Have you ever faced a "pop quiz" you were unprepared for? I remember many times groaning inside as my delighted teacher instructed all pupils to stow our books for an unexpected test - without notes. Even when I had a fair grasp of the material I didn't appreciate "surprise" exams. I often felt unprepared and anxious because I hadn't carefully studied the material. As uncomfortable as a surprise quiz made me feel, what relief was mine when we had an "open-book exam." The freedom to reference all our notes and textbooks was a great consolation. I cannot remember any nervousness facing an "open book test" because I felt assured of a strong showing.
As we live out our days on earth following Jesus Christ, God allows many tests and trials. Most of these tests come suddenly and unexpectedly. When tragedy or trials come, it is natural for us to feel uncertain about the future. We feel uncomfortable because we were not given the opportunity to adequately prepare for what we are facing. But it is a great comfort to know that all tests we face are "open book exams." God has given us the scripture, faith, and the Holy Spirit who indwells and empowers all followers of Jesus Christ. We are free at any time to seek guidance and recall the promises of God through scripture. Boldly we can approach Christ in the throne room of grace seeking mercy and grace to help (Heb. 4:16). We do not need to be afraid, for Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will not leave or forsake us in our time of need.
1 Peter 4:12-13 says, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." The greater we suffer, the greater consolation God provides. When the trial hits people ask, "If God was so loving and kind, why does He allow suffering?" This is a question asked from a position of doubt in God's character as revealed through scripture. The scriptures teach because God is loving and kind, He allows suffering. God demonstrated His love for us that while we were yet sinners, He allowed His only Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die for our sakes and to pay the penalty for our sin. God allows us to face suffering and pain as well, and we can know God will accomplish His divine purposes for our good and His glory.
God does not test us for His benefit, like a teacher who is not certain his students have mastered their lessons. Unpleasant as surprise tests are, they are for our good. God tests us so we might recognise our helplessness, our need for transformation, and the sufficiency of His love and promises. Should the test cause us to be angry with God or run from Him, it opens our eyes to see our hearts are not as loyal to Him as we have assumed. God is good and loving to open our eyes to our hypocrisy so we might repent and trust, and uncertainty and trials are effective tools to do so. Praise God every test we face is an "open book exam," and He gives us more than mere answers: He has provided Himself!
06 October 2014
05 October 2014
Affinity in Christ
After a week speaking at a teen camp, I am ready to jump back into the fray of the ever-demanding blog. I find it is a most useful exercise in better developing thoughts of a spiritual nature I have throughout the day. The fact others can also benefit from these musings is a wonderful secondary benefit. I pray that through these musings all who read them may be encouraged, challenged, and seek to apply biblical truth to their personal lives. Until the LORD directs me to apply my efforts elsewhere for His glory, it is a joy and privilege to continue writing in this format: free of charge, open and transparent, instructive, and frequent when possible - all to the glory of God!
As I spent time becoming acquainted with the teens at camp, many things became apparent. Kids today are growing up in an era of great confusion, both in society and within themselves. They have many questions, but most seem to only accept answers which agree with their prior knowledge. I encountered Christians who did not have a high regard to the Word of God as being absolutely true and do not necessarily believe the scriptures are the sole basis for knowing God. In fact, I met with some non-believers not far from the kingdom of God who seemed to believe the truth of the Bible with greater conviction. Though not limited to youth, I noticed how many sought to discover their own identity through worldly things! This is not all bad news, for Jesus came to seek and save the lost, set the captives free, give sight to the blind, and raise the dead to life. The hypocrites who think they see are those whose blindness remains. I once was one of those hypocrites, and God saved me by His grace.
It is an interesting study to observe the many things people seek to find identity in: style of dress, preferred music, the shows or movies one enjoys, sexuality, career choice, political views, gender, age group, hobbies, support of sport or teams, diet, living in a particular suburb, hometown, country of origin, attending a school or youth group. The list could stretch on forever. How important it is for Christians to realise our identity is found in Christ! There are many followers of Jesus who identify themselves as "Christians" instead of identifying with Jesus Christ. There is a difference. When we derive our identity from a group of people, we look to them to set the pace and parameters for how we fit in and how we ought to live. The bar is often set far too low. Affinity with Jesus Christ transcends all else. After we become new creations through the Gospel, our identity is not found in a denomination, particular church, pastor, or youth group. These points of reference will someday be dissolved, as will our blood relations. Finding our identity in Christ goes beyond culture, behaviour, gender, or calling. Jesus Christ deserves to be our all in all.
