Zephaniah 1:12
" “It will come about at that time
That I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
And I will punish the men
Who are stagnant in spirit,
Who say in their hearts,
‘The Lord will not do good or evil!’"
Zephaniah is a prophet of the royal family and he has a great view of the leadership of Israel. A leadership that brought the nation into idolatry rather into the Fear of the The Lord. As the great-great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah, Zephaniah would have heard the stories of of his grandfather's reforms and loyalty to God's Word. Yet, he also would have heard of all those kings in between who would have failed to follow God. This book is about the judgment that must come when we reject God and follow useless idols. But, Zephaniah wants to stress another abomination toward God. In the above verse, he talks about the philosophy that often shows its head in our society today. It is a philosophy that portrays God as impotent and disengaged. There are people who believe God created the heavens and the earth, but, like some science project, just left us to ourselves to see what would happen. That He is disinterested in us and lacks power to help us. To them, God is a God powerful enough to create us, but too weak to help us or to disinterested in engaging with us. That is what the above passage condemns. Like those in the Book of the Revelation, they are neutral, and God condemns it.
Revelations 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
God is a powerful God who controls the universe and even controls the evil that exists and came from the rebellion of Satan and the choices of Adam and Even in the beginning. God can and does intervene in history and in the book of Zephaniah we have that stated over and over again. God will "punish" those who believe He has no power or no interests in their sin and the rejection of Him. God will show His power and ability to engage ... but not in a favorable way to those who reject Him. He is the God of the universe and He is engaged and powerful. He does good and He allows and permits evil to do its thing ... until He doesn't.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Do you have a partner in this journey? Ecclesiastes 3-4
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
" Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."
Being alone has several advantages. Contemplation being one of them. Communion with God in prayer might be an "alone" task to us, yet, the Holy Spirit's presence and the Son's Indwelling and the Father actively listening makes it everything BUT alone. Being alone for personal reasons can be quite refreshing. Yet, Solomon, in the above passage wants us to know that for every advantage you can find for being alone, there are some notable disadvantages. Two, produce more labor. Two, help each other after falls and disappointments. Two, keep each other warm. Two, assist so that we are not overpowered. Two ... are not nearly as strong as THREE. We should take note of this principle and though for our lives. Starting a business alone is not nearly as successful as a good partnership. Teaming with someone for a project or a mission is extremely beneficial and profitable. Note Paul and Barnabas going out on their first missionary journey in the Book of Acts. Even after they had a disagreement about John-Mark, Barnabas took John-Mark and made him profitable to Paul, later on in the growth of the church. Paul, after leaving Barnabas and John-Mark, left for Troas only to find Titus and Timothy. This principle of God's Word is so important for ministry work, business work and home life. A husband and wife who work together in the marriage are so more beneficial than one doing it on there own. A pastor attempting to build a church is so much less than a team of individuals who support each other, care for each other and keep each other warm during the coldest part of growth and life. Find someone to be your partner and you will find strength and warmth and profit in all you do.
" Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."
Being alone has several advantages. Contemplation being one of them. Communion with God in prayer might be an "alone" task to us, yet, the Holy Spirit's presence and the Son's Indwelling and the Father actively listening makes it everything BUT alone. Being alone for personal reasons can be quite refreshing. Yet, Solomon, in the above passage wants us to know that for every advantage you can find for being alone, there are some notable disadvantages. Two, produce more labor. Two, help each other after falls and disappointments. Two, keep each other warm. Two, assist so that we are not overpowered. Two ... are not nearly as strong as THREE. We should take note of this principle and though for our lives. Starting a business alone is not nearly as successful as a good partnership. Teaming with someone for a project or a mission is extremely beneficial and profitable. Note Paul and Barnabas going out on their first missionary journey in the Book of Acts. Even after they had a disagreement about John-Mark, Barnabas took John-Mark and made him profitable to Paul, later on in the growth of the church. Paul, after leaving Barnabas and John-Mark, left for Troas only to find Titus and Timothy. This principle of God's Word is so important for ministry work, business work and home life. A husband and wife who work together in the marriage are so more beneficial than one doing it on there own. A pastor attempting to build a church is so much less than a team of individuals who support each other, care for each other and keep each other warm during the coldest part of growth and life. Find someone to be your partner and you will find strength and warmth and profit in all you do.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Do you consider children a gift? Psalm 125-127
Psalms 127:3
" Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward."
