During my recent trip to Cambodia, there was no shortage of images and idolatry. Temples, shrines, and monks were commonplace. The smell of burning incense was strong in shops, hotel lobbies, and restaurants. The worship of anything other than the Living God from a biblical perspective is idolatry, and it is endemic to all people. Idols in Cambodia can be pasted on the walls or be given an offering of food, but idols in western societies can be a woman who can sing, a man who is in our favourite band, or scores touchdowns on Sunday. Idolatry is rife even in the hearts of those who profess to trust and love God. A prime example is seen in God's chosen people.
It was unlawful for the Jews under the Law of Moses to represent God with engravings or with a moulded representation of a human body, of mammals, fish, birds, or creeping thing, for it would provide a temptation to worship the works of men's hands (Deut. 4:16-18). God is a Spirit, and must not be represented by anything created by Him or fashioned by men. Even with the Law and sacrifice, the days of the judges was marked by a recurring phrase: "Every man did what was right in his own eyes." This too is idolatry: the love of self. Self-seeking, self-esteem, and self-focus can be blights even in Christians. That is why we must repent and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, being faithful disciples and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
What makes idolatry so sinister is it can be most subtle. It is perfectly natural for us to consider ourselves in making common decisions. Israel was blessed and fruitful, yet their abundance led to increased idolatry. They more God gave them, the less they trusted Him. The LORD spoke through the prophet in Hosea 10:1-2: "Israel empties his vine; he brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit He has increased the altars; according to the bounty of his land they have embellished his sacred pillars.
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Their heart is divided; now they are held guilty. He will break down their altars; He will ruin their sacred pillars." Israel did not bring fruit unto the LORD, but for himself. God was robbed of tithes and offerings. Sacrifices continued to be offered to God and also to the hosts of heaven. But this was only evidence of a deeper issue: one of a divided heart. Idolatry produces a divided heart! Part of the heart is loyal towards God, yet the affections and desires of the heart seek after other things. Those guilty of a divided heart may have the appearance of outward piety, but are guilty of idolatry before God.
Do you have a divided heart? Make the profession of Psalm 86:6-11 your prayer: "Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
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In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.
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Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; nor are there any works like Your works.
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All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.
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For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.
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Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name." May God's people have a united heart to fear and worship Him in truth always.
05 July 2015
03 July 2015
Salvation By Shipwreck
Faith in God is demonstrated through trust and obedience. Even when the circumstances of life seem to dictate more sensible courses of action than faith in God, trusting and obeying God no matter what are keys to comfort, rest, and salvation. God never works in the way we might predict, for the ways of God are infinitely higher than those of men. We might have an idea of what God is doing or what we might want Him to do, but God's judgments are not based on our shortsighted, often selfish perspectives. For God's people all situations are worked out for our good.
The Bible is filled with demonstrations of faith by God's people. God allows us to experience troubles, trials, and temptations so our faith and character might be refined as gold. The book of Acts describes a situation when trust in the word of God contradicted men's best ideas or efforts for self preservation. Paul had been arrested and was being transported by ship along with two hundred and seventy-five other men which was comprised of fellow prisoners, guards, and crew. It was a risky time for sailing, but the helmsmen convinced the centurion they could reach a harbour in Crete. Shortly after their departure, they were caught in a great tempest. The crew and men did everything possible to survive.
Acts 27:16-20 reads, "And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up." The men did everything possible to save themselves. They secured the skiff, undergirded the ship, struck sail to avoid running aground, lightened the ship, and finally threw all the tackle overboard. All hope of being saved was finally given up. Yet when there appeared no physical hope or help, God spoke to Paul who in turn proclaimed it to the men on board.
During his address Paul said in Acts 27:22-27, "And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island." Paul urged the men to take heart because God had spoken to him, and promised there would be no loss of life - but only the ship. When there was no hope an angel spoke to Paul and said, "Do not be afraid." Without a shred of physical evidence beyond the word of God Paul took heart, believing that all would be exactly as God said: the ship would be destroyed, but all would be saved.
Not everyone was keen to take God at His word. They wanted to avoid running aground so they continued to take soundings to gauge depth. As the depth gradually reduced and their fear of running aground seemed likely, some of the crew secretly decided to take matters into their own hands. Their own efforts had been useless to that point, but were unwilling to remain on the ship despite God's promise. Can't we do the exact same thing? While pretending to let down the anchors, they lowed the skiff from the side. Acts 27:31 says, "Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." For God's word to be confirmed, all those on board needed to meet God's conditions: stay on the ship until it runs aground, and then all will be saved. Should some leave in disobedience, they would jeopardise their own lives and even the centurion who remained on board.
The passage concludes the next day in Acts 27:40-44: "And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land." What the passengers feared most God allowed to happen to them, yet trust in God's Word brought salvation: all escaped safely to land. God did not withhold violent waves from tearing the ship into pieces, nor did He preserve the ship. When all hope was lost, God provided hope through shipwreck.
