Do you sometimes feel unappreciated? When we feel unappreciated, the tendency towards bitterness, resentment, and ultimately inaction is a natural slide. We can fall into the trap of measuring the usefulness of our deeds based upon the response we receive from others. Did Jesus embrace the cross because He knew some might appreciate it? No! The lack of "appreciation" expressed by others didn't enter into His decision. He shed His blood knowing most people wouldn't appreciate or appropriate it! God had prepared a good work to enter into through sacrifice, and Jesus was obedient and faithful to see it through regardless of how much others appreciated it.
I don't always feel appreciated. Just yesterday I was feeling like my efforts to help others were not appreciated or being recognised at all. But as I examined my feelings according to scripture, I realised I was looking to the response of others to encourage me to serve when my eyes ought to be fixed on Jesus. "I don't feel appreciated, God." I said to Him. At that moment I felt as if God smiled upon me and said, "I still love you." That little word made all the difference. Even if I wasn't appreciated at all by others, I was still loved by God. When God's love for me is my motive in serving Him and others, what profound joy we can experience! Too often we substitute the appreciation of others for the love of God, and it is we who rob ourselves of the joy and strength we need to endure times of difficulty.
So instead of looking for signs of appreciation or affirmation from others in doing good, recognise and respond to the love of God demonstrated for you. Even if no one notices or seems to care about the sacrifices you make, God still loves you. And if this doesn't warm your heart and bring a smile to your face, may God open your eyes and heart to receive His love. Improperly received or over-valued appreciation by others is a thief that robs God of glory. When we don't feel appreciated by others, it provides deeper channels for us to draw upon the love of God. How good it is therefore to feel unappreciated and remain obedient! Man's praise quickly fades, but the joy of the LORD endures forever.
05 August 2015
04 August 2015
Answer Christ's Questions BEFORE Asking
People ask God a lot of questions. Jesus demonstrated He is under no obligation to answer any question - especially the dishonest questions of men - though He is glad and willing to answer all sincere questions. In an interaction with the Pharisees, before Jesus agreed to answer their question they were required to answer His. This is the correct order of things, for God has all authority over men. If we demand an honest answer from God, we must first be honest with Him. When we refuse to answer Christ's questions, do not be surprised when you do not receive answers.
Matthew 21:23-27 tells the story: "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" 24 But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus only did what pleased the Father, but His actions did not please the chief priests and elders. They openly questioned His authority. Knowing the hypocrisy of their hearts, Jesus agreed to answer them on the condition they first answered His question.
Christ's question prompted a private discussion. Answering the question Jesus asked would expose them as hypocrites or prompt indignation and outcry from the people - two things they had planned to do to Jesus by asking Him such questions publicly. So the most learned men in Israel lied and played dumb: "We do not know." Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus had been given all authority from His Father. Since these rulers did not trust or believe Him, they wouldn't believe the truth even if He told them. They would only accuse Him of dishonesty when it was they who were dishonest themselves. This is a good lesson for Christians. We are never under any obligation to answer the dishonest questions of the unbelievers. Does God need me to defend Him? Well did our Saviour warn not to cast pearls before swine, lest after trampling those precious truths underfoot they turn and tear us apart (Matt. 7:6).
Do you have questions you want to ask of God? How about answering some of the questions Jesus asked first? Your answer or unwillingness to answer likely reveals why heaven seems silent. In the following passages, the bold emphasis is mine:
Matthew 21:23-27 tells the story: "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" 24 But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus only did what pleased the Father, but His actions did not please the chief priests and elders. They openly questioned His authority. Knowing the hypocrisy of their hearts, Jesus agreed to answer them on the condition they first answered His question.
