Jesus our Sanctuary

"Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered."

Proverbs 11:21

The world is filled with uncertainties and realities which can fill us with debilitating fear.  Countless conspiracies (imagined or genuine) increase concerns and cynical views of everything.  People live in fear of governments, of schemes to disseminate "alternate facts" by media outlets, hidden agendas, secret plans to cull populations, and the collusion of individuals to gain money, power, and control.  Just like music, news reporting, and sport, conspiracy is big business which preys on the alleged ignorance of people to deliver the real truth and secret agendas behind the scenes.  For unbelievers who have no authority in their lives greater than themselves, government, armies, and are at the mercy of this world and the systems imposed upon them, there is cause for alarm given the state of things today.  But one who fears God ought to not be unsettled by a thing.

I am admittedly cynical about most every "conspiracy theory" I have ever heard, and this murky pit of intrigue has drowned many willing victims who clamour for more.  Conspiracies are nothing new and remain as unsatisfactory as ever.  Should a confederacy or conspiracy prove true, what can a person do about it beyond knowledge and attempts to convince others about this plot you can do nothing to stop?  Or you can live in constant fear - and that is what happened to the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the days of Isaiah.  The Assyrian war machine was mowing down nations, and word came to Jerusalem they did not stand a chance against them because there was a confederacy - the Assyrians and others - plotted against them.  The people were troubled because of this conspiracy, but God directed Isaiah to address the people.

Isaiah 8:12-14 says, "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. ¹⁴ He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."  How amazing is this!  What people called "a conspiracy" was known by God and was no cause for fear.  Instead of God commanding the people to spread the word of the so-called conspiracy, they were to fear God above all and heed Him.  God was as a sanctuary, a place of safety and refuge for His people in a world filled with deceit, hatred, murder, and schemes.  To God's people He is a Saviour and Deliverer, but to all who opposed God and His people He would cause them to stumble and be trapped.  People joined forces against God's people, but the schemers would be the victims of the their own plot!

In hindsight since Jesus Christ has come, we know He is this "stone of stumbling and a rock of offence."  He is the One whom we ought to fear, not the schemes of Satan or men.  Looking forward scripture reveals one day all the nations of the earth will be deceived by Satan to come against Jesus Christ as He is enthroned with His saints in Jerusalem.  The conspiracy to overthrow Him will be strong, but Jesus will destroy them all simply with the words of His mouth.  Isn't God greater than man?  Aren't His plans sovereign and good?  Can Satan and all the demons together overthrow what God has ordained?  Is God threatened by the nations of the earth, or is He unsettled and fearful of the governments and how they conspire against His people?  Please.  Not a chance.

In our Saviour Jesus Christ we have a place of refuge, and when we sanctify Him in our hearts and look to Him in reliance we will not be afraid or unsettled.  Should adopted children of the King waste effort in unbelief, lamenting "cover ups" or boasting over hidden truth which has nothing to do with Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?  This world is in a hopeless state, yet followers of Jesus who are in the world are not of the world.  We are not at the mercy of this world or our enemies; we will not go as the world goes and can lead others to THE Truth, Jesus Christ received through faith.  May the LORD be our fear and dread, not schemes or plots of men.  He has promised those deemed righteous by faith and their posterity will be delivered.  Praise God who can keep such promises.  Is there any greater than our God?

Grace Isn't Fair

From a young age in varying degrees we all have a sense of what is right, wrong, and fair.  It is this third parameter which we can hold in greatest esteem.  We may break the rules or even the law because we believe it is unfair.  People who have uttered the words, "Life isn't fair!" in response to someone saying "That isn't fair" still have a sense of fairness they appeal to when it suits them.

I love how God's grace trumps "fair" every time.  There is a parable Jesus told where the people in it protested against the king's wisdom and generosity.  In Luke 19, Jesus spoke of a man who gave an equal amount of money (a mina) to 10 of his servants (sounds fair).  After being crowned king, he returned and interviewed each of his servants concerning how successful they had been in conducting business.  One man had gained 10 minas with only one to start, and another man gained five.  There was one servant, however, who had buried the mina in the ground and said, "Here is your money."

The king chastised his wicked servant for being so foolish, for he should had kept the money in the bank and at least generated interest.  Luke 19:24-25 says, "And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.' ²⁵ (But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.')"  Those who stood by questioned the king's decision, as it didn't seem fair to give the mina to the man who had the most.  But if you were master, who would you want investing your money?  The one who buried it in the ground, the one who gained 5, or the one who gained 10?  The one who gained 10, of course!  The master knew exactly what he was giving and why he was giving it to his good and faithful servant.  He was gracious to give a mina to a servant he knew was wicked.

