Walking Miracles

It is expected and predictable for sceptics to distort the truth of God's Word through unbelief, but there is no excuse when professing Christians explain away the miraculous in favour of naturalistic interpretations.  Some seem compelled to avoid any subjects or doctrines which might offend modern (often secular) sensitivities.  There are few things as stomach churning for me as the almost grovelling and apologetic, hand-wringing, or soft-selling approach to the proclamation of God's Word.  There is always a place for grace and tact, but no place should be given to tamper with the true message of the Gospel to avoid potential offence of unbelievers, and in our politically correct day even Christians.

It is important we translate the meaning of unfamiliar words or terms with people, but as God's messengers we abuse our role should we attempt to dull the sharp edge of scripture intended to cut.  C.S. Lewis wrote in an address titled "Christian Apologetics," "Do not attempt to water Christianity down.  There must be no pretence that you can have it with the Supernatural left out.  So far as I can see Christianity is precisely the one religion from which the miraculous cannot be separated.  You must frankly argue for supernaturalism from the very outset." (Lewis, C. S., and Walter Hooper. God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2014. page 99)  The miraculous is central to Christianity because Jesus Christ is.  He is revealed in scripture as Creator of all things, the self-existent I AM, the One who baptises with the Holy Spirit and fire, the Lamb of God who was crucified for the sins of the world, rose from the dead, and lives eternally.  Having defeated death and Satan, Jesus Christ forever reigns supreme with all authority in heaven and earth - without apology.

How strange it is people can believe in the salvation of eternal souls through faith in Jesus but reject the biblical account of creation, the existence of Adam and Eve as actual people, the flood survived by Noah and his family, and on.  Since I believe God supernaturally created the heavens and the earth from nothing, having established the many natural laws which people have discovered, it is nothing for God to go beyond man's understanding and do what we deem impossible:  who but God can cause light to shine in the darkness and make life spring forth from death?  The Christian life is one supernaturally created and sustained by the living God, and every follower of Jesus is a walking miracle.  If we abandon the miraculous for naturalistic explanations or superstitions of a previous age Christianity is nothing more than a mirage of self-help which cannot save a soul.

Labour For Food Which Endures

When a huge crowd gathered to see Jesus He asked Philip, "Where shall we buy bread to feed all these people?"  John 6:6 says, "But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do."  Philip, on the other hand, had no idea what to do.  Before he could bring himself to think about what bakery would have enough food on hand for 5,000 men plus their families, he knew they did not have enough money to buy it!  He responded that wages earned over eight months (200 denari) would not be enough to adequately feed those assembled.  Hard labour wouldn't put a dent in the needy sprawled around them.  Jesus did not ask out of ignorance, but to test Philip because He already knew what He was going to do.

Perhaps overhearing the conversation, Andrew piped up in John 6:9, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"  In light of the crowd, five loaves and two small fish were nothing, hardly significant.  I imagine Andrew felt a little silly even mentioning the boy's lunch.  Yet in the hands of Jesus, this small portion would be multiplied to satisfy the most ravenous among them to the full.  After Jesus directed the people to sit down He took the bread, blessed, broke it, and handed it to His disciples to share until all were satisfied.  When they had finished eating, Jesus sent the disciples to gather the fragments and 12 baskets were filled - beyond thousands of hungry mouths!  A most notable miracle was done by Jesus that day.

After Jesus departed with His disciples, the following day people went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to meet with Him.  John 6:26-27 relates, "Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. ²⁷ Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."  Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the multitude so they might recognise He was the son of God, the one who gives eternal life.  The people, however, largely missed the point.  They were willing to cross the sea for a free meal, but faltered at the point in trusting in Jesus for eternal life.  After this mild rebuke and exhortation, Jesus explained He is the Bread of Life, sent from heaven people were to partake in through faith.  Food and drink will sustain a person for a matter of days, but the broken body and shed blood of Jesus on Calvary for us is effectual by faith to provide eternal life.

This passage ministers comfort to my heart, even as those small loaves and fish brought satisfaction to all who sat down to eat - so much so they searched and crossed the sea for more!  The Bible and the words of Jesus in the eyes of some people are insignificant and nothing special, but what peace, strength, and joy they provide to believing hearts.  Many ate the loaves, witnessed the miracle, but the impact Jesus intended was missed by unbelief.  It is not that Jesus said or did the wrong things:  people took them the wrong way.  Sometimes we may think our words (or even God's Word!) are insignificant or ignored, but God is able to take a sentence or word and use it to transform the lives of others by His gracious power.  There are a lot of voices in the world, many ideas which are erroneous and misleading, even deceitful or distracting, but the Word of God rises above the all.  Like when Jonathan tasted the honey and his eyes lit up, so it is when we receive God's Word for us, owning it gladly in faith.

This morning I read the words of Jeremiah 15:15-16:  "O LORD, You know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. In Your enduring patience, do not take me away. Know that for Your sake I have suffered rebuke. ¹⁶ Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts."  The prophet Jeremiah faced hard times, especially because people would not hear or obey the word of the LORD.  But Jeremiah was encouraged by God who knew him, who remembered and visited him.  Verse 16 says Jeremiah found God's words which suggests he sought, recognised, valued them, and took them to heart.  God's Word was the "joy and rejoicing" of his heart because he was called by God's almighty name.  How awesome is the power and influence of the Bible on believing hearts!  When we have eaten to the full there is more than scraps left over.

A Keeper

When I went fishing as a kid, we were taught to keep and eat what we caught - that is, if the fish was edible and a keeper.  At Lake Cuyamaca there was a no-release policy regardless of size, but in the ocean bass and halibut had to be an appropriate length. We were also told if we caught a garibaldi to release it because it was the California state fish and protected.  Many times we caught fish that were just an inch short, but we kept the law by throwing them back.

There's plenty of fish in the sea, it is said, and this cliche is often used in reference to people.  In the right time of life it is important to choose the right person to be a lifelong spouse.  A woman may have many potential suitors, but it is her choice which man is a "keeper."  Unlike fish, height or weight probably has little to do with it.  As a follower of Jesus Christ she needs to determine if he also is a man of faith:  will he be faithful, a provider, and rear children who know the LORD?  Does she love and respect him?  Is she willing to commit the remainder of her life in a covenant before God to be united as one in marriage with him?

As I read the Bible this week I was amazed by the love of Jesus, that He gave His life to purchase the church.  The church is comprised of sinners who in themselves are no prize at all:  I am not a "keeper" because I do not measure up to God's righteous standard in any way.  The love Jesus demonstrated in sacrificing Himself to save sinners is the way a husband ought to love his own wife.  Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:28-30, "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. ³⁰ For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones."  Jesus nourishes and cherishes each member of the church like we are His own flesh and bones.  How miraculous is God's love and acceptance!

In the history of the world I doubt a man has chosen to marry a woman who he knew was a compulsive liar and thief, committed adultery with every person she laid eyes on, was a drunkard and drug addict, in poor health, cursed him to his face when he visited her in prison, and told him she hated him above all others.  I can't imagine any sensible man happily saying at the prospect of such a match, "What a dream come true!  What a catch!"  Compared to the holy purity of God I was worse than this ridiculous character, but Jesus loved me with an everlasting love.  He saw me as a keeper when I was fit only for eternal punishment and death in hell for my sin.  Jesus saves all who trust Him as Saviour, He transforms us from within, and will keep us forever.

1 Peter 1:3-5 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."  How great is our God who gives an eternal, living hope to those fit for destruction!  We are not keepers, but because Jesus loves us He delights to be our Keeper.

