Find True Security

"The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: 'He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. ⁴ And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.' ⁵ "Although my house is not so with God, yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire; will He not make it increase?"

2 Samuel 23:3-5

For almost a week now, the beginning of verse 5 keeps ringing through my head.  God had revealed to David the state of the man who rules justly in the fear of God.  God compared such a man to the first light of the sunrise, warm rays warming the horizon, without a cloud or threat of storm.  He also likened that man to tender grass that springs out of the earth, providing food for beast and men.  In addition fresh growth and vibrancy, this ruler is like the clear shining after rain:  refreshed, cleansed, and satisfied.  Then comes the confession of humble David:  "Although my house is not so with God..."  God had revealed the truth, the unshakable reality of the man who walks in godliness.  David was a man after God's own heart, but he recognised he was far from perfect.  He had not achieved this ideal reality, and he wasn't afraid to admit it.

This is one thing I admire about David.  He did not pretend he was perfect, nor did he try to fool himself into believing everything was fine.  A godly man is honest, sincere, and transparent, and David was all these things.  It seems these days a man in authority - a king, minister, father, or boss - does not feel at liberty to expose his warts, sins of his past, or the troubled condition where he finds himself.  Admitting weakness or faults represents God poorly some think, and they refuse to acknowledge sin or personal problems even with their friends.  I say such think wrong.  My admission of failure and that my house is not so with God reveals clearly I need Him.  If people are stumbled because of my faults or bad decisions of my kin, perhaps they have put too much stock in following men.  People stumbled at the words and works of the infallible Christ:  how much more if they follow mere men?  David does an amazing thing as king by these admissions:  "God says a just ruler is like the light of the sunrise without clouds, but I cannot say that of me.  God revealed to me that one who rules in the fear of God is like tender grass springing from the earth, yet that does not resemble me or my family."  David knew he was deeply flawed, and this understanding made room for God's unfathomable grace. 

"Although my house is not so with God, yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure."  Though David was not perfect, God had given him an everlasting covenant.  The agreement God had with David was eternal and secure.  This gave David great peace, for he understood physical and emotional insecurity very well.  For years he fled from the face of King Saul who tried to murder him.  Even after he was established on the throne, he fled from Jerusalem when his son Absalom tried the usurp the throne.  He found himself in danger in fields, caves, castles, and in the open field.  Could he accuse God of wrong?  No.  David nor his house was perfect before God.  His life was one of thunderstorms, screaming winds, and desolation.  Being king did not end his troubles, in fact, during his time as king is when he weathered some of the most fierce storms.  Yet in all his trials, the light of God shone through his circumstances with illuminating clarity.  The Holy Spirit was upon David to guide his fingers in battle as well as penning many prophetic Psalms in scripture.

David had times of trouble and uncertainty, and it was in these times the eternal covenant God had made with him kept him centered on what mattered.  A covenant is only as strong as the one who establishes the covenant.  God, with all wisdom, power, and grace, established a covenant with David.  He promised to establish His house forever, even though David or his house was not so with God.  He would send Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of David, to be the Messiah whose kingdom will endure forever and ever.  For all who repent and trust in Christ, with us Jesus has established a covenant through His own blood.  We don't need to be perfect to receive His gracious forgiveness, nor do we need to meet God's ideals before the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us.  What a wonder, that although me and my house are not so with God, God has offered to us an everlasting covenant through the Gospel.

Let us follow David's lead in admitting we are not perfect, and neither is our house.  It is by grace we have been saved through faith and not of ourselves.  Though there be storms on the horizon or floods swelling all around us, we can look to the God who has given us an everlasting covenant.  Those who seek the LORD with find Him, and with Him is everlasting security and peace.

What God Longs For

First impressions can be most misleading.  Many deep friendships I now have did not start off that way.  The initial snapshot we have of others, the conversation we walked in on, a few words spoken misunderstood, can give us a very jaded and unfair picture of reality.  This same thing happens when it comes to knowledge of God.  God's character is complex and multifaceted, and it is easy for people to grab bits and pieces out of biblical context to create a monstrous caricature in their minds.  Some can only see God as a mushy "God of love" and others see Him as always furious, ready to dole out judgment for the slightest trespass.  Only through scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit can a man begin to know God.  Those who are known of God on earth can know Him, but our knowledge, experience, and sight is incredibly limited.  Through eternity those saved by the blood of Jesus will be ever growing in our knowledge, appreciation, and worship for who God is and all He has done.

After God revealed Himself to the Israelites in power on Mt. Sinai, the people were overwhelmed by His presence.  When they realised how far above and beyond them God was, they were afraid even to speak with Him!  Yet this mighty God chose them, saved them, and made a covenant with them.  God made a covenant with His people according to His grace, for all people are undeserving of His great divine condescension.  God made a covenant knowing His people would not always be faithful to Him nor heed His Word.  He knew they would rebel, break His laws, promote idolatry and sin, murmur against Him, refuse to believe, and ask for a king like all the other nations rather than being ruled by God alone.  Knowing all His people would do:  cast His words behind them, kill the prophets He raised up to teach them, spit in His face, and murder His only Son, God accepted them anyway.

