Doing God's Work

"Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ² "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. ³ And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, ⁴ to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, ⁵  in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship." Exodus 31:1-5

When people think of people gifted in work and ministry, I'm not sure Bezalel comes to mind.  I love the fact that the Holy Spirit filled him not for the purpose of preaching, prophesying, or speaking with tongues, but gave him wisdom and understanding to design, work with metals, cut stones, and carve wood.  His calling was just as important as Moses or Aaron his Creator gifted him with wisdom to work with his hands.  He did not have the privilege of wearing the ephod, but he was gifted to engrave and place the stones in it.

God has different callings upon people and has given the Holy Spirit who provides skill and wisdom to work.  The God who makes us spiritually fruitful enables us to be mechanically profitable.  There are people God has gifted to work with wool, linen, to design electronics and machines, and to fix engines.  In all God has given us to do we ought to do it heartily as unto the LORD because it is He we serve.  The One who has given us understanding and ability is the One who deserves honour from all we do and accomplish, whether it be labouring in the scriptures, playing instruments in worship of God, sanitizing doorknobs at a church building, or vacuuming floors at home.

It is lovely how God delights to gift His children He calls by name in countless ways with artistic gifts, talents, and skills.  He doesn't just give us talents but fills us with His divine presence to do His work.  Bezalel was given wisdom, knowledge, and skill to work, and I believe God would hold Bezalel to account for honing his craft.  In the parables Jesus told when the masters gave talents to his servants they remained his talents for them to invest productively.  Upon the return of the master there was a settling of accounts:  they returned to the master the original talent and all they gained by trading because it was all the master's.  So it is with the gifts and abilities God has given us to use:  they are His and best used for Him.

May we never discount the value of the wisdom and understanding God gives by the Holy Spirit to His people to work unto Him.  Perhaps Bezalel would not be recognised on the street as the artisan who crafted the ephod like Aaron who wore it, but God knew, called, and gave Bezalel the skills required to fulfill his calling.  Praise the LORD for filling us with the Spirit of God to do His work! 

What Only God Gives

 King Solomon made his share of blunders (as we all have) but he answered wisely when God appeared to him and dream.  God said in 1 Kings 3:5, "Ask!  What shall I give you?"  Instead of imagining he had won the divine lottery to benefit himself, Solomon asked for what only God could provide with a view of God's calling upon his life.  On the basis of the mercy and kindness God had shown David and that Solomon was God's servant he responded in 1 Kings 3:9, "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"  Solomon demonstrated wisdom in asking God to meet his need by supplying wisdom to rule well.

I wonder:  if God revealed Himself to you in a dream and asked you the same question, how would you answer?  Would you be pleased for God to give you what people in the world possess or something only God can supply?  I recall an occasion years ago I didn't know what to pray.  I felt like I was in a bit of a rut, asking for the same things day after day.  I was surprised almost instantly when I heard the LORD's answer with a thought I hadn't considered:  "Pray for the impossible."  All along I had been praying for things that did not require God at all:  people apply for visas, find employment, and immigrate without seeking the aid of God.  After that clear directive I had a special time of prayer because I was intentional to pray for God to do impossible things only He could do.  Without God's help to pray according to His will it was an empty, fruitless exercise.  How different and profitable was my experience when I sought God to do what only He can do.

God created mankind needy, and He alone is able to supply our every need according to His grace.  1 Corinthians 12:4-7 reads, "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all..."  God who chose Solomon to be king after David is the God who gives each one of His adopted children by grace through faith at least one spiritual gift for the profit of all.  Do you know what your gift is?  Have you asked God what your gift is and how to minister it to others for their benefit and His glory?  Our God who is wisdom for us and gives spiritual gifts knows the best way to cultivate the use of it.

Believer, take courage to ask God for what only He can give.  Why settle to ask for things of this world like money or careers or stuff or health when He has true riches of the kingdom of God He delights to supply which will endure forever?

The Greatest Story?

 My eyes chanced upon a blurb about an illustrated Bible that began, "The greatest story ever told..."  Though my face did not betray any emotion inside I cringed.  While is true factual history includes stories, it would be a tragedy to bring the divinely inspired word of God to the level of a historical narrative, poetry, mythology, or fiction.  If we view the scripture as a collection of "stories" it greatly impacts the way we read and relate to it.

When I worked in a trade the humble lunchbreak provided a perfect opportunity for master storytellers to trot out their best tales.  Some stories were amazing and unbelieveable, and others dragged on without a clear point.  My favourite stories were the ones I found funny and entertaining.  Those brief moments provided an opportunity to sit back and be transported to another time, have a laugh, and add the best for your personal arsenal should an opportunity to swap stories present itself.  Thinking about stories in this context, the purpose of the story was rarely to guide my future personal decisions but a tale to recall to impress, shock, or amuse others.

To say the Bible is the "greatest story ever told" is to sell it woefully short of the truth.  Stories over time can be embellished for effect, but the scripture God-breathed, does not change, and will endure forever.  God has provided the Bible so we might know the God who created and loves us, to be redeemed and reconciled to Him through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to live in the way that pleases God.  The scripture exists more than to interest or entertain mankind but is a revelation of the living God.  It is filled with history, prophecy, poetry, and wisdom which exist for more than our inspiration and admiration.  More than a story to be recalled, scripture guides us into a Life to live through faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  More than words on a page or a tale told God's word sustains our souls.  The prophet said in Jeremiah 15:16, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts."  Insight from God received in a believing soul led to Jeremiah discovering great joy in his relationship with God.  A newspaper is filled with articles and stories that may or not be of any personal interest, yet for children of God the Bible becomes a personal address from the Almighty God to miraculously address our most profound needs and guide us into truth by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Having Faith in Jesus Helps

 Yesterday I was reminded of the occasion when Jesus accompanied His disciples on a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee.  Mark 4:37-40 tells us, "And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. ³⁸ But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" ³⁹ 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?"  The disciples panicked as the wind whipped water into the boat, and Jesus sleeping through the ordeal seemed to trouble them even more.

