Tolerance and Love

I recently was struck by the fundamental difference between tolerance and love.  Tolerance, to endure or allow what is not wholly approved, to bear or put up with, can be done with love as the motivation.  But tolerance in itself can be merely external and with effort can be accomplished politely whilst hatred is concealed within.  From a young age we learn to comply with directives from parents, teachers, bullies, rules or laws we think are silly, and we are conditioned to be tolerant of differences.  Tolerance has its place in a diverse society to be sure yet should never be confused with the love of God which is to mark the lives of Christians.

Love which is produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit is a defining characteristic of followers of Jesus Christ.  Paul exhorted in Romans 13:8, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."  Those who have been born again through faith in Christ are empowered to love others, and this is practically experienced through divine power and personal choice.  I freely confess many times I unwittingly substituted tolerance for love and good manners for kindness and compassion.  The irony is we can be proud of our tolerance of other people when our efforts fall woefully short of the grace and mercy God has shown us.  Because of God's love due to His goodness--not our worthiness--He gave Himself for our salvation and deliverance from the death we deserve.

In a world which touts tolerance as a great virtue, in a society which idolises individuality that conforms to their passions (and ironically savages who they deem intolerant), God's love transcends all the selfishness, fear, and pressure of this age.  The world tolerates those who conform to their ever-shifting standards, but praise the LORD He brings transformation of our hearts through the Gospel which is true and endures.  As Christians in a secular world there is a degree of tolerance required to navigate this world peaceably (as much as depends upon us according to Romans 12:8), and at the same time ensure we do not tolerate the sin of putting up with people instead of loving them like God does.  Believers walking in love towards people who share little to nothing in common is a way God has made for His love to be revealed.

If we will obey the numerous "one another" commands in scripture, it means we must walk in God's love as we spend time with other people who have different personalities, convictions, and perspectives.  In one local church alone there is a shocking amount of diversity between the various members because of backgrounds, beliefs, age, and interests, yet all are united by faith in Jesus Christ.  As unique members of the body of Christ it is fitting the hand should love the foot as they work together as part of the church.  It is not the Law of Moses but the love of God which unites and governs us, and walking in love is to be a primary aim as is written in 1 Peter 1:22-23, "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, ²³ having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever..."

Tolerance has its place in our world, but it is never an adequate substitute for God's active love.

The Price of Neglect

God can use things like simple yardwork to convey spiritual truth.  I spent the morning chopping down a rogue jasmine vine which had taken over several plants in the vicinity.  I realised the lush green which blanketed the area was a jasmine vine which quickly spread.  Most likely it wasn't that the vine that grew so quickly, but a demonstration of the high price of neglect.

Truth be told, I am a low-maintenance gardener.  My focus had been on the turf while the vine slowly crept, twisting around other plants, choking out light and nutrients.  The result of passing glances without closer inspection resulted in not realising how prolific the jasmine vine had become:  the fresh green looked healthy but hid problems.  Attacking the jasmine brought my attention to a hollowed out bottle-brush tree and a bush which was also overgrown.  It was easy to chop off the shoots but the root stock is a solid mass.  Because of the limited size of my bin trimming and removal of the plants and roots will take weeks.

The high price of neglect doesn't only present itself in a garden but in the health of our body, soul, and relationships with God and others.  The dangerous thing about neglecting these attributes of life is how subtle they can be and how extensive the damage can be when all seems well.  It is good for us to realise regular effort of maintenance is far less costly and labour intensive than working to overcome neglect.  And sometimes neglect can inflict damage so severe no amount of work can reverse it.  Neglected homes, marriages, and physical health can be ruined beyond repair.

God is gracious to teach us lessons through overgrown vines to work on marriage or physical fitness.  Assuming green growth was a healthy signal caused neglect of what needed serious attention underneath.  Our intentions and habits need to be cleared away often to examine the condition of our hearts.  Thankfulness to God for all He has provided directs us to best maintain the things of life which matter most.

The Unpurged Sin

Unlike men who can be all talk with decent intentions, God always finishes what He starts.  He explained this in His revelation to Samuel concerning the judgment He would bring upon Eli and his house in 1 Samuel 3:12:  "In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end."  God's Word is true concerning judgment but also our sanctification and glorification as partakers of God's grace in Philippians 1:6, "...being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ...".  God is the first and last, the beginning to end, and our only Way to eternal life with Him.

If we desire to experience eternal life in heaven, we must have our sins atoned for whilst on earth.  Consider the far-reaching implications of sin concerning Eli in 1 Samuel 3:13-14:  "For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. ¹⁴ And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever."  That is a most heavy statement because the weight of sin's guilt is eternal.  Eli would be judged according to his knowledge, and though he knew the sinfulness of his sons he did not restrain them.  God said for this reason the iniquity of Eli's house would not be purged with sacrifice or offering forever.  This is the place all sinners share in common, for without repentance there is no atonement possible.

This flies in the face of humanistic philosophy which says there must be something good or acceptable in us.  It is viewed as offensive and unfair to claim there is absolutely nothing a person can do to earn good standing with God, yet God has spoken.  God also done the miraculous, having provided the Way of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour.  There was atonement possible for Eli under Law, but God knew his heart.  He did not ask to be forgiven; he did not humble himself before God in confession.  There remained hope of forgiveness and deliverance for Eli and his house if they would put away their sin and seek the LORD in humility:  if God would relent from destroying the wicked of Nineveh wouldn't He hear the cries of the high priest?

What was true of Eli the high priest is also true concerning all people:  without repentance and atonement there can be no forgiveness.  But if we will confess our sins we can be forgiven on the basis of God's justice as is written in 1 John 1:8-9:  "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  Repentance and seeking the LORD is a good work God enables us to do by His grace.  We all started our lives born into sin, and let us seek to finish them walking in humble agreement with our God.  Isaiah 55:7 says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Better Than Grapes of Eshcol

I hadn't planned on posting today, but sometimes things God reveals are too amazing and exciting to keep to yourself!  I am always delighted to discover new things in what was familiar like when Jesus spoke from the cross, "My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?" and I learned He was reciting the first line of Psalm 22.  Realising Psalm 22 was connected to Jesus the Messiah who suffered on Calvary deepened my understanding of the pointed statement Jesus made to orthodox Jews which was previously lost on me.  He spoke in the hearing of people who fulfilled the word verbatim written by David a thousand years before in their accusations against Him.

After God brought the children out of Egypt with mighty wonders, at His command Moses sent one ruler of each tribe into Canaan to spy out the land God had given them.  After surveying the land for 40 days, taking stock of strongholds, fortifications, and the people, the spies brought back ripe fruit of the land.  Numbers 13:23-24 says, "Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs. ²⁴ The place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the men of Israel cut down there."  The 12 spies returned with good fruit of the land but 10 of them gave a bad report because they were afraid of the mighty people who dwelt there.  Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes, exhorting the people to trust God and enter in.  Tragically unbelief prevailed and God swore that generation would not enter in.

