Jesus is the LORD

I enjoy reading the Psalms, songs bursting with praise to the LORD.  Four times in Psalm 107 (verse 8, 15, 21, 31) the psalmist exclaims, "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"  Packed within these songs of worship and thanksgiving are references to Jesus Christ and things He would fulfill.  The Saviour of the world told His disciples after His resurrection in Luke 24:44, "Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."

Last night after reading Psalm 107:23-30 the miraculous deeds of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee came to mind:

"Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters,
²⁴  They see the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep.
²⁵  For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea.
²⁶  They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble.
²⁷  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
²⁸  Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses.
²⁹  He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.
³⁰  Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven."

When Jesus directed His disciples to cross over to the other side in a boat, while He slept a great storm arose on the water.  Though many of the disciples were expert sailors the boat began to fill and they feared for their lives.  In desperation they cried out to Jesus and Mark 4:39-41 reads, "Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" ⁴¹  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"  Psalm 107 answers their question:  Jesus is the LORD who commands the wind to blow, calms the storm, and brings those who seek Him out of their distress.  The One who brought them safely to shore will also usher all who trust in Him into eternal glory with Him.

Instead of being afraid or marveling Psalm 107 provides the fitting response to Jesus Christ and all He has done in verses 31-32:  "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! ³² Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, and praise Him in the company of the elders."  In thanking Jesus we thank the LORD as He is the only begotten Son of the Father, the Messiah who humbled Himself and the LORD has exalted above all others.  Jesus has fulfilled the passage, and let us fulfill it as well.  Praise the name of Jesus, believer!  Consider His goodness, wonderful works, and divine guidance, for Jesus is worthy to be praised. 

The Awesome I AM

It is one thing to strap on a parachute and walk to a plane, but it is entirely different experience to jump out of the plane with the expectation of survival because of that parachute.  There is a time when the safety demonstrations are over, the consent forms have been signed, the equipment inspected and fitted, and it is "go time."  I do not believe a skydiver would jump out of the plane who is not convinced the odds of survival are high, but it requires a degree of faith in your training and equipment to do so.

It can take a life or death decision for people out of desperation to trust God.  Similar to couch potatoes avoiding physical exercise, the tendency of people is the desire to avoid needing to trust God.  We seek out easy and quick options to overcome obstacles or anything that offers a guarantee of success.  We are ever seeking to reduce risk, limit liability, and make life carefree.  But everyone living faces the necessity of dying, and even when immediate death is not a potential issue the cares and worries of life overwhelm us.  It is only when we reach the end of our resources and ourselves that procrastinating is overturned by throwing ourselves upon the mercy of God like we should have done all along, resting and confident in His love and sovereignty.

Jacob believed God and he also procrastinated when faced with a dilemma:  there was a terrible famine, there was an abundance of food in Egypt, Simeon had been jailed in Egypt, and his release was possible only if he would send his youngest son Benjamin back to Egypt.  Jacob didn't like his options and he delayed until the food had almost run out.  There was no scheme to circumvent the inevitable, no way of wriggling off the hook.  Faced with the prospects of starvation of his household out of necessity Jacob sent all his remaining sons to Egypt and said in Genesis 43:13-14:  "...Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. ¹⁴ And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!"  Though Jacob knew the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and to him, he was unsure how things would end.  "May God give you mercy, and whatever happens will happen."

Jacob's words bear a resemblance to those of Esther who also faced a life and death decision.  She too was reluctant to take action because of the law of the Medes and Persians which gave the sentence of death to all who appeared before the king uninvited.  As king he had the privilege to overturn the death penalty by extending the royal sceptre.  Mordecai the Jew urged Queen Esther to use her privilege and access to beg for the lives of the Jewish people who had been condemned to death.  He told Esther not to deceive herself to think she would escape the consequences of the law penned by wicked Haman, and that God would bring salvation to His people somehow.  Her response in Esther 4:16 was, "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"  Again, Esther trusted in God because the circumstances demanded it.  She knew God but did not know what the future held:  "If I perish, I perish."

These statements lead me to consider something Jesus Christ said when He looked towards Calvary.  Jacob and Esther hoped not to die but didn't know what would happen:  Jesus knew He would die and what God would accomplish through it.  After Jesus prayed the Father would glorify His name and was answered with an affirmative by a voice from heaven, He said in John 12:30-33, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. ³¹ Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. ³² And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." ³³ This He said, signifying by what death He would die."  Jesus knew He would be lifted up from the earth like Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness and would draw all people to Himself to be saved.  Through the death and resurrection of Jesus atonement was provided for the sins of the world and all who trust in Him receive forgiveness and eternal life.  Because of who Jesus is we can face even life and death decisions with assurance of help, hope, and salvation because He has drawn us to Himself and holds us safe in His arms.

Our perspective can shift from "If I am bereaved, I am bereaved" or "If I perish, I perish" to what Paul was assured of:  "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."  This moves us beyond the "What will be will be" mindset to knowing what God has promised will ultimately come to pass in His sovereign way and in His time.  We can go from saying, "It is what it is" to "I trust the awesome I AM."  No one can snatch us out of His hands, and nothing can separate us from the love in Christ Jesus.

Disappointment Dashed

Man was created in the image of God but let us never assume He is like us.  Being all-knowing and all-powerful and without sin God is shockingly different to us in every regard.  Psalm 50:21 shows man can presumptuously think erroneously about God because He says, "These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes."  The God who gave us freedom to choose always employs His will to do righteously.  Our thoughts and emotions can be so hardwired into our flesh we don't consider that God cares how we feel but doesn't feel like we do.

As I mulled over this concept, I came to the conclusion God does not experience what we call "disappointment."  We are disappointed when our expectations are unmet, yet this cannot be the case for a Being who knows all things before they occur, the One who speaks and it is exactly as He said.  A couple weeks back I dropped by Hungry Jacks after church to bring home lunch after taking orders from the family.  There was a new burger on the menu for a limited time which on advertisements looked simply enormous.  As I checked the order in the bag the underwhelming size of the burgers was immediately clear.  Based on the ads these burgers were disappointing to the grown men of the household.  Instead of being disappointed at the cost or size of the burgers, it was an opportunity to praise the LORD for His gracious provision.