They asked Jesus, "Do you not care that we are perishing?"  It would be fitting to ask those troubled souls, "Do you not care Jesus is with you in the storm?"  The disciples found themselves in a situation beyond their control, and though they united together the problem was greater than they could handle.  Perhaps they imagined with the help of one more person they could bail the water fast enough to stay afloat.  Upon being awakened, Jesus did something they never expected:  He addressed the wind and the sea saying, "Peace, be still!"  Miraculously there was a great calm.  Mark 4:41 describes the response of the disciples:  "And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"  Though these men had agreed to follow Jesus and obeyed Him, they still didn't realise the full extent of His care for them and power to save them.

When we are going through troubles, it is easy for us to be like the disciples who looked for help that did not come as they expected.  Perhaps their expectation was Jesus would spring to His feet, take charge of the situation, and lead them to safety.  They would take comfort in His proactive leadership and ability to organise disordered panic and "right the ship."  This can be our expectations we have of other people as well.  The disciples were good to seek Christ for help but the problem was they did so without faith in Him being their Messiah, the Resurrection and the Life, the I AM.  Even Christians can make the mistake of looking to people to be their Saviour and Deliverer when Jesus Christ alone is already with them and has the power to bring peace into chaotic circumstances.

Can you imagine saying of Jesus, "If He really cared about them, Jesus would have known they were in trouble and done something without being asked."  That is blasphemous to suggest of Jesus, and thus it is inappropriate to have this expectation of God's children.  Jesus was not in trouble, and they were not in trouble because He was with them:  their trouble stemmed from unbelief.  The lack of faith in Jesus was not due to the inaction of Jesus but unbelief within their own hearts.  They were wrong to doubt the character and care of Jesus because they were afraid and faithless.  In my own life I have found when I make a negative judgment of the character of others I do so because of my vision is skewed.  The most imperfect person I know the best is me, and praise the LORD He cares for His children despite their lack of faith in Him.  As we look to Him in the midst of trials may we remain certain of His care, provision, protection, and rejoice He will never leave or forsake us.

Glory in God

"Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; ²⁴ but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD."

Jeremiah 9:23-24

It is natural for people to be pleased with what they have earned or accomplished.  God reveals in this passage to make a show of or the celebration of our abilities and possessions (which are gifts received from Him) is misguided.  Man habitually glories in what is not God, and whether we view ourselves as wise, mighty, or rich, this passage aims straight at our hearts with divine correction and instruction.

What are things you "glory" or take pride in?  The way we reveal this pride is often not through overt boasting and bragging, talking loud so everyone can hear.  It can manifest itself by downplaying compliments, by asking questions of others with the aim of sharing your accomplishments, telling a story that is more amazing or exiting than the one just told, or false modesty through humblebragging.  We can delight to be recognised, respected, and recommended.  The things we take pleasure in can be fine in themselves, but when we glory in self or stuff we have it is a dangerous shift towards idolatry.

Instead of glorying in our assets or abilities, God directs those who glory to glory in understanding and knowing God.  This is wisdom, riches, and might that cannot be bought, sold, or earned.  The LORD and knowledge of Him is far beyond price because He is glorious in Himself.  To glory in ourselves is to praise the beauty of a grain of dust compared to the light of the shining sun.  God's glory far outshines the sun in strength and power, for He is the LORD.  The supreme, all-powerful God of all exercises "lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth" and delights in them.  Isn't it crazy we can be more impressed with money, looks, or recognition from people rather than understanding and knowing God?

What a blessing it is to understand and know God because we have a relationship with Him through faith:  faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Understanding and knowing God is more than reading or hearing about Him:  it begins with being born again through faith in Jesus and the transforming power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  How delightful it is to meditate on the goodness of God and how He delights to exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.  People post videos of their exercise routines for peak physical fitness for bodies which will ultimately break down with injuries, weaken and perish.  God demonstrates His lovingkindness continually which is eternal, and we are partakers of His love which never fails.  When we delight in God, we will delight to do as He does and glory in Him.

Christ In Sight

You don’t need to live long to suffer much.  One aspect of God’s character is He is a Redeemer:  He is able take the suffering of one person and make it a source of comfort for others today.  Christians have eternity to look forward to, yet there is also great comfort for us to receive now.  We imagine the best source of comfort is for our circumstances to change for the better, but people who have suffered and are suffering can provide an unexpected source of encouragement when they endure and rejoiced in the LORD.

I recently received shocking and sobering news of friends in the States whose property and house burned to the ground.  I have never personally known such a loss, and I am grateful to have been spared from this trial.  I am also thankful beyond words for the God-fearing, trusting, and celebrating attitude from my friends despite their loss.  I am reminded of the exhortation they are fulfilling in 1 Peter 4:12-13:  "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."  Pain can numb us to the love of God He graciously demonstrates through His word, His people, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

True are the words Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5:  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ."  How amazing God makes the ones who have suffered to be comforters through the power of the Holy Spirit!  At the sight of the devastation and total loss I was grieved and then surprised to be suddenly greeted with testimonies of praise and thanksgiving unto God.  Having received the comfort and consolation which is in Christ, victims become victors who shine radiantly with the joy of the LORD.

Giant sequoias have an intriguing relationship with fire.  Being so tall they are often struck by lightning which can start fires sequoias need to reproduce.  The heat of flames is required to crack open their cones to release seeds that can remain locked away for 20 years.  Fire also stimulates growth in giant sequoias, and these trees continue to grow as long as they live.  Isn't it amazing how the fires of trials and tribulations can be a boon to the faith of those who look to the LORD and those who witness their genuine peace?  Fires are deadly and destructive, and it takes the power of God to miraculously use them to accomplish His good purposes in nature and in the lives of His people.  May I learn to praise God always despite of fiery trials because Jesus Christ is in my sight.

A Life With Boundaries

"And you shall divide the land by lot as an inheritance among your families; to the larger you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance; there everyone's inheritance shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers."

Numbers 33:54

God provided an inheritance of land for His people to be divided by lot.  The Hebrews were not called to global conquest but were given land with clearly defined borders:  God would drive out the inhabitants of the land before them, and they were called to enter in and take possession of it.  Each tribe and family (save the Levites) were given a parcel of land which would be passed down through generations.  The arid land God gave His people was a small fraction of the land available, and it was sufficient for His people.

It is telling God gave His people land with borders and boundaries.  The Law of Moses forbade the moving of landmarks, and each person was to be content with the land God graciously provided for them.  Some people had running water, others had fields fit for flocks and herds, and others had rocky hills.  It would have been easy to look with longing eyes on land beyond your borders which looked like an oasis compared to your own dusty, rocky patch.  In providing boundaries God taught His people lessons concerning contentment.  Instead of looking to enlarge their borders, they were to put their hand to the plow and make the most of where God sovereignly placed them.

