Windows Of Heaven

The Bible speaks of opening the "windows of heaven," and this is used in a literal and a metaphorical sense.  When God judged the earth in the days of Noah, the windows of heaven were opened to send a deluge of water which covered the planet (Gen. 7:11).  This term is also stated figuratively in a promise to those who give their completed tithe in Malachi 3:10:  "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."  The windows of heaven are figurative, but when opened can provide quantifiable increase and fruitfulness from God.

It appears the windows of heaven are able to pour out judgment upon the unbelieving wicked and blessing upon those who fear God and are obedient to Him.  There is only one other occasion in scripture when this phrase is used, and it contains a useful application.  The city of Samaria had been besieged by the Syrians and the situation was dire.  The famine had grown so severe people had resorted to eating their own children to survive.  Though the seige had been long and the outlook hopeless, God promised a complete and almost immediate reversal of the situation in 2 Kings 7:1-2:  "Then Elisha said, "Hear the word of the LORD. Thus says the LORD: 'Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.' " ²  So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, "Look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?" And he said, "In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it."

The adviser to the king could not believe the word of the LORD spoken through Elisha.  With the horrors he had seen perhaps he wondered if God existed at all, and if He existed was He able to make windows in heaven to supply their needs?  It seemed beyond improbable; it was impossible and unthinkable!  Through miraculous circumstances, the two-fold prophesy of Elisha did come to pass:  God provided abundant provision and salvation for the people in Samaria, and the man who did not believe saw with his eyes but did not eat of it because he was trampled by starving people in the gate.  The lesson for us is there are windows of heaven, and God is able to open them.  He is able to bless and curse, to destroy and save.  He is the God of the impossible.  Those who believe God are those who will see and receive the good things God has prepared!

"Set For Life"

When someone strikes it rich with money and fame, it is commonly said they are "set for life."  This is spoken of inventors, musicians famous for a "one hit wonder," actors, athletes with multi-million dollar contracts, corporate executives, and people born into great wealth.  I understand what is meant by the phrase, but I believe it masks an obvious lie because it does not take eternity into account.  Money and fame in this world provide privilege and opportunities coveted by many, but they have a downside as well.  Fame opens doors as well as closes them.  Money is useful but has its limits, and its personal benefits perish when a man does.

This morning I heard the beloved actress Carrie Fisher, famous for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars movies, suffered a massive heart attack and is in critical condition.  I pray for her recovery.  She is a world-famous actress whose net worth is counted in the millions, and some might say acting in the original Stars Wars trilogy had her "set for life."  The words of Jesus contradict this idea.  He said life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15).  Our life is compared in scripture to transient things like a vapour, grass, or a flower in a field which is here today and gone tomorrow.  Money cannot supply life.  There is more to life than money or toil on this planet, for the souls of men were created to endure forever.

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 16:24-26, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ²⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ²⁶ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"  The only man who is truly set for life is the one who loses their own life for Christ's sake, the one born again through faith in Jesus.  There is infinitely more to life than what we call "the good life" on earth.  There is more to life than food, clothing, a career, fame, sex, music, and acquiring stuff.  We all like the idea of being "set for life," not having to worry about money in an uncertain world.  But God would have us without worry even when we do not have money, knowing our future is secure through Jesus Christ.  When we do have money the hearts of Christians should not be set upon it, but look to God who bountifully supplies our needs (Psalm 62:10).

Only the followers of Jesus are "set for life."  Life does not consist in good health, fame or recognition from others, money, in holidays, travel, or earthly security.  Life is found in losing our lives for Christ's sake, for in Him is eternal life we will enjoy forever.  Are you "set for life?"  What does it profit to gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

Heed Your Shepherd's Voice

Jesus often taught in parables, sharing profound spiritual truths through simple stories and illustrations.  These parables were much more than metaphors or a literary device designed to cleverly disguise the truth:  for those who believed Jesus, it would reveal truth from God impossible for unbelievers to comprehend.  God is the author and sole source of all divine wisdom, and He is the One who reveals Himself and provides guidance to those who trust in Him.