Since God knows all He is not caught off guard, tricked, taken in, or fooled by anything which happens in the world.  Jesus was not "disappointed" with Judas for betraying Him or with Peter for denying Him because He knew these events would take place.  When our expectations are revealed to be false assumptions it is good to replace this bad feeling with aligning our perspective with God's almighty awesomeness.  Genuine believers all have much room to grow in this area.  When Jacob heard Simeon was being held in a prison in Egypt and the only way he would be released was after his youngest son Benjamin went to Jerusalem Genesis 42:36 reads, "And Jacob their father said to them, "You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me."  Jacob believed Joseph was dead and viewed Simeon (who was in prison with a promise of conditional release) the same way.  He focused on himself and the pressing situation and saw all as against him instead of remembering God was for him.  Huge difference!

I do not question the genuine faith of Jacob nor of Job who received the news of the death of his 10 children in a moment.  Upon hearing this devastating news Job tore his clothes in mourning, fell down on the ground, and worshipped God.  Job 1:21 states, "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."  I have never suffered as Job, nor has my faith shone so bright to do as he did in the face of unspeakable tragedy.  His words remind me of what Paul wrote, a man who suffered much for the sake of Jesus Christ.  Disappointment almost seemed a foreign concept for this man who looked to the sovereign God who rules in heaven and earth.  Romans 8:31-37 reads, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." ³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Allow the potentially disappointing situations (and even portion sizes!) to direct our eyes and hearts toward the LORD who loves us.  Is any lingering disappointment towards God or men ever justified when God rules over all?  In the dark valleys may our souls shine bright with praise and our mouth exalt the LORD on high who is for us and makes us more than conquerors through Him.  Abiding disappointment is a symptom we have refused to yield ourselves to God in humility and faith.  In our lives may all disappointment and dashed dreams fall down flat before the KING OF KINGS in worship and adoration because He alone is worthy.

The Greatest

Jesus spoke against the Pharisees who did good works to be seen and recognised by men.  They were fond of titles, admiration, to be respected, and to have their expert opinion sought.  Jesus countered this by explaining the conduct He expected of His servants in Matthew 23:5-12:  "But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. ⁶ They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, ⁷ greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' ⁸ But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. ⁹ Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. ¹⁰ And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. ¹¹ But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹² And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Jesus was not laying down a new law to prohibit the use of names or titles but to demonstrate His supremacy over all.  How easy it was for man to take the place of God in their lives!  They naturally looked to be taught by their rabbi, to their own father with reverence, and for insights from the experts of the Mosaic Law.  Twice in this section Jesus emphasised, "...for One is your Teacher, the Christ."  In following the example of Jesus who always did the will of His heavenly Father, followers of Jesus were to humble themselves and be the slave of all.  After Jesus girded Himself and washed the feet of His disciples after the Passover feast He provided them a pattern they were to heed themselves:  in washing the feet of one another they served the LORD.

A few chapters earlier the disciples bristled when the mother of James and John asked Jesus to appoint them to places of great honour in His kingdom.  She expressed the desire for them to sit on His right and left hand.  Jesus responded bluntly with, "You do not know what you are asking."  Honour and authority in the Kingdom of God looks very different than the honour afforded in the world.  Jesus gathered the 10 indignant apostles and Matthew 20:25-28 tells us:  "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. ²⁷ And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  Selfish ambition for greatness and to be first is misguided, for that is the spot for Jesus.  The way we can become great is when we serve others like Jesus did who gave His life as a ransom for many.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  It is God who will bring this to pass in His time and wise way.  Just like we ought not to look to men instead of God, we ought not to think it falls to us to play God with men.  The greatest men are those who submit to God's authority, not because they desire greatness, but because they know God as the greatest of all.

Fullness of Joy

Jacob loved his son Joseph and had a special colourful coat made for him.  The favour his father showed him made Joseph the envy of his 10 older brothers.  It didn't help his relationship with them when he shared dreams where they bowed down before him.  When he obediently went at the request of his father for a status report from his brothers who were shepherds Genesis 37:18-20 reads, "Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him. ¹⁹ Then they said to one another, "Look, this dreamer is coming! ²⁰ Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, 'Some wild beast has devoured him.' We shall see what will become of his dreams!"  From a great distance Joseph's colourful coat caused his brothers to recognise him and they plotted how they might destroy him.  The obvious favour of his father made Joseph a target.

Reading this passage reminds me of similar treatment Jesus the Son of God was subjected to by priests and Pharisees.  Instead of a coat of many colours, Jesus was adorned spiritually with a robe of righteousness and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Some people see Jesus with a stoic and almost unhappy demeanor, but this is not true.  The writer of Hebrews connected Psalm 45:7 with the Messiah Jesus Christ as only begotten God's Son in Hebrews 1:8-9:  "But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. ⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."  Jesus was a man of sorrows yet also was anointed with the oil of gladness more than anyone else.  The One who gives fullness of joy was Himself joyful, and of that we can be certain.

The glad countenance of Jesus, the attentiveness of the people to hear Him, and the favour of God upon Him exposed envy in the hearts of the religious rulers as we see in Luke 19:47-48:  "And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, ⁴⁸ and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him."  When Jesus was arrested and brought before Pilate, he knew they delivered Jesus to him out of envy.  Joseph's brothers decided against murdering Joseph and sold him into slavery.  According to God's redemptive purposes this turned out to be their salvation.  In this way God orchestrated the sending of Joseph ahead of his family where over a decade later was promoted to second in command over all Egypt, and Joseph was used by God to save many people alive--including his own family and brothers who once hated him--from a great famine.

The chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees would be successful in their aim to execute Jesus on trumped up charges of blasphemy and anti-Roman sentiment.  Jesus died on the cross and by the glorious purposes of God in doing so provided atonement for sinners and salvation for souls.  Joseph supplied grain for food eaten by people and animals, yet Jesus the Bread of Life supplied salvation for all who believe in Him through the Gospel.  The envy and hatred of men was redeemed in a miraculous way to benefit those who least deserved it.  Here is the grace of God and how good He is to offer it freely to all!  The suffering of Joseph and Jesus was not without a redemptive purpose according to God's will, and we can be assured our faithful God will continue to redeem even our pains for His glory and the ultimate good of others and ourselves.  Jesus said in John 15:9-12, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."  Let us rejoice in our God who gives fullness of joy.

The Trouble of Conspiracies

Based on my experience we seem to be living in the not-so-golden age of conspiracy theories, but the Bible says this is nothing new.  It may be the distrust in government and media are at all time highs yet skeptics, doubters, and those touting hidden agendas have been around since the beginning.  Satan very well might be the first one who promoted a conspiracy when he said to Eve, "Has God really said you cannot eat from the tree in the midst of the garden?"  Lies mixed with truth proved a deadly combination.