Acceptable to God

It's ironic how knowledge is capable of hindering learning.  A great challenge is presented for those who have gained understanding to keep their minds open to new ideas which could also be true.  We were born needing and wanting to learn, and it's possible along the way we have latched onto deceptions we are convinced are true.  In a world filled with deceit, conspiracies real and imagined, and boldfaced lies, when we find the truth we ought to hold fast to it.  Followers of Jesus Christ have the Bible which is a source of genuine truth with does not change, and how privileged we are to have a fixed point of reference as the wind direction and sand continues to shift.

A question for believers is how to best deal with those who hold to faulty interpretations of scripture and their minds are closed on the matter.  The first perhaps is to realise you too may be that person; you have been that person.  I have been rigid in belief where God is flexible, and I have harshly judged people to whom God gives more grace.  Haven't your views changed over the years?  God was patient in His sovereign manner in teaching us, and we ought to give Him time and space in faith to teach others as well.  Romans 14:1 says, "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things."  Paul went on to explain there is unity in Christ between those who eat meat or only each vegetables, between those who observe a day as special and others have no such conviction.  I could add to the list those who drink alcohol and teetotallers, those who believe the earth is round or flat, or concerning eschatology.  Each of us are called to be convinced in our own mind, not expend all our energy in trying to make others agree with our opinion.

But they are plain wrong, something inside you protests.  And they are leading people astray by their beliefs or example!  Ah, but they are not leading you astray, correct?  How concerned we can be about the beliefs of others when it is before God alone we stand or fall, and God is able to make others stand.  Romans 14:3-4 says, "Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. ⁴ Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand."  It is clear God makes allowances for differences we judge as wrong:  should we reject whom God has received?  Our personal convictions matter, and the convictions of others matter too.  Most of the time these differences of belief have nothing to do with the nature of God or the Gospel but are topics of far less importance.  If you are willing to go to war and die concerning a matter of opinion or interpretation with a believer, you may be the extreme and unbalanced one.  If someone else is preoccupied with a particular doctrine and you are preoccupied with them, what is the difference?  We all need Jesus!

Paul went on to say in Romans 14:10-13:  "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ¹¹ For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." ¹² So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. ¹³ Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."  Knowing someone is family changes our perspective about them.  We have been made one with Christ through faith in Him, and we are part of the same body.  Instead of trying to trip up others or push their buttons, to shame and humiliate over opinions, we are to edify one another in our holy faith.  In Christ we have much more in common than the combined total of our differences in perspective, opinions, or preferences.  We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ where we will give account for ourselves before God - with no mention of others or their beliefs.

If you become aware of a difference in doctrine or practice, we should be careful to avoid offence in that area.  Love dictates that if I know someone is a vegetarian, I will consider this when preparing a meal for them - even if I enjoy eating meat.  It is not an opportunity for me to win them over to my view by preparing select cuts.  If I know someone has sworn off alcohol, it shows kindness to avoid drinking around them.  Our differences need not be a constant topic of conversation since the love of Christ binds us together as brethren forever.  There is naturally in all of us a desire to be heard, to show ourselves right and others wrong, to stubbornly hold our ground, and frankly to a large degree this springs from pride.  Love is quick to listen, slow to speak, and is not easily angered.  Instead of being a grief to others, let us follow the exhortation of Paul to love one another and walk on a higher plane of grace as Romans 14:17-18 explains:  "...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men."  If we desire to be approved by men, how much more should we desire to be acceptable to God by walking in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit!

Hear and God Will Speak

"Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God!"

Psalm 50:7

If people are unwilling to listen, it is pointless to speak to them.  Because God loved His people He spoke to them, revealed Himself to them, and gave them His laws.  When the Hebrews heard God speak from Mount Sinai in power they begged for Moses to speak with God, to interceded on their behalf "lest they die."  Nothing was lost in communication between God and Moses, but subsequent generations were raised who did not know God.

Pious Jews were faithful to keep the Law given to Moses and offered sacrifices.  Their lives were filled with religious activities, worship, and prayer, yet the hearts of the people were not always right before God.  God allowed the nation of Israel to be attacked and plundered, the rain did not fall, and the crops did not grow.  Both in seasons of abundance and famine God sent prophets and raised up priests and Levites to instruct, correct, and shepherd His people.  When God spoke to little Samuel in the night he was instructed to say, "Speak LORD, for your servant hears."  But God's people did not always listen.

Perhaps people wondered why the almighty God remained silent in their plight.  The words of Psalm 50:7 are most instructive:  "Hear, O My people, and I will speak."  I would have expected God to say something like, "When I speak, hear Me."  God told his people he would speak if they would first listen.  No doubt they felt like they had much to say, but they were instructed to listen first.  Unless we seek and listen for the LORD intending to obey, it is no surprise when we do not hear Him.  And if God in His sovereignty knows we are unwilling to hear, at times He will refrain from speaking:  He will not cast pearls before swine.  The last days of King Saul provide an example of a man faced with deafening silence in response to his pleas because he refused to heed the Word of the LORD previously.

If we will hear the LORD, He will speak.  To those under the threat of judgment a gracious promise was provided in Psalm 50:14-15, "Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. ¹⁵ Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."  Our mouths ought to praise the LORD and we ought to keep our word before Him.  If we make a promise and go back on it, it is clear to us words mean little.  Should we not see value in keeping our own word, why should we see God's Word as guiding or binding?  All who are wise desire to hear God speak, and if we will hear He will.  The things He says we ought to take to heart and do.

Misplaced Faith

"And now, because you have done all these works," says the LORD, "and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, ¹⁴ therefore I will do to the house which is called by My name, in which you trust, and to this place which I gave to you and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh."

Jeremiah 7:13-14

It didn't take long for God's people to misplace faith which should have been reserved for God alone.  They hadn't lost faith, but they placed it in the wrong things.  Instead of trusting in God they looked to the temple as a sign of God's favour, blessing, and protection.  The temple was their place of refuge rather than God!  Surely He would not allow enemies to destroy Jerusalem, for it was where He placed His name - so they thought.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God instructed His people to think back to Shiloh where the tabernacle had once stood.  Because of the wickedness of the priests and people He allowed it to become a total ruin.  God had sent prophets to instruct, correct, and warn His people of coming judgment, but they would not listen.  Words proved ineffective so the rod would be required:  God would thresh His people as a farmer does grain because they refused to hear, answer, and trusted in the temple rather than Him.

Perhaps the people foolishly saw the temple and the ministry therein as a great gift worthy of God, along with all the sacrifices, offerings, and service.  In their mind such great honour and worship was a benefit God was unwilling to be deprived of, built at great cost by King Solomon himself.  But had not the word of the LORD come through Samuel which plainly said, "To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)  Micah 6:8 does not mention the necessity of a temple at all to fulfil good things God requires of men:  "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

It is likely God's people heard the worship of the priests and the prayers of the pious but they would not hear God and the prophets He sent to them.  They provoked God to anger with their idolatry, for they gave sacrifices and paid homage to other gods besides Him.  God would allow Jerusalem to fall and the temple to be razed - not only to bring judgment upon wickedness, but for the ultimate restoration of communion and fellowship with His people.  There is always grace in God's chastening.  Despite the grave sins of the children of Israel there was hope in God and His goodness because He sought to refine rather than destroy.  Jerusalem would fall but would be rebuilt; the Jews would be taken into captivity but would be brought back again to the holy city amid revival.