We often miss the nuances of this simple verse. The verse should be read and studied in light of the entire brief Psalm, in reality. But, here we look at one, simply, and, yet, profound thought. If we have children, it is a gift of God! God gives gifts to us and we ought not think that it is simply our procreation that makes that possible. In this Psalm, Solomon, the author, makes the point of telling us that children are a gift from the Lord. Don't mistake that fact. We may not always like what they do, or what they become (that has to do with how we raise them), but they are a gift from the Lord. And, like any gift we ought to praise God for them. Later, in this chapter, Solomon will refer to them as arrows in the bow. Children are a gift, because in life the are our protection. They are sent by God to keep us safe ... from working through life and taking no time to concentrate on something other than work or ourselves. These gifts of God are a joy to our youth and a comfort to us in our old age. Children are giving to particular parents for particular reasons. They might not be acting the way you want, but they are your gift. Watching children grow and become men and women is a gift. God blesses us with children and with the gift of procreation and parenthood. It is a shame in our society how abusive that role in life can become. Embrace the role of parenthood as it should be embraced ... it is a gift from God.
" Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward."
We often miss the nuances of this simple verse. The verse should be read and studied in light of the entire brief Psalm, in reality. But, here we look at one, simply, and, yet, profound thought. If we have children, it is a gift of God! God gives gifts to us and we ought not think that it is simply our procreation that makes that possible. In this Psalm, Solomon, the author, makes the point of telling us that children are a gift from the Lord. Don't mistake that fact. We may not always like what they do, or what they become (that has to do with how we raise them), but they are a gift from the Lord. And, like any gift we ought to praise God for them. Later, in this chapter, Solomon will refer to them as arrows in the bow. Children are a gift, because in life the are our protection. They are sent by God to keep us safe ... from working through life and taking no time to concentrate on something other than work or ourselves. These gifts of God are a joy to our youth and a comfort to us in our old age. Children are giving to particular parents for particular reasons. They might not be acting the way you want, but they are your gift. Watching children grow and become men and women is a gift. God blesses us with children and with the gift of procreation and parenthood. It is a shame in our society how abusive that role in life can become. Embrace the role of parenthood as it should be embraced ... it is a gift from God.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Can God beat the enemy with us? Does He need us? What is our part? 2 Chronicles 29-32
2 Chronicles 32:7-8
" “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."
Leadership has an obligation to speak for God and to point others toward God, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves or no matter how contrary that voice is to the voices of the day. The above passage is found at the end of the scene in King Hezekiah's reign where the King of Assyria descends on Jerusalem and threatens to take it out. The rulers of Assyria approach the walls of Jerusalem and unpack their threats with historical data that was not only accurate, but daunting. The people on the wall listen as the Assyrians speak in the language of the Hebrews and attempt to turn their hearts to not only stop following Hezekiah, but also to stop following God. Hezekiah had just re-established corporate worship and spiritual faith. If it were not for that fact the people's hearts may have melted at the words of the Assyrians. Because King Hezekiah had established a culture of worship that centered around God, not only could he say the above words, they would be believed and acted upon by the people. Telling people to trust God in the midst of a treat of annihilation only works if you have established a culture of believing God and worshiping God. The above words are only affective on the hearts of the people when they are mixed with faith. Faith enables us to see that God is greater than our circumstances. Faith enables us to see the enemy in the flesh but God in the Spirit. Faith enables us to pick up our sword and know that one sword in our hand, with our hand in the hand of God, is stronger than a thousand swords in the hands of the enemy. God is the one who is the victor. He only chooses to use us. He doesn't need us. Hezekiah made ready by building the wall, making swords and preparing the people for battle. But, it was the faith they had toward God that would give the victory. God sends an angel to destroy the Assyrians. Hezekiah and the people didn't even need to raise the swords they had assembled. Faith toward God produces a victory that is both unusual but sure.
" “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."
Leadership has an obligation to speak for God and to point others toward God, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves or no matter how contrary that voice is to the voices of the day. The above passage is found at the end of the scene in King Hezekiah's reign where the King of Assyria descends on Jerusalem and threatens to take it out. The rulers of Assyria approach the walls of Jerusalem and unpack their threats with historical data that was not only accurate, but daunting. The people on the wall listen as the Assyrians speak in the language of the Hebrews and attempt to turn their hearts to not only stop following Hezekiah, but also to stop following God. Hezekiah had just re-established corporate worship and spiritual faith. If it were not for that fact the people's hearts may have melted at the words of the Assyrians. Because King Hezekiah had established a culture of worship that centered around God, not only could he say the above words, they would be believed and acted upon by the people. Telling people to trust God in the midst of a treat of annihilation only works if you have established a culture of believing God and worshiping God. The above words are only affective on the hearts of the people when they are mixed with faith. Faith enables us to see that God is greater than our circumstances. Faith enables us to see the enemy in the flesh but God in the Spirit. Faith enables us to pick up our sword and know that one sword in our hand, with our hand in the hand of God, is stronger than a thousand swords in the hands of the enemy. God is the one who is the victor. He only chooses to use us. He doesn't need us. Hezekiah made ready by building the wall, making swords and preparing the people for battle. But, it was the faith they had toward God that would give the victory. God sends an angel to destroy the Assyrians. Hezekiah and the people didn't even need to raise the swords they had assembled. Faith toward God produces a victory that is both unusual but sure.