Sometimes I am asked a question prefaced with, "As a pastor, what would you...?" I am careful not to answer this question without clarification, because I do not primarily find my identity in the fact God has called me as a pastor. My aim is to answer all questions from my identity in Jesus Christ. We can answer questions as "a pastor," "a man," "a father or mother," "husband or wife," "an American or Australian," but all these limited perspectives are passing away. I am not saying it is wrong to acknowledge you are a pastor, man, father, or husband. But we are to seek to discover our identity in Christ through those roles, not in the role itself. Because I am a child of God, purchased and redeemed with the blood of Jesus by grace, that should directly affect the way I live as a pastor, man, father, and husband. If my identity is in Christ according to God's Word, I will not be led astray by vain philosophies of the world. The world is happy to volunteer how a man, father, and husband should act. But I will never be the man, father, or husband God created me to be until my identity is found in Christ alone through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Having affinity in Christ removes the identity confusion that is rife in the world and even among believers. The last part of Acts 11:26 tells us, "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." The followers of Jesus had such an affinity and resemblance to Jesus Christ Himself they were called Christians. Our prime affinity is not to be with other followers of Christ, but with Christ Himself. This brings us to a place of intimacy and closeness with God where we begin to resemble Christ, not resorting to copying those who might only claim to know Him. "Telephone" is a interesting and fun party game where a sentence is whispered around the circle and even with a small group inevitably is quite divergent from the original statement. What a tragedy, to run circles with sheep when we can follow the shepherd. If we only follow other sheep around, how can we know they are heading in the right direction? Praise God Jesus is for us the Good Shepherd, and we can follow Him!
As I spent time becoming acquainted with the teens at camp, many things became apparent. Kids today are growing up in an era of great confusion, both in society and within themselves. They have many questions, but most seem to only accept answers which agree with their prior knowledge. I encountered Christians who did not have a high regard to the Word of God as being absolutely true and do not necessarily believe the scriptures are the sole basis for knowing God. In fact, I met with some non-believers not far from the kingdom of God who seemed to believe the truth of the Bible with greater conviction. Though not limited to youth, I noticed how many sought to discover their own identity through worldly things! This is not all bad news, for Jesus came to seek and save the lost, set the captives free, give sight to the blind, and raise the dead to life. The hypocrites who think they see are those whose blindness remains. I once was one of those hypocrites, and God saved me by His grace.
It is an interesting study to observe the many things people seek to find identity in: style of dress, preferred music, the shows or movies one enjoys, sexuality, career choice, political views, gender, age group, hobbies, support of sport or teams, diet, living in a particular suburb, hometown, country of origin, attending a school or youth group. The list could stretch on forever. How important it is for Christians to realise our identity is found in Christ! There are many followers of Jesus who identify themselves as "Christians" instead of identifying with Jesus Christ. There is a difference. When we derive our identity from a group of people, we look to them to set the pace and parameters for how we fit in and how we ought to live. The bar is often set far too low. Affinity with Jesus Christ transcends all else. After we become new creations through the Gospel, our identity is not found in a denomination, particular church, pastor, or youth group. These points of reference will someday be dissolved, as will our blood relations. Finding our identity in Christ goes beyond culture, behaviour, gender, or calling. Jesus Christ deserves to be our all in all.
Sometimes I am asked a question prefaced with, "As a pastor, what would you...?" I am careful not to answer this question without clarification, because I do not primarily find my identity in the fact God has called me as a pastor. My aim is to answer all questions from my identity in Jesus Christ. We can answer questions as "a pastor," "a man," "a father or mother," "husband or wife," "an American or Australian," but all these limited perspectives are passing away. I am not saying it is wrong to acknowledge you are a pastor, man, father, or husband. But we are to seek to discover our identity in Christ through those roles, not in the role itself. Because I am a child of God, purchased and redeemed with the blood of Jesus by grace, that should directly affect the way I live as a pastor, man, father, and husband. If my identity is in Christ according to God's Word, I will not be led astray by vain philosophies of the world. The world is happy to volunteer how a man, father, and husband should act. But I will never be the man, father, or husband God created me to be until my identity is found in Christ alone through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Having affinity in Christ removes the identity confusion that is rife in the world and even among believers. The last part of Acts 11:26 tells us, "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." The followers of Jesus had such an affinity and resemblance to Jesus Christ Himself they were called Christians. Our prime affinity is not to be with other followers of Christ, but with Christ Himself. This brings us to a place of intimacy and closeness with God where we begin to resemble Christ, not resorting to copying those who might only claim to know Him. "Telephone" is a interesting and fun party game where a sentence is whispered around the circle and even with a small group inevitably is quite divergent from the original statement. What a tragedy, to run circles with sheep when we can follow the shepherd. If we only follow other sheep around, how can we know they are heading in the right direction? Praise God Jesus is for us the Good Shepherd, and we can follow Him!
26 September 2014
Can We Earn It?