Could it be our faith over time might be misplaced, that we would look to ourselves or our efforts rather than hearing and answering God?  If God will allow a city to fall, won't He allow a man or woman so there might be repentance and restoration of worship in spirit and truth before Him?

Washed and Keeping Clean

We had dogs growing up, and some of the care of these pets fell to me.  I helped clean up after them, walk them, feed, and bathe them.  One especially frustrating thing about bathing the dogs was their lack of connection between being washed and staying clean.  None of our dogs particularly enjoyed being bathed, and it seemed like the first thing they did after their baths they dashed away and rolled in the dirt.  "Sporty," a Cocker Spaniel mix, was well-known for this.  In a ridiculously short time that dog managed to return his dusty, flea-ridden, and filthy state as before.

To me it seemed if Sporty knew he had been cleaned (especially since he hated baths), it would be fitting for him to make an effort to remain clean by refraining from filthy activities.  But Sporty, by nature being a dog (and not a particularly intelligent animal at that!), never understood or realised the connection.  From a tender age children are taught this very thing:  after taking a bath do not roll in the mud - in fact, never roll in the mud because it will mean a scolding, a spanking, or restriction of freedoms now enjoyed.  As children this understanding related to the clothes we wore.  If we were wearing our "nice" clothes we were to take care we did not slide on the grass and stain them.  Eating was to be done in the table and not in bed.  Perhaps you have no problem with eating in bed or in the car, but undoubtedly there are things you take care to keep clean.  A person's room may be a disaster but the same takes care to avoid touching the door in a public restroom after washing his hands.

When we are born again through faith in Jesus, He washes us pure and clean.  Knowing this ought to have a massive impact in the way we behave moving forward - much more than a little boy is aware he just had a bath and ought to take steps to avoid stomping in puddles.  Ephesians 5:1-4 says, "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. ³ But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; ⁴ neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."  It is not fitting for girls in their best dresses to use scissors to cut them to ribbons, nor is it fitting for children after a bath before bed to fling mud at each other.  There is behaviour fitting and unfitting a child of God, and part of spiritual maturity is finding out through scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit what is acceptable or not.  Following the example of Jesus is the safest and best way to conduct ourselves, imitating Him as children who imitate the father they admire.

Brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, our behaviour should not resemble the dog who returns to its vomit or as the fool who repeats his folly, our lives being marked by the very sins Jesus has washed us from.  Having been given a new nature through the Spirit there is no excuse for us to be like senseless animals who do not realise they have been cleansed or how to remain clean after washing.  We should show more care for loving God and others than keeping food out of our beds or germs from our hands.  Since we are washed clean from all impurity our eyes are to be fixed on Christ and our minds on godly things.  And when we find ourselves fallen in the mire of sin we should not wallow like pigs but humble ourselves before God in repentance and receive His cleansing forgiveness by faith.  Having been washed clean to abide in the presence of our King, we should carry ourselves - as much as depends upon us - in a fashion worthy of such privilege.

Best Without Trumpet

The Law governed external behaviour, but God looks upon the motives of our hearts.  It is not only what we do but the reasons why we do it which is of great interest to Him.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:1, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven."  Notice Jesus did not say it was wrong to be seen by others doing charitable deeds, but to ensure our motive for doing so is not personal recognition.  If the reason we serve, invite homeless people to a party, or give money is to benefit our public image, the praises of men will the be extent of our reward.  A pat on the back ends after a second or two, and those praises die out quick.

I believe it is a great thing when athletes or celebrities visit fans in hospital, feed those in need, or provide gifts to kids in schools.  It is a blessing for people to give back to their communities and gladly meet the needs of people around them.  But if those musicians, celebrities, or volunteers aren't willing to do the same without the cameras rolling, the news coverage, oversized checks, and the photo ops, such should not expect a reward from God for it.  This is like a hypocrite sounding a trumpet to draw attention to their worship for credit from men as Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:2, "Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward."  Increased ticket sales, improved public relations, or a more generous or down-to-earth image might be all people hope for, but I would prefer to receive an eternal reward from God which will endure.  Pastors and Christians can also serve to be seen or recognised and thus deny themselves of blessings God delights to give.

Jesus continued in Matthew 6:3-4:  "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."  I cannot speak for others and their motivation for offering their time and money, but God knows precisely why we give, help, serve, or do good deeds.  The secret motives of all the hearts of men are laid bare before the mighty God.  If you feel slighted by serving or giving without recognition or praise from men, it may be that is your primary reason for doing good deeds in the first place.  We should be doing charitable deeds, for Jesus said "when you do a charitable deed," not "if."  Don't do it to post on social media, to boost views or likes, or to gain a following:  do it in secret unto the LORD for His glory.  Take great delight in only the LORD knowing, glad to give a special gift for Him from which others benefited.  Resist the urge to sound the trumpet and our Father who sees in secret will reward openly.

Created to Believe

I find Ephesians 2:8-10 to be most encouraging concerning God's grace.  Paul wrote, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹  not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  No one could deserve or earn salvation, but God grants forgiveness, redemption, and purpose for all who trust in Christ.  We are not approved by works, but being God's workmanship He has prepared works for us to do which glorify Him.  Salvation, as well as the privileges of serving God and others, are God's gifts to us.

In our own strength and wisdom we are incapable of doing anything for God, yet indwelt by the Holy Spirit we are helped to both will and do what God has ordained.  The crazy thing is God did not just make works for us to do, feeding us like raw materials into a machine to churn out a product, but He has especially created us to fulfil a particular role as a part of His Body, the church.  The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah presents a worthy example.  God devised a job for Jeremiah to do, but He also created Jeremiah with to do the particular job He had in mind - like a customised machine or tools are engineered to perform specialised tasks.  When I tried to fix the clutch on my truck, I found the flywheel very hard to remove until I borrowed a Snap-On flywheel wrench.  Having the right tool and the right person called by God for a job is key to accomplishing the tasks God intends.  Crazy He would include us, right?

Jeremiah 1:4-10 reveals the ability of God to create people fit to do a role accomplished only by His grace:  "Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ⁵ "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." ⁶ Then said I: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." ⁷ But the LORD said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. ⁸ Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD. ⁹ Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. ¹⁰ See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant."  The revelation of God's specific plan and calling of Jeremiah was a shock to him.  As a child of God are you blown away to realise before you were born God knew, sanctified, and ordained you for His purposes?  I cannot say exactly what this will entail, and despite our protests has a plan He will see worked out in and through us according to His grace.

God will be with those who fear and trust Him, even as He was with Jeremiah and Paul.  He might not have set us over nations and kingdoms, but Jesus our Saviour is KING OF KINGS.  Many times we do not even know what to say, but He has put His Word into our hearts, minds, and mouths.  We do not need to be afraid because God is with us and will empower us to fulfil the purpose for which we were created, that He may be glorified and praised forever.  All the work God's calls us to is far beyond our ability and comprehension because it is God's work.  If we think ourselves sufficient for the labour and able to endure by our strength, we will falter and fail.  Yet when we look to Jesus Christ we will find our strength renewed, for our life is in Him.  There are many good works God has created us to do, and the first is to believe and trust Him.

The Touch of Jesus

"And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed."  Immediately the leprosy left him."

Luke 5:12-13

Leprosy was a death sentence which ostracised and disfigured its victims without any hope of cure.  This man who is described as being "full of leprosy" sounds to be an advanced case.  Though he was an outcast and unclean under Law, Jesus was willing to touch and heal the leper who placed his faith in Him.  Jesus responded to the man's request and instantly he was made whole.