It feels like wherever I look there is more evidence of a conspiracy mindset taking hold.  On my news feed I read about anti-vaxers, 5G and COVID combo, and anti-maskers; Christian bookstores sell paperbacks about government schemes and inter-dimensional portals; billboards go up warning about the day the world will end.  Countless documentaries are churned out annually that follow the same pattern:  what you have been led to believe is wrong, hidden evidence with sinister motives is presented to draw possible conclusions, experts are lined up to contribute their opinions, and stay tuned for the next installment--and people pay to eat this stuff up.  Armed with this new knowledge the watcher becomes a walking and talking advertisement campaign designed to prey upon people's fears.  Why pay for advertisement when others do it for free?

Like I said before, conspiracy is nothing new.  Last night I was reading in Isaiah 8 and how God directed His people to look to Him alone when the claims of conspiracy swirled around.  God revealed Israel would fall before Assyria and Ephraim would no more be a people, but He would protect and deliver Judah.  Isaiah spoke the truth in the name of the LORD and when God does the talking let all on the earth take notice.  Time would make the truth of what Isaiah said plain.  If he was wrong one time he was not to be feared or listened to ever again (Deut. 18:20)--and it is wise to put modern-day prognosticators to the same test.  If only people who are put in fear by alleged government conspiracies or a hidden satanic agenda would have the God-confident perspective presented in Isaiah 8:10:  "Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us."

The prophet continued with words which spoke to my heart in Isaiah 8:11-13:  "For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: ¹² "Do not say, 'A conspiracy,' concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. ¹³ The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread."  Conspiracy preys on fear.  It may be the fear of ignorance, fear of death, and the fear of being controlled and manipulated which only increases with knowledge rather than being lessened.  Isaiah was told not to be afraid of potential threats but to fear the LORD.  It was God who is a stable rock of refuge He was to seek rather than casting his eyes upon a shadowy and foreboding future.

People have always been fascinated by what the future holds and for what is hidden to be made known.  People these days seek counsel on online chats, buy books on how to interpret dreams, and obsess over the implications of a new documentary.  They immerse themselves in online resources and through knowledge gain a sense of control in a mad world.  In Isaiah's day people would go to mediums and wizards to do a similar thing, to tap into the knowledge of spirits to know how to live their lives and have future success with money and relationships.  Mediums claimed to be able to contact souls who had died to be consulted by the living.  Isaiah 8:19-20 says, "And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? ²⁰ To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."  God told His people instead of looking to spirit guides they ought to seek their God!  What could the dead do to assist the living?  Is not God the almighty, living God who created all things whom we fear?  Is God in any way threatened by the schemes of Satan or man?

God directed His people to look to the law and the testimony, to the word of God for guidance.  The fear of the LORD strips us of all fear of man, the unknown, and death.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the World who alone has the words of life.  Books and articles have their benefits but God's Word is all we need.  This may seem boring and cliche to believers or people who are rightly concerned about the bleak outlook for this world or what may be "going on behind the scenes."  Every preacher and pastor will answer to God for how they have interpreted and taught the Bible, and only the LORD knows the heart.  Instead of being afraid of deception or conspiracies, our call is to fear God, know He is with us, and to seek the LORD.  Let us speak according to God's word and walk according to it, not using scripture dishonestly to prop up conspiracies.  Are you afraid of potential threats and troubled?  If you fear the LORD you don't need to be.

Are You Alright?

I recently watched a few videos our ministry team put together with a youth group years ago.  One of the films has a song by Sanctus Real which repeats the chorus:  "I'm not alright, I'm broken inside, broken inside.  And all I go through leads me to you, leads me to you."  These may seem rather depressing lyrics but actually the message is uplifting and true.  We are all broken inside and out in a broken world, yet for a child of God the trials and difficulties of life lead us to seek the LORD who is our refuge and help.

It isn't until we are convinced there is something wrong we will investigate to fix the issue.  A decrease of power in an engine that blows smoke, poor performance of an appliance, or symptoms of illness prompt us to take action.  We live in a world permeated with themes of self-empowerment that are a complete lie, and swallowing them leads to disillusionment and despair.  Only the ones who realise they are indeed broken beyond repair and are introduced to the hope, strength, and redemption through Jesus Christ can avail themselves of the healing and restoration found through Him.  Through a pesky messenger of Satan that buffeted him Paul realised when he was weak he was strong because through faith discovered God's power beyond himself.

I have no desire to be controversial nor intend to make a political statement:  whether we tout our "willpower," "manpower," "Girl Power," "Black Power," or any other power it has a limit, therefore has an end, and will end in futility.  The power of mankind cannot compare to the power of God which is infinite and eternal.  Historically mankind has used power to abuse and oppress others but God's power is to save rather than destroy.  Jesus came to set captives free from the prison of sin, bondage to Satan, and the shackles of self.  He laid down His own life on Calvary to provide the means for sinners to become saints, for spiritual inner transformation which will become evident to all.  Admitting our need for forgiveness and salvation is the necessary step to receiving it.

The song "I'm Not Alright" continues this modern day psalm directed to the almighty God:  "Burn away the pride, bring me to my weakness until everything I hide behind is gone.  And when I'm open wide with nothing left to cling to only you are there to lead me on 'cause honestly, I'm not that strong."  No matter your physical and mental strength it can be exhausted, and what a joy it is to realise brokenness leads desperate people to the LORD every day.  If we could we would be foolish enough to create a world that resembles our conceptions of heaven, it would be a place where there is no sickness, sadness, or sorrow, a place where miracles are unnecessary, a utopia where restoration or redemption is impossible, a place without need of God.  How good God is to prompt us to seek Him out and choose His love, to redeem our brokenness for healing and our weakness for strength.

The Word Who Speaks

Today an electrician and apprentice did some wiring for me.  I had met the duo previously months ago when they installed a few LED signs.  "I think we've met before," the apprentice said.  "I recognise your voice."  I have been told on several occasions I have a "distinct" voice, and I'm not sure what makes it so.  Apparently it is a primary distinguishing characteristic that is more memorable than a buzz-cut and questionable taste in apparel.

Interestingly Jesus compared Himself to a Good Shepherd whose sheep know His voice.  From a great distance sheep will respond to the call of their shepherd, and it is a great analogy of how those who know Jesus as LORD will sense His leading.  It may not be with audible voice we hear with our ears but a thought that comes to us which was not our own:  it does not align with our fleshly desires, nor is it a conclusion we arrived at by consideration.  It can be very brief but profound, is well-directed to speak to our hearts, agrees with scripture, and corrects with a loving tone.  Our response to the voice of our Saviour Jesus indicates He is our LORD and draws us into fellowship with Him as we meditate on God's Word.