Christ's question prompted a private discussion. Answering the question Jesus asked would expose them as hypocrites or prompt indignation and outcry from the people - two things they had planned to do to Jesus by asking Him such questions publicly. So the most learned men in Israel lied and played dumb: "We do not know." Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus had been given all authority from His Father. Since these rulers did not trust or believe Him, they wouldn't believe the truth even if He told them. They would only accuse Him of dishonesty when it was they who were dishonest themselves. This is a good lesson for Christians. We are never under any obligation to answer the dishonest questions of the unbelievers. Does God need me to defend Him? Well did our Saviour warn not to cast pearls before swine, lest after trampling those precious truths underfoot they turn and tear us apart (Matt. 7:6).
Do you have questions you want to ask of God? How about answering some of the questions Jesus asked first? Your answer or unwillingness to answer likely reveals why heaven seems silent. In the following passages, the bold emphasis is mine:
- "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
- "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
- "Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" 21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:15-21
- "When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" 28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, "See that no one knows it." Matthew 9:27-30
- "And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Matthew 14:28-33
03 August 2015
Jesus and Ronaldo
I saw a video of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo going "undercover" as a bearded man in sweatpants and sunglasses in Madrid, Spain. During the short film, he pulled out a soccer ball and a cardboard box like a busker. After demonstrating some footwork, he tried to encourage other people to play soccer with him. No one seemed very interested in the man juggling and kicking the ball to himself. Finally, Ronaldo managed to gain the interest of a boy, and he encouraged him to try to steal the ball from his lightning-fast feet. After a few minutes Ronaldo picked up the ball, signed it, and began to remove his disguise. He handed the ball to the boy and gave him a hug. Onlookers can be heard gasping in shock and amazement as the sportsman revealed his true identity. The once desolate square quickly packed with people with mobiles out, and strained to capture images of the world-famous celebrity.
Who receives the glory for Ronaldo posing as a homeless man and giving a signed soccer ball to a boy? Ronaldo, of course. Why? Because he didn't have to. He makes more than 50 million dollars annually as a soccer player and could very well be one of the world's most famous athletes. This little gesture of putting on makeup and going into the real world without security or bodyguards as a busker with a soccer ball only took a few hours and was a small sacrifice. But because it was Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a huge deal that only improves his image (and provides advertising for products at the end of the video!).
What I find most compelling about the film (not knowing the motives of the man) is how everyone's attitude towards the man with the soccer ball changed when he pulled off his disguise. People seemed to come from nowhere to swarm Ronaldo. Security quickly ushered him away from the growing crowd of adoring fans, trying to press in as close as possible to the celebrity. He had demonstrated world-class talent in that square moments earlier, but no one recognised it. Only a couple of men and a boy were willing to humour the man and play with him for a few minutes. It was only after those who passed by saw the beard removed from the clean-shaven face they realised under that disguise was the best and most famous footballer on the planet. They couldn't believe their eyes.
When I saw this video, one thing flashed in my mind: Jesus never removed His beard. Ronaldo dressing as a homeless busker is nothing compared to the God of the universe becoming a man and walking among us. God didn't have to, but He wanted to. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a devout Jewish woman and born as a baby in Bethlehem. Around 30 years old He began to preach repentance and the kingdom of God. He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons. But Jesus never once "removed His beard" or His fleshly disguise. Most people had no idea Jesus was God in human flesh because He looked ordinary, and only a handful followed Him until the end. He did not step out of His human body and reveal His unrivaled divine splendour and glory, but chose to die the excruciating death of the cross as a sacrifice for sinners. Even after He rose from the dead, some doubted (Matthew 28:17).
Do you realise what Jesus has done in coming to earth? He shed His blood to provide atonement for sins so He could be with us forever - far more than Ronaldo did in giving a boy a signed ball. If the video of Ronaldo warms your heart, how much more should God's divine condescension fill us with love and appreciation for the One who has so vividly expressed the love of God for man? Many people still don't recognise Jesus for who He is, but one day every eye will see Him and bow before Him. Only those with faith like that little boy - the one who appreciated and played with Ronaldo before his disguise was removed - will receive His rewards when Christ is revealed from heaven. Only those who trust in Jesus, believing He is the Son of God, will be rewarded with eternal life.
Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself as the Son of God through wisdom, signs, wonders, sacrificial death, and resurrection. Remember me when you come into your kingdom!
Who receives the glory for Ronaldo posing as a homeless man and giving a signed soccer ball to a boy? Ronaldo, of course. Why? Because he didn't have to. He makes more than 50 million dollars annually as a soccer player and could very well be one of the world's most famous athletes. This little gesture of putting on makeup and going into the real world without security or bodyguards as a busker with a soccer ball only took a few hours and was a small sacrifice. But because it was Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a huge deal that only improves his image (and provides advertising for products at the end of the video!).
What I find most compelling about the film (not knowing the motives of the man) is how everyone's attitude towards the man with the soccer ball changed when he pulled off his disguise. People seemed to come from nowhere to swarm Ronaldo. Security quickly ushered him away from the growing crowd of adoring fans, trying to press in as close as possible to the celebrity. He had demonstrated world-class talent in that square moments earlier, but no one recognised it. Only a couple of men and a boy were willing to humour the man and play with him for a few minutes. It was only after those who passed by saw the beard removed from the clean-shaven face they realised under that disguise was the best and most famous footballer on the planet. They couldn't believe their eyes.
When I saw this video, one thing flashed in my mind: Jesus never removed His beard. Ronaldo dressing as a homeless busker is nothing compared to the God of the universe becoming a man and walking among us. God didn't have to, but He wanted to. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a devout Jewish woman and born as a baby in Bethlehem. Around 30 years old He began to preach repentance and the kingdom of God. He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons. But Jesus never once "removed His beard" or His fleshly disguise. Most people had no idea Jesus was God in human flesh because He looked ordinary, and only a handful followed Him until the end. He did not step out of His human body and reveal His unrivaled divine splendour and glory, but chose to die the excruciating death of the cross as a sacrifice for sinners. Even after He rose from the dead, some doubted (Matthew 28:17).
Do you realise what Jesus has done in coming to earth? He shed His blood to provide atonement for sins so He could be with us forever - far more than Ronaldo did in giving a boy a signed ball. If the video of Ronaldo warms your heart, how much more should God's divine condescension fill us with love and appreciation for the One who has so vividly expressed the love of God for man? Many people still don't recognise Jesus for who He is, but one day every eye will see Him and bow before Him. Only those with faith like that little boy - the one who appreciated and played with Ronaldo before his disguise was removed - will receive His rewards when Christ is revealed from heaven. Only those who trust in Jesus, believing He is the Son of God, will be rewarded with eternal life.
Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself as the Son of God through wisdom, signs, wonders, sacrificial death, and resurrection. Remember me when you come into your kingdom!
01 August 2015
Is God Knowable?
I read a comment today which held forth sentiment I have heard many times. On the topic of God a person wrote, "Only
the foolish claim to have knowledge of what is unknowable.
Science can't prove God doesn't exist and religion can't prove one does." Instead of offering a direct rebuttal to this claim, it is a fair question to ask: are "science" and "religion" the only authorities to invoke in the quest for the proof of God's existence? If God exists, couldn't He chose to be known and reveal Himself? The God who created mouths and speech, the One who has provided His written Word, can't He speak for Himself? Science has its limits, and "religion" has been aptly defined by some as "man's attempts to reach God." Science and religion are not the authorities concerning God's existence: God is!
