Time to Work!

"He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. ⁵ As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything. ⁶ In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good."

Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

It is natural for man to trust his limited senses rather than walking in faith.  The flesh contrives countless reasons why it is not a convenient or opportune time to trust God now.  We are always seeking better conditions where obvious fruitfulness of our efforts is instantly apparent.  Solomon held forth the picture of the man filled with excuses.  There are seasons to plant and harvest, yet the man described in verse 4 is focused on the weather.  In the season for sowing he says, "Ah!  Too windy today.  I want more control over where the seed lands."  So the seed remains unused in the shed.  When it is the time to harvest, he turns his furrowed brow towards the heavens:  "Threatening clouds overhead.  Better wait until the risk of a downpour is over."

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: ² a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted..."  It is the season - not wind or clouds - which indicate the right time for labour.  Farming is a practical act of faith.  In Bible times, people planted seeds trusting God would bring the rain, cause the plants to grow and be fruitful, and He would cause the fruit to remain and ripen.  Solomon confronted those who made excuses to justify their inaction by pointing out the severe limitations of their senses and understanding.  "You don't know the way of the wind," Solomon said.  "You don't know how bones grown in the womb of a mother with child.  If you don't know where the wind is coming from or where it is going, it's clear you do not know the works of God who makes everything."

His conclusion?  "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good."  We can never know the impact of our labours in God's field or vineyard for the glory of God and His kingdom.  The words of Solomon are deeper than mere advice on farming.  He offers us sage spiritual advice concerning our efforts to scatter the good seed of God's Word and reap a harvest of souls and good fruit.  Jesus said in John 9:4, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."  As long as we draw breath, as children of the light it is high time to labour for the LORD.  The movement of the Holy Spirit is compared to wind by Jesus in John 3, and no man can predict what He will do.  Who knows how far He will carry the seed and cause it to be fruitful?  For years the seed may remain dormant in the hearts and minds of others, and then suddenly by God's grace it will spring to life!

If we are looking to social trends to find a strategy, if we decided it is an inconvenient time because of modern culture or social pressure, when will the work God has ordained us to do be done?  Instead of observing the wind or the clouds, let us look to the example of Jesus Christ and follow Him as led by the Holy Spirit.  Let us be diligent to put our hands to the plow without looking back, scoffing at our pathetic flesh which pleads to quit and leave work undone.  It is a season for diligence and labour, for humility and doing the hard yards.  Isn't it amazing God has ordained a single seed to bring forth new life?  Whether we move rocks, plow, sow, or reap, it is God who brings the increase.  Psalm 126:5-6 assures us, "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. ⁶ He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."  Instant results will likely not occur, but we can trust God He will bring the increase in His time.

Confession and Healing

Every Christian has a personal story of redemption and deliverance.  Not only have we been saved from death and eternal damnation by God's grace, but God has saved us from troubles and addictions after we were born again.  These are stories which should not be kept to ourselves, but shared freely with others.  Our story should be one which points to God's faithfulness despite our faithlessness.  Transparency and vulnerability are sorely lacking in the lives of many because they are afraid they might be judged or condemned by others.

Recognition of past failure lays a foundation for humility and graciousness within us.  We should not to be proud of our wickedness or how we were more "lost" than most because of our debauchery.  Who we used to be and what we used to do is the minor key:  the grace, love, and salvation of God is to be the major emphasis.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."  Paul gives us a good example in specifically referencing the sins and folly of his former life, but does not go into vivid detail.  His unworthiness allowed him to magnify God's grace towards him.  This same grace God offers to all who repent and trust in Him.

There are few things worse than a group of Christians who act like they have no problems or struggles with sin whatsoever.  Our identity as Christians is a public proclamation we are sinners who had no hope in this world apart from Christ.  After coming to Christ, do all our problems disappear?  Not hardly.  We live in a fallen world, are targeted by the enemy of our souls, and live in a body of corruptible flesh.  It is true Christ has overcome the world and through Him we are assured of ultimate victory.  But to suggest we do not struggle in this fight not against flesh and blood is to deny the truth of scripture.  Christians must band together as one, revealing our pains and difficulties freely - not for sympathy or pity - but so we might strengthen and encourage one another, praying for one another continually.

In nearly every John Wayne western I can remember, he is injured at some point.  Many times after a gunfight, someone will point out "Hey, you've been shot."  "Aw, this?"  the tough man says, as if he didn't know. "I'm fine."  The most common John Wayne treatment is to wrap a bandana around the bloody wound and ignore it.  In the movies no one needs to worry about lead poisoning, but in real life we do.  God has provided churches comprised of believers to minister to the needs and tend to the wounds of those in the Body itself.  If Christians do the spiritual equivalent of limping around with bandanas tied on our arms and legs, trying to conceal our wounds, how will they ever be healed?  When the fiery darts of the enemy find a gap in our armour, we need to seek the aid of our brothers who are fighting with us in the trenches.  Let us not be ashamed to admit our need for accountability and help when we are hurting.  How silly it would be for you to walk into church with the sharp teeth of a bear trap sunk to the bone on the ankle, smile, and say you are doing well.  Do this long enough and you might actually start believing yourself.

James 5:13-16 says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  God has made Christians as members of Christ's Body and ordained us as ministers for one another.  Instead of glorying in what God has saved us from, let us rejoice that we know God and have been delivered by His grace.  Our deliverance from sin does not mean we do not struggle.  Let us join as one, united in the grace, love, and mercy of Christ.  By the grace of God we are who we are, and together let us bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

Trials and Consolation

Today I preached at Calvary Chapel Sydney on 2 Corinthians 1:1-7.  I have been richly blessed in preparing and considering the truths of that passage.  God gave me deeper understanding of His grace, mercy, and comfort through His Word.  It dawned on me how God blesses us whether we recognise it or not.  We can have confidence Paul demonstrated, that even in our trials He will certainly accomplish His redemptive work.

