Ditching the Crutches

Years ago I tore my ACL and was on crutches for awhile during the rehabilitation process.  While I would have preferred not to have needed crutches to walk around, they helped me move more easily in the early days of recovery.  Right after surgery the medical team wanted me up and bending my leg, embracing the pain to be back on my feet and working towards full health.  My physical therapist gave me exercises to strengthen my body, and the plan was to rely on the crutches less and less.  After a couple of weeks, the crutches were stored in the garage where they have remained unused to this day--and hopefully will not be needed again.

The subject of crutches came up for me while studying this week.  After gathering the prophets of Baal and the people of Israel together to Mt. Carmel, the prophet of God Elijah addressed everyone in 1 Kings 18:21:  "And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word."  I looked up the Hebrew words translated "falter between two opinions" and it is to "limp between two crutches."  It was evident the loyalty and reliance of the people was split between the God of their fathers and Baal, an idol of Canaan.  The visual of a person limping on two crutches is compelling, for that is how some people relate to the almighty God.  They view Him as a means of support and help, and when the difficulty or pain has passed they put Him away.  In a time of need they will reach for Him again, just like I would those dusty crutches if I sprained my ankle or tore an ACL again.

This illustration begs the question:  don't we do God a grave dishonour to attempt to use Him as a crutch?  Crutches possess no power to heal our injuries, and their usefulness completely depends on our strength and dexterity.  It is entirely possible we have been like the children of Israel and faltered between two crutches, limping along trying to use God or anything else that will deliver us from pain or support us so we can arrive at our desired end.  God is not a crutch that we should lean on Him:  He is the God who saves, heals and guides us to walk with Jesus by faith, who raises us to new life.  Jesus healed the blind and lame; He opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed lepers and raised the dead!  Why should we be content to lean on Him when we are hurting but alternatively lean on idols or people, relying on our own faltering strength?

No one said a word after Elijah confronted the people for faltering between two opinions.  After the people saw God miraculously consume the offering Elijah offered with fire from heaven, 1 Kings 18:39 tells us, "Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!"  Like a lame man who jumps to his feet and casts aside his crutches having been miraculously made well by Jesus, the children of Israel fell on their faces and acknowledged the LORD is God alone.  God's will is for us to be living sacrifices unto Him, and by God's grace we have been made holy and acceptable to God by the shed blood of Jesus.  Even if our bodies carry old injuries, spiritually speaking we have been redeemed to have a relationship and by faith walk unencumbered with the living God today.  Those who try to use God like a crutch will remain spiritually lame--even if their faith in God is genuine.  Isn't it time to ditch the crutches?

Standing and Sent

After Joab and David's men routed Absalom and his army, the biblical narrative shares an insightful interaction between the general and Ahimaaz.  2 Samuel 18:19-21 reads, "Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, "Let me run now and take the news to the king, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies." ²⁰ And Joab said to him, "You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king's son is dead." ²¹ Then Joab said to the Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." So the Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran."  Ahimaaz was keen to run to the king with news, but Joab sent a Cushite (a man of Ethiopia) who was an eyewitness of the events of the day.  The Cushite was obviously a trustworthy man and well-spoken, for Joab did not put words in his mouth or coach him at all.

Ahimaaz, however, would not be deterred.  2 Samuel 18:22-23 says, "And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, "But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite." So Joab said, "Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?" ²³ "But whatever happens," he said, "let me run." So he said to him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite."  Ahimaaz continued to pester Joab to allow him to run as well--even though he was not sent with a message.  Joab questioned Ahimaaz why he would run without news, yet this did not matter to Ahimaaz.  He was good at running, and thus he wanted to run.  Joab finally allowed Ahimaaz to run, and it seems he was not behind the Cushite before long because he took a short cut across the plain and passed him.  It wasn't a race, and Ahimaaz was given no news, yet he wanted to be first.

