Friday nights at Calvary Chapel Sydney we have been slowly working our way through the book of Proverbs. Eternity will not provide enough time to plumb the depths of God's wisdom, but it has been fun diving in. One passage which was especially useful for me this week was Proverbs 24:30-34: "I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
31 and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down.
32
When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:
33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest;
34 so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man."
Solomon looked upon the fruit of laziness with a keen eye. He did not do as many of us would do, sneering or shaking our head at the state of the lazy man's neglected property. The state of the vineyard spoke volumes. Solomon did not waste time or energy judging the man at all. He did not offer suggestions on what he would do to rectify the situation. When Solomon saw the overgrown vineyard and broken down stone wall, he received instruction for himself. This is profound. He looked at the field and thought, "Poverty sneaks up on people unawares and overpowers them. I too could be overwhelmed and unfruitful should I embrace a lazy approach to my responsibilities." Instead of judging others or jumping to supply solutions for the apparent problems of others, it is wise to apply the truth to your own life. It is one thing to know what to do, but another step entirely to put it into faithful practice.
Giving advice is easy: receiving instruction is difficult. It is only through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit we can understand, receive, and walk in the wisdom of God. Praise the LORD He supplies both the will and power to do according to God's good pleasure!
24 May 2015
21 May 2015
"You're Going to Hell!"
There are few tings more devastating to a Christian's witness than condemnation from the judgmental hypocrite. I sadly confess as I young child I once told a neighbour he was going to hell for some petty issue. When the accusing words flew out of my mouth, it was a fleshly response to conflict without a hint of compassion or love. My mother was wise to quickly discipline me for such folly in my youth, for I learned early the error of such hurtful and divisive censure.
"But people are going to hell," some might protest. "Isn't it the loving thing to do to tell them where they will spend eternity if they remain in sin?" Ah, but there is a loving way to communicate biblical truth. Jesus met many people heading to eternal destruction in hell, but He never raised His voice to utter the phrase, "You're going to hell!" If Jesus, who intimately and perfectly knew the hearts of men never spoke to sinners in that fashion, we are foolish to think we know better than Christ. Jesus talked about hell - a lot. Again and again He spoke of the terrors of hell and everlasting torment which awaited those who died in their sins (Mark 9:43-48). But there was no hint of accusation in His tone, no overweening self-righteousness present which so often accompanies the aforementioned phrase.
Because we are not God, we cannot know perfectly the hearts of men. It would be presumptuous for us - on our authority or according to our limited understanding - to condemn souls of men to eternity in hellfire and outer darkness. What we can do is meekly bring the Law to bear upon one who sins against God and places himself under His wrath. We can say with Christ's authority what is proclaimed in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Without fear we can hold forth the truth of God's Word in Revelation 21:7-8: "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Even as light reveals dust, so the light of God's Law reveals sin. The same scriptures also bluntly hold forth the penalty for sin: the soul that sins will surely die, and the second death is forever.
All people are born on earth are heading to hell because of our own sin, but God made a way for justice to be satisfied through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Lay the heavy weight of the Law upon proud, self-righteous sinners so they might see their need for salvation and repent. Give grace to the humble, showing the way of salvation through faith in Jesus. But for your own sake and your listeners (who may not listen long and be further hardened against the message because of your harshness), take care you do not do great harm with hateful speech and condescending tones. If we are severe in judging others, we will be severely judged on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 7:1-5). Instead of threatening, take time to lead little lambs to the Saviour who loves them and does not desire their destruction (2 Peter 3:9). Be compassionate towards those who are perishing, and trust God will grant them repentance leading to salvation.