In one of the final scenes of "Saving Private Ryan," a dying captain uttered his last words. Captain Miller had scoured war-ravaged countryside and many men died in their efforts to find and escort Private Ryan to safety. As his life ebbed away on the bridge, Miller directed his attention to Ryan and said, "Earn this...earn it." He exhorted Ryan to live a life worthy of the sacrifice he and others had given to save him. As the elderly Ryan stood at the tombstone of Captain Miller, he said he remembered those words every day and did the best he could. But was it enough? Ryan wasn't so sure.
All those who attempt to earn the gracious sacrifice of others will always fall short. Captain Miller in his dying moments demanded something of Private Ryan he simply could not give. How could he possibly "earn" the sacrifice of Miller and valiant soldiers who gave their lives so he could live? What short of sacrificing his own life could even begin to measure up? Since many men he didn't know had already died for Ryan, how could he possibly repay them? And how could the one life Ryan had to offer be enough to pay for all the men who perished on the battlefield for his sake? It seemed to me the sacrifice of others haunted him because he could never fully rid himself of the weight of perceived debt.
Many people think they can earn God's favour through personal sacrifice. But no man can earn the gracious sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What an insult, to think we must earn what God has offered as a free gift of forgiveness and salvation for sinners! God demonstrated His own love for us, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. We were not noble, worthy kind of man Private Ryan turned out to be. We were dead in sins, mockers and scoffers, enemies of God Jesus loved enough to seek and save. It would be impossible for us to earn Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. But we can receive the gift of salvation through faith, live our lives in light of that divine love, and share His love with others. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can walk worthily of His sacrifice. We don't need to worry about being denied heaven because we haven't quite earned it. We are unworthy and Christ died for us anyway. We were hopeless, lost rebels, yet He has loved us with an everlasting love. We are unfaithful and foolish, yet He calls us by name to faithfully seek us. We were all like Steamboat Willy, and Jesus took the bullet for us.
We can't earn loving sacrifice. When we realise Christ wasn't simply following orders but loved and sought us when we were worthless and gave His life in our place, what joy and peace is ours. Let us rejoice in what Jesus has done. Jesus has no tombstone, and we do not need to wonder if He hears us. He is risen, just as He said! Not only has He saved those who repent and trust in Him, but He invites us into His presence so He can help us. Hebrews 4:16 says: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Instead of, "I hope I have done well enough" we can have the God-glorifying perspective of, "Let me tell you of what Jesus has done for me!" That is the abundant life worth living!
23 September 2014
Affliction, Pain, and Favour
The rapid advances in medical treatment and effective medications have changed the world in more ways than we might realise. We have easy access to tablets of many kinds to relieve inflammation and discomfort, elevate iron levels, and balance hormones. The accurate diagnosis and treatment of all manner of diseases and illness has prolonged the life of countless children and adults alike. Physical damage to joints and bones once considered permanent can be restored through surgery. Because of the access and availability to pain-numbing drugs, pain is often seen as a terrible inconvenience - even a great evil - that we should no longer need to endure. When the pain hits our thoughts are typically something like, "How can I make this pain stop?"
During my reading of Psalm 25, I was struck with David's quite different approach to affliction and pain. Our tendency is to try to avoid trouble or misery at any reasonable cost. Many are so desperate to end their awful pain, taking their own lives seems a reasonable trade for that prospect. David wrote in Psalm 25:18: "Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins." I must say, I was a bit shocked as I carefully considered what David said. He did not ask God to change his troubled circumstances or to eliminate the pain he experienced. He simply asked God to look upon his affliction and pain. Like a person who goes to a doctor for a thorough physical examination, David did not demand God take a certain course of action. It is common for us to use the internet to diagnose and treat our symptoms. Because of our abundance of knowledge, doctors have lost some of the authority they used to have. We think we know our bodies and symptoms better than anyone, and our doctor has become a means to accomplish our desired end. We just want them to write a script for tablets so we can start feeling better. How presumptuous we can be!