Fast forward 40 years later after the death of the high priest Aaron, Moses the servant of God, and the entire generation which did not believe.  Joshua sent two spies to spy out the land--especially Jericho.  These spies went to the house of a harlot named Rahab, a residence where the coming and going of men was like clockwork.  The king was alerted to the presence of these foreigners and he commanded Rahab produce the men.  It turned out Rahab was an unexpected ally despite being an alien of the commonwealth of Israel and a harlot:  she protected the men and hid them because she feared God, convinced the God of the Hebrews was the only God and would overthrow Jericho.  After sending the king's men on a merry chase in the wrong direction, she said in Joshua 2:16:  "Get to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you. Hide there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward you may go your way."

Before she let the spies down through the window by a scarlet cord to escape, Rahab begged she and her family would be spared when the Hebrews stormed the city.  The safety of Rabah and her family was agreed upon by the spies on three conditions:  she was not to discuss the business of the spies, was to continue to hang the scarlet rope from her window, and all who would be saved needed to remain in her home.  If these conditions were broken so the spies would be free of their promise to save her and her family.  Joshua 2:22-24 says, "They departed and went to the mountain, and stayed there three days until the pursuers returned. The pursuers sought them all along the way, but did not find them. ²³ So the two men returned, descended from the mountain, and crossed over; and they came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all that had befallen them. ²⁴ And they said to Joshua, "Truly the LORD has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us."

Joshua 6 tells of the fall of the accursed city Jericho and how Rahab and her entire family was indeed spared.  What we are not told in Joshua is the woman who was once a harlot and without child in Jericho later married a man of Judah named Salmon and gave birth to a son.  We read in the New Testament of the lineage of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:5 says:  "Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse..."  Not only was the life of Rahab spared but she joined together with the Jewish people in the fear of God and was the great-great-grandmother of King David.  Can you fathom the depths of God's grace, to reward faith in Him with such fruitfulness?

Moses sent 12 spies and they brought back the fruit of the land:  only two brought a favourable report.  Joshua sent two spies and they brought back word of good fruit of another and more enduring kind.  In an accursed place fit for destruction they discovered a harlot who heard of God's mighty works and believed Him--unlike the 10 faithless spies who refused to enter in.  A Gentile woman exhibited faith in God, protected them, and begged for salvation.  It is no coincidence they were told to wait in a mountain three days, even as Jesus after His crucifixion and death remained buried in a tomb and rose on the third day, bringing life and salvation to all who trust in Him.  Do you see it?  Better than the grapes of Eshcol was the report of the faith of Rahab and the gracious God who is victorious and able to save those under the curse of sin and death.

The grapes of Eshcol were bountiful and refreshing, but infinitely more fruitful is faith which moves us to love and obey God.  Those who ate of the grapes were soon hungry and thirsty for more, but those who abide in the Vine Jesus Christ bear much lasting fruit for the kingdom of God.  The life of Rahab is a testimony of the overcoming victory of our faith through Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 11:31 says, "By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace."  Those who receive the Prince of Peace Jesus will not perish but have eternal life--life that can be retained and passed on to others by the power of the Gospel.  Like Rahab our sins have been many, and we who have been forgiven much ought to love God much.

Be Clothed With Humility

Most of us have closets which contain many options of clothes and shoes to suit the occasion.  We have clothes we wear to the office, formal gatherings, to paint or do yardwork, or pajamas to sleep in.  Our future plans and activities make an impact on clothes we wear.  Our wardrobe decisions are also affected depending if we are hosting guests or are home alone.  Many clothes we wear to "dress up" can be stifling and uncomfortable, and it is a pleasant feeling to change from these tight or complicated garments into loose, breathable fabric.  After wearing boots or tight shoes all day what a relief it is to pull them off!

Whilst our favourite clothes may not be appropriate to wear every day, there is one thing followers of Jesus ought to be clothed with at all times:  humility.  See what 1 Peter 5:1-5 says:  "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; ³ nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; ⁴ and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. ⁵ Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Just like we spend a few moments in the morning to determine what clothes we will wear based on where we are going and what we will be doing, thoughtful to match colours and footwear, we ought to ensure we clothe ourselves with humility.  It is ironic how we can take pride in our appearance and apparel and judge others for their questionable or (in our minds) inappropriate attire!  Regardless of our age or place in the body of Christ the church, we are called to be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility.  We must submit to God to be thus clothed.  To humble ourselves before men requires we first submit ourselves before our glorious God, and our humility before men indicates how well we are doing this or not.  Jesus provides a perfect of example of what being clothed with humility looks like.  Humility was the posture of His heart, a decision in His mind, and displayed through His life.

Paul exhorted believers in Philippians 2:3-8:  "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."  Jesus humbled Himself though He was righteous, esteeming others as better than Himself.  He cared for other people more than His own life, choosing the role of a bondservant and was obedient to death.

The next time you change clothes or consider what to wear, choose to be clothed with humility.  In every activity and interaction decide humility is most appropriate and fitting clothing for you.  The flesh is not comfortable to be clothed with humility, but remember "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  Being clothed with humility for Spirit-filled believers is a place of rest in Christ even whilst bearing our cross.

Seek God and Live

"For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: "Seek Me and live; ⁵ but do not seek Bethel,nor enter Gilgal, nor pass over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing."

Amos 5:4-5

During our study of the book of Amos at Calvary Chapel Sydney the LORD has impressed upon me the importance of seeking Him.  Religious activity was in full swing in the northern kingdom of Israel, but the people worshiped the works of their own hands.  They went to "holy" sites like Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, places of antiquity where pillars and monuments had been set up by the patriarchs--not for worship, but in response to the revelation of God, His presence, and covenant.  When Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, Isaac dug a well in Beersheba, Joshua directed the elders to set up a monument of stones from the Jordan in Gilgal, or Jacob set up a stone in Bethel it was never intended to be the idolatrous shrines their descendants made them.

It is good to seek God in worship and prayer, but it is possible to do these activities without seeking God at all.  We can read the Bible and learn something new without having intentionally sought God.  When I visited Israel I went to many ancient biblical sites but there is no power or holiness in the stones walked upon by Jesus.  Many times I have stood by the Western Wall and even walked on the Temple Mount but proximity to where Solomon's temple once stood does not aid God in hearing prayers or answering them.  I have witnessed pilgrims from all over the world tour sites and it is common to see them caressing or kissing the ancient stones where it is believed by some the dead body of Jesus once lay, moved by the experience.

There is nothing wrong with visiting Israel and the many historical sites of interest, but like Bethel and Gilgal buildings and stones will all come to nothing.  A stone touched by Jesus is nothing, but Jesus is the Rock of Salvation we are to build our lives upon by faith in Him.  Man's natural inclination is to reverence and place great value on what is old, famous, or of monetary worth.  We classify relics and ruins as "priceless" because a price cannot be placed upon the immense historical value.  Is not the presence of God what made Jerusalem a special place?  I have been blessed by visits to Israel, but a person need not go to the Old City to experience the abundant Christian life God gives by grace.

If we will worship and honour God, seeking to express our love to Him, it is not the kissing of stones or bowing in ancient crypts He requires from us.  If we love Him, we ought to love one another--even our enemies.  No one is closer to God by a trip to Israel, but we draw near when we seek and obey Him.  Micah 6:8 says, "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?"  Doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly has everything to do with our conduct towards other people in light of God we have sought.  1 John 4:20 makes the connection clear:  "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"  Kissing a stone does not show love for Jesus, but through faith loving people does.