It is amazing how at the touch of Jesus "immediately the leprosy left him."  The disease instantly departed, similar to demons Jesus cast out of those afflicted.  Who would have believed such a thing was possible?  At least two people:  Jesus and the man full of leprosy.  I wonder if we - and I mean Christians - believe in the power of Jesus to heal, deliver, and make whole like this man did.  Oh, we know Jesus can heal, but we are not convinced He is willing so we do not ask.  We may not be willing, as this man did, fall on his face before the LORD and publicly proclaim his need.  He could have remained resigned to his hopeless condition, yet he looked to Jesus in faith.

How often we can tolerate or endure what Jesus came to deliver us from:  our sinful desires, selfishness, pride, worry, and fear.  I do not believe Jesus came to remove every affliction from us (seeing He has left us in a body of flesh in a world of sin), but He brings hope of a new life.  Afflictions move us to realise our need for divine aid.  He was righteous and in many ways afflicted, and a servant is not above his master.  May God renew our faith in the power and love of Jesus Christ!  He is willing to do more than strengthen us to manage but to overcome.  We might be laid low with physical or mental illness, yet Jesus stands ready to touch and revive us.  He delights to do so even when we doubt and forget He is our Saviour.

Jesus is willing, but are we willing to come to seek Him?  That is the question we must honestly answer.  When we lack the strength to come to Him, know He has already come.  He stands at the door and knocks, imploring we open to Him.  All day long Jesus opened His arms to the nation Israel so they might be gathered to Him, for they were as sheep without a shepherd.  They were not willing:  what makes us think we are any different?  Maybe it took this man being full of leprosy so he might humble himself before his Maker, and God allows many trials and difficulties which seem evil and painful to accomplish His good purposes.  Let us rejoice in our God who is willing to touch sinners so we might be made whole.

No Condemnation in Christ

This week at Calvary Chapel Sydney the Sunday message was focused on the interaction with Jesus and the woman brought to Him who was caught in adultery.  The Pharisees brought the woman before Jesus to find an opportunity to accuse Jesus of wrongdoing, but Jesus unexpectedly shifted the focus to the conscience of the accusers:  suddenly they were the ones on trial.  They wanted to know if Jesus agreed with Moses that the woman should be stoned to death, yet Jesus told them the one without sin should be the first to throw a stone.  One by one the accusers departed and the woman was left alone with Jesus.

John 8:10-11 says, "When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" ¹¹ She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."  The woman who was under condemnation of the Law and self-righteous men stood without condemnation before Jesus Christ whom she called "Lord" or master, supreme in authority.  Jesus had every right to pick up a stone being sinless, yet He could see her heart.  It was by no means a good heart, being naturally wicked and sinful like all other people.  This woman was provided by God's grace an opportunity to repent and place her trust in Jesus, and in doing so would not only receive salvation and forgiveness by faith, but power to walk righteously.

I do not believe the words of Jesus had the harsh or threatening tone some read into them coupled with a scowl:  "Don't you dare do that again - or else!"  He said, "Go and sin no more."  The good observation was made in the message delivered this morning that this was not merely a command.  At face value it is a command, but it was also empowering because it was the very word of God.  Having placed her faith in Jesus Christ as LORD, through the power of the Holy Spirit the woman was divinely enabled to obey the divine mandate joyfully - despite being harshly judged or made a social outcast.  She had love and acceptance in Jesus she had sought in an adulterous relationship, and Jesus gave her the real thing which transcended sex or earthly relationships.

The Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  The Law could only condemn, having no power to save, but Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  He brought a way to righteousness apart from Law through faith in Him.  Romans 8:1-4 teaches us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."  Jesus wasn't "soft on sin" or allowed the woman off easy, but granted her an opportunity by God's grace to cease walking according to the flesh and instead live according to the Holy Spirit.  Like the woman in adultery all of us are condemned already because of our sin, but Jesus does not condemn us:  He offers life and new beginnings to those who trust in Him. 

Rending Heaven and Hearts

"Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence-- ² as fire burns brushwood, as fire causes water to boil-- to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence!"

Isaiah 64:1-2

In their present distress the Jews in Jerusalem desired for God to reveal His might to the Syrians, Babylonians, to the ends of the earth as He once did to them on Mt. Sinai.  He appeared with earth-shaking might, flames of fire, thick smoke and darkness, with booming voice and trumpet blast which made man and beast quake in terror.  They wanted the fear of God put into their enemies so they would not be plundered, destroyed, and vanquished.

The irony of the situation is God allowed enemies to attack and take captive His people because they (His own people!) did not fear Him as they should.  They pleaded with God to "rend the heavens" and come down in glorious power, but God exhorted His people to rend their hearts and repent.  The LORD spoke through the prophet Joel in Joel 2:12-13, "Now, therefore," says the LORD, "turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." ¹³ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm."  They had torn their clothes in grief and mourning over their dire situation, yet contrite and broken hearts would bring God's favour.  If God's people truly feared Him as they ought, they would not have remained in sin without repentance (Exodus 20:20).

The prayer of God's people would be answered in a most unexpected way, with the very presence of God - not with an earth-shattering Sinai encounter but as a baby being born of a virgin in Bethlehem.  There was no earthquake when Jesus Christ the Son of God came into the world, no booming voice to a nation (though a few shepherds heard the angels sing God's praise), no grand display of unapproachable might, but a Baby in a manger who was not threatening at all.  As the Child grew to a man people began to feel threatened, however, when there was so much this Boy and Man seemed to know without being taught.   He asked pointed questions no one could safely answer or brush aside.  When the Jewish rulers and people heard Him speak many were alarmed and indignant because of the authority with which He spoke, the claims He made backed with supernatural power to heal, cast out demons, and know the hearts and thoughts of men - all with a humility, grace, love, and compassion unrivalled by any human being before.  After He rose from the dead it confirmed the words He had spoken.

God did rend the heavens and come down, the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove and alighting upon Him, and God the Father said in a voice audible to those present:  "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  Hear Him!"  Jesus who came down has ascended alive into heaven, and will some day come again in glory and vengeance upon His enemies with His people.  The wise hear the voice of Jesus and tremble before Him, bowing down to the dust, for He is the God who formed Adam from the dust of the ground, knit us in the wombs of our mothers, breathed into us living souls, and baptises with the Holy Spirit and fire.  This fire refines and purifies, consumes and destroys.  The name of Jesus is known to His adversaries and rejoiced in by His redeemed.  All who turn to Him in repentance and faith can be born again and be accepted into the beloved, having victory over all foes through Him.  All glory and honour to the God who has come down to seek and save the lost, the One whose blood through faith makes sinners saints!

Evil is Good Spoiled

I grew up in a time when rock 'n roll was referred to by some as "devil music" because of something obscurely referred to as an "evil beat."  I have heard all sorts of strange ideas, like the rapid drumming places people in a trance-like state or the music had a possessive and controlling capacity.  As a kid I bought music played by Christian artists, or at least tapes supplied in Christian bookstores next to the Chick tracts.  I was particularly fond of metal, much to the chagrin of one of my Sunday School teachers.  I supplied her a cassette complete with lyrics so she could determine for herself if it was sinful or not.  "The lyrics seem fine but I still think it's got that evil beat," was her response.