Then Jesus delivered the parable's punchline for our application in Luke 19:26:  "For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."  This may not seem fair, but it is righteous and gracious for God to reward His faithful servants.  The lives of unbelievers and all they acquire will be lost forever, but it is God's good pleasure to give believers eternal life and the kingdom (Luke 12:32).  This isn't fair by any means, of course, but all of grace.  What a privilege and responsibility we have in serving our King!

Aligned with Christ

This week I have started a little building project at church, framing a wall to create space for storage.  More than additional storage, this wall will allow us to centre the video display and better utilise the area up front.  Already the project has resulted in long days and countless trips to the local shops for materials and tools.  One of my purchases was a new spirit level.

For years - probably about 15 years or so - for building I have been using a 4' level given to me by my dad.  Some of the bubbles were obviously inaccurate, but a couple of them were still functional.  As I was framing, I struggled mightily to determine what bubble was the accurate one!  When held vertically, there are bubbles at the top and bottom which indicate if studs are plumb.  It was obviously time for a new level, and after checking my work I re-positioned several studs which were out of plumb because of my faulty level.

It was a guessing game with a single bubble as a guide, but two makes a huge difference.  This is an illustration of the importance of Christian fellowship and accountability.  In my opinion (which matters little) "accountability" is a word I seldom use because it is a bit of a broken buzzword and vague.  Like two bubbles are much more accurate than one alone, so Christians experiencing genuine fellowship help each other remain aligned with Jesus, the Vine in whom we are to abide.  A spirit level needs to be carefully calibrated, and Jesus is always righteous and His Word is always true.  He is the standard by whom we walk uprightly, and we can help one another to do what is right.

Our eyes are not a good guide for building, and our hearts, feelings, and even our own rationale is not sufficient to determine right from wrong.  Praise the LORD for the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth and helps us to follow Jesus faithfully.  Is it we who need re-adjustment and re-alignment, and we can support one another in the process.

Trust God, Not Self

The Bible is filled with divine revelations which instruct us concerning God and people as well.  God and sinful men have something in common, that we are totally consistent.  God and His immutable righteousness is established and unchanging, and so is the folly of man and his ways.  Even as plant varieties grow well in particular conditions and species of animals have instincts and behaviours which are predictable, so it is with the natural man to trust himself.

The introduction to a parable Jesus told reveals an consistent connection amongst people we should take note of.  Luke 18:9 says, "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others..."  He went on to talk about a Pharisee who prayed with himself and a tax collector who did not feel worthy to even look to heaven because of his sin.  I expect the people were shocked when Jesus confirmed it was the humble sinner and not the Pharisee who went home justified.  Jesus spoke this parable to people who trusted in their own righteousness and consequently hated others.

Just today I was reminded of an interaction I had with a fellow Christian years ago who believed it was an ethical imperative to only buy clothing and shoes which he deemed "ethically sourced."  He seemed to pride himself on paying a premium for materials and he knitted his own clothing to ensure his high standards were met.  He believed his purchasing decisions were an extension of his faith in Christ, and he spoke disparagingly of Christians who did not share his strong convictions.  In that conversation the connection between self-righteousness and thinking poorly of others who did not measure up to his ethical standard was on display.

A more personal example to illustrate the truth of scripture is in my own life.  I was once mired in a self-righteous mindset and also looked down on others with disdain.  I was disgusted with the hypocrisy in others I was keenly enabled to see because it was also true of me.  I was the one straining out a gnat and swallowing camels!  Paul wrote in Romans 2:1, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."  Praise the LORD God showed grace, love, compassion, and mercy on me when I was unwilling to do the same for others.  When we realise our own righteousness is a liability and our righteousness comes only by faith in Jesus Christ by His grace, it opens up an avenue of love through us which never existed before. 

Crossing the Divide

No matter how many times I have read or analysed passages in the Bible, God uses it to powerfully speak and provide fresh insights.  Just last night as a family after dinner we read through Luke chapter 16 and I noticed something I never had before.  I love how our God speaks and reveals Himself to us by His grace.

Luke 16 concludes with Jesus speaking of a rich man and Lazarus, a poor beggar who hoped for crumbs from the rich man's table.  The rich man ate well every day, but Lazarus suffered greatly from ill health and was malnourished.  Eventually both the rich and poor man died.  Their lives had been a notable contrast whilst they lived on earth, and it was true after death:  the rich man found himself suffering in eternal torment, and Lazarus found himself greatly comforted.