The boundaries God made for His people provides an insightful and instructive lesson for people today.  We all have boundaries in our lives we can view as restrictions that prevent us from fulfillment, satisfaction, profitability, and fruitfulness.  We imagine if we had a role at work with more responsibility we would be content; if our church was bigger our efforts to serve would be more useful.  Because of lack of faith and rest in God's sovereignty we can grow to resent the boundaries God has graciously established for our good.  We can be filled with envy our neighbour's property has a running stream and waterfront property while we must toil to dig a well.  We think happiness and contentment is somewhere to be found outside our borders.

Friends, let us endeavour to trust God, His wisdom, provision, and plans.  There is security and rest in all the boundaries God has given us and what He has chosen not to give us.  It is not in lands, flocks, herds, and waterfalls where we find satisfaction and rest but in the LORD Himself; it is not in proficiency in every spiritual gift we are fruitful but to make the best use of the one God has given us.  Envy stifles the gratefulness and thanksgiving which ought to mark our lives as children of God for whom He has provided all things concerning life and godliness.  Regardless of what has fallen to us, let us rejoice and be satisfied in the goodness, generosity, and kindness of our LORD.

The Blessed Rehearsal

"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side," let Israel now say--² "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, ³ then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; ⁴ then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; ⁵ then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul." ⁶ Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth."

Psalm 124:1-6

Repetition is a feature of Jewish poetry which is a useful literary device to make strong emphasis.  Psalm 124 caused people to remember and acknowledge the help and deliverance by God in the past.  Passages like this have reminded people in all seasons of life to proclaim the goodness and salvation of God.  In times of peace and prosperity even God's people can forget about Him, so it is profitable to rehearse the many times God has been faithful to protect, provide, and save us.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 was a mandate to the children of Israel to continually teach their children about God and bring Him to remembrance:  "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! ⁵ You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. ⁶ "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."  God and His righteous ways are to be at the forefront of the minds of those who love Him.  More important than learning a trade or earning a degree was to hold God in honour and high esteem in all aspects of life because He is our life.

A compelling event occurred when Amalek fought against the Hebrews after their deliverance from Egypt.  When Moses held aloft the rod of God the children of Israel prevailed over their enemies, but when his arms dropped Amalek and his people gained the advantage.  Aaron and Hur helped steady the arms of Moses until nightfall while Joshua routed the Amalekites by the power of God.  The victory was not because of the rod of God, the calling of Moses, the quick-thinking and support of Aaron and Hur, or Joshua's skill in battle:  they were victorious because of God alone.  After the battle Exodus 17:14-16 states, "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." ¹⁵ And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; ¹⁶ for he said, "Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."

The KJV says God told Moses to "rehearse" the memory of this battle in the ears of Joshua, the man God had chosen to lead the people after him.  At a rehearsal of a play lines and scenes are repeated and practiced over and over to gain mastery for a future performance.  Just as parents were to teach their children of God and His deliverance, Moses was to rehearse the victory God had won over Amalek that day--with the knowledge battles with the Amalekites would continue for generations.  In the heat of battle Joshua may not have noticed what Moses, Aaron, and Hur were up to, and a day would come when he would face battle without these men of God.  The victory that day and in every future battle would be won due to Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD who would be Joshua's banner when he looked to Him in faith.

Because the LORD was on the side of His people David concluded his song in Psalm 124:6-8, "Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. ⁷ Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. ⁸ Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth."  We make the mistake of hoping for help from someone rather than placing our hope in the LORD who was a Banner of victory for Moses, Joshua, and David.  Let us rehearse with others what God has done to deliver His people in the past and acknowledge the salvation and victory we have also received by His grace--not only so we will be strengthened and comforted but so the generation to come will know, praise, and hope in the LORD God.  Blessed be the LORD who is our Banner! 

Bless the LORD Forever

After God brought His people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, He miraculously provided them water to drink to quench their thirst.  Though God made a covenant with His people, it was not long before they murmured against Moses and Aaron, men chosen by God according to His divine purposes.  They grumbled and complained in their discontent.  They even expressed their preference to have died in Egypt, for at least there they had meat and bread to eat to the full.  In their bitterness they forgot how they cried out to God for deliverance because of the harsh bondage they suffered.  God would prove faithful to supply food for even grumbling, complaining people.

Exodus 16:6-8 says, "Then Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, "At evening you shall know that the LORD has brought you out of the land of Egypt. ⁷ And in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD; for He hears your complaints against the LORD. But what are we, that you complain against us?" ⁸ Also Moses said, "This shall be seen when the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD."  Moses was meek before God and man.  He revealed complaints against Moses and Aaron were actually against the LORD.  The discontent of the people was fueled by their unbelief in God and exacerbated by their refusal to trust Him.  Their murmuring and complaining was more an indictment against them then an accurate gauge of the performance of Moses and Aaron.

Now were Moses and Aaron perfect leaders?  Absolutely not!  Like all men and women they had many faults, yet even their errors did not justify the complaints of the people against them.  Since God's people know God is sovereign and He rules over all, this should greatly temper our complaints against the rulers He has put in authority.  Though David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel he would not speak against Saul who he acknowledged as the "LORD's anointed."  The apostle Paul once was struck on the face and later apologised for speaking harshly towards the high priest (whose conduct was inappropriate and unlawful) in Acts 23:5:  "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" 

In societies which have embraced democratic principles we are often free to have an opinion, to question and debate policies and platforms, and vote as we see fit.  In a culture polarised by the right and left, by Liberal and Labour, or Republican and Democrat, we can lose sight of God's sovereign role in society, government, and politics.  After God revealed a dream and interpretation, consider the words of Daniel, a Jew was made to serve King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon in Daniel 2:20-22:  "Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. ²¹ And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. ²² He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him."  Daniel was an advisor of a king who laid Israel waste, razed the Temple in Jerusalem to the ground, killed his countrymen, and took him captive in a foreign land.  When Nebuchadnezzar began to slaughter the wise men of Babylon Daniel sought the LORD so people could be saved--without a single recorded complaint against King Nebuchadnezzar.

