realise that there is nothing in this world that can satisfy that innate thirst. Only a relationship with God can satisfy our souls through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. David wrote in Psalm 23:1: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." The world and all there is within leaves us empty and dead, but in Christ the Good Shepherd we find salvation and satisfaction. Psalm 34:10 affirms, "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing."
Do you know how it feels to be without want? Jesus will supply all the needs of those who repent and come to Him in faith! Come to Jesus, you who search for significance and satisfaction. Jesus is who your soul is searching for.
An example of this human tragedy is seen in the story of Amnon and Tamar. Amnon was a prince in Israel and loved his half-sister Tamar. He was so love-struck he became literally ill with desire. One of his scheming friends concocted a plan so he could have his way with her. It's an ugly story, but a reality that plays out in unregenerate hearts every day. The trap was set by feigning illness and requesting that Tamar bring food for him to eat. After commanding that everyone leave his chamber, he asked her to sleep with him. When she refused, Amnon raped her. 2 Samuel 13:15 reads, "Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Arise, be gone!" Amnon had his wish, but ended up with a mouthful of gravel.
I can see a new CEO sitting in his high-rise office, looking towards the beautiful ocean view. He leans back in his leather chair which cost thousands, stretching his clasped hands behind his head, drinking it in. I've finally made it to the top, he smiles to himself. I'm finally here. My dream that I've worked my whole life for is fulfilled! I see his smile slowly fade as it dawns upon him: is this it? What now? I've climbed to the top of the ladder but I haven't actually gone anywhere. The emptiness in his heart can't been touched, even by millions of dollars or a new parking space. Why so empty?
I see a gridiron star fall to his knees jubilant as his team wins the Super Bowl, the biggest game of them all. It means football immortality, a huge ring, perhaps even a bust in Canton and a yellow jacket. As he slaps on the hat that says "Champions" amid the falling confetti, the decades of labour in the weight room, on the field, and studying film flash before his eyes. With his teammates he hoists the trophy with a shout, lowering the silver beauty only to give it a kiss. But the nagging feeling he can't shake is that this will soon be over. In a few weeks he will be preparing for next season, starting all over again. Tonight the alcohol will flow, tomorrow he will have a headache he'd like to forget, and wake up next to a woman or two he can't get rid of fast enough. Hugging his coach, he puts these thoughts out of his mind for as long as possible.
Every person in this world is running, chasing, grasping for the wind. Even when we obtain the desire of our eyes, it cannot satisfy us as we hoped. The reason? Man has been created in God's image with a spiritual component. Every human being has a soul that longs for God. As we grow older, we realise that there is nothing in this world that can satisfy that innate thirst. Only a relationship with God can satisfy our souls through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. David wrote in Psalm 23:1: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." The world and all there is within leaves us empty and dead, but in Christ the Good Shepherd we find salvation and satisfaction. Psalm 34:10 affirms, "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing."
Do you know how it feels to be without want? Jesus will supply all the needs of those who repent and come to Him in faith! Come to Jesus, you who search for significance and satisfaction. Jesus is who your soul is searching for.
The Sweetness of Suffering
I can't count how many "Aha!" moments I have experienced in my walk with Christ, but the latest has been among the sweetest. It is ironic concerning the subject matter: suffering. If my heart is Christ's home, I feel like a door I have never noticed before has opened up an entire wing for expansion of understanding. It is like a gate to a broad, green pasture has swung open before my eyes and in faith I have entered. No one on earth is a stranger to suffering, but to Christians the deeper significance of suffering is revealed. Paul reasons in Romans 8:17-18, "...if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." No one enjoys suffering. From our perspective, there is never a silver lining to that cloud. The fact is, God's path to the ultimate purpose of our lives is often entered through suffering.
Most of us aspire (against stark reality!) to make a lasting difference in the world for Christ. Most people have big plans: to write that best-selling book, to plant a church, compose the top worship songs, sell their screen play, serve on the mission field, be a committed spouse and parent, have millions of people hearing their sermons on the radio or internet, or a myriad of other dreams that never materialise. We don't like to admit it, but our biggest and best plans incidentally end up with us netting a bit of credit along the way! Think about all the ways that Jesus could have implemented to change the world. He didn't go about things the way we would have. He came to earth for the overriding purpose to suffer and die on a Roman cross so all might live through receiving the Gospel. Jesus said in John 12:27-28: "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." Jesus accepted His suffering upon Calvary as the purpose for His entire life pointed towards. In being a willing sacrifice God was glorified.