Earlier in the chapter Jesus spoke a parable of a man stripped of his stewardship because he was caught wasting his master's goods.  Since he was unwilling to stoop to manual labour or begging, he shrewdly decided to call his master's debtors together and give them a break on what they owed.  The favours he generously provided would be returned by another master receiving him as steward.  Jesus said this to show how men are careful to provide for their own future on earth.  The irony is, however, men who are shrewd to acquire wealth and earthly security do not consider where their eternal souls will spend eternity.

The rich man was a man who was ill-prepared for the eternal state, having died in his sins.  The beggar Lazarus, poor though he was on earth, was wealthy beyond measure in paradise through faith in God.  The rich man, being tormented in flame, called out to Abraham to send Lazarus over with water to cool his tongue.  The man who once seemed to have everything was reduced to begging for mercy.  Luke 16:25-26 says, "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'"

The portion which blew my mind was the explanation Abraham provided after he pointed out the obvious, that it was impossible to cross the wide gap between the place of torment and comfort in Sheol.  He said, "...those who want to pass from here to you cannot."  The words of Abraham imply there are people on the side being comforted who would desire to aid those in torment if it was at all possible.  Perhaps Lazarus would have been glad to go through the flames to do more than the begging rich man asked.  But crossing the boundary God had set was impossible.  I thought to myself:  would I want to go to those who were begging for help on the other side of the divide?  Would you?  That's what Jesus did for sinners, for He came to earth and died so we might live.

If you answer in the affirmative, don't wait until it is impossible!  Praise the LORD He has given us eyes to see and ears to hear the truth of His Word, how it is appointed for all men rich and poor once to die, and then we will be judged.  Only those who are born again by faith in Jesus Christ through the Gospel will be saved and receive eternal life.  If we will save people from the flames of hell, today is the day to bring the Living Water Jesus supplies, the Holy Spirit received through faith in Jesus.  The master told his steward he would be stripped of his position and this revelation caused him to prepare for his future in earnest:  if people are heading to hell, shouldn't someone warn them and offer the Living Water Christ supplies?

Action, not Activism

As we enter a new year, it is a good reminder how God makes all things new and provides new opportunities every day to learn, grow, serve, and live life to the full.  The life God has prepared for us is greater in scope and impact than we can imagine.  His plans that will be fulfilled are better than our dreams.

I glanced over an article this morning which touched on a subject to which I have given much thought.  The basic premise of the article was Christians tend toward being politically conservative and give little or no effort to activism because they see it as an activity employed by liberals.  Whilst this may or may not be true, it was a straw-man argument to explain why there are not more Christian political activists.  My take is I am not at all called by God to activism but to be active in loving God and others.  If love for God and people means I am to take practical actions, it is a good thing.  At the same time I realise I cannot of myself accomplish anything without the LORD's wisdom, guidance, and help.

I grew up in an era when the abortion debate reached a fever-pitch in the 80's, when protests, marches, and violence from all sides raged.  Probably since the Vietnam war there had not been such a divisive and emotionally charged issue, and at the core was evidence of completely opposing world views.  "Peaceful" demonstrations didn't stay peaceful.  At the core of the struggle was the value of rights:  the right of a "woman to choose" or the right of a foetus (or an unborn child) to live.  Even the terms used in common speech were polarising.  I watched the tactics employed by groups on the right and left side of the issue which, for a large part, employed intimidation, manipulation, violence, parades, and volume to assert their claims.  If that is activism, I want no part of it.  Activism is as much about what you hate as what you fight for.  I do not see Jesus embracing any of these tactics to achieve political or social change, for He laboured for something far more significant and enduring:  the kingdom of God.

There are evidently many people who have embraced activism for social justice or political change as an outlet for their faith, and I see no reason to speak against this.  Yet it is important to note activism always has an end.  Should you ever achieve your desire, it is on to the next great cause.  As hard as people fought to make a change they must double their efforts to sustain it.  With the stroke of a pen all that people worked for and bled over can be undone.  What Jesus did through His active love, however, no one can take away.  He did not need to make friends of the Jews or Romans to achieve His purposes, for He answered to His Father in heaven.  He did not make any sweeping legislative reforms, end poverty, or homelessness, but He did free people from the curse of the Law, provide true riches of heaven to all, and promised an eternal home to all who would trust in Him.  I am convinced Jesus was no activist following a dream, but He was active in following the Father's plan for His life as He reached out to others individually.

