The Answer Who Comforts

Nothing is too hard for God.  What is impossible with men is possible with God.  Psalm 135:6 says, "Whatever the LORD pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places."  God has absolute power, and His power is always governed by justice, righteousness, mercy, grace, and love.  Such power would corrupt any mere man, but God is more than a man.  He is altogether not like us - finite beings conceived in sin - yet He created man is His own image.

God's ways are past finding out, and His decisions and motives are righteous without question.  Daniel 4:35 records the observations of Nebuchadnezzar, a man whose eyes were opened to God and His glorious ways:  "All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?"  We have as much right to question God as our ability to stop Him!  We cannot rightly ask, but we still do!  Familiarity and ignorance can breed contempt.  Romans 9:20-24 says, "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" ²¹ Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? ²² What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, ²³ and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, ²⁴ even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"

Today I was asked by a child, "How could God allow that three-year-old on the beach to die?"  I do not know.  I do know sin has come into the world and death by sin, but I do not have a sure answer to the specific question - especially to those who are grieving a terrible loss.  Even if I knew all things and could explain God's plan in full, it would be unsatisfactory to those blinded by pain or unbelief.  I can only turn my eyes to the revealed character of God who allowed His own Son Jesus Christ to die as a revelation of His divine love.  As Jesus placed Himself willingly in His Father's hands to lay down His life for sinners, I know I can do the same.  Answers in themselves do not bring comfort:  only God comforts.  Time does not heal all wounds.  But the God of the impossible is a healer, a restorer of souls, a giver of life.

We do not need to defend God, nor did He make man responsible to explain why He does what He does.  But as His child I am called to trust Him, draw near to Him in faith, and thank Him.  I ought to testify of the good, gracious, and just character of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.  We should not be cavalier with the pain of others, and we should walk softly around wounded hearts.  I am convinced God is able to heal my hurts as I cast my cares upon Him.  I have tasted, I have seen, I have experienced God's comfort.  No matter the struggle or pain, I want to echo the immortal words of Job in Job 1:21, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

Satanic Suggestion

For a discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney, we have been reading through an out-of-print edition of Spiritual Leadership.  It is lamentable how the more recent versions have been stripped of original force and power, but thankfully there are plenty of copies for purchase available online.

I was struck with the perceptive wisdom of Sanders concerning the tactics the devil uses to stunt the growth, sap the power, and reduce the fruitfulness of Christians.  Paul was not ignorant of Satan's devices, and neither should any follower of Jesus Christ be.  Satan shamelessly appeals to the opinions of others and our flesh, and works tirelessly to distract and confuse.  Causing us to yield in our pursuit of Christ for even a moment lends him our ears and access to our hearts.  Sanders wrote this in his Christian classic:

The epic contest of Moses with Pharaoh affords a classic example of the progressive temptation to compromise.  When Pharaoh discerned Moses' inflexible purpose to take Israel out of Egypt to worship the Lord, he used all his wiles to frustrate him.  "Worship God if you will," was the first suggestion, "but there is no need to leave Egypt to do it.  Worship God where you are."  The modern counterpart would be "Don't neglect religion. But there is no need to be narrow and make a complete break with the world."

When that approach failed, Pharaoh's suggestion was:  "If you must go out of Egypt to worship, there is no need to go very far away.  Just go outside the borders."  "Religion is good and necessary, but you are not called on to be fanatical about it.  Stay as near to the world as you can."

His next proposal played upon natural affection.  "Let the men go and worship, but there is no need for the woman and children to accompany them."  "Break with the world yourself, if you must, but don't be so extreme as to interfere with the worldly advancement of your family by making them conform to your Victorian standards."

His final attempt was an appeal to their covetousness and love of material things:  "Go if you must, but let your flocks and herds remain in Egypt while you go to worship."  "Don't allow your legitimate religious convictions to conflict with your business interests and activities." (Sanders, J. Oswald. Spiritual Leadership. Rev. ed. Chicago: Moody, 1980. 159-160. Print.)

These all seem like reasonable requests from the world's perspective, but for a follower of Jesus none of them are acceptable.  Satan suggests, but God commands!  Moses was resolved not to leave a hoof behind in obeying God, and we should follow his resolute example!

Ten Fingers, Ten Commandments

Our lives have the potential to make a huge positive influence on others.  For those in church ministry, it may feel like you aren't making much of a difference.  As I think about those who invested time in me as a kid, I remember and appreciate their sacrifice of time and faithfulness to God and His Word.  God is able to use straight-laced folks and complete characters to impact others for His glory.