When I think of "good works," I think of sacrificing, serving, or obeying God in some area of my life.  I think of things I choose to do because Christ's love has compelled me.  Yet I am learning sometimes a good work can be our response to situations over which we have little or no control.  It is a good work to endure hard times, trusting God has a plan and purpose He will accomplish despite my ignorance.  When Jesus endured the cross He did a good work.  Jesus did not do this for His own benefit, but His sacrifice accomplished deliverance, redemption, salvation, and comfort for me and all who trust in Him.  It is amazing to consider that even as Christ's suffering benefited me with salvation and consolation, whether I suffer or receive comfort from Him it benefits others with salvation and consolation as well.

I cannot think of any time in scripture when God asks us if we are willing to suffer.  In the life of Paul God divinely revealed to Paul he would suffer greatly for His name's sake.  The 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 passage teaches us with every trial and suffering we experience for Christ's sake there is abundant consolation provided for us.  Sometimes it is God's will we suffer, for in times of trial we mature greatly (James 1:2-4).  The trials we endure are not only for us, but bring salvation and comfort to others through the Holy Spirit.  This is mind blowing, and it is a fundamental truth.  It is not our suffering which enables us to comfort others who suffer, but the fact we have received the Holy Spirit and the comfort He provides.  The more we suffer for Christ's sake, the greater the consolation.

I encourage you to meditate on this passage and see how necessary it is for our souls to align with God's perspective on trials for Christ's sake.  We can suffer as unto the LORD, even as we are to do all things as unto the LORD.  It is a good work when we are in the midst of a trial to say as Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:  "...for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."  We maintain an eternal perspective when we focus our eyes on the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity.  Through the prophet in Isaiah 57:15 our gracious Father of mercies and of all comfort said He will dwell in the holy place "with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  If we humble ourselves before God, He will lift us up.  One day our Saviour will present us faultless before the Father with exceeding joy.  It is all God's doing, and it is glorious in my eyes.

Watching the Watchman

The scriptures speak of the necessity of watchfulness in the life of a believer.  Jesus bid His followers to watch for His coming.  We are told many times to be watchful in our prayers, knowing what the will of the LORD is.  Those who are born again have been made spiritually alive, and we ought to remain alert and watchful, not spiritually drowsy and dull.  Good watchmen do more than watch:  they are called to effectively communicate with others.  A watchman on the wall guarding the city is not useful if he does not sound the alarm to warn inhabitants of enemies before their arrival.  A shepherd is careful to observe and know the state of his flocks, and Christians are to watch out for the good of others compelled by the love of Jesus.

Watching is good, but the way we watch and communicate is important too.  It seems there are some watchmen whose concerns are so great they feel their knowledge of facts exclude them from following the order laid forth in scripture.  This often becomes a way of dealing with issues among Christians or with a church.  Personal offenses become public on social media with open letters.  To what end?  What does it accomplish but fuel the fires of gossip and confusion, seeking to sow division and uncertainty?  Is it because we doubt the warning of Moses and the ability of God to deal with sinners who do so secretly:  "Be sure your sin will find you out?"  Pointing out the flaws of others is simple, and it is natural to focus on flaws rather than Jesus who unites us.

In the New Testament, the primary emphasis is not placed on us watching others or warning of all the deceptions in the world.  Our focus is to first deal with the log in our own eye rather than focusing on the speck in someone else's eye.  We are to take heed to ourselves.  More than having the facts on our side, we must to share them motivated with love and seasoned with grace in accordance to God's scriptural order.  The internet has given exponential rise to gossip in countless forms which Christians do well to avoid.  Even if we do not contribute to a thread or discussion, what we read can wrongly skew our view of others or cause suspicion to grow.  Much damage has been done by zealous watchmen who have neglected to examine their methods as carefully as the doctrine and deeds of those whom they criticise.

We are to watch, and let us so examine ourselves how, why, and who we watch.  Our eyes ought to be on Christ, and we should examine ourselves according to His example and holiness.  We are called to take heed, be watchful of ourselves.  The following verses are by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully it conveys the strong emphasis we ought to have in self confrontation through scriptural examination.  Notice how each individual is to watch and take heed to himself as his primary focus - not others.  Feel free to look up and read these passages in context:

• 1 Timothy 4:16 - "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." 
• Hebrews 3:12-13 - "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; ¹³ but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
• Galatians 5:13-16 - "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! ¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
• 1 Corinthians 3:10 - "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it."
• Acts 20:28 - "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
• 1 Corinthians 10:12 - "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."

Here are some exhortations from Jesus that we take heed to ourselves, not others:

• Matthew 18:10 - "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."
• Luke 17:3-4 - "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. ⁴ And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
• Mark 13:5 - "And Jesus, answering them, began to say: "Take heed that no one deceives you."
• Mark 13:32-33 - "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is."
• Luke 11:35 -  "Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness."
• Luke 21:8 - "And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them."

If you are a Christian, you are called to watch.  I exhort you in the name of Jesus to be watchful in your prayers.  I must watch and pray that I do not enter temptation, and you must watch and pray so you do not fall into temptation.  We should be more vigilant in taking heed and watching our own conduct and motives than labouring to uncover and expose the errors of others.  A day may come when God leads us to warn others of potential pitfalls and dangers even as I do now.  But take heed, watch yourself that you do so in a way pleasing to the LORD.  By His grace He has opened our eyes to see and ears to hear.  Let us use them wisely!