Based on Amos 5:4-5 it seems the children of Israel sought Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba as a substitute for seeking God.  It is vital to understand we too can adopt the same error, imagining we are making sacrifices for God when our sole aim is (on some level) to please ourselves.  Our gifts, service, and sacrifices unto the LORD is the effect of seeking Him, not offered as a bribe so we might find Him.  Those who seek God will find Him, having believed the promises of His Word.  We are wise to seek God as if our life depends upon it because He is our life.

Labouring Together to Enter

When the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh looked upon the prime cattle country east of the Jordan, they requested that land be deemed their inheritance.  At first Moses was angry with them for stopping short of entering the land of promise, but they assured him they did not shrink from the task which lay before them of driving out the enemies so all tribes could enter their inheritance.  They would pass over Jordan armed for battle to assist their brethren obtain the land God allotted to each one, and then they would return to their own families on the east side of the river.  In the end Moses agreed to the request of the three tribes, and they also kept their word to fight beside their brethren.

In 1 Corinthians 10:11 Paul explained what happened concerning the children of Israel in the Old Testament had been provided as relevant examples for Christians today.  Like the children of Israel had been given an inheritance and rest they needed to labour to enter so it is for us as followers of Jesus.  We have an inheritance and reward in heaven to be sure, but that is not the picture of Canaan--full of strongholds, idols, and enemies to be overcome.  Every follower of Jesus Christ has a place and function in the Body of Christ, spiritual gifts, and good works God has prepared for us to enter into.  What the example of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh confirms is we have a role to help other Christians walk in the victorious and fruitful inheritance God has given us by grace.  And guess what?  We need the help of others too.  As much as we like to think we are sufficient, no one is capable of victory in isolation any more than a hand severed from a body can wield a sword.

As I think back upon my younger days I realise many of my relationships with fellow believers had very little to do with Christ:  I did little to intentionally help others win the personal battles they struggled with, nor did I openly share concerning the obstacles or enemies which hindered me from entering into greater faith and reliance upon Jesus.  Having Christian friends was a good thing, but how much better if we would have supported and held each other accountable to follow Jesus like the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did in following through with their commitment to serve.  They said as one man to Joshua in Joshua 1:18, "Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."  Okay, maybe that is a bit extreme--but you see what I mean.  Their determination to obey Joshua together ought to mark the lives of believers who aim to walk in obedience to our sovereign King Jesus.

What amazes me is the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did not place the burden of accountability upon Joshua to keep them in line but policed themselves at the expense of their own lives.  It is true making a promise and actually following through are two different things, but the intent of these tribes to obey Joshua and help their brethren is commendable and admirable.  All Christians are on equal footing before our Saviour Jesus Christ as sheep of His pasture, and we are called to work together to see all enter into the rest God has provided by His grace.  There yet remains a rest for us to enter, and let us labour as one in humility and grace to enter in.

Revival in a Tomb

I read a passage of scripture last night which reminds me when it seems all hope is lost, God is able to do the miraculous and unexpected.  The Bible is filled with instances where God's almighty power overruled the natural laws He established in the universe, and sometimes with almost comedic effect.  Elisha was a prophet filled with the Holy Spirit through whom God did many miracles, and there was a notable occasion after his death mentioned in 2 Kings 13:20-21:  "Then Elisha died, and they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land in the spring of the year. ²¹ So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet."

Burying a man according to the ancient Hebrew tradition did not involve burying the body in dirt but to lay the body in a tomb or crypt typically chiseled out of stone.  Whilst we are not provided the details about this man or the manner of his death, it was quite a hurried, unceremonious affair.  As these men were burying the deceased suddenly they saw a band of Moabite raiders and decided to dump the body in the tomb of Elisha!  If they did not hurry perhaps they too would be dead men!  Suddenly, much to their shock and amazement, when the body the dead man contacted the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up.  Before his death Elisha promised the king of Israel would have victory over the Syrians, and perhaps this incident urged him to renewed faith in God and His power to save.

What this passage does not teach us is there remains mystical, miraculous power in the deceased bodies of God's prophets.  We are not to reverence the tombs or bones of dead saints, attributing any goodness or glory to them.  The power to raise the dead was not in Elisha (whose body died of illness and decomposed) but in the God who he served.  By grace God brought life out of death when men had given up hope and were frightened.  God did what they least expected.  The paralytic brought to Jesus was healed because Jesus saw their faith and it was a sign to reveal His divine nature, but these men (and the revived man too!) were benefactors of God's grace and mercy they didn't count on.

Brothers and sisters, let us count on the goodness of God to do the miraculous when we least expect it!  The situations we have wept over and despaired can be overcome in an instant by the grace of God.  We may not live to see a dead person revived by touching the bones of a prophet, yet we could see something even more amazing:  the return of prodigals, revival in the church, repentance in the hearts of hardened sinners, and renewal of our relationship with the living God.   One person passing from death to life by receiving the Gospel of Jesus Christ is worth a million physical resurrections without a change of heart.

What God Has Done!

From the mouths of babes God has ordained praise, and He also has been glorified by the mouth of crooked, greedy prophets like Balaam.  After he was asked to curse Israel from afar, Balaam said in Numbers 23:22-23, "God brings them out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox. ²³ "For there is no sorcery against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob and of Israel, 'Oh, what God has done!'"  There is no one more powerful or intimately involved with what is commonly called "spiritual warfare" than God, and there is no sorcery or divination which works against Him.  Victory depends primarily not on what we do but what God has done.

The focus of many genuine believers can be more on what we need to do to be protected and victorious rather than extolling and believing what God has said and done.  God spoke to His people in Isaiah 54:16-17:  "Behold, I have created the blacksmith who blows the coals in the fire, who brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the spoiler to destroy.¹⁷ No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me," says the LORD."  Satan, who has been a liar, thief, and murderer from the beginning, remains under the absolute authority of God.  He recognised a hedge of protection God placed around Job, a boundary he could not cross without permission.  Even when he was permitted to afflict Job there were limits sovereignly enforced by God whose intention was revelation, restoration, and double blessing.

Paul wrote that Christians are not to wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of wickedness in heavenly places.  This is a bit daunting to some, that we would be pitted against invisible, malevolent beings who seek our ruin.  But remember what Jesus accomplished on Calvary when He disarmed principalities and powers!  Colossians 2:13-15 says, "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, ¹⁴ having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵ Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it."  Knowing our enemy has been disarmed by the almighty God who has redeemed and reconciled us to Himself makes a huge difference in how we engage in spiritual conflict.  We do not fight to obtain victory but from victory Jesus has wrought.

People talk of a need for a "prayer covering" but Jesus is the glorious One in whom is our life and vitality whose shed blood covers us by grace through faith.  Jesus Christ knew the secret thoughts of the hearts of men and the desires of Satan too.  Luke 22:31-32 says, "And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."  Even as Satan's murderous desire towards Jesus was overthrown and resulted in new life and salvation for all people through the Gospel, God would redeem Satan's efforts to sift Peter by redeeming the situation and bringing strength to Peter and others too.  Looking at Peter's denial of Christ and the death of Jesus on Calvary appeared hopeless, but God's redemptive purposes were in full force for good.