Monday, October 27, 2014
How doe God discipline? Dueteronomy 7-9
Deuteronomy 8:3-5
" He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son."
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting for the new generation the history and path that brought them to the edge of the promise land. The generation before him was not the generation he brought out of Egypt. Because of their rebellious nature, God had disciplined that generation and now their children, standing before Moses, needed to hear about that rebellion, the cost of rebellion and about the God behind it. This book is a story about the character of God and the nature of man. Int the above passage, Moses outlines for them that this discipline from God, for their parent's unfaithfulness, was at the hand of God, but also done in the mercy of God. Note in the above passage, that despite the fact that their parents were being disciplined, God was still being gracious to them. He both feed them and clothed them for forty years while the wandered in a desert less the size of most states. He sent the manna from heave and made sure the earth was kind to their feet. Imagine going forty years with the same shoes. Most women today wouldn't wear the same shoes to work or out of the house for four days, much less the same sandals, in the desert for forty years. Yet, God made sure their sandals and clothes stayed fresh all that time. Their feet didn't swell from walking for forty years ... forty!! God, even in His discipline of us, is gracious and merciful. We ought not to take His discipline as harmful or destructive to us. He states in the above passage that His discipline is like that of a man who disciplines his son. Hebrews echoes that statement in Hebrews 12:6-7. God is not about hurting us. He is about correcting our behavior in mercy and grace. Moses wanted this generation to know that truth. The truth that God WILL correct unrighteous behavior and do so in mercy and grace. In this case He corrected them by not taking them right from Egypt into the promise land and performed miracles to feed them and keep them clothed and healthy. That delay, also, brought grace and mercy to those nations that He was bringing the nation of Israel into the land to destroy. They were able to live an addition forty years, see the glory of God demonstrated in the lives of Israel and yet, still, continued to no repent. God's discipline of His children in a merciful and gracious way brought mercy and grace to those who were not His children, as well. God is good!!!
" He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son."
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting for the new generation the history and path that brought them to the edge of the promise land. The generation before him was not the generation he brought out of Egypt. Because of their rebellious nature, God had disciplined that generation and now their children, standing before Moses, needed to hear about that rebellion, the cost of rebellion and about the God behind it. This book is a story about the character of God and the nature of man. Int the above passage, Moses outlines for them that this discipline from God, for their parent's unfaithfulness, was at the hand of God, but also done in the mercy of God. Note in the above passage, that despite the fact that their parents were being disciplined, God was still being gracious to them. He both feed them and clothed them for forty years while the wandered in a desert less the size of most states. He sent the manna from heave and made sure the earth was kind to their feet. Imagine going forty years with the same shoes. Most women today wouldn't wear the same shoes to work or out of the house for four days, much less the same sandals, in the desert for forty years. Yet, God made sure their sandals and clothes stayed fresh all that time. Their feet didn't swell from walking for forty years ... forty!! God, even in His discipline of us, is gracious and merciful. We ought not to take His discipline as harmful or destructive to us. He states in the above passage that His discipline is like that of a man who disciplines his son. Hebrews echoes that statement in Hebrews 12:6-7. God is not about hurting us. He is about correcting our behavior in mercy and grace. Moses wanted this generation to know that truth. The truth that God WILL correct unrighteous behavior and do so in mercy and grace. In this case He corrected them by not taking them right from Egypt into the promise land and performed miracles to feed them and keep them clothed and healthy. That delay, also, brought grace and mercy to those nations that He was bringing the nation of Israel into the land to destroy. They were able to live an addition forty years, see the glory of God demonstrated in the lives of Israel and yet, still, continued to no repent. God's discipline of His children in a merciful and gracious way brought mercy and grace to those who were not His children, as well. God is good!!!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
What is the antedote to ego and envy ... what does it look like? James 1-3
James 3:16-18
" For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
If you want to know why you have issues at home, work, church or in the community, James has given us both the source and the solution in the above passage. The sources is found in the depraved nature of man. James tells us that "where" jealousy and selfish ambition (Envy and Ego) exists, there will be disorder. He doesn't say "if" envy and ego exists. He doesn't write, "should you come across ego and envy," this is what you do. No, he simply acknowledge the deep depravity of man and than gives us a solution. Man, left to his own devices wants what he can't have or shouldn't have (jealousy ... envy) and thinks more highly of himself than he ought to think (selfish-ambitions .... ego). The solution for the world to these two villains varies, depending on the writer, philosopher, psychologist, sociologists, juries or judge. God's word is plan for the solution and is stated by James. James would have been familiar with Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and, Epicures. The Socratic philosophy of the day would NOT to recognize the need to repent of your ego or envy. Instead it would pursue it and seek to understand it. Freud would later elevate the ego to make it a positive necessity for the natural man. However, James sees the self-ambitious man lacking the one thing he needs to govern the ego and to quench the thirst of envy: Wisdom. (Remember, in 1 Corinthians 1-2, Wisdom is Christ ... Christ is Wisdom). In chapter one of James we are told to seek wisdom in humility. James picks up where he left off in chapter one and assumes that the person who has humbled themselves and, by faith, fears the Lord (Proverbs 9:10), will be seeking wisdom. That seeking of wisdom is the antithesis of seeking ego and envy because the seeking of wisdom is the acknowledgement that God is King and is the one only who can care for the depravity in our hearts. Wisdom is the antidote for ego and envy and will replace disorder with pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, good, unwavering and non-hypocritical fruit ... the opposite of disorder and every evil thing. Seeking wisdom rather than seeking self is the solution to disorder ... ego and envy. Seeking understanding and the fear of the Lord is the answer to seeking your own ambitions and being jealous of what others have. It is only in Christ that you can have this perfect harmony of fruit in your life. You will know if what you want to do is from wisdom if it produces harmony and gentleness. If it produces disorder or pain and evil that it is out of an ego and/or envy. The fruit of the decision will evidence the core of the act. Seek God's Wisdom and you won't be pursuing ego and envy.
