Ask Questions, Give Answers

These thoughts follow on from "The Satisfying Answer," a post written about how God doesn't always answer our questions but supplies Himself as our answer.  Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often did answer genuine questions people had.  There were occasions (fewer than you might think!) when people weren't trying to trick, entrap, or critically judge Jesus according to their bias, but sincerely wanted to know the truth.  Hypothetical questions can only be given hypothetical answers, but Jesus responded with clarity and truth for all legitimate seekers who conveyed honestly, "I don't know the answer but I trust you do."

I had an interesting interaction this past Tuesday during a scripture lesson at a neighbourhood primary school.  Most of the kids were engaged and having fun, but one student in particular couldn't be bothered to join the group.  He wouldn't sit with the other students, refused to do the workbook activity, and in general was uncooperative.  When the students were enjoying word finds, mazes, and filling in code Bible verses, this boy was pretending to throw chairs at people.  So I stated talking with the boy.  I love talking to kids and asking them questions.  It's tons of fun.

"Good to see you today!  So it looks like you don't want to participate with the class?  What's going on?" I asked him with a smile.  "Nah.  I believe in God and everything...but how can we know God is real?  How can we know Jesus is God?"  This boy had been to a few scripture lessons and never participated, but I was amazed to hear sincere questions start pouring from him.  After we discussed his thoughts and I did my best to answer his questions, gone was the surly, frustrated expression on his face.  He genuinely thanked me for answering his questions and I thanked him for asking them.  It was a very encouraging interaction which seemed to come out of nowhere, and I praised God for it.  After class dismissed I saw him in the halls playfully pretending to draw a small cactus arm over the face of a screaming mate.  But I digress.

My conversation with the student showed me the importance of answering genuine questions people actually have when possible.  If we are so locked into what we have to say and don't take the time to inquire of the thoughts of others, our words might be lost on them.  Many people with burning questions will never be satisfied with answers provided from scripture because they are spiritually blind through unbelief.  We would all love to have the one-shot silver-bullet answer of truth that will kill unbelief dead, but quickening a soul to respond in faith and trust is God's territory.  I am called to give an answer for the hope which is in me and share the truth of God's Word in love.  Instead of deciding what people need to know, it is good for us to inquire what questions they might have or what hinders them from trusting God and His Word.  Jesus asked questions to go straight to the matter, and we should do the same.  Telling people what they need to know or do doesn't answer their questions which, once rightly answered, might change everything in their world for eternity.

Actions Speak Truer

The cliche goes, "Actions speak louder than words."  It might be better said, "Actions speak truer than words alone."  Jesus told a parable about two sons who were asked by their father to work in his vineyard.  One flatly said no and the other said, "I go sir!"  It turned out the one who agreed to go never made it, and the one who refused to go at the beginning later felt guilty about it and went.  Jesus concluded the parable spoke to the self-righteous and hypocritical Pharisees in Matthew 21:31, "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you."  Harlots and tax collectors were known for their immorality and greed but they repented at the preaching of John.  The Pharisees did not see their own need to repent and this exposed their hypocrisy like the second son who agreed to labour for his father but never showed up.  Actions speak truer than words.

The Pharisees emphasised the need to know God's Law, but Jesus emphasised the importance of putting it into practice according to God's revealed will in the Word - not conforming to the world or according to man's traditions.  Jesus always spoke the truth and His words were continually coupled with doing the will of the Father.  John asked a valid question of all who claim to love God in 1 John 4:20-21:  "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? ²¹ And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also."  God's Word is not a periscope for us to peer into the hearts and minds of others and stand in judgment of them, but is intended as the divine standard for us to examine our own hearts, affections, motives, words, and deeds.  God's Word is like a sword which can pierce the hardest of hearts of sinners who will repent, and blind hypocrites use it to justify their hypocrisy.

The importance of obedience to doing the will of God is seen in Matthew 7:21:  "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."  God's will is not some ambiguous or mystical spiritual knowledge available to a select few, but for all who humble themselves before God in faith and obedience.  We can know and do God's will not through words or works alone, but only after we are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.  Having been transformed from within through faith in Jesus, Christians are exhorted in Ephesians 5:15-17, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."  God has given us understanding of His will in the Bible, through Christ's words and example when we humbly submit to His rule in all areas of our lives.