"But people are going to hell," some might protest. "Isn't it the loving thing to do to tell them where they will spend eternity if they remain in sin?" Ah, but there is a loving way to communicate biblical truth. Jesus met many people heading to eternal destruction in hell, but He never raised His voice to utter the phrase, "You're going to hell!" If Jesus, who intimately and perfectly knew the hearts of men never spoke to sinners in that fashion, we are foolish to think we know better than Christ. Jesus talked about hell - a lot. Again and again He spoke of the terrors of hell and everlasting torment which awaited those who died in their sins (Mark 9:43-48). But there was no hint of accusation in His tone, no overweening self-righteousness present which so often accompanies the aforementioned phrase.
Because we are not God, we cannot know perfectly the hearts of men. It would be presumptuous for us - on our authority or according to our limited understanding - to condemn souls of men to eternity in hellfire and outer darkness. What we can do is meekly bring the Law to bear upon one who sins against God and places himself under His wrath. We can say with Christ's authority what is proclaimed in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Without fear we can hold forth the truth of God's Word in Revelation 21:7-8: "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Even as light reveals dust, so the light of God's Law reveals sin. The same scriptures also bluntly hold forth the penalty for sin: the soul that sins will surely die, and the second death is forever.
All people are born on earth are heading to hell because of our own sin, but God made a way for justice to be satisfied through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Lay the heavy weight of the Law upon proud, self-righteous sinners so they might see their need for salvation and repent. Give grace to the humble, showing the way of salvation through faith in Jesus. But for your own sake and your listeners (who may not listen long and be further hardened against the message because of your harshness), take care you do not do great harm with hateful speech and condescending tones. If we are severe in judging others, we will be severely judged on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 7:1-5). Instead of threatening, take time to lead little lambs to the Saviour who loves them and does not desire their destruction (2 Peter 3:9). Be compassionate towards those who are perishing, and trust God will grant them repentance leading to salvation.
19 May 2015
See Jesus Only
"Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest?
2
For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist," says the LORD. "But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word."
Isaiah 66:1-2
God has revealed His eyes go to and fro throughout the whole earth, seeking to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him (2 Chron. 16:9). Through the prophet Isaiah, God gave a snapshot of such a person: one who is humble of heart, with a contrite spirit, who trembles at His Word. Does God's Word have such an effect on you? In the New Testament, there is a lovely fulfillment of this passage when Jesus was transfigured before His disciples.
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. The disciples, bless their hearts, were overcome with sleep. They awoke in a shock to see Jesus tranfigured in radiance, speaking with Elijah and Moses appeared with Him. They spoke of His decease and future glory. Peter, not knowing what to say in such a rare moment, suggested they build tabernacles for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and Matthew 17:5-8: "While he [Peter] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only."
When the Father spoke from heaven, the disciples heard His words and fell on their faces in great fear. Jesus came near His disciples, touched them, and spoke words of comfort to them: "Arise, and do not be afraid." When they mustered the courage to look up, hearing Christ's command, they saw no one but Jesus only. I love this! No longer was their gaze upon bright lights and shining clouds. They were not busy thinking and talking about potential future building projects! They were not in awe of seeing men of faith they respected: they only saw Jesus. May we who have been humbled before God and tremble at His Word turn our eyes upon Jesus only, for God has looked upon our low, powerless, and fruitless condition. We have been sleeping when we could have been praying, but God looks upon the heart. He has many things to tell us if we will listen. When we are weary and frightened Jesus will come to us, touch, and speak comfort.
Bow before your Maker, man! Tremble before His Word! Humble yourself before your LORD and Saviour, and He will lift you up.
17 May 2015
Up to the Task?
Many are duped into thinking if God has called them to something, they will feel confident or up to the task. This is not the case. In our service of God He always makes an allowance for faith in Him. If we felt confidence in ourselves to accomplish anything for God, we will ultimately fail because without Him we can do nothing. The truth is, feelings of inadequacy and helplessness facing what we believe God has called us to do puts us in great company. We are not sufficient, but we can do all things through Jesus who strengthens us.