Hasn't God done amazing things?  He brought the children of Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand, led them through the wilderness, and caused them to enter the inheritance He prepared for them as promised.  We were once dead in trespasses and sins but through the death of Jesus we have been raised to new life.  Balaam wanted to curse Israel for profit, but he could only bless.  Weapons in the hands of enemies make us feel vulnerable, but God causes no weapon fashioned against us to prosper.  Principalities and powers have been disarmed through the overcoming victory of Jesus Christ, and He prays for those who face satanic assault.  1 Peter 5:8-11 urges us from inspiration of God and experience, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ¹⁰ But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. ¹¹ To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Worthy Commitment

"Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. ²⁴ But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, ²⁵ and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man."

John 2:23-25

No one naturally resembles Jesus in character because He is God made flesh.  What strikes me about this passage is how Jesus did not commit Himself to men--even professing believers--because He knew what was in them, and in their flesh there was nothing good.  To "commit" in this sense is to "put faith in or entrust."  Jesus was able to love people completely without reservation, giving Himself for the good of others.  At the same time there was not a shred of self-interest in His motivation in loving people generously.  We often go wrong at this point because we often have motives and expectations which are hidden from our eyes.  We judge on appearances because we do not know the hearts of others or even our own.

The prophet Samuel was a faithful man of God, yet he too made this error.  Samuel had been directed by God to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king of Israel.  1 Samuel 16:6-7 says, "So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, "Surely the LORD'S anointed is before Him." ⁷ But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  Based upon looks alone Samuel was ready to anoint Eliab, but David was the man after God's own heart.  It was faith in God which led Samuel to anoint the youngest son of Jesse who wasn't even in the room at the time!  Many times I have made the mistake of putting hope or trust in people which should have been reserved for God alone.

Placing our faith in people is a snare Jesus was wise to avoid, and He was able to do this because all His confidence and guidance was in God the Father.  People talk about having "faith restored in humanity" because of a selfless or kind deed done, but it is better for us to trust and obey God rather than men.  I have a hunch our tendency is to trust God only after everything else has failed us, and if it takes disappointment and dashed expectations to learn only God is worthy of faith the upside is enormous.

Mercy and Forgiveness

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. ⁹ He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. ¹⁰ He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; ¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

Psalm 103:8-12

How blessed we are God has not dealt with us according to our iniquities!  Some people have a mistaken concept when they are going through a trial or difficulty they are "paying for their sins," but then why did Jesus have to die to atone for the sins of the world?  The purging of sin requires the shedding of blood of a sacrifice without blemish or spot so our sin disqualifies us:  even if we were to physically die as a consequence for our sin our justice demands eternal satisfaction by the condemnation of our souls to hellfire.

Now it is true we reap what we sow, but by the grace of God we can reap where we have not sown.  God is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy.  He chastens and corrects us so we might repent, return to Him, and be restored.  Jesus Christ took the punishment we deserve for our sin and made a way for us to be forgiven and rendered righteous by faith in Him.  We were completely cut off from God without hope being born of Adam's fallen nature, yet God invites all sinners to repent.  Through what Jesus accomplished by His death and resurrection our sins have been removed from us along with guilt and condemnation.  The penalty and power of sin over those who trust in Jesus was slaughtered on Calvary through His shed blood.

Consider the longsuffering, patient, and gracious nature of God who gives us opportunities to turn from sin and choose to trust Him for forgiveness and salvation!  We are fed up with stubborn people in a conversation yet He waits for decades, even a century for a hard heart to soften.  He desires to redeem souls we consider complete write-offs, people who have spent their whole life in total opposition to Him.  He loves the self-righteous Pharisee as well as the prostitute and tax collector.  He is not racist, sexist, or an ageist; there is no hint of "ism" in Him because in every way God transcends this world entirely with His love, grace, goodness, and righteousness.  We who have tasted and seen His goodness (and only in part due to our limited perspective) ought to live in awe and wonder of Him every day, forgiving others as we have been freely forgiven.

We say the punishment should fit the crime, and under law this is a reasonable conclusion.  At the same time Jesus says we ought to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use us.  We forgive others not on the basis of their worthiness or their having earned our trust but according to how we have been forgiven by God.  He has been merciful to us, having removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west--a distance beyond measure.  Travel east on our globe as long as you want and you will never reach the west.  Should you travel north at some point you would reach the pole and head south.  May we according to Christ's example be so merciful, gracious, patient and abundant in mercy.  Repentance doesn't make us worthy:  Jesus is the One worthy of all honour, thanksgiving, and praise.

The LORD With Us

Joshua served as assistant to Moses for many years.  I wonder if Joshua felt an incredible weight of expectation from the nation, knowing he could never fill the sandals of Moses--yet at the same time knowing God was not asking him to.  We do not read of Joshua recoiling from the task as Moses did at the first when met by God in the burning bush, but God was gracious to speak to Joshua as well.

The book of Joshua begins with God speaking to Joshua shortly after the death of Moses.  This unsolicited revelation of God was filled with promises and encouraging words Joshua needed to hear.  Isn't it comforting at times God speaks to us even when we haven't asked Him a specific question?  The amazing thing about the words of God is the truth of them transcends people and time.  Because God does not change and His word will endure forever, we can take to heart the promises God has made in the past and rely on Him to fulfill them presently.  The statements of God specifically made (for instance the land God was giving Israel as an inheritance) may not directly apply to our personal situations, but the timeless reality of God's promise remains.

God addressed Joshua in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."  God spoke to Joshua and He has spoken to us in these last days through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3) who will never leave or forsake us.  Using modern technology we can converse with people all over the planet without lifting our voice, but it is another thing to be with them in person.  God exhorted Joshua to be strong and of good courage because He was with him wherever he would go.  Knowing the presence of God was with him kept Joshua from being fearful, hopeless, or broken down under the difficulty of circumstances, the ferocity of their enemies, and unrealistic expectations of people.

Because God commanded Joshua he could rest in God's will.  He could be strong and bold knowing God was with Him.  In our weakness God's strength is made perfect.  A good example of this is seen during the interaction of the apostles with the chief priests when they were arrested for healing a lame man and teaching in the name of Jesus.  They marveled at the boldness of these uneducated men, realising they had been with Jesus.  What they did not understand was Jesus was still with them because they were in Christ by faith, filled with the Holy Spirit who regenerated and indwelt them.  God was with them so they spoke courageously whether to a wondering multitude or bloodthirsty religious rulers.  Knowing the LORD is with us wherever we go keeps us from fear and girds us with strength and courage for the glory of God.

Motive Matters

Our family was reading through 2 Kings 7 after dinner tonight and we found the conduct of the four lepers in the passage ironic and amusing.  Whilst the famine in Samaria had become severe due to a Syrian siege, these blokes were literally waiting around outside the gates to die from disease, starvation, or at the hands of cruel enemies.  They discussed their meagre options and decided to throw themselves on the mercy of the Syrians.  The worst thing that could happen was their demise, and given their hopelessness it had some appeal.

After making their way into the camp they were shocked to find it completely deserted.  Unbeknownst to them, God miraculously caused the Syrians to hear the sound of a great army and they fled for their lives.  2 Kings 7:8-9 says, "And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid them; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some from there also, and went and hid it. ⁹ Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household."  While people in Samaria had literally resorted to cannibalism, these lepers ran from tent to tent like Templeton the rat in Charlotte's Web, feasting and hoarding loot for themselves.