" For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
If you want to know why you have issues at home, work, church or in the community, James has given us both the source and the solution in the above passage. The sources is found in the depraved nature of man. James tells us that "where" jealousy and selfish ambition (Envy and Ego) exists, there will be disorder. He doesn't say "if" envy and ego exists. He doesn't write, "should you come across ego and envy," this is what you do. No, he simply acknowledge the deep depravity of man and than gives us a solution. Man, left to his own devices wants what he can't have or shouldn't have (jealousy ... envy) and thinks more highly of himself than he ought to think (selfish-ambitions .... ego). The solution for the world to these two villains varies, depending on the writer, philosopher, psychologist, sociologists, juries or judge. God's word is plan for the solution and is stated by James. James would have been familiar with Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and, Epicures. The Socratic philosophy of the day would NOT to recognize the need to repent of your ego or envy. Instead it would pursue it and seek to understand it. Freud would later elevate the ego to make it a positive necessity for the natural man. However, James sees the self-ambitious man lacking the one thing he needs to govern the ego and to quench the thirst of envy: Wisdom. (Remember, in 1 Corinthians 1-2, Wisdom is Christ ... Christ is Wisdom). In chapter one of James we are told to seek wisdom in humility. James picks up where he left off in chapter one and assumes that the person who has humbled themselves and, by faith, fears the Lord (Proverbs 9:10), will be seeking wisdom. That seeking of wisdom is the antithesis of seeking ego and envy because the seeking of wisdom is the acknowledgement that God is King and is the one only who can care for the depravity in our hearts. Wisdom is the antidote for ego and envy and will replace disorder with pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, good, unwavering and non-hypocritical fruit ... the opposite of disorder and every evil thing. Seeking wisdom rather than seeking self is the solution to disorder ... ego and envy. Seeking understanding and the fear of the Lord is the answer to seeking your own ambitions and being jealous of what others have. It is only in Christ that you can have this perfect harmony of fruit in your life. You will know if what you want to do is from wisdom if it produces harmony and gentleness. If it produces disorder or pain and evil that it is out of an ego and/or envy. The fruit of the decision will evidence the core of the act. Seek God's Wisdom and you won't be pursuing ego and envy.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Is God sovereign in your life? Acts 9-10
Acts 10:17-19
" Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate; and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you."
God is amazing in His sovereign directing of man-kinds movements. In the above section of Acts, a man named, Cornelius, a Gentile, was pursuing God and "working" on earning his salvation. God sends an angel to him and tells him to go to a town, to a house, to a man named Peter. AT THE EXACT SAME TIME these men arrive, Peter is given a vision about eating meat that Jews are not supposed to eat: Figurative of what Peter was about to have to do, giving the Gospel to a Gentile. Peter has the vision and is contemplating it and the three men show up at the door of the house he is staying in to inquire about him. God has not imperfect timing. He has us exactly where He wants us for the things He wants to accomplish for His plan. His timing is not what we want, always. Our timing is certainly not what He wants, most of the time. We need to rejoice that God is working the plan of salvation out in our lives and that He includes us in that plan. When we meet people and when we interact with groups, we need to realize there are no accidents with God. When someone is pursing God in their hearts, God will respond by moving us into uncomfortable situations to make known the gospel. Do we kick against God's timing or embrace it as though He actually was sovereign in His dealings with us?
" Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate; and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you."