Friend, are you one who complains and murmurs against rulers God has put in authority?  Realise when you do so your complaints are actually against God.  The same God who put Pharaoh in authority over Egypt was God who chose Moses to deliver His people from bondage.  The God who established proud, murderous Nebuchadnezzar as king of an empire divinely placed Daniel and his companions in his court as wise men to accomplish His purposes.  By all means we ought to seek to stand up for righteousness and glorify God in our words and conduct, but we cannot do this when there springs from our hearts a poisonous undercurrent of murmuring and complaining against rulers God has raised up.  No matter who "wins" an election or what party or person is seen to be "in charge" of government, God sits on the throne without rival.  It is Him we honour and serve.  Instead of complaining against a person or political party, let us bless the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.

Praying and Prayerfully Doing

"Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The will of God is for us to always rejoice, pray, and in everything give thanks.  Doing so is indicative of people who are at rest in the almighty God they trust with their whole hearts.  Instead of being blinded by fears and worries, followers of Jesus are enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit to do God's will with gladness.

I read Exodus 14 today and was intrigued with the back-and-forth between the Hebrews and Moses after Pharaoh sent them away.  Shortly after demanding the children of Israel leave Egypt, Pharaoh and his people regretted sending away their slave labour and mustered all their chariots to pursue them.  When the Hebrews saw the advancing enemies out of fear for their lives they lashed out at Moses.  Their terror distorted their grasp on reality and clouded their view of God, His promises, and ability to save them.  Exodus 14:13-14 reads, "And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. ¹⁴ The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."  Moses urged the people to repent of their fear and trust the LORD who would fight for them and save them.

In light of it being God's will people pray without ceasing, Exodus 14:15-16 is most instructive:  "And the LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."  Prayer is fitting at all times yet prayer should not hinder us from trusting and obeying God.  Moses believed God would save His people and thus it was pointless to continue praying God would save when it was time for Moses to tell the people to go forward in faith when there was no path.  God told Moses to lift up the rod, stretch it out, and the Red Sea would be divided:  it would be a path to deliverance for the Hebrews and a tomb for the pursuing Egyptians.

I wonder:  is it possible we are continuing to pray for something God has already declared as done?  Can we be like Moses, crying out for salvation and deliverance when all that remains is for us to obey Him and take necessary steps of faith?  I am sure the people prayed as they walked between the walls of water which towered above them on the right and the left, and God brought them through.  I am convinced prayer is the best course of action in all seasons of life yet it serves little purpose if we do not respond to God's directives in faithful obedience.  Prayer is an intentional action that leads us to undertake God-directed actions prayerfully.

A similar situation occurred under Joshua's leadership after the children of Israel suffered a shock defeat at Ai.  On the heels of a miraculous victory over the stronghold of Jericho the men who went up against Ai (without seeking counsel of the LORD) fled and 36 of them fell slain.  Joshua tore his clothes and lay before the presence of the LORD with dust on his head.  His words sound eerily similar to the Hebrews who trembled at the sight of the Egyptians:  "Oh that we had been content on the other side of the Jordan!  What shall I say when Israel turns their backs before their enemies?"  Joshua's lamentation received a pointed answer from God.

Joshua 7:10-13 gives us God's response:  "So the LORD said to Joshua: "Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? ¹¹ Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. ¹² Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you. ¹³ Get up, sanctify the people, and say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the LORD God of Israel: "There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you."  There was no point in Joshua lying and mourning a defeat and loss of life when there was sin in the camp which needed to be confessed and removed from among them.  Only then could they stand before God or their enemies.  Prayer preceded God's answer, and Joshua would prayerfully need to carry out the judgment according to God's word.

When God asked Moses why he cried unto Him or why Joshua lay on his face, they did not answer.  What could they say in light of God's glorious voice, wisdom, and judgments?  God told Moses to tell the people to go forward; Joshua was told to get up and sanctify himself with all the people.  This teaches us prayer is not just something we do as an end in itself so God will do something (which He does beyond reckoning) but to adopt a posture for God to instruct and direct us to practically take action according to His will.  When we are fearful or have suffered a defeat, let us hope in our almighty God, His promises, and unfailing love.  Instead of pleading for what He has already promised or being overwhelmed by regret, go forward in faith!  Get up off the ground, dust yourself off, and take prayerful action to sanctify yourself before the LORD who knows the hearts of all men.  If we trust God to pray, shouldn't we trust His commands and do them?

Intentional Salvation

When I checked the news this morning the top story was top-ranked tennis star Novak Djokovic was disqualified from the U.S. Open after accidentally hitting an umpire with an errant ball.  He hit a ball in frustration intentionally but could not have imagined the ball would have collected a line judge in the throat and she dropped to the ground.  Apparently this is not the first time this has happened to a professional player, when striking an official accidentally led to an ejection and disqualification from a tournament.

Quoting news.com.au, "The US Tennis Association released a statement saying Djokovic would be fined all prize money and lose all ranking points earned during the major.  'In accordance with the Grand Slam rulebook, following his actions of intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences, the US Open tournament referee defaulted Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US Open.'”  According to the rules, Djokovic's reckless and negligence required him to be sent off the court and to forfeit all earnings and points even though he did not intend to hit the lineswoman.

This situation shows the unflinching nature of rules in sport enforced by a qualified umpire and well illustrates the absolute nature of God's Law to which He will hold all accountable.  Accidentally breaking God's law or being ignorant of it does not spare anyone famous or not from the righteous demands:  the soul that sins will surely die.  Djokovic is reported to have spent 10 minutes pleading his case to no avail because the rules of the game must be held with integrity for there to be a game to play.  The God who created life has provided His laws which govern all aspects of life:  what He says is sin is sin, and those deemed guilty by Him cannot question His righteous judgments.

I am grateful God the Father sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for sinners so according to God's justice we can be forgiven and receive eternal life.  There are consequences of our choices on earth whether we approve or not, and happy is the man who is approved by God through faith in Jesus.  We have all sinned accidentally, purposefully, and maliciously and have no way to defend ourselves from the exacting demands and punishment of God's unalterable laws.  Maybe there is a judge somewhere who would have let play continue, but let us not think God because of His gracious, merciful, and loving character is in any way soft on sin.  We might sin by accident, but salvation received by faith is intentional.  How good is God to make forgiveness possible!

