Say It Like It Is

A Melbourne cafe has been international news of late for a chalkboard sign which clearly states the shop's principles.  The part which had people talking was the 18% tax placed upon men to draw awareness of a "gender pay gap" according to statistics.  As a man, the statement of the cafe being a "space by women for women" does nothing to make me feel like a welcomed or valued patron.  I appreciate the candour of the establishment, but I would choose to buy coffee elsewhere.  They are free to to business as they want, and I am free to buy coffee or a meal at the venue of my choice.  Works for me!

Whether you agree with the ideology of the cafe or not, one thing I applaud management for is taking a clear stand even when it is a debatable or potentially unpopular one.  Instead of creating a meaningful conversation, however, this sort of stance seems to promote division and isolation.  Followers of Jesus have to navigate the troubled waters of society in trusting obedience to Christ whilst lovingly reaching out to people who are staunchly opposed to Him.  Jesus said we shouldn't be surprised when people hate us because He was hated first - and He only did what was right!  Christians face conflicts outside and inside the church, not to mention personal conflict within us.  We seem to bounce between vilifying fellow believers by legalism and ignoring or even accepting sinful conduct as good in an attempt to show grace.  It is a challenge to ensure our beliefs are reflected in personal morality according to the truth stated in the Bible.

It is the Holy Spirit and the bold declaration of the Word of God which will help us navigate the troubles and conflicts we face daily.  When Joshua entered the land of Canaan and was granted victory by God at Ai, Joshua built an altar to the LORD and wrote out the Law given to Moses.  Joshua 8:33 then states, "Then all Israel, with their elders and officers and judges, stood on either side of the ark before the priests, the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the stranger as well as he who was born among them. Half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel."  In the congregation of Israel there was a mixture of people:  elders, officers, judges, priests, Levites, and even strangers.  The Law was read plainly without apology, for this was the word of the LORD.   All people in the gathering were exposed to the truth.  No one had to remain among the people of Israel who sought to obey God, just like no one has to eat at the cafe in Melbourne.  Nothing was being forced down anyone's throat.  But for those who chose to remain among God's people they were to hear the truth and obey it, submitting to scripture to shape their beliefs and lives.  It is expected for people in the world to go their own way and follow their hearts, but in our congregations the Word of God must be declared boldly to all and we are accountable to it.  We should not skip over difficult or controversial bits.  We should not try to tweak the Bible to align it with current philosophies or because it could divide.  We should not apologise for how offensive it may be to modern minds.  Would to God His Word would provoke conversation, but more than that:  personal transformation of our hearts and minds.  That's something only God's Word can do.

When we boldly declare God's Word in a spirit of meekness, gentleness, and humility as Jesus did, we will do well.  Many problems and divisions in the church exist because we have not been faithful to do so.  We have not called sins what God calls it:  sin.  The Bible ought to be preeminent in our meetings and messages so people are exposed to God's declared truth, even as Joshua wrote the Law on stones or the policies of the cafe in Melbourne were plainly written in chalk for the whole world to see.  Before very long people who are around us should realise we believe the Bible is the literal Word of God, we believe it without apology, and God help us - we will put it into practice.  If this offends them, we understand and will keep loving them.  Our resolve must shine forth that regardless of threats, protests, or even legal action we will never, ever budge from our allegiance to God and make no apologies for His clearly revealed truth.  God alone has the words of life, and we ought to value His Word above our own lives.  If they are not true we truly are without hope.

Our Real Need

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

I have been often reminded of these verses lately, and these words has been refreshing to my soul.  One might think the rudimentary principles of the faith are dry and boring, but the reality is quite the opposite.  How much insight and wisdom for life are plainly stated in these verses!  It is one thing to remember or comprehend the meaning of the scripture, but another thing entirely to see it consistently a reality in my life.

Lately I have been considering things I can do to share the truth of Christ with others.  I have much I am already doing, but my heart desires to do more.  There is no no shortage of need in this world, and countless causes which are genuine and worthy of pursuit.  But God has used the process of being prepared for ministry whilst working in a trade and the saga of immigrating to Australia and becoming a citizen to show me I can expend much effort and thought in trying to accomplish myself what only God can do.  He is the One who clearly opens doors and graciously provides the ability to pass through them in His time.  Caleb and Joshua had walked through the land of promise as spies, but it was 40 years later before God led them in as conquerors and caused them to dwell therein.  God sometimes gives us a glimpse of something which moves our hearts with desire and expectancy, but the fulfilment remains in the future.  Faith affirms that in His time, God will bring it to pass - and may even use us in the process.

Proverbs 3:5-6 remains relevant in all seasons of our lives as we follow Jesus.  We need to trust the LORD with all our hearts, with undivided affections and obedience.  It is very easy for us to lean on our own understanding and walk by sight and not by faith in God's Word.  Joshua leaned on God for the victory at Jericho, but leaned on his own understanding and the opinions of men before the failure at Ai.  When we acknowledge God in all our ways, we will walk wisely.  Those who only acknowledge God in areas of their lives work folly as Achan did and corrupt rather than strengthen.  He was obedient to follow the Ark of the Covenant and the priests as they walked around Jericho, but took for himself of the spoil which had been claimed by God as His own.  As we are led by the Spirit of God, abiding in God's love, He will direct our paths; He will make our path clear and straight.  In keeping the Word of God we will rightly discern the will of God.