Let's make 2019 a year filled with meaningful and fruitful actions in obedience to God for His glory.  We may not be able to change the hearts or minds of others, but may we embrace the changes God desires to accomplish in our lives.  It is alluring to think our efforts and the greatness of a cause will change the world or make it a better place, but without God that is impossible.  The social justice trap ensnares many who march into it, but those who walk in step with Christ are free indeed.

God's Glory in the Woods

"We - or at least I - shall not be able to adore God on the highest occasions if we have learned no habit of doing so on the lowest.  At best, our faith and reason will tell us that He is adorable, but we shall not have found Him so, nor have "tasted and seen."  Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy.  These pure and spontaneous pleasures are "patches of Godlight" in the woods of our experience."

C.S. Lewis (excerpt from The Quotable Lewis page 35)

From the sunlight mountaintop and the low valley, the LORD remains praiseworthy.  His glory is displayed for all to see through His wondrous creation.  Whilst some deify creation as notable in itself, those who know the most high God find reasons to praise Him in all He has made:  from the vastness of space to the intricate designs and behaviour in human, animal, and plant life, God is glorified.

It is not often people in Sydney have the opportunity to sit under the vast black canopy of stars without the sound and light pollution of the city, but I highly encourage it.  This week I had a chance to visit a rustic property (Andy's Flat) near Cooma in New South Wales, a five-hour drive south.  One thing I love about Australia is the abundance of wildlife in the city, suburbs, or country.  We have a resident eastern blue-tongue lizard who lives under our deck, and many varieties of birds.  At the property near Cooma there were wild goats and hogs, kangaroo, wallabies, echidnas, foxes, platypus, and more.  People scan the heavens looking for a sign of life, and this earth is crammed with it.

Check out some picture from the trip below, enjoy the sights of Andy's flat, and praise God who created such beauty!

Forget "What If"

Every day brings with it countless possibilities.  When facing decisions, it is easy to be confounded by many "what ifs" and be paralysed with uncertainty.  What we do not know or cannot predict can hinder us from doing what we know is right.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon addressed this issue.  There are many things which are completely out of our control.  Some things will happen without our permission, like trees which fall in a storm.  What's done is done, but God graciously grants us the power to make good and profitable decisions moving forward.  Though we cannot determine everything which could happen, we should not be hindered in doing what is right.  The king of Israel 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."

Solomon makes the point the farmer sows even if a blowing wind makes an even spread of seed more difficult, and he will not allow the threat of rain to leave good crops unharvested.  There are a lot of things we don't understand or comprehend, like how wind is generated or how a baby develops in the womb of the mother.  We don't understand how God accomplishes many such wonders:  should our lack of understanding hinder us from trusting God in areas of our lives we mistakenly believe we have control?  When we make our ability to understand the barometer for making decisions, we lean on our own understanding and fall short of God's grace.

I like the exhortation Solomon gives here:  the farmer may not be able to explain how a baby is formed in the womb of its mother, but there is a time and season for doing things he knows is right.  In the morning he should sow his seed, and in the evening he should do work, eat food, and take rest as is appropriate for the season.  No farmer can predict if a crop will be lean or bountiful, but if he does not sow he will not have a crop at all!  A farmer may not be able to explain how oats germinate or what causes deciduous trees to drop their leaves, but he is to make the most of every season.  Never allow the "what ifs" to paralyse us from doing the good works God has called us to do.

Unto You Is Born

This morning at the Calvary Chapel Sydney Christmas service we read through portions of the Gospel of Luke.  A part of the talk which spoke to me is when the angel delivered the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ to shepherds in the fields as they watched their flocks by night.

Surrounded with the glory of God, the angel proclaimed in Luke 2:10-11, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  If I put myself in those shepherd's sandals, it was a very curious thing which the angel said.  I don't know about you, but when someone else has a baby (even a couple I know very well), the child is their baby.  I have great joy a child has been born, but the child is born to his parents - not to me.  The child is their responsibility, not mine.

Maybe the shepherds mistakenly thought to themselves, "Wait a second.  I'm not expecting a baby to be born in Bethlehem.  I have no love interest there."  But those shepherds, Mary and Joseph, all in the region, and all the people of the world were the love interest of that Child who was Jesus Christ the LORD.  God demonstrated His love by coming to earth as a baby who grew to be a man who laid down His life on Calvary as a sacrifice for sinners.  Every person alive when Jesus was born until today is responsible in the sense of our belief, for He has been born unto us.  Jesus was not only born as Saviour of the Jews but has been given to all as Jesus Himself proclaimed in John 3:16:  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Let us rejoice, all redeemed of the LORD, for today is a day to celebrate and remember with joy the Saviour Jesus who has been born unto us.  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!