Rejoice with Gladness

God created the earth to have days, seasons, and years.  Not every day is the same, and one season may be preferred over another.  The memories of times past should never be permitted to overshadow the start of a new day, a new season which holds great promise for all those who hope in God.  Instead of lamenting what we can no longer do as the flower of youth fades, we can glory in the strength of God who sustains us and will present us without fault before the throne of God with exceeding joy.

I have heard many people speak disparagingly of the year 2020, yet it is a year comprised of days God has made.  It is true in Australia we have seen fires, floods, a pandemic, and a recession.  These trying circumstances do nothing to take the shine from our great God and the wondrous plans He has for all who love and trust Him.  If they do in our eyes it is evidence things other than God have clouded our vision and purpose.  In our gracious God there is always cause to be glad and experience fullness of joy despite a bleak economic forecast or failing health.  Though our outer man is perishing, God is faithful to renew our inner man day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).

The fullness of joy we receive from God is not received by burying our heads in the sand and ignoring the problems of the world:  it is when we look beyond what puts us in fear and look upon Jesus Christ with eyes of faith we find rest for our souls.  Joshua and Caleb's hearts did not fail them when they saw giants and fortifications because they remembered God's promise.  David did not run from the cursing Philistine who defied the armies of God because He remembered how God had delivered him in the past.  Years later when angry men spoke of stoning because they blamed him for the loss of their families and goods he strengthened himself in the LORD who put His Spirit upon him.  When King Hezekiah received threatening letters he spread them before the LORD, and when King Jehoshaphat heard a great army had been assembled against him he could not defeat his eyes turned to God who fights for His people.

Oh, that we would rejoice and receive the peace God graciously gives us!  Sandwiched within a passage loaded with prophetic references to Jesus Christ the Son of God, those who fear God are exhorted to rejoice and through Jesus are free to!  Quoting Psalm 118:19-29:  "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. ²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD,through which the righteous shall enter. ²¹ I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. ²² The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. ²³ This was the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. ²⁴ This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. ²⁵ Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. ²⁶  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. ²⁷ God is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. ²⁸ You are my God, and I will praise You; you are my God, I will exalt You. ²⁹ Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! for His mercy endures forever."

In context the day spoken of here alludes to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary.  For the joy that was set before Him Jesus enduring the cross, despised the shame, and is set on the right hand of the Father.  We are to consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself lest we be weary or discouraged in our minds (Hebrews 12:1-3).  Happy is the man who blesses the LORD at all times, for at all times God is good.  

Off The Rails

An attraction that never interested me at Disneyland was "Autotopia," a miniature car connected to a rail that guided the car along the course.  There was a steering wheel in the car but it did not allow the driver to make meaningful decisions.  Go-carts were a much more exciting prospect for me because of increased speed and the opportunity to be in control, take turns as fast as possible, and the fun challenge of passing other riders.  For other people, even go-carts are a yawn when you could go off-road.  Why be confined to a small oval track when there is a world to explore?

When the cliche is used "off the rails" it can mean a person, business, or group is like a train that has jumped the track that is no longer safe or able to reach the desired destination.  A train needs a track for the conductor to guide it to the next station.  The ironic thing is when it comes to life there are no rails that force us on the right path.  Very rarely are our choices of attitude or thoughts between changing our current track for one other option:  a whole world of input, feelings, experiences, and beliefs impact our decisions, and sometimes even we realise we have made or are making the wrong choices.  Personal change isn't as easy as pulling a lever.

Another term of phrase used to reference a lapse of sobriety is "falling off the wagon."  Like the train that relies upon the guidance of rails to reach a station, the implication is the wagon--the program, support, and principles--are constructed to guide a person to continued sobriety and to kick addiction.  As good as structure, routine, and boundaries are, they have their limits because of the free agency God has given people to choose for themselves.  Sometimes our ability to reason is hijacked by lies we believe, doubts in God and His Word, and because we are naturally stubborn and rebellious.  We can jump off the wagon because it doesn't seem to be working as fast as we hoped.  One who falls off the wagon can choose to remain on the ground as the wagon plods towards the destination with one less rider.

The example Jesus gives of Him being the Good Shepherd and His hearers being like sheep is a far more accurate representation of the Christian walk than wagons or trains.  Jesus did not herd sheep into wagons to carry them to grassy fields and still waters but we must voluntarily choose to follow the call of Christ step after step.  The church is not intended to be heavy machinery engineered to carry passengers along a rail to heaven but is a living organism, a Body of believers where Jesus Christ is the Head.  I believe people like the idea of a train that has tracks leading them to heaven or a wagon carrying them to sobriety and victory.  The only decision that must be made is to climb aboard and then it will carry us home without us needing to pay a personal cost to repent of sin or exercise faith in Jesus whatsoever.

When used as modes of transportation wagons and trains were modified for comfort with springs, padded cushions, ventilation, and windows.  In addition to these features these vehicles were attractive because they could bring occupants to their desired destinations much faster than walking on foot.  Yet there is a comfort sheep that walked great distances in the sun a businessman in an air-conditioned coach may not have:  the presence of a Good Shepherd who loved them and gave His life for His sheep.  Jesus indeed is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He does not promise a luxurious, first-class experience of comfort in this life, yet He provides the Comforter who fills us with the presence of God.  It is vain to trust the machinery of church ministry or the wagon of programs to keep us on the "straight and narrow" when Jesus Christ is faithful and loving to lead us every step of the way.

As we follow Christ in faith and obedience life becomes less about what we do or don't do but who Jesus is and all He has done for us.  When "the Way" becomes our Way in daily experience we are more secure, better directed and comforted than any train or wagon could boast.  Where the train and wagon picture works well is we are not alone in the journey, for Jesus connects us with other believers who are on the same journey by grace through faith.  He has given us a command to love one another as He loves us so when another falls we are there to lift them up.  Circumstances may prompt us to desire an express train to heaven, yet we are wise to enjoy the journey God has planned for us.  Like runners who are intentional to compete according to the rules to prevent disqualification, may we each press on for the finish line as we follow Christ's example of love and sacrifice.

The LORD God

"Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?" ¹⁴ And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

Exodus 3:13-14

I have read this passage many times in the past, but when I read this recently it impacted me like never before.  When God identified Himself to Moses by name, it reveals He is sovereign, supreme, and eternal.  A man is identified by a personal first name, family surname, and place of birth to distinguish him from others.  A picture, date of birth, fingerprints, dental x-rays, and unique tattoos or birthmarks help to uncover the true identity of a person.