Jesus said in John 10:11-18, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹² But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. ¹⁵ As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷ Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

Jesus was sent to the "lost sheep" of Israel, and He also called sheep "not of this fold" (Gentiles) that would hear His voice and respond.  We who were afar off have been invited to draw near by the grace of God, brought into the kingdom of God, and adopted by God as His beloved children.  Jesus called to those who were weary and heavy laden, to those who thirst, to all sinners, to whosoever will respond and receive forgiveness of sins by God's grace.  Isn't it wonderful that God who gave Himself for us continues to speak to us?  He has called us to Himself and also communes with us as friends.  When we speak to Him He hears our voice, and it brings delight to Him beyond words.

The Righteous Key

With the current study of the Gospel of Luke at Calvary Chapel Sydney, I have been reminded of the importance to refrain from "spiritualising" scripture and especially parables.  This happens when we move away from the plain meaning of the text to create an allegory.  Spiritualising makes scriptural interpretation bow to arbitrary keys inserted to supposedly unlock hidden truth.  Try to use the incorrect key on a security door on a house and you will be denied entry, but using the incorrect key to allegedly unlock a parable has led to misinterpretation and wrong application.  I am not suggesting there is only one correct interpretation or application of a particular passage:  my intent is to warn against the error of spiritualising parables, a practise that is more common than one may think.

We are blessed many parables include an explanation from Jesus Himself.  The Parable of the Sower is one of the most famous as it is referenced in the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  Without the explanation of Jesus we would be left to guess what the seed, birds, and different soils represent.  In Mark 4 Jesus provided keys to understand the significance of these aspects:  the seed is the word of God, the birds that ate seed on the footpath is the devil who steals the Word away, and the shallow, weed stricken, and good soils represent the conditions of the hearts of hearers to receive the word and be fruitful.  Because a key works on one lock it does not necessary fit another.  For instance, not every time seed is referenced in a parable it is God's Word, nor does it mean birds in parables always allude to satanic influence.

Proof of this is seen in Matthew 13.  Directly after the Parable of the Sower Jesus taught using the Parable of the Wheat and Tares and explained it.  In this parable a man sowed good seed in his field yet during the night an enemy came and sabotaged his efforts by planting tares--a weed that has no nutritional value and to the undiscerning eye looks like wheat.  While the explanation of the sower remains the same, the seed in this parable means something different than before.  In response to the request of His disciples Matthew 13:37-39 tells us, "He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. ³⁹ The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels."  In this parable the good seeds are the "sons of the kingdom."  If we assume the seed was God's word we would misinterpret what Jesus said.  The logic follows we would be wrong to assume every time birds were referenced in a parable they allude to Satan.  We must take great care not to assume or suppose because when we do--not being God and His ways being higher than ours--we can be wrong.  And in the case of those who teach, we can lead others astray.

Parables are examples from the natural world used to teach spiritual truth to those who hear believing, and the same conceals truth from unbelievers.  Each parable stands on its own merit and the explanation of Jesus--coupled with the context--aids us in rightly interpreting and understanding them.  It is true that some parables are not explained by Jesus and thankfully we are not without the context or the ability to cross-reference passages to see what circumstances prompted a parable, who Jesus was speaking to, or why He said what He did like in Luke 18:9:  "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others..."  Through the entire testimony of scripture with the aid of the Holy Spirit there can be a variety of correct interpretations and great latitude for personal application.  Jesus is able to open our understanding to comprehend the scriptures (Luke 24:45), and may we learn to rightly divide them for His glory.  LORD, teach us to prepare our hearts to receive your Word that we might be fruitful.

Walking With God

"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?"

Micah 6:8

The context of the Micah passage is the controversy God had with His chosen people.  He had birthed the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt with miraculous deliverance, revealed Himself to them, provided His Law, and brought them into the land of promise.  Not a word failed of His good promise to them, yet they failed to keep His covenant.  They sinned more than the nations He displaced out of Canaan and He judged them with the curses written in the Law of Moses.

Micah, a God-fearing prophet, wondered what needed to be done for the nation to be restored, to show contrition for sin, and to take steps to revival.  The prophet asked God rhetorically in Micah 6:6-7:  "With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? ⁷ Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"  Micah realised all the sacrifices a man could offer was not suitable to cover the greatness of their sin and transgression.  Even if they were to go beyond the Law and offer their beloved children as burnt offerings it would in no way wash them of their guilt.  So what did they need to do?

Then God spoke.  They did not need a new revelation from heaven, for God had already shown them what is good and what God requires of His people:  to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.  The LORD's answer reminds me of David's words in Psalm 51:16-17:  "For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. ¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart--these, O God, You will not despise."  God looks upon the heart, and praise the LORD we are given new hearts through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.  There is nothing we can do to earn God's favour, no sacrifice possible to wash ourselves from guilt and shame.  He has provided His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for sin and has given us an example of justice, love of mercy, and humility in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ gave His disciples a new commandment, that they should love one another as He loved them.  By faith in God we can extend love, grace, and mercy that trumps our natural abilities.  His love is patient and kind, does not envy, boast, or keep record of wrongs.  This divine love bears all things, even endures the pain of betrayal, and seeks restoration of relationship.  To walk humbly with Jesus is to walk in the wisdom James spoke of in James 3:17 that is in stark contrast to the wisdom of this age, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."  Jesus has shown us how to live, and by the power of the Holy Spirit He empowers us to do so.  As we walk with Jesus by grace through faith, He always leads us in righteousness.

Pleasure in Prosperity

We humans have a thing about convenience.  If we can find machines and devices to makes life easier, we are all for it.  There was a time when people needed to stand up and turn on the television manually and adjust an antenna for the best reception.  Then came cable TV and remote controls.  We can push a button and recline our seat with minimal effort while experiencing surround sound.  VHS (video home system) tapes gave way to DVDs that do not need to be rewound with superior audio and clarity.  Our penchant for convenience spills over into work and jobs we need to do.  We often have the luxury of waiting for a convenient time because our lives do not depend on it.

This same tendency to make plans based upon what is convenient was observed by king Solomon.  He recognised a desire for convenience and minimal risk actually hindered necessary work from being done.  He wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:4-6:  "He who observes the wind will not sow,and he who regards the clouds will not reap. ⁵ As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything. ⁶ In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good."  One farmer may work rain or shine, but another might not sow because of the chance of rain.  To prevent potentially being soaked to the skin (if it did actually rain) the farmer puts off work he needs to do for a harvest.

