The Christian's Work

Our local shopping centre recently had a visit from a local member of parliament, and volunteers were out early putting up signs to advertise the one-hour event.  I even had someone come to the door with her flier that touted what the local MP was doing to "fight" for better mobile phone coverage in our suburb.  The repetition of militant phrases of "fighting" for residents and promises to "keep fighting" if elected again struck me as rather odd as a representative of a party that boasts the majority government at a local and federal level.  I would much prefer the Labour party (or any party for that matter!) to faithfully work for the good of the citizens and residents rather than fighting.

God's people have the assurance of Scripture the battle is the LORD's, and I trust Him to help us more than an arm of flesh, political party or politician (2 Chron. 32:8).  Secular government generally operates without acknowledgement of God, His wisdom or ways, and ironically atheistic government positions itself to be a godlike entity people are encouraged to trust to act in their best interests, to provide for their needs, to protect and "fight" against injustice.  Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD, those who look to God for their provision of daily bread, shelter, help and peace--in the life that now is, and in the life God provides for eternity.

When Jesus was criticised for doing what some considered "work" under the Mosaic Law, He corrected their understanding in John 5:17:  "...My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."  God has always been at work to accomplished His plans and purposes concerning all created things and humankind, and Jesus worked as well.  This statement angered the Jewish rulers because they rightly viewed it as Jesus making a claim of equality with God, since He called God His Father.  Jesus taught those who are of His kingdom ought to put their hand to the plough without looking back, for we are called to be God's workmen who need not be ashamed (Luke 9:62; 2 Timothy 2:15).  Doing good works is a purpose of our salvation as it is written in Ephesians 2:10:  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

While soldiers engaged in warfare provide good illustrations and insights concerning our walk of faith in Jesus, I find the workman concept to be even more useful and practical.  The example Jesus provided in person as He walked and taught in Israel was not taking vengeance on enemies or "fighting" anyone but that of a faithful friend, a farmer, beast of burden, a labourer in the field who worked while it remained day.  If we only exert our efforts in fighting we may never edify or build each other up in faith in God.  Since the battle is the LORD's and Jesus has claimed the victory, we do well to set our minds to work to trust, obey and follow Jesus as the people in Nehemiah's day banded together to build the wall (Nehemiah 4:6).  We do well to walk in the footsteps of Jesus who said in John 9:4, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."

Living By Faith

We enjoyed a blessed Bible study last night in the book of Matthew at Calvary Chapel Sydney.  In the midst of the study we came upon words of Jesus that are among His more obscure statements, yet they are instructive and reveal how God's ways are higher than the ways of man.  After responding to disciples of John the Baptist who had been imprisoned, Jesus revealed him to be the greatest prophet ever--yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  Jesus would usher in a new covenant in His own blood to redeem people from the curse of sin and impute righteousness by faith in Him never revealed to prophets of old.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:12-13, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. ¹³ For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John."  The point was well-made in the study that violence is not always bad in itself, for strength, eagerness and vehemence can be directed in doing good.  Yet there is no question violence can be destructive, as violent waves have power to break ships apart and sink them.  The prophets, including John the Baptist, were subjected to violence by evil men who falsely accused them, threw them into prison and killed them.  The kingdom of heaven endured the violence of satanic opposition, yet he was unable to prevent God establishing His kingdom in the hearts of redeemed people by the Gospel.

I read the phrase "The violent take it by force" as a general statement in regards to how the violent take kingdoms (or whatever they want) by force.  Kings are overthrown by armies or murdered by assassins so a new regime can rise.  God's kingdom, unlike kingdoms of this world, cannot be overthrown or taken.  God does not stoop to the violent tactics of wicked men who live by the motto, "Might makes right."  Instead, God chose to draw people to His everlasting kingdom with goodness and gentleness.  All the prophets and the law prophesied until John concerning God's truth, and John the Baptist was called by God to herald the coming of the long-awaited Messiah.  Rather than employing violent force, Jesus revealed God's kingdom is established on the basis of God's love for lost sinners.  Imprisoning John and murdering Jesus did nothing to overthrow God's kingdom or bolster the powers of darkness, for there is no force able to overcome the almighty God.

Jeremiah 31:3 says, "The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."  God will not force anyone to come to Him or become citizens of His kingdom, yet God has demonstrated His love powerfully by Jesus laying down His life for sinners.  How forceful our love should be in light of God's love for us!  Our passion for the truth of the Gospel ought to be declared by our deeds as well as words.  The NLT renders verse 12, "And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it."  The advance of God's kingdom is unstoppable because God drives it forward, and God's people are His chosen instruments to speak the truth in love, to pray for our enemies and preach the Gospel.  Throughout history God's people have faced violent opposition, yet by faith in Jesus He makes us to stand and endure unscathed--refined as gold.  As citizens of God's kingdom, rather than taking by force we live by faith in Jesus.