Ricardo Medina was a man I will not forget.  He was called by his friends the "crazy Cuban," and would wear a cowboy hat, boots and trench coat to church every week.  I heard stories about him going to local churches and being asked to leave because of his wardrobe.  All I know is the man loved the LORD, and he had the heart of a servant.  What I remember the most was the time he stood in as youth leader on a Sunday evening at church.  I was in grade 7 or 8, and though decades have passed I have always remembered the lesson: Ricardo taught us the 10 Commandments using our fingers.  His lesson I have taught to my own children, and many others besides.

I do not know if Ricardo still walks the earth today - seeing as that was about 30 years ago - but if he does I would thank him and tell him I appreciate the lesson he shared in that cramped, panelled trailer  of a classroom.  A man other churches refused entry God used to administer the practical truth of God's perfect Law.  Psalm 19:7-11 reads, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸ the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; ⁹ the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward."  God's Law reveals our sinfulness and desperate need for a Saviour and forgiveness.  We must see our filth before we seek cleansing, and we must recognise our grave illness before we desire a cure.

The 10 Commandments are listed in Exodus 20:1-17.  If you are interested in how to learn the 10 Commandments in order in less than 5 minutes and remember for a lifetime, here you go - compliments of Ricardo Medina!  Place your hands in front of you, palms facing up.  Starting from right thumb to left thumb:

1.  Picture a red "no smoking" type sign on your right thumb.  "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."
2. See how your pointer finger has three segments like a totem pole?  That is an idol.  "Thou shalt not make for yourself any graven image."
3. Keeping your pointer extended, hold out your middle finger to make a "V."  This reminds us, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD your God in vain."
4. Imagine your finger is full of holes, like Swiss cheese.  "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
5. Your right pinky is a small finger, and a locket is very small.  In your locket is a tiny picture of your dad and mum.  "Honour your father and your mother."
6. Make a fist and extend the pinky on your left hand.  It could stab like a knife!  "Thou shalt not murder."
7. The next finger is your "ring" finger, which reminds us of God's covenant of marriage.  "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
8. The middle finger is your longest finger, like a "steel" pipe.  "Thou shalt not steal."
9. This second finger is called the pointing finger, and we sin by false accusation.  "Thou shalt not bear false witness (lie)."
10. When you rub your forefinger and thumb together, it is a sign for money.  To lust after wealth is to covet!  "Thou shalt not covet."

There it is!  Now you too can remember and share the truth of God with others, a legacy which - like God's Word - will endure forever!

The Value of Suffering

Suffering is an intrinsic part of life on earth.  Paul wrote all of creation is currently in the bondage of corruption brought by man's sin.  Romans 8:22 explains the scope and the effects of this corruption that brings death:  "For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now."  It is not all bad news, for as certain as suffering and pain is present on earth, so redemption and freedom for eternity is assured for those who repent and trust in Jesus Christ.  Birth pangs are unbelievably painful, but necessary for the living miracle to be born.

Jesus suffered pain on the cross and drank of the bitter cup of judgment man deserved so those who trust in Him could be delivered from sin and death.  Though Jesus has taken our punishment, pain and suffering is a necessary part of life for we all who are alive and remain - especially for those who take a stand for Jesus Christ and godliness.  Jesus promised tribulation for those who willingly followed Him.  It is also written in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."  Even the desire to live for Christ comes at a cost.  If following Jesus brings an increase of persecution or suffering in this life, why bother?  Because it has been revealed life on earth is not all there is.  Like Abraham, with eyes of faith we look to an everlasting city in the heavens where Christ is.  We do not live for ourselves anymore, having been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, but for the God who loves us and gave Himself for us.

There are more reasons held forth in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5:  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ."  Because our God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, we receive abundant consolation in our sufferings.  No matter what trouble we experience, God's comfort and grace is super abundant.  God's comfort does not eliminate our pain and anguish, but these intense feelings and drive us closer to God in desperation for relief.  Once we have received and choose to walk in God's comfort, we are granted the ability to help others to experience God's comfort as well.  Wouldn't you love to be able to comfort those who are in any trouble?  We do not need to have suffered the exact thing someone else has to lead them to the God who can comfort them too (though it sometimes helps).  The more we suffer, the more comfort is available to us by God, and the better we are able to help others.

If the lives of Christians were always easy and prosperous in a worldly sense, people would not be struck with the supernatural peace, joy, and contentment which is a stark contrast to others in the world in the midst of trials.  Even worse, people would see Christ as a means of financial gain and selfishly seek Him.  Paul had learned in whatever state he was to be content, and he rejoiced more in prison suffering for Christ than wealthy rulers who lived in palaces without Christ.  Suffering for a Christian has a redemptive aspect the world cannot know or experience.  Praise God for His abundant consolation in our sufferings, for we ourselves are comforted by the God of all comfort.  God can use suffering in our lives to receive His comfort and to lead others to take refuge in Him.  We all desire to be fruitful and used by God, and suffering refines and equips us through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will.  Everyone suffers, but God wants all to be comforted.  And He wants to use you to do just that.