God is amazing in His sovereign directing of man-kinds movements. In the above section of Acts, a man named, Cornelius, a Gentile, was pursuing God and "working" on earning his salvation. God sends an angel to him and tells him to go to a town, to a house, to a man named Peter. AT THE EXACT SAME TIME these men arrive, Peter is given a vision about eating meat that Jews are not supposed to eat: Figurative of what Peter was about to have to do, giving the Gospel to a Gentile. Peter has the vision and is contemplating it and the three men show up at the door of the house he is staying in to inquire about him. God has not imperfect timing. He has us exactly where He wants us for the things He wants to accomplish for His plan. His timing is not what we want, always. Our timing is certainly not what He wants, most of the time. We need to rejoice that God is working the plan of salvation out in our lives and that He includes us in that plan. When we meet people and when we interact with groups, we need to realize there are no accidents with God. When someone is pursing God in their hearts, God will respond by moving us into uncomfortable situations to make known the gospel. Do we kick against God's timing or embrace it as though He actually was sovereign in His dealings with us?
Friday, October 24, 2014
Do you trust God in the dark? When you can't see His faithfulness or sense His presence? Habakkuk
Habakkuk 3:17-19
" Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the Lord,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
For the choir director, on my stringed instruments."
I personally, have come to these verses in times of despair, perhaps, more than any other passage of God's Word. Can't we all relate to a time when the "fig tree doesn't blossom" and there is "no fruit on the vine" and the "olive fail" and the "fields produce no food" and the "flock should be cut off" and "no cattle in the stall?" We wouldn't use those terms but we would use that language. We might say, "though the job quits paying and the car is broken down and the mortgage is late and the electricity is about to be turned off and my child needs new shoes and the cupboards are bear," yet will I trust in Him. This is the sound of a man who has been brought to his knees before God. Habakkuk came to God with his complaint (see chapter one) and finish with God with His praise. That is how to have an argument with God. The prophet has recognized that God is allowing the nation to live in wickedness and then he objects to God using the Chaldeans to punish them. He has argued his case and discovered that in the midst of God's wrath there is still mercy and that God will, in His time, take care of those who trust in Him. Therefore, the just shall live by faith. How does that look? These last three verses are the description of that theme, the "just shall live by faith." God is to be trusted when all else is fruitful or failing. If the figs do blossom and the vines to produce and the fields do overflow and the cattle bust out the barn, God is to be trusted. If the opposite happens, as it does (ask Job), God is to be trusted. In famine or fruitfulness, "yet I will exult in the Lord."
" Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the Lord,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
For the choir director, on my stringed instruments."
I personally, have come to these verses in times of despair, perhaps, more than any other passage of God's Word. Can't we all relate to a time when the "fig tree doesn't blossom" and there is "no fruit on the vine" and the "olive fail" and the "fields produce no food" and the "flock should be cut off" and "no cattle in the stall?" We wouldn't use those terms but we would use that language. We might say, "though the job quits paying and the car is broken down and the mortgage is late and the electricity is about to be turned off and my child needs new shoes and the cupboards are bear," yet will I trust in Him. This is the sound of a man who has been brought to his knees before God. Habakkuk came to God with his complaint (see chapter one) and finish with God with His praise. That is how to have an argument with God. The prophet has recognized that God is allowing the nation to live in wickedness and then he objects to God using the Chaldeans to punish them. He has argued his case and discovered that in the midst of God's wrath there is still mercy and that God will, in His time, take care of those who trust in Him. Therefore, the just shall live by faith. How does that look? These last three verses are the description of that theme, the "just shall live by faith." God is to be trusted when all else is fruitful or failing. If the figs do blossom and the vines to produce and the fields do overflow and the cattle bust out the barn, God is to be trusted. If the opposite happens, as it does (ask Job), God is to be trusted. In famine or fruitfulness, "yet I will exult in the Lord."
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Is what you are going to do today going to last? Ecclesiates 1-2
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
" There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind."
Solomon is on a mission. Like an astronaut, headed to the moon, he is going to see what life is like there, for the rest of us. But Solomon's moon is life. God has equipped him with the resources he needs to experience life to the absolute fullest. Nothing is held back from him. No man, to this point or from that point after, has had the fullness of these resources when you consider he not only had what was here in life in abundance, but God had given it to him in extreme wisdom. He was FULLY equipped. There are men and women today who attempt to experience life to the fullest who have SOME resources. But, Solomon had Godly wisdom, PLUS. Solomon is not just SOME guy who has money who can afford to buy or have whatever he wants. He is a guy filled with God's Wisdom and has the World at his disposal. This is why we need to listen to him, as an agent and spokesmen for God. In the above passage we see one of the many conclusions the Solomon draws out for us, on this exceptional journey, that we should heed. After looking at life's enjoyment and work, Solomon comes to the conclusion that God is the only one who can "add" enjoyment to life. His point is that life (enjoyment, food, drink and work) can ONLY be enjoyed if God gives with those things joy. Those who attempt to DO LIFE without God will do so but have nothing they hoped in the end. BUT, the key here, is that NOTHING in life can really give joy and fulfillment. The same fate happens to both, in that work, play and the accumulation of things ends the same for those with God and those without God - when we look at those things. During life God will give us joy and peace with our play and our work. But, in the end, play and work end up the same. God is still there for those who trust in Him. But, Solomon, in this passage, is measuring the sum of work and play, not salvation. Solomon is writing to tell us that absent salvation, ALL work and play ends the same. Salvation in Christ is the only long-lasting aspect of life. We don't accumulate on this earth and then, because we believe in God, get to take any of that with us. We don't' achieve success in business and get to have that warrant anything. Only our faith in Christ matters. Christ told us the same in the Gospels when He spoke of the rich man and Lazarus. These two men lived separate lives and still found themselves dead and with nothing. But, Lazarus had faith toward God and the rich men faith to wealth and family. Both died!! Only faith made a difference in the end. Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). Flesh fails God (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26).