God glorified His name, and will glorify it again through all of us who endure suffering with our faith squarely and wholly upon Jesus. Follow the progression: if it was God's will and plan to glorify His name through the suffering of Christ - the whole purpose for sending Him to earth - isn't it possible God's purpose for our lives is also embraced and realised through suffering? We all think we could make a big difference for God with that book deal or the latest mega church. It is more likely, I believe, that the suffering of one person can even make a bigger impact for eternity on this world. Jesus is the perfect example! His broken body and shed blood carries more weight for eternity than a million pod casts! A servant is not above His Master. Not all of us are gifted to preach or write books or that worship song that sweeps the globe. But all of us in whom the Holy Spirit dwells are able to endure suffering for the glory of God. 1 Peter 5:10 reads, "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."
When we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, may we rejoice as the early disciples did (Acts 5:41). Their testimony is inscribed in God's word as a diamond pen on plates of iron, never to be forgotten by God or man. Songs are quickly out of style, books gather dust, and money grows wings and flies away. We wish following Christ meant our lives would be free of suffering, but it is IN suffering that we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). If I did not suffer for my sins, would I have in desperation flown to Christ for salvation? Probably not. And if following Christ meant no suffering, people would be highly motivated to follow Him for purely selfish reasons! When Brother Yun was told that people were praying for a change in the government so house churches would have freedom, he said refused that line: "Don’t pray for the persecution to stop! We shouldn’t pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure! Then the world will see that God is with us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects His love and power. That is true freedom!” (The Heavenly Man, page 287)
If our suffering should be the means of God receiving the glory He deserves, may we rejoice that we have discovered the greatest purpose of our lives. Should not Jesus the Christ receive the reward of His suffering? When we suffer with Him for a short while on earth, we shall be glorified with Him forever. Ah! What sweetness and purpose there is when we keep this perspective!
Most of us aspire (against stark reality!) to make a lasting difference in the world for Christ. Most people have big plans: to write that best-selling book, to plant a church, compose the top worship songs, sell their screen play, serve on the mission field, be a committed spouse and parent, have millions of people hearing their sermons on the radio or internet, or a myriad of other dreams that never materialise. We don't like to admit it, but our biggest and best plans incidentally end up with us netting a bit of credit along the way! Think about all the ways that Jesus could have implemented to change the world. He didn't go about things the way we would have. He came to earth for the overriding purpose to suffer and die on a Roman cross so all might live through receiving the Gospel. Jesus said in John 12:27-28: "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." Jesus accepted His suffering upon Calvary as the purpose for His entire life pointed towards. In being a willing sacrifice God was glorified.
God glorified His name, and will glorify it again through all of us who endure suffering with our faith squarely and wholly upon Jesus. Follow the progression: if it was God's will and plan to glorify His name through the suffering of Christ - the whole purpose for sending Him to earth - isn't it possible God's purpose for our lives is also embraced and realised through suffering? We all think we could make a big difference for God with that book deal or the latest mega church. It is more likely, I believe, that the suffering of one person can even make a bigger impact for eternity on this world. Jesus is the perfect example! His broken body and shed blood carries more weight for eternity than a million pod casts! A servant is not above His Master. Not all of us are gifted to preach or write books or that worship song that sweeps the globe. But all of us in whom the Holy Spirit dwells are able to endure suffering for the glory of God. 1 Peter 5:10 reads, "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."
When we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, may we rejoice as the early disciples did (Acts 5:41). Their testimony is inscribed in God's word as a diamond pen on plates of iron, never to be forgotten by God or man. Songs are quickly out of style, books gather dust, and money grows wings and flies away. We wish following Christ meant our lives would be free of suffering, but it is IN suffering that we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). If I did not suffer for my sins, would I have in desperation flown to Christ for salvation? Probably not. And if following Christ meant no suffering, people would be highly motivated to follow Him for purely selfish reasons! When Brother Yun was told that people were praying for a change in the government so house churches would have freedom, he said refused that line: "Don’t pray for the persecution to stop! We shouldn’t pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure! Then the world will see that God is with us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects His love and power. That is true freedom!” (The Heavenly Man, page 287)
If our suffering should be the means of God receiving the glory He deserves, may we rejoice that we have discovered the greatest purpose of our lives. Should not Jesus the Christ receive the reward of His suffering? When we suffer with Him for a short while on earth, we shall be glorified with Him forever. Ah! What sweetness and purpose there is when we keep this perspective!