The watchman saw a man running at a distance by himself, and then a second runner came into view.  2 Samuel 18:27 tells us, "So the watchman said, "I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." And the king said, "He is a good man, and comes with good news."  Like Jehu who drove his chariot with a distinctive, furious style, so the running style of Ahimaaz was known to the watchman so he recognised his running gait long before his face was distinguishable.  2 Samuel 18:28-30 states, "And Ahimaaz called out and said to the king, "All is well!" Then he bowed down with his face to the earth before the king, and said, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king!" ²⁹ The king said, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" Ahimaaz answered, "When Joab sent the king's servant and me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I did not know what it was about." ³⁰ And the king said, "Turn aside and stand here." So he turned aside and stood still."  Though Ahimaaz ran well, he lacked knowledge to answer the one question asked by his king.  Ahimaaz claimed to have been sent by Joab (when it was Ahimaaz who insisted he run), and ironically ran all that way to expose his own ignorance before his king he wanted to impress.  David told Ahimaaz to stand aside, seeing he had nothing of importance to say.

2 Samuel 18:31-33 reads, "Just then the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, "There is good news, my lord the king! For the LORD has avenged you this day of all those who rose against you." ³² And the king said to the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" So the Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man!" ³³ Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept...".  We are never told the name of the Cushite, but having been sent as an eye-witness of what took place that day, he masterfully held forth truth that moved David to tears.  Ahimaaz had a reputation and distinct style as a runner but lacked substance as a messenger.  The contrast between Ahimaaz and the Cushite is an illustration of the word of the LORD through the prophet Jeremiah which is relevant for us today.

Though the nation had forsaken God, there were false prophets who spoke a "vision of their own heart" and not from the mouth of the LORD.  They promised peace when God intended to bring judgment upon His people for their wickedness.  God said in Jeremiah 23:21-22, "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. ²² But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings."  There are many self-proclaimed prophets who claim to speak for God, and they can be recognised by their television programs, stage presence and best-selling books.  Genuine prophets can be popular, like John the Baptist was.  But the point is, it is possible for charismatic and gifted speakers to prophecy a vision of their own heart without a message from God--like Ahimaaz who was intent on running when he had no message from Joab.  Rather than running to speak at a conference or write a book without a message from God, they ought to have stood in His counsel and spoken forth God's word.

This is an important principle to take to heart in Christian ministry, whether we are recognised for our style of speaking like Ahimaaz was known for running or like the Cushite who was unknown and remains nameless.  It may be our role is to preach a sermon every week, lead Bible studies and speak at conferences on a regular basis.  Let us be intentional to stand in God's counsel and cause people to hear God's words--not the vision of our hearts.  As eye witnesses of our great God, let us examine our hearts and motives to ensure we have been sent by God and He has spoken to us words we have received before we run to speak to others.  Ahimaaz never answered the question why he wanted to run so badly when he didn't have a message, and the same question could have been posed to the false prophets in Jeremiah's day.  It is a question best left unanswered if we are unwilling to give an honest answer.

Let us be those who stand in God's counsel, and when He sends us to deliver His message may we run our race with joy.  I would rather stand in God's counsel rather than God telling me to stand aside because my words lack substance.

Strife Prevention

During my time working as a union mechanical insulator, our industry expanded to include firestopping.  This had nothing to do with fighting fires but was intended to contain fires and prevent them from spreading--especially in commercial buildings.  Wherever ducts, pipes and electrical conduit penetrate concrete floors and walls, fire and toxic fumes could potentially spread and endanger the lives of people trying to evacuate.  Most applications required packing the penetration with rock wool and then adding a layer of firestop caulking that, when heated, would expand and fill the gap left by melted pipes or wiring.  Stopping the spread of fire allows more time for people to escape and for firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

While not everyone is trained to install firestopping, it is everyone's calling as children of God to be one who takes action to ensure the fires caused by lies, boasting or gossip stop with us.  As fire is contained by a fire-rated corridor or door, so we are to stand in the gap to recongise gossip and take no part in spreading it.  We sometimes cannot control what we hear, but we are called to ensure we honour God and edify others with our lips.  James showed how our tongues can express sin that spread like a fire and is shockingly destructive in James 3:5-6:  "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell."  A spark can set a whole forest alight, and a little gossip can burn relationships to the ground.

Once a fire is "out of control," there is little we can do to try to control it.  Prevention of fires is better than needing to fight them, and the science of fire is fairly straightforward:  a fire needs fuel, oxygen and an ignition source.  If any of these three are not present, fires will not start; if one of these is removed, a fire will cease to burn.  Proverbs 26:20 says, "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases."  Talebearers, busybodies and gossips--whatever you call them--provide the fuel for strife by saying things about others in a sinful manner.  Proverbs 20:19 gives insight how gossip and flattery can go together:  "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips."  The NIV puts it like this:  "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."  A little gossip can do great damage, and thus we ought to carefully consider what we say and why.  Gossips are like arsonists that find perverse enjoyment in lighting fires.  Such have great pleasure in being in the know, spreading stories and seeing people's eyes widen in wonder at their words.