Solomon explained that there are things we can predict but there are also many things we cannot know or fully understand.  We don't know where the wind comes from nor how the bones of a baby develop in the womb of a pregnant woman.  God's works and ways are also unknown to us, though we see the result of His work all around and within us as His people.  Solomon's advice is to do the job God has given to us without making excuses.  The weather might be threatening on a particular morning, but it could start sunny and suddenly start raining as well.  If we are governed by what is convenient or how we feel, the important task may never begin.  If we are paralysed by fear or failure, getting wet, and wasting our efforts, we are wasting valuable time and opportunity God has given us today.

So do not withhold your hand, Christian!  If we hold back from service to God because it isn't convenient or out of fear our labour will be in vain we will miss the chance of a great harvest.  Better to take a risk of sowing on an overcast morning than leaving the seed in the bag because seed in the bag never grows:  it rots and is ruined.  When we are about God's business, whatever the weather, He will cause our efforts to be fruitful according to the riches of His grace.  Even when the rain is pouring down and outside work is impossible Psalm 35:27 rings true:  "Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."  Praise Him who makes us to prosper!

Instruction and Inspiration

How important context is in helping us understand what is being said.  Have you ever come into a conversation "at the wrong time" and what was being discussed by others was bizarre, strange, and required an immediate explanation to keep from walking away?  Having the reason for a topic explained to us clarifies misunderstandings and brings us up to speed with why what was said is appropriate and reasonable.  This situation can be amusing in a friendly conversation, but it can have serious consequences if we approach passages of scripture in similar fashion.  Jumping from book from book, chapter to chapter, and verse to verse means statements used to prop up an interpretation have meaning beyond face value.

A very useful book titled Basic Bible Interpretation by Roy B. Zuck is a terrific resource to help readers of scripture to accurately interpret it.  I am convinced the best meals are cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients, and reliance upon Bible commentaries instead of learning to study the Bible yourself is like eating frozen dinners with high salt content.  Buying packaged biscuits is the quick and easy option for a snack that will never be as good as something you prepared yourself from scratch.  When it comes to studying the Bible we must be born again so we can be taught by the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth.  I am not for a moment suggesting sermons or commentaries have no place in the lives of believers, but it is better to teach a person to study and glean the rich goodness of God's Word for themselves than to train them to put on a bib and wait to be spoon-fed.

When I was young my mother took pains to teach me to bake and cook from scratch.  I started with very simple dishes like scrambling eggs, hot dogs, and instant noodles.  At a point I moved to mixing and cooking pancakes and cookies.  I learned to read recipes, set the temperature of the oven or electric skillet, where the ingredients were stored, how to measure and mix the ingredients together, how to set a timer, and clean up after myself.  My mum started the ball rolling which has continued to this day.  From an early appreciation of baked goods and tasty food I have expanded far beyond my original skill and have tackled dishes I never ate growing up.

I remember watching Martin Yan on the show "Yan Can Cook" on PBS as a kid and was entranced by his cheerful demeanor and the constant affirmation of his unseen viewers:  "When this is nice and done, so beautiful!  See, how easy!  You can do this at home!"  His aim in cooking delectable food was more than eating himself but to invite, instruct, and inspire people to do the same in their own kitchens.  This is what teachers of God's Word ought to do, to provide concrete examples with basic instructions people can learn and run with.  With the Word of God lighting our path and the Holy Spirit guiding us, we will advance in knowledge of God and His truth.  Not everyone may be gifted by the Holy Spirit to teach, but all God's people are called to study, learn, and rightly divide the word of truth.  The truth God teaches us from His word is like a delicious meal He has prepared for us.  It is too much to possibly eat it all by ourselves and are prompted to share joyfully with others.

Strengthened by Remembering

Psalm 77 portrays a troubled man during a sleepless night.  Penned by Asaph, this song is relatable to those who feel overwhelmed, filled with complaints, and without comfort.  After examining his heart the author mused in Psalm 77:7-10:  "Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? ⁸ Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? ⁹ Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah ¹⁰ And I said, "This is my anguish; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High."  In thinking things over Asaph realised God was not the problem or the cause of his anguish.  His troubled feelings and sleeplessness moved him to seek God and remember the great things God had done.

What a wise principle this teaches us:  considering the goodness and faithfulness of God in the past strengthens our faith in Him today for the future.  Psalm 77:11-12 continues:  "I will remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. ¹² I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds."  Asaph's mind went back to God's deliverance from bondage in Egypt--long before he had been born--and the mighty works He did to save His beloved people.  He considered the parting of the Red Sea with lightning that split the sky and thunder roared overhead and shook the earth.  God made a path through the sea which was unseen and unknown by men, but He led them step by step to safety.  Psalm 77:20 concludes Asaph's song:  "You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."

Dear troubled heart weighed down with complaints, cares, and without comfort, allow the word of God to minister to your need.  You may not see the path forward and do not know how to progress, but turn your eyes to Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd who leads us to lie down in green pastures, leads us beside still waters, and restores our souls.  Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death we need not fear because God is with us and will never leave or forsake us.  Consider the miraculous wonders God has done for His people in the scripture.  Meditate upon the love demonstrated by God to send His only Son Jesus Christ to die as a sacrifice for sinners and be raised from the dead in eternal glory.  Recall to mind the grace and mercy God has shown you as well, how He has delivered you from destruction, and provided you eternal life by His Gospel.  The God who redeemed your soul has provided for the needs of your body and your household in years gone by will continue to be faithful forever.  

Created Unique

It's amazing how different God makes people in appearance, personality, and preferences.  He has given us all a unique perspective on how we see the world and aspects of life which are important to us.  God has given my wife and I two sons who are quite different from one another yet not as different as Esau and Jacob were.  They were twins but as far from identical as could be:  one was born covered in red hair and the other was smooth skinned.  Esau enjoyed hunting and the great outdoors while Jacob preferred cooking stew and staying home.

When God heard the prayer of Isaac He caused Rebekah to conceive.  Undoubtedly she had expectations of what a "normal" pregnancy would be like, having spoken with many mothers with experience, yet these romantic notions were dashed with pain and discomfort.  Genesis 25:22-23 gives us insight into what was happening out of sight before sonograms:  "But the children struggled together within her; and she said, "If all is well, why am I like this?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. ²³ And the LORD said to her: "Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger."  God caused Rebekah to conceive twins that did not play well with each other!  The struggle in utero would continue throughout their lives and their descendants would comprise two separate nations.