This came to mind when reading Jeremiah 1:4-7: "Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then said I: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." 7 But the LORD said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak." God formed the prophet Jeremiah for a specific role and calling, yet Jeremiah did not feel up to the task. "I cannot speak," Jeremiah said. "I'm too young!" God gently rebuked Jeremiah, reminding him in God's power he was the man for the job. Jeremiah trusted in God and His Word, and faced unspeakable trials and difficulties in answering God's call. Bless the LORD, for He caused Jeremiah to endure faithfully.
How about Moses? When God called out to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3, he had many reservations. Exodus 4:1 says, "Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.' " Moses was around 80 years old, but he was concerned about what other people would think. He doubted anyone would listen to him. God provided three miraculous signs Moses could do to prove he indeed spoke on the authority of the Most High. One might think the ability to perform miracles would provide a level of confidence, but that was not enough. Exodus 4:10 reads, "Then Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Moses cited his perceived poor speaking ability as a reason why he was not the man to deliver Israel, why he should not answer God's call. Yet God persisted, and Moses ended up serving God in a unique and powerful way.
Gideon was a man called as a judge and deliverer of Israel who denied he was fit to lead. Judges 6:14-16 says, "Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" 15 So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." 16 And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." Gideon could not see how God would use him. He pointed to the weakness of his family and that he was not respected even in his own house. Yet God saw Gideon as a mighty man of valour because He had sent Him and would be with him. Step by step Gideon followed God's commands in faith, and God used Gideon to bring deliverance and salvation.
Have you asked God what He has formed and sanctified you to do? Has He put words in your mouth to tell others you fear will not listen? Do you see yourself as pathetic and unable to do what God has commanded you to do? Praise the LORD, for He has ordained and sanctified you for a role in the Body of Christ to bring Him glory and honour. Instead of waiting endlessly for feelings of self-confidence (that will not come, or if they do will be powerless to accomplish anything for God's glory), choose instead to trust and obey God's Word. Take one step of faith and trust He will be with you. He will lead and guide you every step of the way. We can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us!
This came to mind when reading Jeremiah 1:4-7: "Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then said I: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." 7 But the LORD said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak." God formed the prophet Jeremiah for a specific role and calling, yet Jeremiah did not feel up to the task. "I cannot speak," Jeremiah said. "I'm too young!" God gently rebuked Jeremiah, reminding him in God's power he was the man for the job. Jeremiah trusted in God and His Word, and faced unspeakable trials and difficulties in answering God's call. Bless the LORD, for He caused Jeremiah to endure faithfully.
How about Moses? When God called out to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3, he had many reservations. Exodus 4:1 says, "Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.' " Moses was around 80 years old, but he was concerned about what other people would think. He doubted anyone would listen to him. God provided three miraculous signs Moses could do to prove he indeed spoke on the authority of the Most High. One might think the ability to perform miracles would provide a level of confidence, but that was not enough. Exodus 4:10 reads, "Then Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Moses cited his perceived poor speaking ability as a reason why he was not the man to deliver Israel, why he should not answer God's call. Yet God persisted, and Moses ended up serving God in a unique and powerful way.
Gideon was a man called as a judge and deliverer of Israel who denied he was fit to lead. Judges 6:14-16 says, "Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" 15 So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." 16 And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." Gideon could not see how God would use him. He pointed to the weakness of his family and that he was not respected even in his own house. Yet God saw Gideon as a mighty man of valour because He had sent Him and would be with him. Step by step Gideon followed God's commands in faith, and God used Gideon to bring deliverance and salvation.
Have you asked God what He has formed and sanctified you to do? Has He put words in your mouth to tell others you fear will not listen? Do you see yourself as pathetic and unable to do what God has commanded you to do? Praise the LORD, for He has ordained and sanctified you for a role in the Body of Christ to bring Him glory and honour. Instead of waiting endlessly for feelings of self-confidence (that will not come, or if they do will be powerless to accomplish anything for God's glory), choose instead to trust and obey God's Word. Take one step of faith and trust He will be with you. He will lead and guide you every step of the way. We can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us!
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