The Need for Exhortation

"Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; ¹³ but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

Hebrews 3:12-13

Lately I've been thinking about the believer's need for exhortation.  We are called to humbly receive exhortation and also exhort others as led by the Holy Spirit.  Based on the Hebrew passage which exhorts us to exhort one another daily, the Christian's need for frequent exhortation is fundamental as the unbeliever's need for the Gospel.  Without receiving the Gospel no man can be saved, and without exhortation our hearts tend towards hardness.  To exhort is to call near, invite, and entreat, whether it be to call out sin or to urge to do right. 

There is a difference between knowing what is right and doing what is right.  Humility before God and men puts us in a posture to receive exhortation from God's Word and other people.  Since God can speak through a donkey if He wills, it should not be a surprise He can even use unbelievers as His instruments to correct and instruct us as it suits Him.  There are many people who believe in God who do not follow Jesus, and there are many disciples of Jesus who lose their way because their hearts have been hardened by sin's deceitfulness.  This is one reason why genuine fellowship with other believers is a critical part in our spiritual health, growth, and fruitfulness.

As we go through our days, it is easy for us in difficult times to lose perspective.  The life of Jacob provides such an example after he sent his sons to Egypt to buy food.  After hearing a report of the rough treatment of his sons, how Simeon was required to remain in Egypt and Benjamin was required to go on the next trip, old Israel felt like all was against him.  Genesis 42:36 records his response to his sons under the weight of the trial:  "You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me."  Israel was wrong about Joseph and Simeon.  Joseph was alive and second in command in all Egypt, Simeon was kept safe, and Benjamin would be granted royal treatment upon arrival in Egypt.  Israel felt everything was against him when the Almighty God was for him.  Ultimately Israel caved out of necessity for food and allowed his sons to take Benjamin to Egypt, and sometimes it takes exhortation from others to prompt us to do what is right and needed.  After Israel obeyed revelation and blessing came.

How good it is to hear from God, and praise Him for using others to minister to our need - sometimes it is a word in season we didn't even know we needed.  As we follow Jesus in faith, let us plow up the fallow ground of our hearts so we might receive the good seed of God's word and the exhortations of others who urge us to cease from sin and honour God.

Light, Gladness, Joy, and Honour

Wicked Haman sought to do the Jews harm and deceitfully wrote a law which commanded their destruction.  Messengers were sent out to 127 provinces that the Jews - all men, women, and children - were to be killed and their goods plundered on the 13th day of the 12th month.  The people were perplexed to hear this command, and the Jews grieved and mourned.  God used righteous Mordecai and queen Esther to make known the plot of Haman to king Ahasuerus, and Haman was hanged for his crimes.  But the law remained, for the laws of the Medes and Persians cannot be undone.

Though the old law could not be changed, the king granted Mordecai authority to write a new law.  The description of the new law is conveyed in Esther 8:11:  "...by these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives--to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions..."  The Jews were commanded to ready themselves on the 13th day of the 12th month to be avenged on their enemies.  In response to the new command throughout the land the people rejoiced and were glad.  See what is written in Esther 8:16-17:  "The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honour. ¹⁷ And in every province and city, wherever the king's command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them."

I find this response remarkable!  Though the law remained that the Jews were to be slaughtered and killed on the 13th day of the 12th month, they rejoiced and celebrated the new law which commanded them to gather and defend themselves from their enemies.  Instead of darkness they had light; where once was gloom and sadness they had gladness and joy.  Dishonour had been replaced with honour, and many of the people chose to become Jews in light of their unity, power, and their great God who works such deliverance.  The new law prompted the Jews to gather for feasting and to proclaim a holiday.  Not really the sort of thing you would expect when the enemies were readying themselves to attack, is it?  If we knew the 13th day of the 12th month was coming, we might stockpile weapons and ammunition, devise a plan to defend from attack, and prepare for war.  But the Jews celebrated like they had already won - because they had.  God had overthrown the wicked schemes of their enemy and gave them all the authority and power they needed to defend themselves.

Isn't this a beautiful parallel of how the Christian ought to live in this world?  Because of our sin the Law condemns us to face the wrath of God and eternity in hell.  There is no escape from death which hunts down our bodies and souls.  But God, because of His great mercy towards sinners, sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.  The Old Covenant of Law remains, yet through the shed blood of Jesus a New Covenant has been established on better promises.  Colossians 2:13-15 reads, "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, ¹⁴ having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵ Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it."  The Law that brought death was put to death by Jesus on the cross for all them who trust in Him, and it is in the power of Christ's resurrection we live.  Through Him we have light, gladness, joy, and honour.  Think of it!  The world dishonours Christ and those who follow Him, but we have honour from God by His grace.

We miss the mark when we respond with violence to those who oppose our Saviour, for He has declared victory through His resurrection.  It is an appalling contradiction when believers look to carnal weapons or law for safety when only God is our Deliverer and Help.  Though enemies of God rally together for the destruction of God's people, we can have light and be glad because our Saviour fights for us.  Jesus has promised to preserve and present us faultless before the Father with exceeding joy.  People throughout 127 provinces chose to become Jews though a law remained which demanded their blood because of the unity and joy of God's people.  May it be people in every nation, tribe, and tongue will chose to renounce a life of sin and follow Jesus because of the love, joy, and peace of God we can have in our Saviour who loves us.  It is fitting to close with Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Don't Feed the Birds!