Isn't it remarkable God would create two twin brothers who were different in appearance and attitude and even when in the womb did not get along?  I find it amazing how God can do a similar thing in the Body of Christ, the church.  We, like Rebekah, can have a romantic notion of what unity looks like and how other Christians would be best served to share the same beliefs and views we hold.  We imagine this new life in Christ should be without conflicts, struggles, and pain.  It does not take much engagement in church fellowship to realise how unique people are from one another.  Through the Gospel Jesus unites people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds as members of His church of which He is the Head.  Even as twins with the same genetic input are totally different people, pastors and parishioners alike have unique convictions, areas of emphasis, personal needs, experiences, maturity, and social engagement.

Believer, do you know pastors or fellow believers you see as a bit weird or different because of what interests them, their political leaning, or the stance they take (or don't take) on social issues?  How easy it is to fall into the snare of thinking everyone would be better off being more like us when God has intentionally made people different from one another.  God designed the bone structure, tendons, ligaments, and skin of hands and feet to be different because they serve different purposes--though part of the same body.  Even all feet and hands are not the same size or shape!  One hand can swing a hammer with precision and another is gnarled with arthritis.  Some people cannot buy shoes at a department store because their feet are large, not the same size, or need a custom sole fitted because their legs are different lengths.  The God who created countless stars and calls them by name, the God who created the trillions of cells in our bodies, He saw fit to create people unique in His own image.  Instead of being annoyed or threatened by differences of others, let us celebrate God's wisdom, praise Him for our brothers and sisters, and thank Him for such rich diversity of gifts, calling, and leading.

By faith in Jesus Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit we are united as one for His glory.  The miracle of conception and human life is amazing, and being spiritually born again into the family of God is even more so.  The differences of Easu and Jacob are nothing compared to our vast separation of sinners from God because He is holy and righteousness.  God said to naturally wicked mankind in Psalm 50:19-23, "You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. ²⁰ You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son. ²¹ These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes. ²² "Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver: ²³ whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God."  How different man naturally is from God though created in His image, and praise the LORD He redeems, forgives, and accepts all who trust in Him as His own.  God has demonstrated His love towards us while we were His enemies, and may we demonstrate grace and love in showing kindness towards others.

The Secret Place of the Most High

I remember working as a contractor at San Diego State University and seeing radiation symbols on random buildings.  I discovered these office buildings doubled as bomb shelters underground and were stocked with old barrels of supplies should the need arise.  It looked like many of those green military stores had been sitting in dust for decades.  The subterranean bunkers I walked through were dimly lit and cold, but they would be a welcome refuge in a nuclear disaster.  The problem with bomb shelters is making sure you are in them before the bombs start dropping, or otherwise all the careful preparation was in vain.

Blessed is the one who makes God His refuge and finds certain shelter in all seasons.  Psalm 91:1-3 reads, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. ² I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust." ³ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence."  God will be a shelter for His people when the stars fall like rain and every mountain is moved from its place.  He protects us from the schemes of the devil, the fear of man, and the curse of sin.  In God is a fortress which cannot be overthrown or undermined, a relationship with the almighty God that will endure forever.  God is a Saviour and Deliverer in whom we can trust.

A bird that is caught in a snare cannot free itself to fly to the safety of the nest.  God, however, delivers from the "snare of the fowler."  No bunker can deliver like the God who is our refuge who comes to us in times of trouble, who provides salvation and help through faith in Him.  When Psalm 91 was written airplanes that deliver explosive ordinance were obviously not invented yet, but pestilence was just as perilous.  An illness could strike man and beast suddenly without cure.  Consider the plagues which God brought upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians which caused sores to break out on their bodies, decimated their cattle, and crops were consumed by locusts.  God protected His people in Goshen during times when death and famine seemed inescapable.

The psalmist concludes with God's response to the one who makes God his refuge in Psalm 91:14-16:  "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. ¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."  How blessed God's people are!  God promises to deliver and set on high, to hear and answer our prayers, and experience the comfort of His presence.  God provides deliverance, honour, satisfaction and salvation.  These promises do not exclude us from suffering and trials, yet God will sustain us through them.  He offers long life--eternal life--to all who rely upon and love Him.  Let us publicly proclaim the secret place of the Most High available to all by God's grace.

Why Sacrifice?

Animal sacrifice to deities is a foreign practice and concept to many in the west and the world.  My observation of the purpose behind sacrifice outside Judaism is one of appeasement, to ensure rains will come, the sun would rise, fertility, or for good fortune.  Sacrifices were made to obtain something desirable and beneficial like a man offering a bribe to a corrupt official for favours.  While no one can know for certain the motivations of the hearts of men, it is likely among the Jewish nation this was true to a degree:  sacrifices were at times offered to receive atonement from God and prevent falling out of God's favour.

There are many times recorded in the Bible sacrifice followed deliverance and victory as a show of acknowledgement of God's help with thanksgiving and gratitude.  An example of this is after God delivered Noah, his family, and many animals from the great flood and he offered a sacrifice.  Another time was after Joshua and the children of Israel, mightily helped by God, defeated the inhabitants of Ai.  In obedience to the Law of Moses Joshua 8:30-31 states, "Now Joshua built an altar to the LORD God of Israel in Mount Ebal, ³¹ as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: "an altar of whole stones over which no man has wielded an iron tool." And they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings."  To offer burnt and peace offerings to God was a solemn and joyful duty in response to God's goodness and glorious deliverance.

The nature of sacrifice is it always costs the giver.  I wonder:  as children of God are our sacrifices unto the LORD given out of a desire to gain something from God or a response to His goodness?  Is it possible I make "sacrifices" with the hope of future benefits rather than rejoicing for all God has already done for me?  I can say undoubtedly I have and I desire this selfish, short-sighted practice is struck from my life.  To have a relationship with the almighty God who loves us and offered Himself as a sacrifice once for all is the greatest treasure, that He is our inheritance!  As the old hymn goes, "Jesus paid it all!  All to Him I owe.  Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow."  In light of who He is and all He has done we offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto Him, our lives a testimony of His love, grace, and forgiveness.

The Final Offering

A child born into royalty could take much for granted.  This child would not know hunger or cold like the starving daughter of a farmer whose parents cannot afford wood to heat their dwelling.  It must be a severe famine indeed to impact the palace kitchen of the king and queen.  The prince or princess would never know the feeling of a parent imprisoned or the need to help raise little brothers or sisters with servants at the ready.  The fact their father is the king would influence their perspective and attitude.  It would take losing everything to begin to realise how much of their lives was foreign to the rest of the subjects of the realm.