There are no doubt evil musicians in the world whose explicit aim is to make the most evil music they can, and many have succeeded with their blasphemous efforts.  Yet music, in itself, is not and cannot be a bad thing.  People have taken a good thing and made it wicked, vulgar, sensual, filled with violence and hate.  I am convinced a rhythm, minor key, or chord progression is not evil in itself, but even catchy music is no better than the message it proclaims and what (or who!) is behind it.  In The Quotable Lewis, C.S. Lewis wrote something which relates to music and many other things God has created to be:

"The truth is that evil is not a real thing at all, like God.  It is simply good spoiled.  That is why I say there can be good without evil, but no evil without good.  You know what the biologists mean by a parasite - an animal that lives on another animal.  Evil is a parasite.  It is there only because good is there for it to spoil and confuse." (Martindale, Wayne, and Jerry Root. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005. Page 265)

What Lewis asserts is very sensible, as God is only good and existed before all things.  He was good without any evil being in existence, and when this world is dissolved our righteous God and His redeemed saints will embark on an eternity marked with purity as at the beginning.  All God made was good, but man has sullied what God made pure; man has made crooked what He made straight.  What God has given us to enjoy man hoarded for himself, drank himself drunk, and removed sex from the strict boundaries of marriage.  The goodness of the original may be obscured, but through God it is retained.  From God's Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit we can instantly recognise heresy in a philosophy or in a song.  God made people able to think with their brains, and in man's supposed wisdom he has outfoxed a need for a Creator and thus God's existence is as a vestigial organ, a transitory fix for slow-witted superstitious simpletons of a less developed age.  God made both angelic hosts and man to sing:  some of these voices praise God and others curse Him without shame.

Evil is a parasite, and thank Jesus it need not pollute our minds or spoil our praise because He has made us righteous by grace through faith.  We ought to be discerning of the things we eat, drink, watch, or listen to, knowing if we sow to the flesh we will reap corruption.  But let us not condemn as evil what is not evil in itself - like calories, music beats, instruments, meats, or drink.  In Christ all is lawful, but not all is helpful.  Being slaves of Jesus Christ we are not to be brought under the power of any, nor place a stumbling block in the way of another.  People might be offended by music others enjoy, but it is our fault if we censure them for their firmly-held convictions.  Let each be convinced in their own mind, knowing it is before God we stand or fall.

Judging Righteously

Kids are impressionable, and things their parents say and do make a significant impact on their behaviour.  It is fun to see the personalities of these little ones begin to emerge, but not all that we see or hear is pleasing because it can be a portrayal of us parents at our worst.  A common tendency in many kids is the ironic and unbecoming attitude I will simply call "bossy."  Watch an older brother or sister for very long and it's likely they will order their sibling around or tattle on them when they are not doing what they think is right.  The demands placed on them are quickly (and in their minds fairly) placed on all others.  It seems for some kids a necessary step in the maturation process, something unfortunately not all grow out of.

This kind of  concrete "black and white" thinking pervasive in kids can be maintained in adults who lean towards legalism.  "That's not fair!" or "That's just wrong!" are phrases often through which the world and others are viewed.  It is true there is a lot wrong in the world and even the church packed with sinners, but it is good to remember we are not the authority:  God is.  Those who are raised in Christian homes and were taught in Sunday School likely received a large dose of what to do and what not to do.  For little concrete thinkers the Law of Moses is Gospel.  Some have responded by avoiding teaching the Ten Commandments or emphasising the love of God instead.  But we need the Law to see we are proud, selfish, hypocritical legalists who desperately need to repent.  God forbid we would teach Law without explaining the modern purpose of the Law, and we should employ it unto that end:  to reveal our need for salvation by grace through faith in Jesus.

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.  Knowing right and wrong is one thing, but doing it is another matter entirely.  It is natural for us to judge others self-righteously according to Law (and even according to a subjective standard we hold forth as righteous), but Jesus said in John 7:24, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."  We ought to use righteous judgment, knowing that the severity of the judgment we place upon others is the degree God will see we drink to the dregs (Matthew 7:1-2).  Those who are teachers (this includes parents who instruct their kids) will receive harsher judgment even in our age of grace (James 3:1-2).  Not one of us is perfect, even in our understanding of the scriptures we imagine we know well.  Many times Jesus said, "It has been written...but I say unto you..." going far beyond the reach of the Law of Moses and addressing the sin in our hearts.  If we accuse and condemn others in hypocrisy, it is we who are most wrong.

As teachers of God's Word we are called to teach the whole Bible, the Law of Moses included, providing the overarching context of God's grace which saturates scripture.  Without knowledge of the Law we are without that tutor or schoolmaster who leads us by the hand to Jesus.  Can you imagine trying to learn mathematics or English without a teacher?  We live in a world where many people feel they can do no wrong, but God loves us enough to show us otherwise.  Praise the LORD God's power remains without limit to teach people His ways from all backgrounds and perspectives.  His Word is sharp and powerful, and the Holy Spirit transcends man's best efforts to convey truth.  There remains right and wrong, and God is able to show us the times when we were positive we were right but actually were dead wrong.  Instead of judging according to appearance, we are to judge righteously by God's grace.

The Double-Minded Man

Whilst studying in preparation for the sermon last week, I was reminded of an interaction from years ago.  I was working at a church in El Cajon and often people would come to the office seeking assistance of some kind.  "Walk-ins" were common:  people asking for money, homeless people looking for food or clothes, petrol for their cars, and even a medical emergency.  I believe God did a miracle when we prayed for an older man who was overdosing on methamphetamine and instantly set him in his right mind.

One man came into the office who had recently been released from prison.  He looked to be a tough character, covered in tattoos - and was inked on his neck and face.  I was asked to speak with him.  during our conversation he confided he had an addiction to alcohol which he saw as deadly.  "If I don't quit drinking, I'm going to die.  I'm desperate to do anything to be clean and sober."  I told him of a local ministry I knew that specialised in people like him who wanted to be free of drugs and alcohol, to have a stable job, and affordable housing.  I warned him it was not for everyone, as it required a full one-year commitment.  He was enthusiastic:  "That's exactly what I need.  Sign me up."

He was without transport so I offered to provide him a ride to the ministry office on the other side of town.  A pastor greeted us and explained concerning the program in greater detail.  Nodding in agreement to the rigid structure and requirements, the man sparked up a cigarette.  "And by the way," the pastor said, "just so you know there is no smoking permitted during the program."  The man literally staggered back a step in disbelief.  "What?"  he asked incredulously.  "I don't know...I don't think I can commit to that."  As the pastor tried to reason with him, the man began chain smoking the rest of his cigarettes, clearly disturbed by this development he was unprepared for.

I found the situation tragic and sad:  there stood a man in desperate need of help to kick alcohol, but his dependence on cigarettes seemed an insurmountable obstacle.  He knew alcohol would be the death of him, yet he was unprepared to make a necessary sacrifice for a new life because it seemed unreasonable and impossible.  I don't believe this man's situation or response is different than us in our relationship with God.  There are aspects of our life and behaviour we realise are sinful and want to see our problems dealt with, but at the same time the accomplishment of this work can require sacrifices in other areas we are not always willing to make.  So being undecided and in two minds we can settle for what will destroy us.  It's a confronting example to be sure, but one at some level we can all identify with.