Suddenly one of the lepers addressed his fellows:  "Hold on a second, boys.  Today is a day of good news, and if we remain silent we'll be in big trouble.  We need to tell the king!"  And they did.  Their motive in reporting their discovery to the king was not because they loved their friends and family within the city walls, because they had compassion on starving people, or because they had gathered enough for themselves:  they acted out of fear of punishment.  Truth be told, they reported it for their own sakes.  I wonder how many of our deeds which seem thoughtful, considerate, or generous are bourne out of our own self-interest.  When our flesh calls the shots with ourselves as prime benefactors, let us not be tricked to think we will be rewarded by God for it:  surely we have our reward.

Consider the motive for Jesus going to the cross to save sinners in obedience to the Father mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2:  "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Jesus always did the will of the Father and rejoiced to do it.  His humanity begged the cup pass from Him, but Jesus humbled Himself to the death of the cross.  He understood that when He submitted Himself to the will of God it would result in pain but joy would be the ultimate result.  Had the motives of Jesus been selfish, He never would have gone to Calvary.

Our motives matter, and the scripture applied by the Holy Spirit exposes the thoughts and intent of our hearts.  By God's grace He places within us power to both will and do His good pleasure.  We ultimately benefit from this arrangement as much as anyone, for we enter into the joy of the LORD.

We Are Inexcusable

God's Word reveals Him to man but also provides insight to people to know themselves.  In the light of God's glory and majesty man's fallen nature is in stark contrast.  As God's character is absolutely good and righteous, the depraved, fickle, hypocritical hearts and minds of men are stunningly consistent, even predictable.  We are masters of exploitation, of manipulation, or angling to hide our flaws and benefit ourselves.  That's the crazy thing about it:  if we will be honest at some level (whether we want to admit it or not) this tendency is in us all.  We can try to ignore or deny it, but it lies latent until it is stirred up.

It is easy to find fault or inconsistency in others, but Paul said in Romans 2:1, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."  This principle rings true to life, doesn't it?  Everything we criticise in others we are guilty of exactly the same thing to some degree.  Here's a personal example:  I was always suspicious of people cheating in games because I was a cheater.  It's like my concern of being cheated was heightened because I was naturally drawn to do the same.  The thing that bothers you about others (the things you see as negative) are things you do too--like lying, being hypocritical, gossiping, laziness, and on.

There is a great example in the Bible I read the other night.  Korah and hundreds of displeased dissidents murmured against those God called to lead Israel and Numbers 16:3 says, "They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"  The response of Moses was amazing as the man God chose to shepherd His people out of Egypt and to the promised land:  he fell on his face before the LORD.  He knew how he resisted and did not aspire to the role of leading when God appeared to him, yet angry and judgmental people gathered who accused him of honouring himself!  Arguing with his accusers would only be seen as defensive, so what could he do but fall on the mercy of God?

Moses then told his accusers (who were all famous men of renown) to appear before the LORD the following day.  He directed them in Numbers 16:6-7:  "Do this: Take censers, Korah and all your company; ⁷ put fire in them and put incense in them before the LORD tomorrow, and it shall be that the man whom the LORD chooses is the holy one. You take too much upon yourselves, you sons of Levi!"  Korah and his mob accused Moses of taking too much upon himself, yet Moses told them the exact opposite was true:  their envy and ambition led them to take too much upon themselves!  Their own sin was projected upon Moses.  Now Moses had his faults to be sure, yet in this case this accusation was unfounded:  their problem was God who called and ordained Moses!  God confirmed this the next day when the earth swallowed up Korah and those loyal to him, and fire from God consumed those 250 men who burned incense.

When we are critical towards others it is a reminder for us to carefully examine ourselves, falling before God in humility and repentance.  Through insight provided by the Holy Spirit we are able to remove the plank from our own eye so we can see clearly when others have a speck in their eye.  We often make excuses for ourselves for our faults, but we are inexcusable before God.  In His grace by the Gospel we have been more than "excused" because our sins have been atoned for by the blood of Jesus; we have been cleansed and the righteousness of God has been imputed to us.  Knowing our natural tendencies revealed in God's Word provides insight so we can avoid pitfalls we have fallen into and lived in all our lives.

Regarding His Presence

King Jehoshaphat of Judah was a king who feared the LORD.  Though he was rebuked by God for alliances with kings of Israel who did not fear God, Jehoshaphat sought the LORD.  With both idolatrous Ahab and Jehoram there were instances when Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?"  When other kings wondered and despaired of an uncertain future, Jehoshaphat sought the presence of the LORD.  Because Jehoshaphat regarded the presence of God as indispensable, God regarded and accepted him.

After Elisha the prophet was summoned, he questioned why king Jehoram of Israel would have bothered to call him.  But then Elisha revealed amazing truth about God in 2 Kings 3:14:  "And Elisha said, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you."  Elisha, who stood by grace before the all-knowing God who sees all, told the unbelieving and hypocrite Jehoram he would not look at him nor see him but came at the request of Jehoshaphat.   How wonderful God causes people to stand before Him and is moved by their requests, and how dreadful not to be regarded by Him!  Regardless of the things we say or claims we make, God knows if we really trust Him or not.

God is looking for people who remain loyal to Him, and King Asa suffered consequences for his shifting allegiances.  God regarded Asa enough to inform him of wrongdoing, but it would be far better to have God's favour and aid!  2 Chronicles 16:7-9 says, "And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: "Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand. ⁸ Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. ⁹ For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars."  God's eyes look throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him!  Those who regard the presence of God and rely upon Him will be greatly helped.

Defeat and death is default for fallen mankind, yet God is gracious to acknowledge and respond to deliver those who regard His presence, those who choose to rely upon Him.  Due to God's unchanging and good character it is a promise; because of our forgetful minds and fickle hearts it is a also a warning.  Benefactors of God's salvation and deliverance like Asa are not guaranteed to rely upon God without fail.  Men like Jehoshaphat who regarded the presence of God also can regard the presence of idolatrous kings.  But God remains gracious and good, answering the prayers of those who seek Him and correcting us when we have not asked so we might repent and be restored.  Those who regard God's presence He will look upon and cause to stand before Him by grace.

Quote from Reappearing Church

I have been reading Reappearing Church by Mark Sayers, pastor and cultural commentator.  I suppose only time will tell how accurate and prophetic they are, but as one who lives in a westernised culture much of his analysis rings true to my observations and experience.  The vast information available on the internet and availability of customising our information streams to our personal preferences is a massive shift from years past.  The abundance of spiritual menu choices (or pseudo-spiritual content) coupled with an Uber Eats approach means we only need to feed on what interests us--not what we may need to hear.  The awesome thing is God's Word and goodness towards us remains unchanged and deeply personal.  He has the dynamic ability to speak above the noise in His still, small voice.  Mark Sayers wrote this in Reappearing Church on the prevalence of consumerism in culture and how it can affect our approach to following Jesus and ministry:

Many of us may balk at forms of cultural Christianity that mix nationalism or ethnic identity and faith, yet we miss how we have been shaped by our own dominant culture, the culture of consumerism.  Consumer culture is placeless, yet pervasive.  It is the water in which we swim.  Consumer Christianity is a form of cultural Christianity that compromises the cross with self rather than flag, mixing the worship of God with the worship of options, personal autonomy, low commitment, and opinion over responsibility.