Sovereign God's Will

I started reading through a book recently titled Christ and Human Suffering by E. Stanley Jones, and there was an interesting chapter that compared various worldviews along with Christianity on the view of suffering.  I was particularly intrigued when the views described concerning other religions converged with the outlook of some Christians I have observed.  It is possible, despite our understanding or best efforts, for genuine believers to lean towards secular, humanistic or religious approaches to suffering rather than a biblical one that walks in step with Jesus by faith in Him.

For instance, Stanley wrote concerning the "Moslem" approach:

"The Moslem attitude toward suffering is perhaps simpler than any other attitude.  The Moslem is impressed with the sovereignty of God.  All that happens is his will.  He has predetermined and predestined all that happens.  The good and the evil that come upon us are alike his will.  The attitude of the faithful is to submit to that will.  Islam literally means submission to the will of God.  The Moslem view of suffering, therefore, is to the accept it as the will of God and submit to it...Islam, great and noble in many ways, has nevertheless sterilized the life of vast portions of the East, because its acceptance of inequalities and sufferings as the will of God lays a paralyzing hand on any civilization that adopts it.  It is an opiate." (Jones, E. Stanley. Christ and Human Suffering. 1933. New York, The Abingdon Press, pp. 60–61. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.‌)

I have observed Christians who, when awed by the omniscience and sovereignty of God, can adopt a fatalistic view of God's will that credits (or blames!) Him without consideration of human agency or God's redemptive power.  One can mistakenly assume everything that happens must be God's will when God allows human beings to act contrary to His will continually by sin (2 Peter 3:9).  The Bible says clearly it is not God's will any should perish, yet He sent His own Son Jesus to enter humanity and taste death for every sinner.  By paying the price atonement requires with a righteous sacrifice, by death God could swallow death forever and offer eternal life for all who trust in Him.

Christians ought to be impressed with the sovereignty of God, but we should never use His sovereignty as a cloak for our sin of doing what we please and assuming God approves of it, or to shirk our responsibilities when God has chosen us to do His will revealed to us in His word.  Because God is a Saviour and sovereign He is able to redeem what was intended by man or Satan for evil and use it to do great good.  God's sovereignty ought to move us to submission under His loving and gentle hand even when circumstances feel harsh and painful, for faith in our good God enables us to stand according to His will.  God is sovereign, and has also given people the freedom to choose how we will respond to the circumstances of life.  God has provided something infinitely greater than an opiate for our pains by His presence and promises, and He empowers us to be fruitful and spiritually prosperous by His grace with all He allows.

We are not made noble by suffering alone, but it is noble to suffer and continue to praise God with gratitude and thanksgiving of which He alone is worthy.  Pain can cloud our outlook and negatively colour our attitude, yet the love, grace and goodness of God provides comfort and peace beyond words for those who choose to entrust their lives into His hands.  By faith in Christ we know God, and knowing we are known and loved by Him shifts our perspective to seek Him and to do His will He helps us to do as 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:  "Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

The 4:15 Club

Exclusive clubs have conditions of membership and entry, and the cost can be so prohibited only the affluent can apply.  Only those deemed worthy are able to join such clubs.  Clubs for dancing and drinks are exclusive for people aged 21 and older.  There are clubs people would rather not be included in like the "27 Club," which is a list of musicians and celebrities who died at 27 years of age.

As I was mowing today, I thought of a "club" I was part of for about 7 years.  I don't remember how it came about, but me and a group of guys from church wanted to meet up regularly but evenings were too busy with work and family.  So my dad, myself, and 3 or 4 others from church remedied this by meeting at a Denny's Restaurant every Tuesday morning at 4:15am.  Christmas and New Year's Day were the only days we did not meet.  Men would come and go, usually because of moving away, and when one left another would show up.  The "4:15 club" continued to meet for years after I moved to Australia, and I saw many of those early risers at my dad's memorial service.

We didn't meet early in the morning to draw attention to ourselves or because it was a big sacrifice to prove our devotion to the LORD; it was simply the time that worked for a lot of us who worked in trades.  Meeting together in person allowed each us to positively impact one another as disciples of Jesus.  Sometimes my dad would provide a book for us to read and/or discuss and we talked about verses from the Bible as well as our present lives.  Everyone had the opportunity to share and contribute to the conversation.  We were able to be a godly witness to the waitresses, praying for them and one another as we enjoyed fellowship over Grand Slams and oatmeal.  Our humble gatherings, led by the Holy Spirit, were fruitful and an encouragement to all willing to attend.

The "4:15 club" illustrates the lasting, positive impact our lives as Christians can make on others for the glory of Jesus Christ by spending time with them in person.  The cost of sacrificing an hour of sleep was a bargain in exchange for the deeper friendship and fond memories of brothers in Christ who faithfully sharpened each other week after week.  Friends, what might you do to meet up with fellow Christians on a regular basis outside of church to encourage one another?  What keeps you from meeting up with Christians--not to create an exclusive group or impress people--but to join your life with others in Christian fellowship to bring God glory?  How enriched are the souls who give of their time and effort to love others by a simple act of buying and eating breakfast together!  As Psalm 133:1 exclaims, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"