These verses have renewed the exhortation that I trust God will all my heart and acknowledge God in all my ways.  Leaning on my own understanding leads to confusion, disillusionment, and conflict, but God will direct my paths when I seek Him first.  Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 6:26-33, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ²⁸ So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Praise God He provides all we need when we seek Him.  He knows what we need, and since our ministry unto Him is His work, He will guide and direct us in the right way without fail.  How glorious it is when we realise our deepest needs and longing are not met by our efforts or sacrifice but are satisfied completely in Him.  Help me to truly learn and remember this Father!

Reproach Rolled Away

There is great richness found in the Bible.  Details which are minor and seemingly insignificant can help us better understand other passages of scripture.  My morning Bible reading finds me in the book of Joshua, and I am enjoying reading the familiar passages as if it is the first time.  One detail which stood out to me like never before occurred after the children of Israel passed over Jordan on dry ground.  Obedience to God was required before a visit from the "captain of the LORD's host" and the victory at Jericho.  God commanded the males to be circumcised, for during the 40 years after the exodus from Egypt no males had been circumcised.  Circumcision was commanded under the Law and important because it identified people with the covenant God made with Abraham.

Joshua 5:8-9 states, "So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. ⁹ Then the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day."  The name "Gilgal" means "circle of stones, rolled away."  The circumcision of the flesh was the path to healing and wholeness, for in the voluntary shedding of blood people submitted to God in obedience.  The people bore the reproach of Egypt and their neglect of obedience to the Law for decades, but God graciously rolled their reproach away.  "Reproach" is shame and disgrace, and only God can free us from the burden of sin.  It is not the circumcision of the flesh which is now required, but the circumcision of our hearts by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Deut. 30:6; Acts 15:8-9).

After Jesus was crucified on Calvary, He was wrapped in linen and buried in a tomb carved out of solid rock.  A massive stone was laid on the opening, secured with Pilate's seal, and guarded by Romans.  The sins of the world had been laid upon Christ, and He carried our guilt and shame.  When He rose from the dead, the stone was rolled away from the opening of the tomb.  This reminded me Jesus has rolled away the reproach of sin and shame for all who repent and are born again through trust in Him.  We must be regenerated according to the new covenant in Jesus' blood before we can have our shame rolled away, be at peace with God, and walk in the victory He delights to give us.  In one sense Calvary is our Gilgal, for Jesus has rolled away our reproach and made us righteous in His sight.  Glory to God!

Why Are You Anxious?

Are you a person who defines yourself as a worrier?  Anxiety is something everyone battles or succumbs to in varying degrees, and through Jesus Christ we can conquer it.  I don't know anyone who enjoys being anxious, but I know many people who are.  Worrying is so common in many people's lives they do not even recognise when they are carried away by worries like driftwood in floodwater.  When we follow the "what if" road to the final destination we discover it is a circuit that only leads to more worry without an end in sight.  Recognising our tendency to worry is a key step to seeking the deliverance we need by the grace of God.

Jesus commanded His disciples not to worry.  He said in Luke 12:24-30:  "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? ²⁵ And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ²⁶ If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? ²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? ²⁹ And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. ³⁰ For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things."  Instead of worrying about circumstances, stuff, or the future, the eyes of a child of God are to be fixed on Him with expectancy, realising He knows our needs and is able to supply them.  In Sydney there is abundant wildlife, and God daily provides for the many beautiful birds that roost here.  Worrying or considering every possibility does not provide the power to address my problem.  Jesus asked, "If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?"

Having one bird as a pet requires a fair bit of planning, resources, and care, yet God is able to supply the needs of all.  A child does not grow by worrying, and flowers do not bloom by working at it.  If we will answer Christ's question honestly, we worry because we really do not trust Him.  We cannot see how God could redeem a situation, so we wonder if He will.  In our desperation to see our needs supplied worry blinds us to God's past provision and promise to provide presently.  Instead of seeking what to eat or drink, we are to seek God and His righteousness (Luke 12:31).  The greatest need we have in this life is to trust God and repent of our sin, and this includes worry.  We typically justify our anxious minds because no one seems to realise the gravity of our situation as we do; our situation feels like an sensible exception to the command of Philippians 4:6-7:  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

The things we worry about are the things we ought to pray to God about - with thanksgiving!  We often do not know the peace of God because we have not met His conditions to seek God and make our requests known to Him.  When we choose to thank God in any circumstance without an anxious mind, it reveals we actually are walking in faith.  Then the peace of God will guard us from all worries, fears, and cares of this world which try to worm their way into our minds and hearts.  Praise the LORD this peace does not depend on my resolve or ability, but through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us.  We cannot help worrying, but God will help those who ask Him believing and thanking Him no matter what.