If man had the foresight of God, he would not give like God.  Even though people are deeply, profoundly flawed, He desired only good for them.  Consider the longing of God in Deuteronomy 5:29:  "Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!"  Does this sound like a God who is "out to get people?"  God alone knows the insidious nature and the far-reaching consequences of sin and rebellion.  God did not give His people commands to restrict them from having fun, but to protect them from their own wickedness.  God knew what would happen should His people seek after mediums, pervert justice, worship idols, or fornicate:  the land would vomit them out!  Judgment would be required!  God longs that people would have a heart to fear Him and keep His commandments.  Jesus told His disciples in John 15:12, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

How has God loved you?  Jesus demonstrated the love of God by laying down His own life as a sacrifice for your sin.  God knew people could never measure up to His perfect standard, so He made a way through the sacrifice of His Son so all could repent, receive the Gospel by faith, and have eternal life.  God desires that it would be well with us and our children forever.  With new hearts by grace through faith in Christ, may we fear God and always keep all His commandments.  No matter what befalls us in this life, it will be well for us.  God will see to it!

Your King Matters

In the biblical history of the Jewish people we see well illustrated the importance of who sat on the throne.  The one anointed as king wielded great influence on the lives of the people:  some walked according to God's laws, and others encouraged idolatry and great abominations.  What is true for nations has spiritual implications for individuals.  The one you pay homage to will dictate your spiritual health and vitality.  When self sits on the throne, there can be no true peace.  It is only when Jesus Christ is elevated to His rightful status in our lives as LORD and Saviour that all begins to be put right.

After Adam's sin in the garden, man was separated from God.  God promised He would deliver His people from the oppression of sin and tyrannical rulers if they would love Him and walk in His ways.  A day came when the people demanded to have a king like the other nations, rejecting God as their divine ruler.  The majority of these kings were evil and led the nation into idolatrous practices.  After the kingdom was divided between Israel and Judah, there was no shortage of wicked kings and queens!  God in His mercy raised up kings who performed His will to forcibly remove those abominable rulers.  Jehu was one of those kings.  In him we see a picture of how wickedness is overthrown by God's anointed in both hearts and nations.  A day is coming when Christ will return and mete out judgment on all evildoers.  He will not spare in that day when God's wrath is full.  While He tarries, today is the day of salvation.

After Jehu was anointed by a prophet at the command of God, he went on a rampage against Ahab's house.  2 Kings 9:22-24 reads, "Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, "Is it peace, Jehu?" So he answered, "What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?"²³ Then Joram turned around and fled, and said to Ahaziah, "Treachery, Ahaziah!" ²⁴ Now Jehu drew his bow with full strength and shot Jehoram between his arms; and the arrow came out at his heart, and he sank down in his chariot."  Joram sought peace, but there could be no peace because of the rampant harlotries and witchcraft.  Similar to how allowing a gangrenous limb to remain connected to the body endangers the whole, it was time for Ahab's wicked house to be cut off from Israel.  He and Jezebel had shed much innocent blood, and their blood was upon their own heads.  2 Kings 9:27 "But when Ahaziah king of Judah saw this, he fled by the road to Beth Haggan. So Jehu pursued him, and said, "Shoot him also in the chariot." And they shot him at the Ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. Then he fled to Megiddo, and died there."  Ahaziah tried to escape the penalty of death for his grave sins, but he was tracked down and executed.  His speedy chariot was no match for the demands of God's justice.

Jezebel was not able to avoid her punishment though she was wealthy and alluring.  2 Kings 9:30-33 says, "Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window.³¹ Then, as Jehu entered at the gate, she said, "Is it peace, Zimri, murderer of your master?" ³² And he looked up at the window, and said, "Who is on my side? Who?" So two or three eunuchs looked out at him.³³ Then he said, "Throw her down." So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot."  Jezebel killed the righteous and promoted the wicked.  She questioned the wisdom of Jehu's act in slaying Joram and Ahaziah.  What she did not acknowledge is Jehu had been anointed and crowned king.  As king, he had authority from God Himself to mete out justice for the grave crimes which Ahab and his house had perpetrated.  Without even acknowledging Jezebel's words, he commanded she be thrown down and promptly trampled her.

Do you see it?  Jezebel is a picture of the wicked ruler of this world, Satan.  A day is coming when Jesus will return to earth with a mighty army and throw down the ruler of this world.  Satan's grip on this world is already broken, for on the cross Jesus crushed his head through His death and resurrection.  Satan is a liar, accuser, thief, and murderer from the beginning.  The day of his reckoning draws nigh.  Jesus will give the command, and Michael will throw Satan down!  Revelation 12:7-11 reads, "And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, ⁸ but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. ⁹ So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. ¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

The parallels do not end there.  King Ahab's daughter Athaliah was given as wife to King Jehoram of Judah.  She was an incredibly brutal and wicked woman who seized an opportunity to usurp the throne from her own kin.  2 Kings 11:1 tells the tragic tale:  "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs."  Athaliah ordered the death of her own grandchildren to assume rule over Judah.  If a person is willing to do such unthinkable atrocities, is anything beyond them?  God did not forsake His people even in that dark chapter of their history.  Joash, son of the rightful king, was hidden from Athaliah's wrath and kept hidden in the Temple.  When he turned seven years old, the High Priest Jehoiada called together a group of trustworthy men who were loyal to God and their king.  He organised the coronation of the king without the knowledge or consent of the usurping Athaliah.