01 November 2012
The Vicious Cycle of Self
Everyone living has experienced hurt and sorrow. There is a malevolent catharsis in recounting times in our past when our hearts were broken. Feeling sorry for ourselves is one way of coping, but it is a deceptive, destructive path. In the end we are left lower than before, choking back the vomit of shame, guilt, resentment, and bitterness. Acknowledgement of our pain and hurt is the first step to healing, and genuine healing of the soul is found only in Jesus Christ. Because we have all been hurt, we all face the temptation of dwelling upon the wrongs done to us rather than the One who took my wrongs upon Himself.
During my life I have been hurt in many ways. I have suffered from a broken heart many times. I have been lied to, deceived, misjudged, ridiculed, and ignored. I face the very real temptation to look upon hurtful moments and seasons in my life and brood over them. When I try to logically make sense out of some things that have happened in my life decades ago, I am still at a loss to explain them. I am no closer to definite conclusions on why God allowed things to happen. The downward spiral into the murky darkness of self pity beckons, but I have already been down there. It was a rotten, hopeless place to be. It was Jesus every time who pulled me out, and I never want to go back again. Thankfully, I don't have to!
If you don't know Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour, what I'm saying likely doesn't make a shred of sense. Because I have repented and trusted on Christ, His life is now mine. By faith I have become a new creation in Him. I testify to you and the whole world that Jesus has healed my broken heart many times. He has bound up my wounds, dried my tears, and replaced fear and worry with peace and joy. He has turned my mourning into rejoicing. What is the secret to avoid the vicious cycle of self? When thoughts of how you have been hurt flood into your mind and heart, turn your attention instead to the hurt and suffering Christ endured for your sake. When we are burdened with cares and a root of bitterness begins to grow and you can only wonder, "Why God? Why would you let that happen to me?" In that moment I need only consider why Jesus suffered and died for me: it was a revelation of divine love. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." By the grace of God, He has changed the way I think.
I am not suggesting that we ignore, bury, or deny the fact we have been hurt. To the contrary, we must bare our hurts to God, admitting exactly how we feel, casting our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us. If someone has hurt me accidentally or with malice, I need to freely forgive them because Jesus has freely forgiven me. In releasing others from our bitterness we are also freed! It is a truly amazing transformation that occurs when I remove my focus from myself and the wrongs done to me and look with adoration upon Jesus Christ. It is by His stripes I am healed! We are able to overcome the vicious cycle of self through Christ, and none other.
During my life I have been hurt in many ways. I have suffered from a broken heart many times. I have been lied to, deceived, misjudged, ridiculed, and ignored. I face the very real temptation to look upon hurtful moments and seasons in my life and brood over them. When I try to logically make sense out of some things that have happened in my life decades ago, I am still at a loss to explain them. I am no closer to definite conclusions on why God allowed things to happen. The downward spiral into the murky darkness of self pity beckons, but I have already been down there. It was a rotten, hopeless place to be. It was Jesus every time who pulled me out, and I never want to go back again. Thankfully, I don't have to!
If you don't know Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour, what I'm saying likely doesn't make a shred of sense. Because I have repented and trusted on Christ, His life is now mine. By faith I have become a new creation in Him. I testify to you and the whole world that Jesus has healed my broken heart many times. He has bound up my wounds, dried my tears, and replaced fear and worry with peace and joy. He has turned my mourning into rejoicing. What is the secret to avoid the vicious cycle of self? When thoughts of how you have been hurt flood into your mind and heart, turn your attention instead to the hurt and suffering Christ endured for your sake. When we are burdened with cares and a root of bitterness begins to grow and you can only wonder, "Why God? Why would you let that happen to me?" In that moment I need only consider why Jesus suffered and died for me: it was a revelation of divine love. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." By the grace of God, He has changed the way I think.
I am not suggesting that we ignore, bury, or deny the fact we have been hurt. To the contrary, we must bare our hurts to God, admitting exactly how we feel, casting our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us. If someone has hurt me accidentally or with malice, I need to freely forgive them because Jesus has freely forgiven me. In releasing others from our bitterness we are also freed! It is a truly amazing transformation that occurs when I remove my focus from myself and the wrongs done to me and look with adoration upon Jesus Christ. It is by His stripes I am healed! We are able to overcome the vicious cycle of self through Christ, and none other.
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