After coming to Jesus Christ as poor beggars, our heavenly Father has adopted us as His own children by faith in our Saviour and LORD.  Our humble background as street urchins creates a very different problem to the one raised in the luxury royalty affords:  we do not realise what is ours as children of God.  God has fitted us with a robe of righteousness and we use it for a dog's mattress.  Instead of drinking from the goblet of heavenly joy and peace we try to satisfy our thirst lapping from puddles fouled by the hooves of horses and donkeys.  We have the best teacher in Jesus and the Holy Spirit who has provided the word of God but we are not familiar with the material or God's patient methods of teaching.  We are more taken watching boys wallow in a street fight than comprehending spiritual truths that transform our lives from within.  A man who learned to navigate the sewers in darkness as a boy suddenly finds himself through the Gospel accepted, embraced, washed, and thrust into a life he never imagined as a child of God.

Before stepping foot into the palace a common person would have heard many things about the king, and a lot of them would be untrue.  There are many things he would continue to believe until he was corrected or learned by experience.  So it is for us who are children of God by faith in Jesus.  Religions and "spiritual" people are riddled with error when not grounded in Bible truth, and we are naturally hostile towards God and His ways.  The scriptures explain to the unregenerate the wisdom of God appears foolishness (I Cor. 2:14).  When we are born again our disjointed souls are snapped into the proper orientation--like when a dislocated knee is set.  Our eyes are opened to see lavish blessings we could not have dreamed were possible given our past.

One of these is found in the book of Hebrews.  The writer sets the stage by saying Jesus came according to the will of God to establish a new covenant which supersedes the Law of Moses.  Hebrews 10:10-18 says, "By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. ¹¹ And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. ¹² But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, ¹³ from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. ¹⁴ For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. ¹⁵ But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, ¹⁶ "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," ¹⁷ then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." ¹⁸ Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin."

Isn't it amazing followers of Jesus have been sanctified through Him once for all?  Through Jesus we are perfected forever as those being sanctified.  God no longer deals with us according to our sin but the grace of God and just forgiveness through the Gospel.  Because He does not remember our sins and lawless deeds any more, having provided remission of these, "there is no longer an offering for sin."  There is literally nothing we can do to add to the sacrifice Jesus has made for us, no penance or lessons to be learned:  when Jesus said "It is finished!" it is true concerning the payment for our sins and acceptance into His fold by faith in Him.  After His resurrection Jesus taught His amazed disciples that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations (Luke 24:27).  The foundational precept of nearly all religions in this world emphasise what man must do to be accepted by God:  Christianity is unique in declaring what God has done so sinful men by faith in Jesus alone are declared righteous and sanctified.

Praise be to God for His marvelous love towards men!  We were lost and without hope in the world, had no power to save ourselves, blind and headed for hell, and the Light of the World shines upon us by the grace of God.  As citizens of heaven whose eyes have been opened let us open our hearts to receive the timeless truth of the Bible and the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth.  We are blessed for coming to Christ in faith at the first, but let us also go on with Him--growing in love towards God and more fully understanding the implications of our inheritance as children of God.  In light of what Jesus has done it is our reasonable service to offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto God, rejoicing to serve and glorify Him now and forever.

Heeding Wise Counsel

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."

Proverbs 12:15

The definition of a fool in the Proverbs is a person whose words and actions deny the existence of God.  Instead of looking to God for the right way he follows the impulses of his own heart.  The eyes of a fool are blind to the wisdom of God found in His word and sees no need for a so called "god" in his life.  The fool is unwittingly in a harrowing predicament and what is worse is he cannot see the danger of going his own way which leads to ruin.  When a boxer sees the glove coming he steels himself to absorb the shot, yet the fool does not notice the telegraphed punch his own folly brings like a hammer upon him.

There is a folly found in youth, a self-confident assumption of knowing all the important facts.  There is a folly found in older people too, a cynical attitude built on distrust and shattered expectations.  They risked following the counsel of others and found themselves taken advantage of.  The danger of heeding counsel is when the counselor is deceitful, corrupt, or just plain wrong.  In contrast to fools the wise are determined by their faith in God and reliance upon Him.  Solomon wrote in Proverbs 19:20-21, "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. ²¹ There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD'S counsel--that will stand."  Blessed is the man who speaks with God, and more blessed is the one who hears Him.  It is the one who hears who is led by God in what to say and do.

God's word and counsel will stand forever.  To heed God's counsel is to walk wisely, and the idea of heeding is to hear, take to heart, and walk accordingly.  The implication of heeding God's counsel is it was not our natural impulse or desire.  This means humbling ourselves by laying aside our own ideas and plans with the intent to listen and do what God has said.  There is no shortage of advice concerning health, wealth, happiness, and fulfillment inside and outside the church, and even well-meaning people can lead us astray from God's will with their convincing arguments.  That is why it is critical for us to know God's word and not to deviate from His timeless truth in belief and practice.  Familiarity with the genuine helps us recognise cheap imitations.

Jesus said in John 10:27-30, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. ³⁰ I and My Father are one."  Amid the confused multitudes of voices shouting for our attention, the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ speaks.  Do you recognise the voice of the One who has opened your eyes, the One who has become for us wisdom from God (1 Cor. 1:30-31)?  Let Jesus Christ be the One we seek, heed, and follow along with others who fear God.

Our Strong Confidence

"In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. ²⁷ The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death."

Proverbs 14:26-27

Self-confidence is often viewed as beneficial but the Bible teaches preoccupation with self is a snare.  To put confidence in self is to put confidence in man, and Psalm 118:8 says plainly "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."  Better than self-consciousness is for God's people to be cognisant of God's presence and promises.

Many of the things which provide self-confidence for people are transient and dare I say--vain.  I grew up watching sport with ads on television aimed at balding men and how re-growing your own hair bolstered confidence in the workplace or with women.  Other ads targeted men who still had hair and in the space of time it takes to shower an ageing fellow could be "back in the game" with hair, eyebrows, and beard devoid of unsightly grey.  Samson was a young man with flowing hair who had self-confidence and women in ample supply yet this misplaced confidence led him to ruin.