2 Kings 11:12-16 reveals the climactic moment, a day of rejoicing and celebration:  "And he brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, and gave him the Testimony; they made him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, "Long live the king!" ¹³ Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the escorts and the people, she came to the people in the temple of the LORD.¹⁴ When she looked, there was the king standing by a pillar according to custom; and the leaders and the trumpeters were by the king. All the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. So Athaliah tore her clothes and cried out, "Treason! Treason!"¹⁵ And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the army, and said to them, "Take her outside under guard, and slay with the sword whoever follows her." For the priest had said, "Do not let her be killed in the house of the LORD." ¹⁶ So they seized her; and she went by way of the horses' entrance into the king's house, and there she was killed."  Athaliah cried "Treason!  Treason!" yet there was none in Judah more treacherous than her.  Once the rightful king was anointed, crowned, and established, then the usurper could be destroyed.  When the Anointed Messiah, Jesus Christ the Son of God is crowned and established in a heart by faith, Satan's grip is broken.  All he can do is scream and tear his clothes, for his reign of terror and oppression is broken!  Jesus is for us both King and High Priest, and His Word will endure forever.  Satan and all who follow after him will face eternal death in torment, while those loyal to Christ will experience life and light for all eternity.

What a day of rejoicing it is when the strongholds of Satan come crashing down before the power of our promised Saviour!  Satan's rule for a Christian is effectively over, and we need not fear him any more.  When the true king is rightfully on the throne, the oppression of Satan is dealt a death blow.  Let us not listen to his temptations to doubt or fear, but instead rejoice because salvation, strength, the Kingdom of our God, the power of His Christ has come, and thus Satan has been overcome!  To whom do you bow the knee today:  Jesus Christ or some usurper?  Jesus is the KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.  It is rightly said of Him in Jude 1:24-25, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, ²⁵ To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen."

Seek Out the Truth Yourself

The theme of the primary camp at Kedron last week was "Fruit."  In preparation for the talks I assembled an assortment of interesting fruit facts.  One day I did a demonstration and showed how to easily remove pomegranate seeds using a knife, bowl, and wooden spoon.  Less than half of the kids had ever seen a pomegranate before, and they enjoyed sampling the fruit.  From what I can tell, a pomegranate is an "aggregate fruit" that is technically a berry.  Believe me, botany is not for the timid.  It is very complex and at times confusing, so I tended to share fruit facts I could understand and easily explain.  There is much about fruit I don't know!

The following day we had a local television chef and personality come and visit.  The kids were very excited to see a professional chef they had seen on TV.  He came with loads of different fruit and asked questions about them.  What did he hold up?  A pomegranate!  "Do you kids know what this is?"  Tons of hands were raised.  "A pomegranate!" said the one he chose.  "Who here thinks this is a fruit?"  Again, tons of hands were raised in confidence.  Why, we just learned about this yesterday!  Easy!  "You would be wrong," he said with a grin.  Hands went down in dead silence.  "A pomegranate is actually a flower," he went on to say.  The next time he asked a question, only a few hands went up.  "Not so sure about things, are you?" he asked.  He continued with a terrific demonstration which everyone enjoyed.

Now I admit I am no expert, but what the television chef said had me thinking:  was I wrong?  Did I miss something?  I could find no evidence to support his claim of pomegranates being classified as a flower, not a a fruit.  But the thought came to me:  I wonder who the children believed?  Two opposing views were presented.  Would they believe the professional chef, would they take my word for it, or would they investigate themselves to find the truth?  I saw in that moment a microcosm of what people face when they leave the church into secondary school and university.  They have believed something they have heard without investigating themselves.  When their university professor stands up and tells them what they have believed is incorrect, they begin to wonder.  There stands a professional, a man or woman with education and degrees they highly respect.  It is at that moment many kids forsake all they have been taught in Sunday School as fiction or fables, and choose to side with an intellectual and professional person whom they believe is better qualified to teach them.  Their lack of grounding in truth makes them easy prey to be manipulated and influenced to agree with this new teaching - whatever it may be.  And when the cost in university is being branded as unintelligent or a fool for believing the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, most are loathe to pay that price.

I was very happy with the object lesson I was presented with.  My prayer is that everyone chose to look up the facts about pomegranates and claims of Jesus Christ and His resurrection for themselves.  Both professional celebrities and me can be wrong, for we all make mistakes.  None of us are perfect.  What a great reminder that we need to own our faith by going to the Bible as the source of all truth.  Ken Ham says it well:  "Stop trusting man's word!"  Don't take my word for it, but choose to seek after the truth revealed in Jesus Christ.  If we seek God with our whole hearts, we will find Him!