The disciples were shattered and afraid when Jesus Christ died on the cross. All hope seemed lost. Yet Satan's apparent victory was no defeat for God, for Jesus Christ rose from the grave immortal and glorified as He said. It was in His death and resurrection all can have salvation and life. It is in our dying to self - in losing our lives for the sake of Jesus - that we find everlasting life, love, salvation, and indescribable joy. Do not fear the shipwrecks or trials by fire God allows in your life, for it is in the tempest or the furnace of affliction God will meet with you, speak comfort to you, and provide hope for you and others. When all hope is lost, do not lose heart. Those who trust God and His Word will never be put to shame.
The Bible is filled with demonstrations of faith by God's people. God allows us to experience troubles, trials, and temptations so our faith and character might be refined as gold. The book of Acts describes a situation when trust in the word of God contradicted men's best ideas or efforts for self preservation. Paul had been arrested and was being transported by ship along with two hundred and seventy-five other men which was comprised of fellow prisoners, guards, and crew. It was a risky time for sailing, but the helmsmen convinced the centurion they could reach a harbour in Crete. Shortly after their departure, they were caught in a great tempest. The crew and men did everything possible to survive.
Acts 27:16-20 reads, "And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up." The men did everything possible to save themselves. They secured the skiff, undergirded the ship, struck sail to avoid running aground, lightened the ship, and finally threw all the tackle overboard. All hope of being saved was finally given up. Yet when there appeared no physical hope or help, God spoke to Paul who in turn proclaimed it to the men on board.
During his address Paul said in Acts 27:22-27, "And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island." Paul urged the men to take heart because God had spoken to him, and promised there would be no loss of life - but only the ship. When there was no hope an angel spoke to Paul and said, "Do not be afraid." Without a shred of physical evidence beyond the word of God Paul took heart, believing that all would be exactly as God said: the ship would be destroyed, but all would be saved.
Not everyone was keen to take God at His word. They wanted to avoid running aground so they continued to take soundings to gauge depth. As the depth gradually reduced and their fear of running aground seemed likely, some of the crew secretly decided to take matters into their own hands. Their own efforts had been useless to that point, but were unwilling to remain on the ship despite God's promise. Can't we do the exact same thing? While pretending to let down the anchors, they lowed the skiff from the side. Acts 27:31 says, "Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." For God's word to be confirmed, all those on board needed to meet God's conditions: stay on the ship until it runs aground, and then all will be saved. Should some leave in disobedience, they would jeopardise their own lives and even the centurion who remained on board.
The passage concludes the next day in Acts 27:40-44: "And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land." What the passengers feared most God allowed to happen to them, yet trust in God's Word brought salvation: all escaped safely to land. God did not withhold violent waves from tearing the ship into pieces, nor did He preserve the ship. When all hope was lost, God provided hope through shipwreck.
The disciples were shattered and afraid when Jesus Christ died on the cross. All hope seemed lost. Yet Satan's apparent victory was no defeat for God, for Jesus Christ rose from the grave immortal and glorified as He said. It was in His death and resurrection all can have salvation and life. It is in our dying to self - in losing our lives for the sake of Jesus - that we find everlasting life, love, salvation, and indescribable joy. Do not fear the shipwrecks or trials by fire God allows in your life, for it is in the tempest or the furnace of affliction God will meet with you, speak comfort to you, and provide hope for you and others. When all hope is lost, do not lose heart. Those who trust God and His Word will never be put to shame.
02 July 2015
Our Hope for Healing
"For thus says the LORD: 'Your affliction is incurable, your wound is severe.
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There is no one to plead your cause, that you may be bound up; you have no healing medicines.'"
Jeremiah 30:12-13
There is no cure in this world for the ills which plague men. The "self-help" section of shops and libraries has not diminished because of the success of previous editions. New books are written to build upon the faulty foundation that man is able through effort to better himself. The detestable nature of our hearts and afflictions of mind and body cannot be addressed by human means. We have all sinned, and sin ultimately brings death. Surgery does not cure, nor does therapy heal. Our lives are one of physical decline, and all society with us. Our affliction is incurable, and our wound is severe.
Those who believe lasting positive change in the world can by implemented through government programs, laws, taxes, religion, or tradition chase a mirage. Only the LORD who accurately diagnoses the condition of men is able to do anything to cure it. If a doctor treats a man for a common cold who has AIDS, his treatment will be ineffective and pointless without addressing the source. The problem is not a runny nose or sore throat, but a systemic problem which weakens the body's defenses. Treating symptoms without dealing with the cause only temporarily masks the problem.