David didn't approach God in that manner. He humbled himself before God, exposing what hurt him before the Great Physician and Saviour of our souls. In this case, David did not ask God to relieve his pain. In fact, a study of David and others in scripture reveal affliction and pain for God's people is a sure sign of future divine favour. Let this fact sink into your hearts! Remember when pregnant Hagar ran away from her heavy-handed mistress? The angel of the LORD met her in the desert and told her to go back to that difficult situation with this promise in Genesis 16:11: "And the Angel of the LORD said to her: "Behold, you are with child, and you shall bear a son. you shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction." How about the sad state concerning Leah, forced to marry a man who didn't want her? Genesis 29:31 reads, "And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren." She recognised the blessing of a son was a direct result of God seeing her affliction. The next verse reads (Gen. 29:32), "So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, "The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me." A similar story is found in 1 Samuel 1, where Hannah was provoked severely by a rival wife for her barrenness. She cried out to God in her affliction, God heard her, and she ended up giving birth to the prophet Samuel and five other children besides. What about when David fled from Jerusalem and Shemei cursed and accused him, throwing rocks and kicking up dust? Abishai begged David to allow him to go over and cut of Shimei's head! David refused. He did not pray God would make his great affliction or pain stop because he recognised God was in complete control. 2 Samuel 16:11-12 says, "And David said to Abishai and all his servants, "See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him. 12 It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day." When God looks upon the affliction and pain of His beloved children, He knows what to do in every case. We might want our circumstances to change or the pain to end, but God knows better still.
The thing David requested of the LORD in Psalm 25:18 was to look upon his affliction and pain, and forgive him of all his sins. God will be faithful to do this to all who ask Him. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God allowed His own Son Jesus to face the agony and pain of the cross, and has exalted Him above all others. Jesus was bruised and afflicted, but He opened not His mouth. He asked on the cross for God to forgive those who were responsible for His crucifixion and those who scoffed and mocked as He died: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Though Jesus was made a sacrifice for all sin, He remained the Lamb of God without blemish or spot. The Messianic Psalm 22:23-24 says, "You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and fear Him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard." The atonement for our sins has come through faith in Christ, and we know God will look upon our affliction. Our afflictions and pains are not worthy to be compared with the glory God will reveal in us. Our Father will certainly hear our cries and answer!
During my reading of Psalm 25, I was struck with David's quite different approach to affliction and pain. Our tendency is to try to avoid trouble or misery at any reasonable cost. Many are so desperate to end their awful pain, taking their own lives seems a reasonable trade for that prospect. David wrote in Psalm 25:18: "Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins." I must say, I was a bit shocked as I carefully considered what David said. He did not ask God to change his troubled circumstances or to eliminate the pain he experienced. He simply asked God to look upon his affliction and pain. Like a person who goes to a doctor for a thorough physical examination, David did not demand God take a certain course of action. It is common for us to use the internet to diagnose and treat our symptoms. Because of our abundance of knowledge, doctors have lost some of the authority they used to have. We think we know our bodies and symptoms better than anyone, and our doctor has become a means to accomplish our desired end. We just want them to write a script for tablets so we can start feeling better. How presumptuous we can be!
David didn't approach God in that manner. He humbled himself before God, exposing what hurt him before the Great Physician and Saviour of our souls. In this case, David did not ask God to relieve his pain. In fact, a study of David and others in scripture reveal affliction and pain for God's people is a sure sign of future divine favour. Let this fact sink into your hearts! Remember when pregnant Hagar ran away from her heavy-handed mistress? The angel of the LORD met her in the desert and told her to go back to that difficult situation with this promise in Genesis 16:11: "And the Angel of the LORD said to her: "Behold, you are with child, and you shall bear a son. you shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction." How about the sad state concerning Leah, forced to marry a man who didn't want her? Genesis 29:31 reads, "And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren." She recognised the blessing of a son was a direct result of God seeing her affliction. The next verse reads (Gen. 29:32), "So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, "The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me." A similar story is found in 1 Samuel 1, where Hannah was provoked severely by a rival wife for her barrenness. She cried out to God in her affliction, God heard her, and she ended up giving birth to the prophet Samuel and five other children besides. What about when David fled from Jerusalem and Shemei cursed and accused him, throwing rocks and kicking up dust? Abishai begged David to allow him to go over and cut of Shimei's head! David refused. He did not pray God would make his great affliction or pain stop because he recognised God was in complete control. 2 Samuel 16:11-12 says, "And David said to Abishai and all his servants, "See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him. 12 It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day." When God looks upon the affliction and pain of His beloved children, He knows what to do in every case. We might want our circumstances to change or the pain to end, but God knows better still.
The thing David requested of the LORD in Psalm 25:18 was to look upon his affliction and pain, and forgive him of all his sins. God will be faithful to do this to all who ask Him. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God allowed His own Son Jesus to face the agony and pain of the cross, and has exalted Him above all others. Jesus was bruised and afflicted, but He opened not His mouth. He asked on the cross for God to forgive those who were responsible for His crucifixion and those who scoffed and mocked as He died: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Though Jesus was made a sacrifice for all sin, He remained the Lamb of God without blemish or spot. The Messianic Psalm 22:23-24 says, "You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and fear Him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard." The atonement for our sins has come through faith in Christ, and we know God will look upon our affliction. Our afflictions and pains are not worthy to be compared with the glory God will reveal in us. Our Father will certainly hear our cries and answer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)