Consumer culture tells us we can do it all, yet we become paralysed by endless options.  FOMO, the fear of missing out, according to Author Patrick McGinnis, is now accompanied by FOBO, the fear of better options:  'I noticed that my classmates and I were always optimising.  We hedged, lived in a world of maybes and were paralysed at the prospect of actually committing to something, out of fear that we might be choosing something that wasn't the absolutely perfect option.'  McGinnis reports that the fear of better options leads ultimately to the fear of doing anything.  Unlimited options and the search for lifestyle perfection leaves us paralysed...

Consumer culture creates in us a mentality of toxic entitlement--the sense that we can have it all, but without struggle or cost.  This mentality of entitlement eventually will infect our faith...The Christian caught in consumer Christianity shifts blame for their lack of growth to God, their leaders, the church, their friends, spouse, or family, insulating themselves against renewal. We fool ourselves that someone else will solve the problem of our lack of discipleship.

The good news is that we are reaching the limits of a consumer culture without limits.  The possibility of living out of the passive posture of consumerism is passing as its negative effects are felt.  churches and faith built on consumerism don't last beyond a generation. (Sayers, Mark. Reappearing Church: the Hope for Renewal in the Rise of Our Post-Christian Culture. Moody Publishers, 2019.)

Even when we are paralysed by the abundance of options in our consumer culture, remember how men demonstrated their faith by bringing their paralysed friend to Jesus who healed Him.  No culture, society, scheme of Satan, or folly of man provides an obstacle God has not overcome.  Self-righteous Saul was breathing out threats and murder against Christ when he was floored by an unexpected, uninvited Saviour Jesus Christ who revealed Himself to Him.  Every believer once dead in trespasses and sin has been raised to new life by the power of Jesus Christ by grace through faith.  Warren Wiersbe wisely said, "Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory."  God provides more than possibilities but great and precious promises!  In a Christian culture which attempts to isolate itself from God, it is comforting to know the battle is the LORD's who works miraculous wonders.

Jesus is the Worthy One

This past week I traveled to New Zealand with a fellow pastor who flies much more than me.  Because of the millions of miles he has logged he has earned status I have not:  free entrance to the Air New Zealand lounge and the ability to bring a guest.  On my own I would be denied access to the comfort of the lounge:  comfortable seats, free food and drink, well-maintained toilets, and internet access.  Bronze status certainly doesn't provide the benefits diamond or gold status does!

I admit that when I follow my friend into the lounge, there is a sneaking feeling of unworthiness because I haven't earned or paid for the right to enter on my own.  What I was struck with today is in a similar sense I will only be able to enter heaven one day because of what Jesus has done.  It is because He has paid for us and is good and gracious to invite us we can become children of God and gain access into the presence of God.  We are all unworthy, but it is our worthy LORD and Saviour who has made us accepted in the beloved.

Instead of feeling guilty we are in ourselves unworthy, how much better it is for us to express our thanks and gratefulness to God for all He has accomplished on our behalf.  It denies our God glory for us to be self-focused when Jesus denied Himself to save us by grace through faith.  We are easily self-conscious, but we ought to humble ourselves so Jesus Christ might be glorified.  We can even be bold in belonging because Jesus has purchased us with His own blood.  Embarrassment and shame evaporates in the presence of our almighty King and any who might criticise us because we don't measure up.

The Prime Mover

I benefited greatly from a message I heard last night on the value of a healthy mind.  The speaker defined the mind as the "prime mover" in our lives, like the engine of a train.  Pastor Steve Jones said, "The mind will always take us somewhere."  Our train of thought does not stop in the mind but greatly impacts our desires and actions.  Just like a moving engine pulls or pushes additional carriages in whatever direction it drives them, our bodies follow the leading of our minds.  If our minds are in the gutter, we will act out on our sinful impulses.  On the other hand when our minds esteem God and His Word we will walk in godliness.

Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-8:  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."  Just like God gives us the ability to decide what we will eat and drink and how much, we are given the ability to choose to focus our thoughts on what is right.  When our train of thought is sinful it always leads to a destination of sinful conduct, by the power of Jesus Christ we can derail that train, taking those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  But much of the time once the engine starts moving in a sinful direction we habitually stoke the engines red hot with worry, selfishness, and lust.

Pastor Steve provided a negative and positive example of how the mind impacted the behaviour of people in scripture.  David has a man after God's own heart but he was not immune to sinful thoughts in his mind that moved him to choose sinful conduct.  When David saw Bathsheba from his rooftop, his prime mover started pulling his train of thought in an adulterous direction:  he decided to inquire concerning her, decided to send messengers to bring her to the palace, and ultimately slept with her.  Sinful thoughts led to sinful actions.  The life of Daniel provides an example of how good thoughts kept him from sin.  He was offered the luxurious foods of the king, but Daniel had already purposed to not defile himself with the king's food.  In his mind he had already established what was right, that the king's food was not kosher, and because his mind was made up the power of temptation was disarmed.

Before our train of thought heads nowhere good, let us purpose to heed the exhortation of God's Word to cease from anxious thoughts and pray with thanksgiving, making our requests to God.  Our flesh is at the mercy of our feelings and circumstances, but when we are obedient to trust God and direct our focus on Him He will guard our minds and hearts through Jesus.  Praise the LORD He has provided no shortage of true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy things to consider because He is all these things and more.  More than "bad thought avoidance" we are to head in the opposite direction by derailing anxious or sinful thoughts and by fixing our minds on God with thanksgiving and praise.

Hope In Jesus

It is ironic how men who have been created can presume to know better than God.  Having been given the ability to think and reason we can utilise this capacity to stand in judgment of the righteous Judge of all the earth.  When Jesus told Peter (who believed Jesus was the promised Messiah) He would be arrested, crucified, and rise on the third day Peter rebuked Him.  Had Jesus listened to Peter God's plan for eternal salvation of Jew and Gentile would have been undermined.  Praise God He is not a man that He should lie or change, and we benefit beyond measure when we humble ourselves before God as Sovereign.

After Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, two disciples sadly departed from Jerusalem.  Though Jesus was alive and well they were disillusioned and shattered.  Jesus joined the despondent travellers and began a conversation with them about the reason behind their sadness.  They explained the things which occurred in Jerusalem in Luke 24:19-21:  "...The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰ and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. ²¹ But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened."  These travellers were despondent because their expectations had been dashed, yet their ambitions were hopelessly short-sighted compared to what Jesus actually accomplished.

The questioning travellers on the road to Emmaus hoped or expected Jesus to redeem Israel, and perhaps they imagined it would be through military conquest.  But the Kingdom of God is infinitely greater than a geographic location or a particular group of people for a season:  Jesus had already paid the price to atone for the sins of the world and accomplish a miraculous victory and deliverance for all people who trust in Him.  These disciples were grieved by the very means God intended to save them.  How foolish their hopes were!  How arbitrary and short sighted!  They were robbed of the joy of the LORD and the expectation of salvation because their plans were not God's way.  Jesus proclaimed in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  Jesus would redeem Israel and whosoever would trust in Him in His way and in His gracious time.