I spent the first half of this week at the Collaroy Centre which hosted the "Refresh" conference put on by the Calvary Global Network.  It was a lovely spot with the benefits of sound biblical teaching, fellowship, and worship of God.  The lush area was home to many varieties of beautiful and loud birds like sulphur-crested cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets.  In the outdoor seating area signs were placed on the tables which read, "Do Not Feed the Birds."

There are several reasons provided in Australia for people to restrain themselves from feeding wild birds.  One reason is the offer of free food (which may not be the most healthy for them) can reduce their ability to forage for food in the wild.  If they are conditioned to regular feeding their diet will also not be as varied as it should be.  Whilst those are valid reasons, another reason is most likely why the Collaroy Centre prohibits people from feeding birds.  According to the ABC, "Animals that expect to be fed by people can become aggressive, harassing people for food when they are hungry."  Nobody trying to relax on the veranda wants to be swooped by aggressive, squawking birds, and birds have been known to rip into wood and do serious damage to property.

Thinking about feeding wild birds reminded me about what is written in Galatians 6:7-8: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."  The lustful desires of the flesh could be likened to wild birds that when fed become increasingly aggressive and do great damage.  Sulphur-crested cockatoos are notoriously persistent after they have targeted wood on your home.  Passive deterrents are often not enough!  Many people have been forced to guard their homes from the birds by netting and spraying the pesky parrots with the hose until they understand the house is not worth the trouble.  Feeding wild birds invites mischief, and choosing to feed the flesh creates far greater problems than money or hard labour alone can repair.  It creates sinful struggles you carry everywhere, and only Jesus can provide deliverance.

Sowing seeds will produce a crop according to the variety of seed sown, and when we sow to the flesh we will certainly reap corruption.  It is sowing to the Spirit - having the good Word of God implanted in our hearts and walking in obedience - which results in blessing and eternal life.  We do not earn salvation by our good works, but as born-again citizens of heaven we are divinely enabled to walk uprightly.  One cannot help the fact wild parrots roost nearby, but we should think twice before feeding them.  We all have fleshly desires, but they are to be governed in submission to God.  When it comes to seeking to placate the flesh in ways which do not edify or leads to sin, we must take intentional action to stop doing wrong, repent, and choose to do what is godly.  Passive deterrents may not be enough when the flesh has been stirred even by mistake.  Praise the LORD He has given us the wisdom from His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make godly decisions.

When we are vigilant to avoid indulging fleshly lusts, we create a safeguard for our lives and prevent trouble.  It is in seeking the LORD and doing what is right that results in enjoying the victory provided us through faith in Jesus.

Consider Jesus!

"Happiness depends on what happens," I have heard some say, and often this is true.  Feelings are useful but are also fickle.  One moment we can be happy and carefree, and the next we can feel the weight of the world upon us.  An example of this phenomenon is seen in Haman after he was invited by the queen to a special banquet with the king.  He had not only enjoyed the hospitality and company of the king and queen, but he had a banquet the following day to look forward to.  It seemed everything was right in the world.

Esther 5:9 reads, "So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai."  Haman was in a great mood because the privilege afforded him, but the sight of Mordecai sitting there filled him with anger.  All the happy feelings were gone in an instant because one man was sitting when Haman wanted him to stand in respect.  How amazing is this!  After calling his family and friends Esther 5:11-13 says what happened next: "Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king. ¹² Moreover Haman said, "Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king. ¹³ Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate."

Haman had all the wealth, fame, power, prestige, and relationships one could hope for, yet he felt all his possessions and honour were nothing because one person refused to do what he wanted.  Haman could not perceive it, but it was not Mordecai who robbed him of any glory or honour:  it was his own pride which defrauded God.  In robbing God of glory by demanding honour for self, Haman experienced deep dissatisfaction.  A mistake Haman made was thinking he would feel better if he was rid of the sight of Mordecai and all the Jewish people (just for good measure).  There is no genuine peace or comfort to be found in this world, but our stubborn unbelief reckons it can be found if other people or our circumstances change.  Pride and vanity always lead to great disappointment, misery, and sorrow circumstances cannot touch.

Praise the LORD we are never at the mercy of men or our feelings when we seek God and rejoice in His mercies which are new every morning.  There is fullness of joy when we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus looking unto Him.  When we consider all He endured for us sinners we find encouragement to persevere even in the most difficult times.  Hebrews 12:3 states, "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."  The word in the Greek translated "consider" is more than "think about" but to "estimate and contemplate."  It is an accounting term, weighing the evidence and drawing a conclusion based on facts.  When I pass a $20 note to buy a loaf of bread which costs $3, the associate considers the price and money offered and deems it sufficient to finalise the purchase.  In the same way we are to consider the love of Jesus displayed on Calvary for us and press on in faith - not because we feel like it, but because He loves us.  Looking at life through the powerful lens of the resurrection we are enabled to walk in God's power infinitely greater than our own.

The life Jesus lived and the price paid with His shed blood is a payment which covers all sins and overcomes all difficulties for those who trust the LORD.  It may not always feel like we are loved or remembered by God, but look at the price paid in our ledger!  Our adoption papers have been signed with the blood of the pierced Son of God, and His claim on our lives and souls endures forever.  Now as a child of God, how does that make you feel?  Feelings won't be enough to keep you going strong when everything seems against you, but who Jesus is and what He has done and does will.