" There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind."
Solomon is on a mission. Like an astronaut, headed to the moon, he is going to see what life is like there, for the rest of us. But Solomon's moon is life. God has equipped him with the resources he needs to experience life to the absolute fullest. Nothing is held back from him. No man, to this point or from that point after, has had the fullness of these resources when you consider he not only had what was here in life in abundance, but God had given it to him in extreme wisdom. He was FULLY equipped. There are men and women today who attempt to experience life to the fullest who have SOME resources. But, Solomon had Godly wisdom, PLUS. Solomon is not just SOME guy who has money who can afford to buy or have whatever he wants. He is a guy filled with God's Wisdom and has the World at his disposal. This is why we need to listen to him, as an agent and spokesmen for God. In the above passage we see one of the many conclusions the Solomon draws out for us, on this exceptional journey, that we should heed. After looking at life's enjoyment and work, Solomon comes to the conclusion that God is the only one who can "add" enjoyment to life. His point is that life (enjoyment, food, drink and work) can ONLY be enjoyed if God gives with those things joy. Those who attempt to DO LIFE without God will do so but have nothing they hoped in the end. BUT, the key here, is that NOTHING in life can really give joy and fulfillment. The same fate happens to both, in that work, play and the accumulation of things ends the same for those with God and those without God - when we look at those things. During life God will give us joy and peace with our play and our work. But, in the end, play and work end up the same. God is still there for those who trust in Him. But, Solomon, in this passage, is measuring the sum of work and play, not salvation. Solomon is writing to tell us that absent salvation, ALL work and play ends the same. Salvation in Christ is the only long-lasting aspect of life. We don't accumulate on this earth and then, because we believe in God, get to take any of that with us. We don't' achieve success in business and get to have that warrant anything. Only our faith in Christ matters. Christ told us the same in the Gospels when He spoke of the rich man and Lazarus. These two men lived separate lives and still found themselves dead and with nothing. But, Lazarus had faith toward God and the rich men faith to wealth and family. Both died!! Only faith made a difference in the end. Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). Flesh fails God (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26).
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Do you realize how close the snare was to trapping you forever? Psalm 122-124
Psalms 124:7
" Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;
The snare is broken and we have escaped."
Do we actually know how close we have come to certain destruction? Do we realize how close the lightening bolt has been to hit us? And, yet, we have escaped. Having never tried to trap a bird, we probably can't relate to the above Psalm. In Biblical days the trapping of a bird for the purpose of consuming it or sacrificing it would have been common. God gave us the animal world for our enjoyment and benefit of food. Yet, in the trapping of the bird, the bird has little hope. They simply go for the bait and then are caught in the snare. Yet, the snare is exactly where God find us and releases us. It is no accident the snare is broken. The snare has been destroyed by the act of the cross through Christ. Satan wishes to trap us. Our flesh works against us to bind us in its internal snare. Yet, Christ comes to our rescue and we escape. We ought to be laid waste by the snares of ego, envy and many other self-inflicted wounds. But, we are not. We ought to be laid waste by the snares of Satan tempting us as he tempted Christ in the wilderness. Yet, we are not. God has broken the snare and set us free to be righteous in His sight. "Our soul has escaped as a bird our of the snare!!"
" Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;
The snare is broken and we have escaped."
Do we actually know how close we have come to certain destruction? Do we realize how close the lightening bolt has been to hit us? And, yet, we have escaped. Having never tried to trap a bird, we probably can't relate to the above Psalm. In Biblical days the trapping of a bird for the purpose of consuming it or sacrificing it would have been common. God gave us the animal world for our enjoyment and benefit of food. Yet, in the trapping of the bird, the bird has little hope. They simply go for the bait and then are caught in the snare. Yet, the snare is exactly where God find us and releases us. It is no accident the snare is broken. The snare has been destroyed by the act of the cross through Christ. Satan wishes to trap us. Our flesh works against us to bind us in its internal snare. Yet, Christ comes to our rescue and we escape. We ought to be laid waste by the snares of ego, envy and many other self-inflicted wounds. But, we are not. We ought to be laid waste by the snares of Satan tempting us as he tempted Christ in the wilderness. Yet, we are not. God has broken the snare and set us free to be righteous in His sight. "Our soul has escaped as a bird our of the snare!!"