"A picture is worth a thousand words," a common cliche suggests.  "Seeing is believing," pipes up another.  Whilst we are often caught up in appearances and what think we can see and judging according to our sight, Jesus examined the hearts of men in truth.  The Pharisees cleansed the outside of the cup and appeared to men to be holy and righteous, but Jesus perceived the filth of hypocrisy within.  The harlots and tax collectors who repented and followed Christ displayed they did the will of God by repenting and turning from their sin.  Jesus didn't just talk a good game but His actions were in perfect agreement.  Words and deeds are evidence people rely heavily upon, and our actions speak truer than words concerning the condition of our hearts.  Concern over the sins of others without confessing and repenting over our own is sinful as any sin.  What do your actions say about you?

Be Faithful In Little

Driving in Sydney traffic provides ample opportunity to exercise patience.  There seems to be no shortage of large, slow moving trucks on the road.  Many times today during my travels I had the unfortunate position of being directly behind the sluggish vehicle, and everyone behind me who desired to travel the speed limit was able to pass before me.

As I inched forward behind one truck, the thought occurred to me:  I can wait in traffic as unto the LORD.  Enduring trying situations with a heart focused on God and rejoicing in Him is pleasing in God's sight.  The benefits of the fruit of the Spirit are not only useful in relationships or interactions with others, but between me and God alone.  A gracious attitude in trials can be a witness before God that I am seeking to honour and obey Him.  I should do all things for the glory of God, even when I am by myself.  Whenever we make a conscious choice to put off the sinful desires and attitudes of the flesh and align our hearts with His will, this is pleasing in God's sight.

Today I almost justified my impatience and annoyance because I did not see how my change of attitude in a car all by myself brings glory to God.  I am grateful for God's correction and wisdom.  At times when we do not see ourselves as directly impacting others we might think, "Why bother?  Who will notice?  How will me changing bring glory to God when I keep driving exactly the same?"  God sees, God cares, and if we love Him that must be enough.  Who knows how He might redeem our obedience for His glory?  Isn't obedience good and right even if we cannot see how our sacrifice might positively affect others?  If we will not be faithful to repent and choose to rest in the peace of God when we are alone, why should we expect to reflect His character in public?

True are the words of Jesus spoken in Luke 16:10-12, and let all followers of Christ take them to heart: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. ¹¹ Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? ¹² And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?"

Keeping Ranks

"...of Zebulun there were fifty thousand who went out to battle, expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks..."

1 Chronicles 12:33

The men of Zebulun described in this passage came to David to support him and establish him as rightful king over Judah in Hebron.  These 50,000 men were depicted with glowing terms:  experts in war with all weapons, stouthearted (the KJV says "not of a double heart," united in desire and purpose), and could keep ranks.  Whilst everyone would like to be expert and have courageous hearts in battle, it struck me that "keeping ranks" flies in the face of our humanistic and narcissistic culture which promotes the individual and celebrates those who distinguish themselves as champions.

The reason why the fighters of Zebulun were singled out and uniquely described as able to "keep ranks" was precisely because they were not "rank and file" soldiers.  They fought as a single unit, knowing their place and role in the battle.  They kept to the proper formation, their steps ordered by their captains and commanders.  They were experts, and they knew their place.  Usually when people are told, "Know your place!" it is because it is a low place they should return to.  Yet the ability to keep ranks is the mark of a true warrior, not a novice.  Being of one heart and one purpose to establish David as king, their efforts were not weakened by each trying to outdo others or make a name for self.  They fought skillfully and kept ranks without fleeing in the heat of battle.  This ability to keep ranks made them a formidable fighting force against any enemy who would threaten them or their king.

I believe this courageous, stouthearted, and unified approach is important in the church today under the kingship of Jesus Christ.  We need people who are willing and able to keep ranks, casting off the sin and the weights which encumber us.  All Christians have been divinely connected to the Body of Christ for the purpose of glorifying God.  We need men, women, and children who realise and embrace their God-given roles and positions in various seasons of life and ministry.  We need to walk in lockstep and love with our Master and Saviour Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, obeying Him and heeding His Word.  As long as the lives of Christians are primarily centred on promoting or protecting ourselves we will never be the effective force God desires and designed the church to be in this world.

You may be an expert, but are you humble and skilled to keep ranks with fellow Christians?  Find your place outlined in scripture and do not flee or surrender to the enemy.  Keep in fellowship with other believers, bear one another's burdens, and carry your own load.  It is time to report for duty and keep ranks with a courageous heart!