Jesus said in John 10:1-6:  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.   2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.   3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.   4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.   5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."   6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them."  Jesus is the exclusive Way; He is the Truth and the Life.  The only authorised way to be accepted in the flock of God and become a citizen of heaven is to come through the Door, entering through faith in Jesus Christ.  Because the people did not understand what Jesus meant (a very common occurrence - people often understood what Jesus said but had no concept of what He meant!), He went on to say in John 10:7-9, "Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

Jesus made an effort and took time to patiently teach people, and He offered explanations to those who didn't understand.  Often Jesus was approached by His disciples after the crowd dispersed and inquired into the meaning of His sayings and parables.  The Gospels all show Jesus was glad to answer these queries.  The passage above shows two major distinctions of the sheep in God's fold and those who have come another way:  they have entered it the correct way through Christ, and they follow Jesus because they know (or recognise) His voice.  These are good questions for self examination:  have I repented and trusted in Jesus as Saviour?  In my daily life do I obey the words of Jesus, fleeing from and rejecting all other voices I recognise are not Him?

As followers of Jesus and sheep of His pasture, we ought not be fooled by voices other than Christ which softly beckon for our attention.  They appeal to our good sense, sound reasonable and intelligent enough, and are attractive.  Yet if we will examine these various voices through the clear lens of scripture and the things Jesus Christ has already spoken, the messages of deceit are unmasked.  Comedy is all about good delivery, and good words are all about sound biblical content.  If the original message is lost, the messenger has failed in his task despite his polished speech and courtesy.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we must heed His voice and will almost instinctively flee from all others.  But as human beings we do not share the instincts of sheep.  We are allowed the freedom to weigh words and choose what we will believe and obey.  We can be led astray, and this world is filled with potential suitors.

If we will be saved, then we should listen to our Saviour.  This is only reasonable, and looking no further than myself I can say at times my feelings and ideas are completely unreasonable!  For this reason I must ensure I am listening for the voice of Christ and choosing to follow Him, not giving ear to imposters.  The most clever sheep are those who realise they are not so clever after all and choose to stay close to the Good Shepherd who loves them and leads them in an abundant life.

Value God's Gifts

Christmas is a wonderful celebration of the best gift ever given:  Jesus Christ.  He has brought forgiveness, eternal life, and liberty to all who believe.  All in this life we love and appreciate is a gift from God who graciously loves us.  The things God gives are beyond price.  Family, relationships, and a joyous future cannot be earned or be bought with money.  We can trade these things for money and stuff, but that is another post.  The question is, do we appreciate the value of what God has given us?

Placing value on gifts is very subjective.  There are gifts we appreciate more than others, perhaps because of the monetary resale value.  We can value gifts which were not expensive at all but show care and thoughtfulness of others toward us.  I have kept many gifts which have no monetary value at all but treasure them because they were given to me by a loved family member who has passed away.  Our memories of people can be perpetuated in little reminders like birthday or Christmas cards.  Other times we appreciate a gift because it is better quality than we would buy for ourselves.  And then we value gifts which are so useful or practical we wonder how we lived without it!

When it comes to gifts from God, some of these reasons for thanksgiving and appreciation are relevant.  The gifts God gives are beyond price and therefore are not for resale or trading in.  I would also say if we view spiritual gifts or priceless promises of God with a sentimental lens, this is indicative of a break of relationship with God.  Since we are to be in a presently growing, vibrant relationship with God, sentimental feelings likely suggest we are mourning current distance between us and God.  The gifts God gives are intensely practical, for there is no life apart from Him.  God gives us little reminders all the time of His presence and care for us.  We should treasure these.  How often God has given gifts better than we could have ever imagined!  Let us repent when we have treated gifts from God as common things.

Cards and heartfelt notes are commonly displayed for a season and then filed away or recycled.  Christmas and birthday gifts are used for a while and then can collect dust.  They were appreciated for a while, but for whatever reason lose their lustre.  Is it possible the gifts God gives us are treated in similar fashion?  Or is there found in us a heart of appreciation and gratefulness, remembering God's grace and thanking Him for the good gifts He has given?  It is good for us to maintain good works using the talents and gifts God has provided.  How healthy it is for us to do personal inventory, acknowledging what God has already given us.  We don't need to be afraid of being left out, for it is God's good pleasure to give the sheep of His flock the kingdom (Luke 12:32).  God gives us many things we can only use rightly when we give them back to Him.  I think of the twenty-four elders throwing their crowns at the feet of the Lamb.  That's the perfect response for Christians when we receive authority, wealth, and gifts from God

What is more practical than love, acceptance, and eternal life?  That's what God has given to us, and may our lives be a revelation of all this and more to others for the glory of God.