James 1:8 tells us a "double-minded man" is "unstable in all his ways."  It was good the man had come to grips with his need to deal severely with his alcoholism, but because he was double-minded, unwilling to sacrifice what the ministry required to aid his restoration, instability marked every aspect of his life.  This is why commitment and willpower is insufficient to live in victory, for we need to be born again through faith in Christ so we are given new hearts and renewed minds which are in agreement with God.  James went on to write in James 4:8:  "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."  If we will be free and forgiven we cannot approach God on our terms, but we must submit to His righteous demands.  When there is agreement between God and a humble, repentant, and contrite sinner, God graciously restores according to His promise.  Then our feet will be firmly planted on the Rock of Salvation who is Christ, and He is a foundation for new life enjoyed for eternity.

There Is No Encore

Have you ever been at a restaurant and were inspired to order an appetising dish being placed before another patron?  None of the descriptions in the menu seemed as appealing as the hot meal being served to someone else before your eyes.  You thought to yourself, "I'll have whatever he is having.  That looks amazing."

Ordering a meal based upon appearance is one thing, but this desire to "have what someone else is having" can lead to us want for ourselves the exact experience as another person.  If we are the ones who have had the amazing experience, we want others to partake in it as well.  I remember taking kids in the youth group to a theme park which had numerous roller coasters, and it was great fun seeing them enjoy the thrill for the first time and sprint back to the queue to ride again!  As much fun as coasters can be, the first time can never be replicated for yourself or anyone else.  The first time for another person may be the last time they ever submit to boarding a ride because they didn't enjoy it at all.  When it comes to spiritual matters, do not set your heart on having an experience like anyone else because God has intimate knowledge of you and His plans for you - not limited by the experiences or outcomes of others.

I came across a wonderful quote from C.S. Lewis which speaks to this point:

"It would be rash to say that there is any prayer which God never grants.  But the strongest candidate is the prayer we might express in the single word encore.  And how should the Infinite repeat Himself?  All space and time are too little for Him to utter Himself in them once." (Martindale, Wayne, and Jerry Root. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005. page 247)

How many Christians can seek a particular gifting, experience, or outcome of another because it personally appeals to them and ultimately become disillusioned when their desire eludes them!  It is like we wish life or our spiritual pilgrimage was like a restaurant, that if we agree to pay the price on the menu for what we find most appealing we should receive exactly as we ordered, with certain ingredients omitted or exchanged for our personal preference.  Approaching desired outcomes in a formulaic fashion disregards the sovereignty of God and the greatness of the plan He is unfolding which exceeds our vision and expectations.  Often passages from the Bible are employed in this way, suggesting if we will do our part God will do His - in a predictable, timely, and expected manner.  This is simply not the case.

After thrilling experiences we can shout, "Again, again!" but with God there is no encore; He does not stutter.  Just like He never creates two people exactly alike - even those we call "identical" - He never operates in exactly the same way.  Since every person is created unique, why should we expect our circumstances, outcomes, or experiences to be the same as someone else?  God does not repeat Himself, for He makes all things new.

God and Boundaries

Heaven is God's throne and the earth His footstool.  He has the power to raise up kings and depose them, to overthrow nations and establish them.  God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand and gave them land in Canaan by lot.  It is interesting to me God made Israel a great nation with clearly defined borders.  God could have given His people all the land on the planet, but He didn't.  He established boundaries for His people, something we ought to consider in our own lives too.  We should be content with our station and all God has graciously provided instead of always seeking to expand.  Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Not only did God provide boundaries for the land of the nation Israel, but He provided them His Law.  God's Law was to govern people's actions, words, duties, and the worship of God.  Left to their own devices and driven unchecked by the lust and wickedness of people hearts, they would become as the godless and wicked nations before them.  God instituted government, a priesthood, and morality upheld by Law which set bounds on what is good or evil.  These statutes were good but had their limitations:  law cannot make a man righteous or provide salvation, for it can only condemn.  Jesus Christ, who established a New Covenant in His blood is the end of the Law for righteousness for all who believe (Romans 10:4).  We have liberty in Christ, but this liberty also has boundaries.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."  He continued on this theme in 1 Corinthians 10:23:  "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify."  We should not do things merely because we can or they are considered "legal."  Those activities which prove not to be a help, anything which brings us under its power, and does not build us up in holy faith should be off-limits for us - just like we trespass when we go beyond our property line.  It is no longer the Law of Moses which provides these boundaries, but the fear of God, the Holy Spirit in our hearts, and love.  Love is the "bond of perfection" which is to govern and guide our words and deeds.

God is infinite, yet He has wisely given us limits.  Instead of seeking to always expand our circle of influence, let us be content to bless and love those with whom He has united us.  Paul learned in whatever state he was to be content (Philippians 4:11), and having food and clothes we ought to be pleased.  The exhortation in Hebrews 13:5 also comes with a reminder of how blessed we are in Christ alone:  "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Let us be content with our homes (whether owning or renting), land, job, marriage, and family.  We have a Saviour Jesus who will never leave or forsake us, and in Him is everlasting love, acceptance, and life.  Should times of increase come, let us not set our hearts on more but rest in the One who gives us all things.

The Influencers

It was probably around 9pm when I answered an unexpected knock at the door whilst still living at my parent's home.  The open door revealed a boy in his late teens wearing a laminated badge on a lanyard.  He carried a folder, and beside him was a large box filled with candy and other items to sell.  He went into his spiel before I could say anything, something to the effect of:  "Would you be willing to buy some items to keep teens like me out of gangs and off the streets?"  The irony of the situation was not lost on me:  a teenager was selling stuff door-to-door late at night to keep teens off the streets!  It seemed to me this industrious young man was not at risk of being drawn into a gang or homelessness.  He appeared ambitious and driven to excel, one who was a positive influence on others rather than being dragged down himself.

People have the ability to influence others in powerful ways, for good or evil.  When high-energy kids join together in activities, their combined power seems to multiply exponentially.  I have recently heard people who effectively market or blog on social media as "influencers."  There is a direct correlation between their attractive appearance or persona which drives interest and sales.  In the church - especially when I was a youth pastor - it was a common desire of parents to find godly influences for their children, whether at church groups or peers.  I once had an awkward encounter after moving to Australia where a man in another state asked over the phone if I would have a chat with his teen son.  "He won't listen to me," he said as a tragic matter-of-fact.  "Sometimes it takes someone other than a parent.  Maybe he will listen to you."

I am convinced as a dad who resided with his son, the man with whom I spoke had more opportunity to positively influence his kids than a stranger ever could.  That discussion had an impact on me as I gave the situation thought:  instead of hoping others will be a "good" influence on our kids, what if our aim was shifted to see them come to actually know Jesus as LORD, having sanctified appetites and holy desires?  Here is a question:  how are Christians able to stay holy and pure in a world defiled with sin?  It isn't because of outward influences, but because the life of Jesus Christ is within them.  When a woman is engaged to a man she loves and is intent on marrying, she will not look twice at other men.  All the rude cat-calls, requests for her number, or unwanted gifts will not shift her affections from her beloved.  Now if her relationship with her fiancee is going through a rocky patch, the draw towards other people and different relationships gains strength.  Though the romantic aspect is not the same, a similar dynamic is a work in the life of a Christian.  When our relationship with Jesus is neglected or suffers, we become dull to God's voice and numb to godly influences.  Youth groups and involvement in church activities are not antidotes to wayward hearts.