If we were to ask "the man on the street" what is the biggest problem in the world today, he would no doubt supply an answer. There are a plethora of potential responses. The follow-up question is the more difficult one: "What would you do or how could you fix the problem?" Our affliction is incurable, our wound severe. There is no one to help plead our cause, no one to bind our wounds we have suffered, and no balm to promote healing. There is only one hope for this world: Jesus Christ. He is the One who raises the dead to life, gives those who trust in Him new hearts, supplies the Holy Spirit who comforts, convicts, helps, and instructs, and makes us new. Naaman was cured from his leprosy by dipping seven times in the Jordan River at the word of Elisha the prophet, and all are washed clean from sin through the application of Christ's shed blood by faith. A relationship with Jesus Christ transforms our perspective and provides unshakable hope in a hopeless world.
Luke 4:17-21 speaks of when Jesus went into a synogogue in Nazareth: "And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." 20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." For all who hear and trust in Jesus, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. There is no earthy cure for what ails you, no medicine to heal your broken heart. But if Jesus is able to cause the blind to see, the lame to walk, and the dead to live again, He can restore you to wholeness! With a word He cast out demons from a distance, and by His Word the world was created. He rose from the dead, proving His power over sin and death. Because Jesus lives, He can be your life.
20 June 2015
The Joy of Heaven
The life we live on earth is more than a springboard to eternity. The abundant life provided through faith in Christ is to be lived in light of eternity. Though eternity is forever, our lives during this temporary season on earth are important. Our motives for living for God today and seeking the salvation of others matters.
Ask yourself: why do I want to go to heaven? Is it primarily for hell-avoidance, your own comfort, or so God will receive glory eternally from your life? Why is it important for you to know loved ones or even total strangers go to heaven? Would it be a relief for you to know they will be in God's presence forever because they will be safe, or is it because God deserves their praise and worship for eternity? Is our view of heaven obscured by motives less pure than the everlasting glory of God? It is ironic heaven is only heaven because God is there, and yet our picture of heaven can be clouded by who else will or won't be there, what activities we will enjoy, or how we will live. Whether the thoughts of men are in the gutter or the clouds, the central figure considered by the natural man is universally self.
God loves and cares for all people, and therefore it is fitting we do too. But since we as Christians will share eternity in the presence of the God who is holy, is our peace, and loves us without fail, we ought to care about serving, worshiping, and praising Him right now. I ought to lament - not the fact someone might not spend eternity with Jesus Christ - but that they are robbing Him of praise and honour on earth today. I ought to mourn over my own faithlessness, forgetfulness, and be determined not to allow an hour to pass when I have not been grateful to commune with my heavenly Father, humbly submitting myself before Him. Basking in the grace and love of God, what a joy it is to meditate on His goodness towards all people!
Since God should be the central figure of our lives today, He also ought to be our focus concerning the eternal state. His glory, praise-worthiness, and magnificence ought to consume my life. His love and gracious gifts compel me to spend and be spent for His glory, and the transition to eternity will only increase my capacity for communion and worship. God is hosting an eternal celebration for the ages, and to focus on any other aspect of heaven aside from Him misses the point. Praise the LORD, for He is good. Let us do all we can to glorify God in reaching people with the Gospel, so the Lamb of God will receive the reward of His suffering - not primarily for us or them, but for Him!
Ask yourself: why do I want to go to heaven? Is it primarily for hell-avoidance, your own comfort, or so God will receive glory eternally from your life? Why is it important for you to know loved ones or even total strangers go to heaven? Would it be a relief for you to know they will be in God's presence forever because they will be safe, or is it because God deserves their praise and worship for eternity? Is our view of heaven obscured by motives less pure than the everlasting glory of God? It is ironic heaven is only heaven because God is there, and yet our picture of heaven can be clouded by who else will or won't be there, what activities we will enjoy, or how we will live. Whether the thoughts of men are in the gutter or the clouds, the central figure considered by the natural man is universally self.
God loves and cares for all people, and therefore it is fitting we do too. But since we as Christians will share eternity in the presence of the God who is holy, is our peace, and loves us without fail, we ought to care about serving, worshiping, and praising Him right now. I ought to lament - not the fact someone might not spend eternity with Jesus Christ - but that they are robbing Him of praise and honour on earth today. I ought to mourn over my own faithlessness, forgetfulness, and be determined not to allow an hour to pass when I have not been grateful to commune with my heavenly Father, humbly submitting myself before Him. Basking in the grace and love of God, what a joy it is to meditate on His goodness towards all people!
Since God should be the central figure of our lives today, He also ought to be our focus concerning the eternal state. His glory, praise-worthiness, and magnificence ought to consume my life. His love and gracious gifts compel me to spend and be spent for His glory, and the transition to eternity will only increase my capacity for communion and worship. God is hosting an eternal celebration for the ages, and to focus on any other aspect of heaven aside from Him misses the point. Praise the LORD, for He is good. Let us do all we can to glorify God in reaching people with the Gospel, so the Lamb of God will receive the reward of His suffering - not primarily for us or them, but for Him!
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