It is a good thing when our self-confidence is shaken because it shows we have been relying on ourselves, abilities, or listening to the praises of people rather than seeking and relying on the LORD.  In Christian ministry self-confidence is a snare because we can only serve the LORD and walk uprightly through faith in Him.  Woe to the man or woman who brims with self-confidence to do the LORD's work!  When the criticism is relentless, people leave the church because of you (and tell you this to your face), and you feel an absolute failure, what good with self-confidence do you then?  In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and in Him we have a place of refuge.

How liberating and wonderful it is to be free of the snare of self-confidence which leads to the fear of man and vain effort to please men.  Degrees of success, however, allow self-confidence to secretly wrap its coils around our hearts again.  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life which gives us confidence our feet shall not be moved regardless of what happens to us because we stand by the grace of God on the foundation of Jesus Christ.  Having been called, chosen, and loved by God we submit humbly to His sovereign rule, bowing our grey and bald heads in praise and worship of One who alone is worthy.  He is our strong confidence Who endures forever.

The Freshness of the Old

While at Camp Kedron I had an amusing interaction with a camper.  Kids who did not bring Bibles were loaned a Bible for the duration of camp.  A older primary-aged girl came up to me and asked for a different Bible.  "Could I have a different Bible?  This one is old."  I glanced to see what version of Bible it was and found it was a contemporary English version.  Then I guessed what prompted her request:  that she noticed there was an Old Testament and she nodded.  I told her, "This Bible is perfectly fine for you.  In fact, you need to have the Old Testament to better understand the New Testament."  We live in a world where "old" is synonymous with "outdated" and "irrelevant," yet the the Old Testament contains fresh truth for those who glean among those ancient passages.

Today I read when God changed Abram's name to Abraham and made a covenant with him.  The first covenant God made with Abram required the sacrifice of animals the Spirit of God passed through.  God established an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants by commanding he and all his household be circumcised.  It was a covenant sealed with his own blood as he cut away flesh in an area required for human procreation.  God promised in the space of a year Sarai (whose name God changed to Sarah) would conceive and give birth to a son to be named Isaac in their old age.  Genesis 17:23 reads, "So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very same day, as God had said to him."  Abraham's faith in God, obedience, and submission to God's ordinance is a timeless and powerful example to all.

Circumcision of males eight days old was later incorporated into the Law of Moses and has been followed religiously by Orthodox Jews and others until this day.  God spoke of a new covenant which would supercede the old in Jeremiah 31:31-33:  "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- ³² not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. ³³ But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."  This new covenant would not be limited to the Jewish nation only.  God offers this agreement freely by grace through faith to all people who trust in Jesus Christ and are born again by the Holy Spirit.  Instead of pride in our flesh followers of Jesus are humbled to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them as a down-payment of their salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Abraham's willingness to circumcise himself, his sons, and all the males of his household has much to teach us today.  The Law alluded to physical circumcision as pointing to an inner work now made possible through the Holy Spirit.  Deuteronomy 10:14-18 says, "Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it. ¹⁵ The LORD delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. ¹⁶ Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. ¹⁷ For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. ¹⁸ He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing."  In John 10:16 Jesus spoke of sheep from another fold He called to follow, Gentiles He called to follow Him so there might be one fold and one Shepherd.  Paul goes into great detail on this point in Ephesians 2-3.

Abraham did not earn God's favour by his obedience but willingly entered into it by doing as God said.  James 4:6-7 says, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ⁷ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  Even as our love of God is practically shown towards our brothers, so our submission to God is evidenced in honouring governing authorities as it is written in 1 Peter 2:13-17:  "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--¹⁶  as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. ¹⁷ Honour all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."  If David would not utter a harsh word against the murderous King Saul, should we speak ill of or despise those God has put in authority over us?

The lesson impressed upon me from Abraham's response to God is one of humility, submission to God, and obedience--three themes often repeated in the New Testament.  There is hardly a word more grating to a proud and independent soul than the word "submit."  Abraham was required to submit to a delicate surgery by his own hand, and the believer who submits to follow Jesus Christ in faith is also required to trust God when obedience to Him stings.  Consider the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross, pierced hands and feet, heart skewered through with false accusations and scornful words.  Abraham circumcised himself and Jesus humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and embraced the cross in obedience to the Father's will.  Those who believe will obey and those who humble themselves before God He will exalt.  Praise the LORD there is healing in our God evidenced by our risen Saviour Jesus, and beyond this life of endless testing eternal glory awaits.

Giving God His Due

Words and events that impact us provoke prolonged consideration later.  This can happen sometimes when we read the Bible.  Like a person not content to look at an item behind glass and asks to hold it in their hands for closer examination, we can turn Bible passages over in our minds.  We consider the context and wonder why people said what they did.  I've been thinking over a case concerning what Abram did after God enabled him and his household servants to defeat kings and deliver Lot from their hands.

Genesis 14:18-20 reads, "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; ²⁰ and blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all."  Abram and his 318 servants pursued 5 victorious kings during the night and defeated them completely.  Suddenly Melchizedek king of Salem and priest of God Most High appears to celebrate the victory of God through Abram.  Abram previously called on the name of the LORD, the Possessor of heaven and earth Who revealed Himself to him.  This was not Abram's victory but God's.  Abram immediately responded by giving Mechizedek a tithe of all plundered--10 percent of all that he recovered and possessed.  Abram refused to lay a hand on the spoil lest the king of Sodom claim he had made Abram rich.  By tithing of all and refusing a reward Abram credited God for his wealth and was content in Him.

Consider the purity of praise and thanksgiving in this act of Abram to give to God and keep none of the spoil to enrich himself.  The God who revealed Himself to Abram gave him all the land on which he tread and a notable victory over many kings.  Faith trusts God in the present and for the future, knowing we are safe and abundantly provided for.  There is something truly liberating when we honour God with our firstfruits and giving to Him what the world views as increase rightfully earned.  Let us not think giving is only about money or goods as Psalm 96:7-9 says, "Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, give to the LORD glory and strength. ⁸ Give to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. ⁹ Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth."

Recognising the greatness of God and all we have received by grace through faith quickens generosity in His people.  Because we value Him over things we honour Him with our things and the life He has provided as a continuous act of worship for His glory.  Giving time and money as unto the LORD acknowledges His goodness, grace, and power to supply our future needs.  How great is the LORD who has given us all things to richly enjoy, celebrates His power through us, and receives from our hands rejoicing.  Through Jesus Christ God has supplied far greater victory than Abram enjoyed because He established a covenant with His own blood to give all who trust Him eternal life.  Since Jesus has given us His all to purchase us, we ought to give our all rejoicing in our Redeemer.