Are you easily influenced by this world or one who influences others to live godly as you follow Jesus in this world?  No amount of "good influences" will change the heart or mind of a person, but as children of God through faith in Jesus we can be an example of the parent, spouse, neighbour, employee, employer, and friend God has called and empowered us to be.  If all we want is for young people to stay out of trouble and off the streets our desires fall woefully short of the calling to present ourselves as living sacrifices unto God as His faithful servants (Romans 12).  Romans 12 concludes with this Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  This is our birthright as those born again by the power of the Holy Spirit:  because Jesus lives in us you and I are the influencers and are never at the mercy of evil.  It's good to surround kids with good influences, but they need a change of heart.  We need more than influence from Jesus to be saved from ourselves and sin.  We must be born again and abide in Christ to be transformed into the influencers He has called us to be.

Settling for the Ideal

Before crossing the Jordan river and entering the Promised Land, the Israelites obeyed the command of the LORD to war against the Midianites.  Numbers 32:1-5 reads, "Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock, ² the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, ³ "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon, ⁴ the country which the LORD defeated before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock." ⁵ Therefore they said, "If we have found favour in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan."

The situation played out like this:  the Israelite tribes of Reuben and Gad had much cattle, and the region was ideal for cattle.  They therefore requested to inherit the land east of Jordan instead of the land westward of Jordan God had promised - sight unseen.  The men who made the request proved honourable in that they fought alongside their fellow tribes until all came into their inheritance of land, and they desired to keep the covenant of Law before God in unity with all Israel.  Yet because they could not imagine better land for their herds and flocks, they settled for what seemed ideal.  It makes me wonder how often God's people (myself included) have settled for what seemed best at the time rather than trusting God who knows best!  The tribes of Ruben and Gad were pleased to continue raising livestock as they had in the past rather than embarking on a new adventure with God at the controls.

I find it interesting the land east of Jordan is no longer part of modern-day Israel.  The pens and paddocks built by the children of Reuben and Gad and the cities they dwelt in are now part of Jordan.  The land they chose for themselves passed to others, but the land received by inheritance by those tribes willing to cross Jordan trusting God have been restored.  The decision of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to choose their own inheritance rather than trusting God's plan for their future is important to take to heart.  Perhaps in their situation I would have done the exact same thing, but the long-term results remain for all who live today to consider.  I am convinced God's eternal plans for me are far superior to my dreams, for God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20-21).  The prophet Amos is a perfect example.  He explains God's plans trumped his experience in Amos 7:14-15:  "Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: "I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. ¹⁵ Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel.'"

I love this!  While Amos was faithful to the LORD and was responsible and content in his current job, God tapped him on the shoulder to do something radically different: to be a prophet!  The tribes of Reuben and Gad may have owned great herds of livestock, but God's plans for them was not limited by their past experience or possessions.  Because of our skills or current job we might limit God to using us in that arena, but God is not confined.  We are the ones guilty of limiting Him, imagining there could be nothing superior for our needs and crossing the Jordan in faith is really unnecessary.  Thank the LORD He is patient with us, even allowing people who settle to be blessed.  Is it worth the risk of missing out on God's plans for settling for our ideal situation?  Not a chance!

Need for Fellowship

As a person who tends to remain at one church for extended periods, I often wonder about the metrics people use to determine which church is ideal for them.  At the onset I am unsure if an ideal church actually exists since all individual members (including the seeker) are in various stages of maturity and growth.  And if we ask the question, "What is the best or ideal church for me?" if "me" is the central or primary point of emphasis clearly my ideals are skewed.  There are both practical and spiritual aspects to consider.  Is the meeting place reasonably close to my home?  Are the doctrines taught biblically sound?  What I find most concerning is though there are many Christians denominations and groups of all kinds, some can't seem to feel comfortable or fit anywhere and thus are not engaged in regular fellowship with other believers.  Maybe comfort isn't the best metric to use.

Over the years I've heard things I didn't expect, like:  "I could never go to a church where the pastor is younger than me" and "I'm only here for the air conditioning."  Upon hearing these things I probably just stood there like a stunned mullet, not exactly knowing what to say.  It's sad when we approach church as consumers, as customers who enter into an arrangement of goods and services rather than a gracious contributor.  It's also a tragedy when we use worldly gauges to determine the quality of a church, like how many people attend, how "dynamic" the worship team or preacher is, the comfort of the seats, or how active the church is in mission work.  Church is more than a building, amenities, or programs, but a group of people who love God and one another.  Hebrews 10:23-25 is an exhortation fit for the family of God:  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

The Christian walk is much more than showing up to meetings with other believers, but it is impossible for us to be in fellowship with one another unless we are with one another.  It's impossible on your own to obey the "one another" commands Jesus gave!  We are to consider others as more important than ourselves, knowing and believing through us God intends to reveal His love to regulars and visitors alike - and God has things He will use others to reveal to us.  A lot of people who are not signed up for a particular role during a service might feel obliged to miss church gatherings, yet I am convinced when this is a chronic practice it is to the detriment of all.  This mindset seems focused on self rather than considering the needs of others, since God has chosen us for one another.  Our exhortations to stir up love and good works are without force if we are rarely present and model these virtues ourselves.

Since each of us are part of the church, the Body of Christ, we are to walk in the love of God through obedience to Him.  Jesus won't leave or forsake us because His is faithful, and our faithfulness in fellowship is the outflow of faith in Him demonstrated through obedience.  In the end, meeting up for church gatherings to celebrate and worship God is not about you or your comfort:  it is about God!  It is misguided to use church attendance as a gauge of the spiritual health of others or ourselves, but that we love one another as Jesus loves us.  To obey is better than sacrifice, and fellowship will cost us.  The cost of drifting without regular fellowship with believers, however, is far more costly.  We need fellowship, and others need us - whether we preach from a pulpit, greet people at the door, or pray.

Heart Problems

Everyone seems to have different opinions about what is "wrong with the world."  I have heard some claim religion is to blame for wars and conflicts, but such would be hard-pressed to argue with the biblical definition in James 1:27:  "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."  There is a lot in this world which defiles heart and soul, and many things done in the name of religion are sinful in God's sight.  Therefore it is not religion itself that is the problem, but sin in the hearts of people where the issue lies.  All religions are not equal or valid in God's sight, even as the end cannot justify the means.  There is only one way to salvation and eternal life, and it is not gained through observance of a "religion" but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus often said things which amazed those who followed Him.  After a rich man walked away from Jesus sad because he was unwilling to give away His possessions at Christ's command Mark 10:23 says, "Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  Riches and abundance were often seen as favour from God, so this was a surprising revelation to His disciples.  He doubled down with a clarification in Mark 10:24:  "And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  It is not riches themselves where the problem lies, but in our hearts.  When we have wealth we will tend to trust it and find our security in dollars rather than God and faith in His Word.  We foolishly tend to value riches of earth more than desiring treasure in heaven.

Jesus absolutely blew their minds in Mark 10:25-27:  "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶ And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" ²⁷ But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  It is impossible for a camel to pass through the eye of a sewing needle, and the suggestion it was easier to do the impossible than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God was incredible indeed.  They wondered how anyone could be saved!  Jesus told them with men it is impossible, and this is true.  No man can purchase with money the right to enter heaven or leverage his wealth to wash himself of sin.  All men, rich and poor, need forgiveness and atonement of sin through faith in Jesus Christ.  The poor man recognises his need perhaps more than the rich man who has a comfortable life.  Yet God is able to save the rich and poor, the orphan and the widow:  with God all things are possible.