The statement that God is unknowable is partially true. In the beginning God said, "Let there be light!" and there was light. The Bible reveals God as an omnipotent, all-powerful Spirit who created the universe in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the glory of sun, moon, and stars reveal His divine order and power. A blind man could never see, even if light shone brightly upon him. Because of sin, all men are spiritually blind and in darkness - unable to discern the divine presence of God and separated from Him - even though we were created to be in relationships with Him. Jesus came to earth to reveal God's existence to the unbeliever, His love for the sinner, and His power and glory to all. He said in Matthew 11:27, "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
God is not a nebulous construct of the feeble minded, for who could have dreamed up Jesus? His existence is scientifically and historically verifiable by eye-witnesses. Jesus is a real person who walked the earth. He healed countless people of incurable diseases, did miracle after miracle, and spoke wisdom like none before or since. He claimed to be equal with the Father, a clear claim to deity. Religious leaders out of envy arrested and accused Jesus, and was condemned to die on a Roman cross, though without committing a crime. Jesus bled and died on the cross, and even in dying convinced the Roman centurion and his fellow soldiers He was indeed the Son of God. Three days later, Jesus rose alive from the grave. Death could not hold Him, and He has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all those who believe. Religion had a hand in killing Jesus, and science only supports the reality of Christ's life and resurrection.
Content yourself with doubts if you wish, but I am also an eyewitness of Christ's glory through transformed lives. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me, for I have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ. Chalk me up as a fool for Jesus if you like, but personal attacks do nothing to deny the reality of Christ's existence, His promises, that I have been forgiven for my sins, have experienced joy and peace even in trials, and a new life without any fear of death. The shed blood of Jesus has paid for my sins, and I have a relationship with the living God. It is not science or religion which affords me this privilege, but is a gift provided by the grace of God. As it is written in Jeremiah 9:23-24, "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." Did you see that? God says He can be understood and known, even though His ways are past finding out.
I don't know much, but I will pledge my life upon this truth: I was once blind, but now I see. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God is knowable, my friends, for He has done everything to make Himself known. If you don't yet know Him, do you want to? Seek Him with all your heart and He promises you will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29).
The statement that God is unknowable is partially true. In the beginning God said, "Let there be light!" and there was light. The Bible reveals God as an omnipotent, all-powerful Spirit who created the universe in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the glory of sun, moon, and stars reveal His divine order and power. A blind man could never see, even if light shone brightly upon him. Because of sin, all men are spiritually blind and in darkness - unable to discern the divine presence of God and separated from Him - even though we were created to be in relationships with Him. Jesus came to earth to reveal God's existence to the unbeliever, His love for the sinner, and His power and glory to all. He said in Matthew 11:27, "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
God is not a nebulous construct of the feeble minded, for who could have dreamed up Jesus? His existence is scientifically and historically verifiable by eye-witnesses. Jesus is a real person who walked the earth. He healed countless people of incurable diseases, did miracle after miracle, and spoke wisdom like none before or since. He claimed to be equal with the Father, a clear claim to deity. Religious leaders out of envy arrested and accused Jesus, and was condemned to die on a Roman cross, though without committing a crime. Jesus bled and died on the cross, and even in dying convinced the Roman centurion and his fellow soldiers He was indeed the Son of God. Three days later, Jesus rose alive from the grave. Death could not hold Him, and He has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all those who believe. Religion had a hand in killing Jesus, and science only supports the reality of Christ's life and resurrection.
Content yourself with doubts if you wish, but I am also an eyewitness of Christ's glory through transformed lives. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me, for I have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ. Chalk me up as a fool for Jesus if you like, but personal attacks do nothing to deny the reality of Christ's existence, His promises, that I have been forgiven for my sins, have experienced joy and peace even in trials, and a new life without any fear of death. The shed blood of Jesus has paid for my sins, and I have a relationship with the living God. It is not science or religion which affords me this privilege, but is a gift provided by the grace of God. As it is written in Jeremiah 9:23-24, "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." Did you see that? God says He can be understood and known, even though His ways are past finding out.
I don't know much, but I will pledge my life upon this truth: I was once blind, but now I see. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God is knowable, my friends, for He has done everything to make Himself known. If you don't yet know Him, do you want to? Seek Him with all your heart and He promises you will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29).
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