God is the eternal Creator of the world and cannot be tied down to a geographic area on earth.  Nothing in the universe existed before Him, and all has been made by Him.  He will endure beyond everything He has created so creation alone is insufficient to describe His power or wisdom.  No human being can look upon the all-powerful God who is spirit and live thus an attempt at a physical description would be pointless.  There is absolutely nothing in heaven or earth God could rightly use as a frame of reference to identify Himself so the unique, self-existent One wisely appealed to who He was, is, and ever will be:  "I AM WHO I AM."  Isn't He awesome?

When God met with Moses on Sinai He revealed additional truth about His righteous, unchanging nature.  Exodus 34:5-8 says, "Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. ⁶ And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, ⁷ keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation." ⁸ So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped."  Moses bowed reverently before the LORD God who is merciful, gracious, and forgiving.  His love, truth, and goodness is not according to the shifting standards of man but are perfect in purity and infinite in power.  The God who forgives sin is the Judge of all the earth before Whom all men must give account.

How great is the LORD and worthy to be praised for His power, holiness, and divine condescension.  Psalm 113:4-6 says, "The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. ⁵ Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high, ⁶ Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?"  Our God is so glorious it shows humility for Him to stoop to look into heaven, to earth, and to reveal Himself to sinners.  The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Moses went even further, sending His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, to put on human flesh and walk on the earth, to go to the cross, that "I AM WHO I AM" would become our God and Father through faith in Jesus.  Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness, for He is altogether wonderful, eternal, and good.

God's Favour is Life

"Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. ⁵ For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Psalm 30:4-5

God is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving.  How marvelous is God's grace to make redeemed sinners His singers, servants, and saints!  The remembrance of His holy name ought to prompt celebration and awe in His power, wisdom, and goodness.  Words fail to adequately describe His immutable goodness and righteousness.  The living creatures around God's throne do not rest day or night as they repeat continually, "Holy, holy, holy, LORD God almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!" (Revelation 4:8)  God is the sovereign LORD of all, and one day all will acknowledge this.

In my Bible the description of the psalm says, "A song at the dedication of the house of David."  David praised the LORD who had established him as king over Judah and all Israel, gave him victory to take the stronghold of Jerusalem, and favour with King Hiram who supplied cedar for his palace.  David endured many hardships, sleepless nights, and painful trials before and after he became king, but God remained the same.  His anger, though fierce, was not without a just cause or without a swift end.  God who created man in His own image is gracious and His favour is for life that endures beyond our time on earth.  Jesus came to earth in human form (as the Life) to give His life as a ransom to make sinners God's saints.

Praise, thanksgiving, and rejoicing are the hallmarks of God's saints.  Our guilt and need for repentance brings sorrow, being chastened for our iniquities is painful, but joy comes in the morning.  The darkness of the night flees away at the rising of the sun.  The joy of the LORD is more predictable and enduring than the light of the sun which can be obscured by clouds.  The sun that shines today will not shine forever, but the light of God's favour will eternally shine upon our souls.  After affirming by the power of God He was faithful to keep His people, Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:6-9:  "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ⁸ whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."

In the storm Jesus cared about His disciples, and in our trials God has not forgotten about us.  Even in the midst of persecution and grievous circumstances believers are exhorted to greatly rejoice because God employs such things to prove the genuineness of our faith.  Peter said, "if need be" meaning there is a divine purpose behind our pains.  If gold could feel pain it would seek to avoid the fiery crucible, yet the melting of the precious metal is needed to bring greater purity and value.  David endured a long seasons of trials which only seemed a night in comparison to the greatness of the joy he experienced through His gracious Saviour and Deliverer.  So great is our fullness of joy through faith in Jesus Christ we are enabled to praise, honour, and glorify God night and day.  Even as the grace and goodness of God is beyond description, so our joy is inexpressible and full of glory knowing our God whose favour is life.

God Knows Why

It is easy to feel discouraged when we step out in faith and the result is unexpected.  God appeared to Moses and directed him to go to Egypt because God heard the cries of His oppressed people and would deliver them.  After Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh he made life harder for the Hebrew slaves.  He accused them of being idle, refused to provide straw for bricks, and kept their quota the same.  When the Hebrews were unable to meet the daily demands they were beaten.  This was not what Moses was expecting, though God told him beforehand Pharaoh would not let his people go.

The rulers of the people came to Moses with their complaints for the trouble he caused them.  "The LORD judge between you and us," they said.  It is evident they already formed their judgments of the involvement of Moses in their affairs and it was not a positive assessment.  Instead of arguing with them, Moses questioned what God was doing in Exodus 5:22-23:  "So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? ²³ For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all."  I appreciate the honesty and candor in Moses before the almighty God who knows the hearts of all men.  He wondered why God would allow trouble and why God sent him.  At the time Moses felt like God had not done what he promised and told Him so.

This interaction gives me pause.  How often have you felt like Moses?  I certainly have.  You have done what you believed God instructed you to do but only hardship and difficulties arose.  The problems people have are overwhelming and out of your control.  Knowing God knows about our troubles doesn't explain why He allows them.  It is a good thing Moses had faith in God and did not lose heart despite the troubling circumstances and reactions of his fellow Hebrews.  This is why it is so important for believers to keep trusting God whatever befalls us, knowing nothing happens to us beyond God's control and He will ever be faithful.  God would deliver His people in a miraculous way which no man could have predicted or known.  Isn't that what a miracle is, God working in a way that transcends human ability and expectation?  When things looked like they couldn't become worse (and still did!), and Moses already was dealing with feelings of insecurity and ineptitude, God remained faithful.

Take heart, believer!  Don't allow trying times or unanswerable questions keep you from seeking the LORD and trusting in Him.  The next chapter begins, "Then the LORD said unto Moses..."  God knew what He was doing and His people were safe in His hands through oppressed, overworked, beaten, and confused.  Our hopes often rise and fall based upon what we can see or feel at the time, yet the one who looks to God will be established on solid ground like a house built on the rock.  Our expectation and desire is for God to deliver sooner than later, yet every day of our lives are known by God.  He knows what He doing despite our pains that will result in deliverance, freedom, salvation, and rest.  When we wonder why God knows the answer, and more important than why is who God is and our relationship with Him.