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
In destress are you more or less faithful? 2 Chronicles 25-28
2 Chronicles 28:22
" Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to the Lord."
In the midst of distress we need to be careful which direction we go. We can turn to God in distress, or, we can turn even farther into distress. In the above passage we see what King Ahaz, king of Judah, did, in his distress. Ahaz was not a good king ... meaning not a righteous king. He was wicked. Instead of turning to God he turned to God's enemies for help. This put him in further stress and, in that stress, even less good judgment for God. Like a drunk who's judgment is impaired, Ahaz made bad judgment after bad judgment. It has been stated by many preachers and wise men that Satan has two lies: 1) This activity or action won't matter to God ... it's okay to sin. 2) That sin you just did really matters to God and now God hates you so you might as well continue to sin. Ahaz believed both these lies and fell victim to them. We all do the same things as Ahaz. He is the picture of us. When in distress we turn to someone or something other than God. Then, in further distress, when we should know better, we turn farther away from God. Ahaz is condemned for his "unfaithfulness" in the above text. He failed to believe God despite His circumstances. It is important that in the midst of bad circumstances that we turn to God in faith and remain faithful.
" Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to the Lord."
In the midst of distress we need to be careful which direction we go. We can turn to God in distress, or, we can turn even farther into distress. In the above passage we see what King Ahaz, king of Judah, did, in his distress. Ahaz was not a good king ... meaning not a righteous king. He was wicked. Instead of turning to God he turned to God's enemies for help. This put him in further stress and, in that stress, even less good judgment for God. Like a drunk who's judgment is impaired, Ahaz made bad judgment after bad judgment. It has been stated by many preachers and wise men that Satan has two lies: 1) This activity or action won't matter to God ... it's okay to sin. 2) That sin you just did really matters to God and now God hates you so you might as well continue to sin. Ahaz believed both these lies and fell victim to them. We all do the same things as Ahaz. He is the picture of us. When in distress we turn to someone or something other than God. Then, in further distress, when we should know better, we turn farther away from God. Ahaz is condemned for his "unfaithfulness" in the above text. He failed to believe God despite His circumstances. It is important that in the midst of bad circumstances that we turn to God in faith and remain faithful.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Are we so blessed that we worship the blessing rather than the Blessor? Deuteronomy 4-6
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
" “Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."
One of the most observable actions of mankind is what happens to a person, or group of persons, who are given great blessings they did not earn or have part in securing and what they do with those blessings. Children born into wealth might be the easiest and most recognizable example of that occurrence. It is quite easy to see those children fail to realize the hard work and effort put into securing those riches. They often take them for granted and simply treat them as trivial. They often grow up with a sense of entitlement. In the above passage we are reminded by Moses (or, at least the new generation of Israelites were reminded) that God had so blessed them and that blessing COULD be forgotten, easily. They did not (and could NOT) earn such blessings. So, since the blessings were given to them, they were warned in the above passage not to take them for granted and not allow those blessings to cause them to forget that God gave them those blessings. God often blesses us with success, victory, good health, etc., and we both forget Him and steal the glory for them. We are blessed with good health and steal God's glory by telling others about our hard workout. We get success in business and steal God's glory by talking about our shrewdness. God was so fearful that the nation of Israel would become satisfied with the riches He was about to give them, that He sent Moses to warn them not to forget the Giver of the blessings. The nation will and does, however. They would take possessions of the land and turn the land into their idol and worship the creation rather than the Creator. Much like we do today. God blesses us and we, in turn, praise or value something or someone other than God. The above warning may be intended, originally, for the nation of Israel. But, it is applicable for anyone God blesses. Like wealth children who are given blessings they did not earn we act entitled and as though we earned them. Yet, we can't as God has given us what we can't earn. We are to praise Him and let nothing get the glory but Him!
" “Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."