Proverbs 11:13 states, "A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter."  It is estimated by some nearly half of the bushfires in Australia are deliberately lit, and I suspect a lot of people who hear and spread gossip are unaware they have done or are doing so due to the subtlety of sin.  Gossip, boasting, flattery and lying are easy for us as speaking.  Perhaps those who gossip imagine they are doing good, like firefighters who backburn to eliminate fuel before the summer heat.  Yet the Bible is clear that talebearing--regardless of the justification--only adds fuel to a fire to make it burn out of control and stirs up strife.  There will always be good stories to tell others, but be sure all stories you tell are your own and spoken to edify others.  Let us be those who snuff out the drifting embers or flames of gossip with the refreshing Living Water of the Holy Spirit, guided by love and truth.  We who used to be talebearers can now serve as talestoppers by God's grace and prevent strife.

Decreasing and Growing

Filled with the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist was a man who demonstrated humility.  He was a man who had understanding of God's calling and purpose in his life, one crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the LORD Jesus Christ.  His sanctified life in the fear of God led people to follow him, and he was faithful to lead his disciples to follow Jesus.  John embraced turnover in his ministry, for as he said to his disciples who were concerned about the notoriety, attention and followers Jesus had that seemed to detract from John's efforts:  "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)  John knew his ministry was to point people to Jesus so they might follow him instead, and he was content to continue baptising people to proclaim Jesus as the One who baptises with the Holy Spirit and fire.

As a parent, it is good to know our children are gifts from God we are called to love, provide for, guide in godliness by example and faithfully discipline.  When we have fulfilled our role as parents, knowing our children are on loan because they are really God's, we are able to better embrace the changing seasons when kids grow into adults and have their own families.  A bow is meant to shoot arrows, and children are not to be permanently attached to their parent's string.  They must go out from us in due time, and we can delight in the new seasons God brings of marriage, grandchildren and friendship--even when we are parted over a long distance or space of time.  Since our rejoicing is in the LORD who gives all good things, we can be glad in future seasons God has in store for us.  They will be different than when our kids were little but are beautiful in their own way, enriched by time with the LORD and one another.

Growing pains are not just for the young but are also experienced as we grow older and face changes and challenges from advancing seasons of life, work and ministry.  A time comes when we cannot physically do what we used to enjoy doing in the past.  It can be hard for people who are used to doing everything to need to rely on others for help.  It is easy to lose a sense of purpose when we cannot contribute in ways we have in the past.  Just recently I decided that when the day came people no longer wanted me as speaker at a youth camp I would embrace it--despite feelings of rejection that come with being overlooked, to be a last resort rather than first preference.  Like I have outgrown suits, sometimes we do not fit into a role we still feel comfortable in.  By God's grace we can embrace roles we find very uncomfortable, strengthened and encouraged that the LORD has set before us an open door.  These opportunities, even when they aren't our idea or preference, are wonderful reminders God has more for us to do.  This exercise of faith to honour Jesus over ourselves brings spiritual growth.

I was reminded during study of the words Jesus spoke to the church in Philadelphia, that He had set before them an open door none could shut.  The God of patience and comfort is the God who sets before us an open door, and we enter that door by faith in Him who is the Door.  Sometimes we do not recognise or even perceive the open door because of hindrances that can distract us from God's goodness and sovereignty.  A severe illness or our advancing age may close doors to us, but know as long as we live Jesus has set before us an open door.  Even on a sickbed we are not without ability to serve the LORD in meaningful ways by praying and praising Him for His goodness.  Strip away from me the roles as pastor, camp speaker, husband and dad, and the LORD remains as worthy of worship and thanksgiving as ever.  In heaven I will be none of those things, and yet God is pleased to welcome me into His presence as His son right now.  In a world that makes increase an idol, let us be those who are joyfully willing to decrease so Jesus Christ may increase.  Whenever we notice a decrease in our ability, know and praise the LORD in our weakness God's strength is made perfect and thus He can increase--despite our lack of production.