Living Water Today

When Jesus walked and taught as He passed through Israel, He always drew a crowd.  People pressed near to hear His wisdom and see the miraculous deeds which caused His fame to spread like the light of the sun when it rises over hills dotted with flocks of sheep.  Jesus went to the lost sheep of Israel to seek and save the lost, to people who had entered into a covenant with God.  Through the Law of Moses and the prophets the God of Israel was revealed and known.

What I find fascinating is how people familiar with the scriptures didn't recognise Jesus though they could have.  This was all part of God's divine plan, that unbelief in Jesus would cause blindness in the Jews and salvation through the Gospel would come to both Jew and Gentile.  Just last night I read concerning how the glory of God would break forth with salvation in Isaiah 35:5-6:  "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. ⁶ Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert."  Jesus did these things with regularity:  He caused people born blind to see, opened deaf ears, healed the lame, and at His command the mute spoke plainly.

Beyond the physical healing Jesus ushered in a spiritual revival by offering the Living Water of the Holy Spirit to those who trusted in Him as Messiah and Son of God.  Souls that were parched wastelands would be flooded with the presence of God who brought eternal life and spiritual fruitfulness.  This scripture also has a future fulfillment in the millennial reign of Jesus Christ after His return in person to Jerusalem, having taken vengeance upon His enemies.  Water will flow from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea and cause it to become an oasis teeming with life (Zechariah 14:8; Ezekiel 47:8-10).  The waters of the Dead Sea are currently receding at a great rate, but this trend will someday be miraculously reversed.

What we see foretold in scripture is what can be the spiritual reality right now in the hearts, minds, and lives of people through the Gospel.  The spiritually blind, deaf, lame, and mute can be miraculously made to see, hear, leap with joy, and praise the LORD with song.  Only God knows times and seasons which are in His own power concerning the future, but in a spiritual sense blind eyes and parched hearts need wait no longer:  Jesus Christ has come and offers Living Water to all who thirst springing up into everlasting life (John 4:13-14).  He provides salvation for the condemned and heals the brokenhearted.  May God open our eyes to our need for Him, that He is the only means of quenching our thirst for love and belonging, and Jesus is the Messiah we have long sought.  Like the old song goes, "Flow, river flow. Flood the nations with grace and mercy.  Send forth your word, LORD and let there be light."

Jesus is a Wise Foundation

How important it is to maintain a God-centred perspective, to humbly seek God in good and in hard times.  It is easy to allow news reports, bad feelings, or our own thoughts to shape our mindset and outlook instead of being grounded in God's word and our unchanging God who was, is, and is to come.  Since God is the source of all wisdom, He is always able to guide and direct us.  The one who has an established relationship with God by faith in Him is like a tree planted by rivers of water that is fruitful and evergreen.  Those who mock and scorn God and the scriptures David in Psalm 1 compared to chaff the wind drives away and is no more.

There is a huge difference between a fruitful tree and chaff blown by the wind.  Chaff is at the mercy of even a gentle breeze which sweeps it away and it is lost forever, while a tree with roots deep in the earth is solid, secure, and so predictably in place it makes a good landmark.  Trees like the giant sequoia, olive, and eucalyptus are hearty and can survive a fire and continue to grow but chaff is consumed in a moment.  Jesus made another contrast between those who hear His words and do them with those who hear and do not put them into practice:  one is like a house founded securely on a rock, and the other is a house built on sand.  Enduring storms reveals the soul fixed securely to Christ in faith will endure forever.

Paul wrote to followers of Jesus in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--³¹  that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."  Having been born again through faith in Jesus, He has become for us wisdom from God.  Jesus spoke to disciples who had been exposed to the wisdom of the world, the teaching of parents and religious rulers, and lived in a society that was a complete contrast to the nature of Jesus Christ and what He taught.  His hearers were amazed at His doctrine because it was shockingly different than what they thought and how they lived.  There was no doubting the wisdom of His teaching, but who could live up to that standard of perfection?  Those who would build their life on the Rock of Salvation Jesus Christ needed to trust Him as His words exposed their lives as flimsy shelters cobbled together with cardboard, twine, and tin without a foundation:  if they wanted to experience a relationship with God, it could only be on Christ's terms.  Would they trust Him enough to pull those shelters down and built their lives and outlook upon Him alone?

You've heard of Jesus, but have you heard Jesus?  Have you considered His words and surrendered to His divine wisdom in agreement and obedience?  A strong wind blows today not of the Holy Spirit but of the world and humanism, a breeze chilled with worries, fears, and doubt.  Jesus Christ who is wisdom for us remains steadfast and true, and those who look to Him in faith can be unmoved like a giant sequoia in a grove.  Lightning strikes do not need trouble us, and we can continue growing all our days.  It takes the heat of fire to open the cones of a giant sequoia for seedlings to sprout, and God at times employs trials to test our faith, strengthen it, and makes us fruitful for His glory.  Keep your eyes on Jesus and seek Him always, for He in His wisdom will never lead us astray.

God Meant it for Good

I find the life and character of Joseph son of Israel in scripture inspiring.  What I find more amazing than God's divine favour to promote him from imprisoned slave to second in command of all Egypt is the heart of love and forgiveness he showed towards his brothers who hated him and caused him great suffering.  The faith in God Joseph demonstrated when addressing his painful past was a gift from God he received with relish.  When he had the power to punish and persecute his brothers for their transgressions and remain bitter, his contrite heart remained humble before God and men.

After Israel died, the brothers of Joseph suspected he was like them after they had been wronged:  murderous, vengeful, bitter, and held grudges.  They made up a story about what their father supposedly said to them concerning Joseph, that he ought to forgive them for their sins against him.  They played on his raw emotions, and with a desire to turn away any thought of vengeance they brought out the "God" card:  "forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy Father."  At these words Joseph wept.  Genesis 50:19-20 records his response:  "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."

Joseph had the power to do unto his brothers as they had done unto him, but the impact of Joseph's faith in God and fear of God was far more powerful.  He did not deny his brothers did evil unto him.  His focus, however, was not on his painful past or years of feeling abandoned but upon His good God who meant all his suffering for good.  With eyes of faith he was able to perceive God's hand upon him working for ultimate good and the salvation God wrought through him.  Joseph's brothers wronged him in the past and suspicion caused them to wrong him with deceit and lies, yet Joseph humbled himself before God.  Joseph viewed the good God did as greater than all the wrongs his brothers did.  Should he have entertained suspicion of his brother's deceptions it would have been confirmed:  what then?  Would stewing or lashing out in revenge cleanse his heart of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness?  No.