The next time your hopes are dashed and you are left wondering, expect God is working on something good beyond your wildest expectations.  The hope of these travellers was in the wrong thing:  they hoped for deliverance through Jesus rather than trusting in Jesus Himself come what may.  Their hopes were pinned on their circumstances changing but Jesus did more than they could have dreamed in redeeming condemned souls from hell and providing eternal life.  Three days had passed from the unspeakable tragedy of Christ's death, and Jesus graciously walked with them in spite of their confusion and doubts.  Isn't God good to do exceedingly beyond what we can ask or think?  Jesus Christ is more than we could ever hope for.

Contend Earnestly

"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."

Jude 1:3

Followers of Jesus Christ require the leading of the Holy Spirit to contend for the faith without being contentious.  We are, as much as depends upon us, to live peaceably with all in a world at war with God.  The Gospel is always going to be offensive to worldly wisdom, but the meekness, gentleness, and humility of Christ leads us walk in love towards those within and without the Body of Christ the church.

What Jude wrote to believers is very instructive, exhorting believers to contend earnestly for the faith.  It is telling he did not direct believers to contend with heretics or those who seek to turn people away from the truth--though at times it may be required.  In following verses Jude provided examples of ungodly conduct and apostasy we are equipped through scripture to discern.  But "destroying" people is not the target of any action we take because our aim is to positive, not negative:  we are to contend for the faith.  Our primary purpose in our response is to promote Jesus Christ by example and deed above denouncing false doctrine and those who teach them.  Arguments which rise up contrary to Christ should be cast down and unrepentant heretics and apostates cast out, but these conflicts are secondary in our intent to uphold the Gospel and the Word of God.

Paul informed believers their battle was not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness.  This spiritual battle is played out in the real world and involves other people, and this battle that is the LORD's has been declared a victory by Jesus Christ.  The exhortation of Jude is all believers are to "contend earnestly for the faith" which was delivered to us once for all.  The phrase "earnestly contend" comes from a Greek word that means to struggle for, the word from which the English word "agonise" is derived.  In a world darkened with sin to live for God will be a struggle yet can be accomplished by the grace of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Earnestly contending for the faith is more than debating doctrine but in living in the way which pleases God.

It is one thing to be able to recognise what is right and wrong but another thing altogether to walk accordingly.  Paul continued on the subject of why they ought to contend earnestly in Jude 1:4:  "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ."  Paul then provided examples of the ungodly sort of men who had infiltrated the church who turned the grace of God into license to sin and denied Christ by their lives marked with unbelief, abuse of authority, sexual immorality, hate, greed, hypocrisy, complaining, and pride.  Our agonising is not primarily to ferret out these things from the lives of others but to take an honest look at ourselves, repent of our sins, and contend earnestly for the faith.

Those who have been born again by grace through faith in Jesus Christ have the Holy Spirit the infiltrators do not have.  A fig tree will produce figs, and a child of God will bear a growing resemblance to Jesus Christ in faith, love, and obedience to God.  If our lives resemble those negative examples Jude provided, we work to undermine the truth of the Gospel rather than adorning it.  Paul laboured with singular focus to this end as he wrote in Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  Jesus and the Word of God has delivered to us doctrine that is pure and true, and Jesus set the bar infinitely high in living up to it.  As His faithful followers, we ought to contend earnestly for the faith.

Our Sabbath Rest

I was asked recently if I observe a "Sabbath."  My reply was in the affirmative, but a little explanation was required.  I do not observe a day according to the demands or confines of the Mosaic Law, but look to Jesus Christ who IS my Sabbath.  Colossians 2:16-17 says, "So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, ¹⁷ which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ."  As a follower of Jesus, my call is to look to Him and follow His lead, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth according to God's promise.

Knowing the Sabbath observed by the Hebrews is a shadow of what Christ is the reality changes the way Christians view every day:  every day is fitting to be about our LORD's business, and our rest is found in Him.  Jesus did not call Gentiles to live as Jews or Jews to cast aside adherance to the Law because they could, but created a new creation of the two groups, the Church of which He is the Head.  The Pharisees watched Jesus like hawks, seeking any occasion by which to accuse Him.  On the Sabbath they were particularly vigilant because He spurned their extra-biblical traditions.  Though there was no prohibition to heal the sick on the Sabbath, they considered such a thing unlawful work.

Mark 3:1-5 reads, "And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. ² So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. ³ And He said to the man who had the withered hand, "Step forward." ⁴ Then He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they kept silent. ⁵ And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other."  It is always lawful to do good and save life, and Jesus proved it with this restoration of the man with the withered hand.  Instead of defining our observation of the Sabbath by what we do not do, it is to be through looking to Jesus and walking by faith according to His leading.

Man was not created for the Sabbath, but this intermission and rest from labour was provided by God for the benefit of man.  God rested after the creation of the world not because He was tired but because He knew working man and beast would be.  He knew we needed reminders of who He is, His great power, and the gift of rest found only by His grace.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

The Voice of Worry

In light of God's goodness, knowledge provision, and care Jesus told His disciples not to worry.  They weren't to worry about clothes, food, or the future.  The God who provides food for each sparrow and clothes flowers with beauty greater than Solomon values and cares for those created in His image.  Worrying is sin because it comes from unbelief in God's goodness and His promises and is often rooted in self.

It occurred to me today that if I were to personify Worry, Complaining and Murmuring are her children.  We all know what it feels like to worry, to experience anxiety from circumstances we find stressful.  Much of our fretting is internal and this inner friction inevitably reveals itself in overt ways:  we speak harshly, sigh frequently, and complain.  Complaining gives worry a voice when we gripe about a situation we are displeased with instead of casting our cares upon God and resting in Him.  We can complain about someone else complaining rather than addressing the issue with the complainer directly.  Fundamentally the issues of worry and complaining are one in the heart against God.

Not convinced?  Think about the conduct of the children of Israel in the wilderness after God brought them out of Egypt.  He provided for all their needs but complained and murmured against Him.  Jesus taught if we have an offense against a person we ought to go to them alone and discuss, but complaining is airing a personal grievance in public.  Many times the Hebrews complained about their situation they are described as "murmuring against" God.  And when people murmured about Moses, he informed them their murmuring was not actually against him but God (Ex. 16:8).  Murmuring suggests holding a grudge, bitterness against God!  Their complaints with God were spoken around their children, to their wives and neighbours--and God heard them all and saw the deception and hypocrisy in their hearts.

Complaining and murmuring is a surefire way to provoke God to anger because it is abiding sin not repented of.  Numbers 11:1 puts this in vivid detail:  "Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp."  Just because God is gracious to us and is longsuffering and patient does not mean complaining is no less sinful.  Man, this hits close to home for me.  How often I have complained when I ought to have prayed!  Complaining it itself is not wrong, for Asaph wrote in Psalm 77:3:  "I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah"  Asaph called out to God in a complaint which led to praise because his response to difficulty was directed by faith in God.

Friend, is your life marked with complaining and murmuring?  Let us bring our cares to God's throne of grace so we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Worrying, complaining, and murmuring cannot enable us to grow an inch taller or change our situation for the better, but these sins of unbelief ultimately result in judgment.  Instead of giving worry a voice through complaining, may our repentant hearts be moved to praise our awesome God!