I have heard this statement of Jesus applied to many situations, but the context concerns the eternal salvation of souls.  The rich young ruler who walked away sad was not without hope because with God all things are possible.  I am certain the Holy Spirit brought conviction of sin, of righteousness, and judgment, bringing the words of Jesus to remembrance.  But God would not save a man who refused to be saved.  The way of salvation through Jesus was open to the man, but it was his decision to embrace his riches or pass through the Door in faith marked with obedience.  When disaster strikes an aircraft and it lands in water, the safety brief says to leave everything behind - even your identification, wallet, and handbag.  I wonder how many people have traded their lives for their stuff they were rushing to grab instead of obeying the commands.  Jesus can save to the utmost all who come to Him, and we must submit to His terms.  Religion, money, or this world are not to be blamed for man's sin and unbelief:  we each bear this alone.

Jesus Rings True

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 18:24

The friend you desire is the friend you ought to be to others.  C.S. Lewis wrote something profound in his book The Four Loves:  "The very condition of having Friends is that we should want something else besides Friends." (Martindale, Wayne, and Jerry Root. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005. page 236)  If all you want is a friend - like a child who is glad to have a neighbour for an hour and then for them to go home - then it should be no surprise you find friendship rare.  Friends are not a commodity to possess but a fellow to walk alongside and encourage through life.  Yet if a person offers intimacy and accepts others with the same love reserved for family, this is a friend worth having.  Friendship is a gift of God we can cultivate which knits hearts together with a connection truer than that of blood relation alone.  C.S. Lewis went on to write this:

"The common quest or vision which unites Friends does not absorb them in such a way that they remain ignorant or oblivious of one another.  On the contrary it is the very medium in which their mutual love and knowledge exist.  One knows nobody so well as one's "fellow."  Every step of the common journey tests his metal; and the tests are tests we fully understand because we are undergoing them ourselves.  hence, as he rings true time after time, our reliance, our respect and our admiration blossom into an Appreciative Love of a singularly robust and well-informed kind.  If, at the outset, we had attended more to him and less to the thing our Friendship is "about," we should not have come to know or love him so well.  You will not find the warrior, the poet, the philosopher or the Christian by staring in his eyes as if he were your mistress:  better fight beside him, read with him, argue with him, pray with him." (Martindale, Wayne, and Jerry Root. The Quotable Lewis. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005. pages 237-238)

I am blown away by the fact Jesus called His followers friends as He revealed Himself to them by "ringing true" again and again.  He was consistent in His unswerving love and acceptance of them, even when one was a devil.  When Jesus Christ was first made known to me I was told He loved me and died on the cross to save me, and these facts were gladly accepted.  But as I have gone on with Jesus the more I appreciate other aspects of His life and ministry as well.  I have actually grown to know Him through His Word and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  It is not I who have stuck by Him but He has never left, forsaken, or forgotten Me.  He has kept me a friend according to His grace whilst I am a horrid friend!  He is the ultimate Friend and more than a friend:  He is my Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, Healer, Teacher, Shepherd, Master, and KING.  That God would be a Friend to sinners is awesome:  we shall be His treasured friends forever!

Revealing God's Wisdom

In many aspects of our Christian walk before God we bear a degree of responsibility.  Knowing this, it is possible we might begin to place more emphasis on our efforts or knowledge and create a subtle shift from simple faith in God.  It is true knowledge of God and His Word is intrinsic to faith and obedience, yet we are compared to one currently seeing a dim reflection of reality.  Even when we are able to view a picture or video in High Definition it could only portray a fraction of the details which could be known:  what led to the scene, the people involved, the outcome, and the future.

I am blessed God has plans, purposes, and the miraculous ability to perform them all in His way and time.  God declared through the prophet in Isaiah 46:9-11, "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, ¹⁰ declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,' ¹¹ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it."  This is encouraging stuff for those overwhelmed with their own inadequacy and failure.  We serve an awesome God who reigns on high and is not reliant upon us to do anything - but He delights to employ us in His service, and it is He who makes our labours fruitful.

My eyes were opened this week to one purpose of the church I hadn't considered before mentioned by Paul in Ephesians 3.  Despite viewing himself as the least of all the saints, Paul was delighted to be a prisoner of Christ and bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, to share the mystery of the creation of the church made of both Jew and Gentile which God revealed.  He continued concerning God's purpose in Ephesians 3:10-11:  "...to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, ¹¹ according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord..."  It seemed a wild enough thing Paul would be chosen by God to share the Gospel to Gentiles, but even more shocking that God purposed to use the church to make known the manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and powers, to angelic and demonic spiritual hosts.  Through Paul's life and all who have been redeemed and atoned for by the blood of Jesus, our lives are a living testimony of the power of God - not only to our fellow men - but to angels forever.

The salvation of a sinner and the subsequent transformation by God's grace must be amazing from an angel's-eye view.  We marvel over the metamorphosis of a tadpole to a frog or a caterpillar to a moth because of their physical changes, but demons and angels alike marvel how fallen people can be adopted as sons and made co-heirs with Christ, granted eternal salvation, and filled with all the fullness of God.  Looking at the wondrous examples of God's design and wisdom in nature does not grow old for us, and seeing God's majesty and glory in the salvation of souls is a constant source of wonder for spiritual hosts.  I am so glad God's will to fulfil this eternal purpose in my life didn't start with me knowing, understanding, or asking for it.  How many more things, I wonder, has God planned and is accomplishing right now in the lives of His people who comprise the Body of Christ, the church?  Trust God, believing His plans are greater than what you can see or know, and rejoice in Him.

Forgiveness in Christ

Following Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour totally transforms our perspective.  Faith in God is not intended to be an isolated part of our lives but practically impact everything.  This goes far beyond our beliefs or thoughts but plays out daily in the way we respond.

Last night I turned on the rugby all-star clash between the New Zealand and Indigenous Australian teams.  After seeing the Kiwis belt out their national anthem with gusto as one, I was saddened to see the Indigenous players strangely silent whilst "Advance Australia Fair" was played.  It seems I was not the only one who noticed, as it was addressed in an opinion piece on the NRL website and an article on 9 News.  According to the article, the Australian captain responded when asked about the silence, saying "...he didn’t believe the song represented himself or his family and the lyrics embodied a different message to Indigenous people. It just brings back so many memories from what's happened, and it's something everyone as a group and everyone in Australia needs to, I suppose, get together and work something out.”  This isn't the first time people have been hurt, offended, or at odds with one another, but I was sad nonetheless.  Based on his comments it doesn't seem Walker is against the song, per se, but has unresolved conflict over the past.

I'm relatively new to these fair shores, and do not presume to be an authority on the terrible tragedies suffered by Indigenous Australians.  I do know there is a "National Sorry Day" celebrated annually on 26 May, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008 issued an apology on behalf of the Federal government.  It may be common sentiment among hurting people that "Sorry isn't enough," yet being genuinely sorry is of little benefit when there is no forgiveness.  That is when healing can begin.  I have seen people, though faith in Jesus Christ, forgive and pray for those who have hurt them when the perpetrator isn't sorry - and perhaps still denies all wrongdoing.  By Jesus Christ healing and freedom from inescapable pains of the past can be a lasting result.

Without Jesus, this freedom and capacity for forgiveness is impossible.  Having freely been forgiven by the grace of God, how fitting is it for followers of Jesus to forgive others too.  Matthew 18:21-22 says, "Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" ²² Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."  That's a lot of forgiveness!  God has forgiven us beyond measure, more than anyone could ever do us wrong.  Forgiveness is never easy, but is righteous, good, and a clear step towards healing wounds new and old.  Time does not heal all wounds; the past cannot be undone:  but by God's grace we can forgive and discover abundant life in Christ.