I am convinced the work God does in a person can be as great and even greater than the work He does through that person.  The God who made man out of the dust of the ground can do everything, and all He does is marvelous beyond reckoning.  So often we are motivated to tolerate or forgive others because of the vain hope of people changing for the better, but it is God who washes away our sin, heals our broken hearts, and opens our eyes to perceive His redemptive purposes in everything.  Don't allow the pains of the past to blind you to the goodness of God, for even things meant for evil against us God means for good.  May enduring humility, grace, and fear of God demonstrated by Joseph be evident in my life and in all God's people.

The Gathering

"And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people."

Genesis 49:33

This verse, and others like it, show the life of a human being does not end when our bodies die on earth.  Jacob blessed and commanded his sons concerning his burial, gathered his feet into the bed, and breathed his last.  He body was entirely still as his heart stopped beating.  Yet there was something that happened at that sorrowful moment which cheers the soul that fears God:  Jacob was gathered unto his people.  His body would be left in a grave purchased by Abraham yet his soul--the spiritual and eternal being that was fundamentally Jacob--was gathered with the people of God in eternal rest.

Out of curiosity I found in addition to Jacob the phrase "gathered to his people" is connected with the passing of Abraham, Isaac, Aaron, and Moses.  Though the Bible describes the death of many people, I did not find this phrase ever used with those who died without faith in God.  The death of the body brings finality to life on earth but for believers is a glorious entrance into the presence of God and His people.  It is well said by the psalmist in Psalm 144:15:  "Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the LORD!"  The wicked are scattered like chaff into eternal destruction, and the righteous by faith in God are gathered like a farmer brings all his grain into his barn.  Being "gathered" speaks of belonging, being viewed as precious and of great value.

The scripture is clear the identity of God's people extends beyond Jewish ethnicity and to every nation, tribe, and tongue who fear and love God almighty.  Jesus said in John 10:14-16, "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."  Jesus went to seek and save the "lost sheep of Israel" but also called out to whosoever would heed Him and come to Him in faith.  These are those who are born again through faith in Jesus having received the Gospel.  All who are spiritually regenerated by the Holy Spirit experience the living presence of God now and when we breathe our last will be gathered to our people, to God's people who will celebrate, praise, and serve Him forever.  What a joyful gathering this will be!

The Victory of Faith

It is amazing how Jesus makes those who follow Him "more than conquerors" by grace through faith.  I don't know about you, but at times I would be pleased to settle with being a conqueror.  Everyone would love to walk in victory, overcome all obstacles, and have success in our endeavors.  The victory Christ provides, however, does not mean we always "win," experience the triumph David did in slaying Goliath of Gath, or involve public recognition.  This spiritual victory is primarily internal:  the choice to deny self, refuse to sin, and humble ourselves.  It is David refusing to slay King Saul when he had opportunity and encouragement to do so--and also refused to even speak against God's anointed.  It was not by might or power but by the Spirit of God David overcame and was more than a conqueror.

The apostle made this connection with overcoming the world and faith in 1 John 5:1-5:  "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. ² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. ³ For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. ⁴ For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. ⁵ Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"  God is infinitely greater than this world, and those born of God through faith in Jesus overcome the world.  Jesus overcame sin and death not by conquest but by humbling Himself in obedience to His Father in heaven.  Reliance upon God by the weak and meek enables us to walk in victory and be more than conquerors.  Walking in love towards others begotten of God is evidence our faith in God is genuine.

Jesus commanded His disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you."  This command of Jesus is not burdensome because He has supplied an example to follow and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to do so.  Paul begins his description of God's love in 1 Corinthians 13 by saying this love "suffers long and is kind."  It is love marked with enduring suffering and continuing to be merciful, compassionate, and caring.  This selfless love was manifested continually in the life of Jesus and ultimately was demonstrated on Calvary.  Our feelings of love are temporary; our storehouses of love have their limits.  Having been overcome by the eternal, infinitely love of God we are compelled by God's grace to love others.  It is faith that surrenders to God which removes the mountains of ungrace and selfishness in our hearts and causes us to overcome the world.

Everlasting Strength

"In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks. ² Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in. ³ You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. ⁴ Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength."

Isaiah 26:1-4

Verse 4 has been rattling around in my mind this morning.  We should trust in God forever because in the LORD is everlasting strength.  I was never the strongest of my peers, and as I have grown older my strength has lessened.  God's strength, however, remains complete and beyond reckoning forever.  God's great love, His power, and sovereignty offers perfect peace to all who trust in Him.

Students of the Bible will notice this chapter begins with, "In that day..." meaning the thought continues from the previous portion of scripture.  It speaks of the coming of the Messiah for whom the Jews waited long.  Isaiah 25:8-9 states, "He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken. ⁹ And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."  Jesus claimed to be the "resurrection and the life" and immediately following raised Lazarus from the dead--who had been already dead four days.  Before Jesus went to the cross He said He would rise from the dead on the third day.  After His words came to pass Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples and proved He is the Door, the gate of righteousness we enter through faith to receive perfect peace and eternal life.

Those who proclaim Jesus Christ as LORD and own Him as Saviour can say, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.  This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."  From that day forward we can proclaim with the prophet Isaiah, "We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks."  During Abraham's pilgrimage as he dwelt in tents he looked for a city with foundations whose builder and maker is God, an eternal habitation which would someday be provided him by God.  He is an example of faith we are to follow, for he believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.

Christ's resurrection in eternal glory is not for Him alone but for all who receive the Gospel and are born again.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57:  "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." ⁵⁵ "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  The Messiah spoken of by Isaiah is none other than Jesus the only begotten Son of God, the One we are to be glad and rejoice in.  One day we too will be forever physically changed, given glorified and incorruptible bodies through the victory Jesus Christ accomplished on Calvary.

Even in these ageing, failing bodies we can joyfully proclaim, "This is the day (a day of salvation and strength!) that the LORD has made."  We are kept in perfect peace as our mind is fixed on the LORD because we trust in Him.  In our weakness we discover the LORD's everlasting strength.