God's Inner Circle

I am continually blown away by the breadth and depth of God's Word.  The 66 books written over a span of 1,500 years do more than dovetail with one another but are in perfect harmony concerning God in the most minute detail.  It is a book one can read for decades and daily discover new connections never before understood, personal revelations from the living God who breathed it into existence.  It does far more than provide intrigue or facts but refreshes us with all we need by God's grace.  God sees our needs met by His grace.

The other night I read something I had forgotten about, how God organised the camp of the Hebrews after the exodus from Egypt.  God's visible presence hovered over the tabernacle in the centre of the camp with three tribes to the north, south, east, and west.  See what Numbers 1:52-53 explains concerning those of the tribe of Levi, those chosen to serve the LORD in facilitating worship of God and teaching of His laws:  "The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyone by his own camp, everyone by his own standard, according to their armies; ⁵³ but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel; and the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony."  Instead of receiving an inheritance of land, God was to be their inheritance (Deut. 10:9, Joshua 13:33).

The Levites were responsible before God to be sanctified according to the Law of Moses so they could offer and partake of the sacrifices offered at the tabernacle.  Only purified Levites were permitted to handle the holy things of the tabernacle of meeting.  They were to camp encircling the tabernacle so there would "be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel," providing a sanctified buffer which preserved their fellows.  It was not because Levi or his children were the most pious or deserving of Israel's sons but were chosen by God's grace to be servants about His business.

This caused me to consider how followers of Jesus Christ provide a blessing and benefit to others who do not know or believe in God:  interceding in prayer for individuals and nations, serving with the love of Jesus, filled with generosity, extending grace, showing kindness and compassion for one another.  Jesus called His disciples the "salt of the earth," and salt liberally applied to meat enables it to be preserved for a long time in the right conditions.  Whilst we serve our LORD Jesus Christ, chosen and sanctified by grace similar to the Levites, God's presence in us makes a difference to everyone else in the world.  Sometimes we don't appreciate what we have until we lose it; we are prone to take much for granted.  I believe the unbelieving world benefits more from Christians than they could possibly realise--even as God operates in a realm beyond our knowledge or observance.  God doesn't need us but makes a good difference to the world through us.

All throughout the scriptures there is the reoccurring theme of God's grace:  grace to bring life where there was once nothing, grace to reveal Himself to wretched sinners, grace to preserve us from wrath we wholly deserve, and grace to use us to bless and save others.  Ephesians 2:13 reminds us, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."  We who were once aliens of the commonwealth of the kingdom of God have been brought into God's inner circle, by grace having been made one with Jesus Christ, even called God's beloved children.  Praise the LORD!

Walking Circumspectly

In his book Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis talked about putting off telling his mother about a toothache.  He waited until he couldn't stand it anymore even though he knew she could relieve his pain because it also meant he would be required to see a dentist!  Like most of us he didn't so much care for the cause to be addressed but the relief of negative symptoms.  Lewis used this analogy to point out we might realise we have a problem with anger and cursing and want to have God deal with it because it is a source of embarrassment but how God also wants to deal with our lust, bitterness, and unforgiveness.  God's intention is to give us the "full treatment" when we would rather half-measures according to our preferences.

God is gracious, merciful, and patient in convicting us of sins.  Our eyes are opened to our sins one by one and we begin to realise how interconnected they are with our unbelieving and selfish hearts.  Through repentance and faith in Christ we are given victory over sins which continue to pester us for seasons throughout our lives.  Sinful thoughts and deeds are so natural to the flesh they can stealthily cohabitate inside us for some time until God's Word or bad feelings tip these squatters off.  This is part of the battle we are responsible to fight, to bring thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ and see they are bound and arrested.  No one should be more joyful or at rest than a Christian for who God is and all He has done and promised to do--but sin seeks to rob us blind.

Just today I found myself battling anger which welled up quickly and threatened to overthrow self-control.  The LORD helped me to take stock of why I felt angry and stressed:  I felt frustrated by people, feeling stress because I have a lot to do but not much time, and how unexpected expenses keep piling up.  Then I considered, hasn't God promised to provide for all my needs?  Are not my times in God's hands?  Is it hard for God to change the hearts of people--even my own?  It is written in Proverbs 21:1, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."  God used feelings of anger to cause me to stop and consider Him, to turn my heart back to Him again rather than focusing on all that seems to go wrong.

Giving vent to anger doesn't change our circumstances or other people:  sowing to the flesh through outbursts of wrath further corrupts us.  God's love, on the other hand, edifies us and others.  Horses wear blinders to force them to look straight ahead, and sin is like blinders fitted on us which focuses on ourselves and the faults of others.  We are to walk circumspectly as children of light giving thanks to God for all things as it is written in Ephesians 5:15-17, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."  God has taken off our blinders and revealed His will, given us the Holy Spirit without measure, and may we make the most of the time He has given us as we walk circumspectly.

Calamity Redeemed

When things seem to be going well in our lives it is easy to acknowledge the goodness of God.  But in the face of tragedy or calamity doubts about God's goodness suddenly crowd our thoughts.  Reflecting on my own experiences however, when I have praised God in the midst of suffering, the comfort and peace I enjoy triumphs over "good" times when I took God for granted.  Would to God His people would demonstrate the faith of Job when confronted with grave personal tragedies in Job 1:21-22:  "And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." ²² In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong."  Trust in the goodness of God in the land of living brought Job to praise God when circumstances knocked him to his knees.

In a series of rhetorical questions Amos posed before Israelites of the northern kingdom, he concluded with a flourish in Amos 3:6, "If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people be afraid? If there is calamity in a city, will not the LORD have done it?"  For whatever reason it is easier for us to believe if life is smooth it is the blessing of God and when things are tough Satan is to blame.  We imagine people who suffer are deserving of punishment for some hidden sin, or those who are "blessed" have "done something right."  But what of the grace of God who causes rain to fall on the just and unjust, Who daily loads us all with blessings and benefits?  Even judgment for sin is a providential gift from the hands of our heavenly Father who loves us.

God is never a passive player in the universe or caught unawares by satanic plots.  Not one calamity occurs without His knowledge and intent to redeem it fully for those who trust in Him.  Joseph provides a good example of man intending things for evil but God using it to save many people alive.  Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery in a foreign land but God redeemed it.  It was a painful season for Joseph to be betrayed by his own flesh and blood for a pocket of silver, but later Joseph was given the insight to realise it.  He said to his brothers in Genesis 45:5, "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life."  It was like Joseph needed to remind his brothers over and over to convince them of God's guiding hand in his past, for he said in Genesis 50:19-20:  "Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? ²⁰ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

Now take care believer:  it is one thing for Job to praise God despite his own suffering and Joseph to credit God for sending him to Egypt, but we must not presumptuously speak for God concerning the suffering of others.  Explaining why they might be suffering or how it can be redeemed can be false hope which distracts from the goodness, grace, and mercy of God:  He has done it but remains good.  Are not God's ways higher than ours?  Aren't His means and ways of redemption beyond our vision?  It was not good Job lost all his children to tragedy in a day but God was able to redeem it for good.  It was no way "good" the righteous Son of God was pierced on Calvary's cross, but God redeemed it to save many alive.  Death was never the will of God, but it was God's will Jesus go to the cross to save many alive.  Sometimes God opens our eyes to the why of a calamity, but better to realise Who God is to us, gracious and good, and despite our pain to draw near to Him in faith.  He is the only One who can save.