One of the most observable actions of mankind is what happens to a person, or group of persons, who are given great blessings they did not earn or have part in securing and what they do with those blessings. Children born into wealth might be the easiest and most recognizable example of that occurrence. It is quite easy to see those children fail to realize the hard work and effort put into securing those riches. They often take them for granted and simply treat them as trivial. They often grow up with a sense of entitlement. In the above passage we are reminded by Moses (or, at least the new generation of Israelites were reminded) that God had so blessed them and that blessing COULD be forgotten, easily. They did not (and could NOT) earn such blessings. So, since the blessings were given to them, they were warned in the above passage not to take them for granted and not allow those blessings to cause them to forget that God gave them those blessings. God often blesses us with success, victory, good health, etc., and we both forget Him and steal the glory for them. We are blessed with good health and steal God's glory by telling others about our hard workout. We get success in business and steal God's glory by talking about our shrewdness. God was so fearful that the nation of Israel would become satisfied with the riches He was about to give them, that He sent Moses to warn them not to forget the Giver of the blessings. The nation will and does, however. They would take possessions of the land and turn the land into their idol and worship the creation rather than the Creator. Much like we do today. God blesses us and we, in turn, praise or value something or someone other than God. The above warning may be intended, originally, for the nation of Israel. But, it is applicable for anyone God blesses. Like wealth children who are given blessings they did not earn we act entitled and as though we earned them. Yet, we can't as God has given us what we can't earn. We are to praise Him and let nothing get the glory but Him!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
What is the evidence of faith toward God? Is it scene in your acts toward men? Hebrews 11-13
Hebrews 13:15-16
'Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
As the writer draws to a close, he starts giving summary statements. These are the, "Okay, since we now know all this, now what ..." statements. One of the first "now what' statements is stated above. Using the little word, "then" he tells us that since Jesus is the most superior sacrifice for us and has equipped us, by faith, we can and should continually offer up the sacrifice of praise to God. Giving thanks to God ... giving thanks ... is contrary to our nature. We are a selfish people and we constantly see the down of everything. We constantly want things. We have no issue coming to God FOR something. But, we seldom want to come to Him simply to say thanks. In the writer's approach, also, the most natural result of thanking God is doing something for others. Our lives are to be characterized by thanking God and doing good and sharing with others. The Greek word in the above verse for "sharing" is "koinonia." Koinonia is often translated as "fellowship" in God's Word. Our "doing good" is for the purpose of "fellowship". The concept here is that we are "one in Christ" and therefore "share" with each other as needed. It is amazing in our churches today how restrictive they are in the concept of "koinonia." Many churches are very much into "headline koinonia." Giving to be seen giving is giving that is not pleasing to God. In the above verses the writer tells us that once we learn of Christ's great sacrifice for us (once for all ... total, complete and finished) we will in turn want to share, sacrificially, with others in a spirit of thanks and praise to God. The evidence of our faith is characterized by this passage. Evidence is how loud we sing on Sunday. It is how open our hearts are to the believers in our lives, every day of the week and whether we are praising and thanking God on a daily basis for His great gift to us.
'Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
As the writer draws to a close, he starts giving summary statements. These are the, "Okay, since we now know all this, now what ..." statements. One of the first "now what' statements is stated above. Using the little word, "then" he tells us that since Jesus is the most superior sacrifice for us and has equipped us, by faith, we can and should continually offer up the sacrifice of praise to God. Giving thanks to God ... giving thanks ... is contrary to our nature. We are a selfish people and we constantly see the down of everything. We constantly want things. We have no issue coming to God FOR something. But, we seldom want to come to Him simply to say thanks. In the writer's approach, also, the most natural result of thanking God is doing something for others. Our lives are to be characterized by thanking God and doing good and sharing with others. The Greek word in the above verse for "sharing" is "koinonia." Koinonia is often translated as "fellowship" in God's Word. Our "doing good" is for the purpose of "fellowship". The concept here is that we are "one in Christ" and therefore "share" with each other as needed. It is amazing in our churches today how restrictive they are in the concept of "koinonia." Many churches are very much into "headline koinonia." Giving to be seen giving is giving that is not pleasing to God. In the above verses the writer tells us that once we learn of Christ's great sacrifice for us (once for all ... total, complete and finished) we will in turn want to share, sacrificially, with others in a spirit of thanks and praise to God. The evidence of our faith is characterized by this passage. Evidence is how loud we sing on Sunday. It is how open our hearts are to the believers in our lives, every day of the week and whether we are praising and thanking God on a daily basis for His great gift to us.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Do you know why you are in the circumstances you are? What is God preparing you to do? Acts 7-8
Acts 7:22
" Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds."
Moses was brought into the world of the Egyptians at a very young age ... as an infant. He was then educated in their ways. That might not have been his parent's choice, but it was Gods. God was raising him up to deliver His people and Moses knowing the ways of the Egyptians would be a huge advantage to Moses (he would later spend 40 years away from Egypt to learn about the land God would bring the nation into). God puts people in the places they need to be to train them and use them appropriately. Note the same pattern with the following:
Daniel was trained in the ways of Babylon:
Daniel 1:4
" ... youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans."
Easter was taught and influenced on how to act and look before she was displayed in front of the king:
Esther 2:8-9
"So it came about when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. Now the young lady pleased him and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice maids from the king’s palace and transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem."
Joseph was educated in the ways of Egypt, like Moses. Paul was actually educated in the ways of the Greeks (See Acts 17). God provides the training He wants for the people He needs. You can be assured that if He is providing training it is for the accomplishment of His plan in your life, but in the larger plan of what He has designed for the lives of others. Steven is giving this first and only sermon. When he is done preaching, he will be stoned to death. Paul will be watching on the sidelines, actually holding the coats of those throwing the stones. Stephens ministry was short. Moses long and hard. But, for each it was designed by God and used for God.
" Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds."
Moses was brought into the world of the Egyptians at a very young age ... as an infant. He was then educated in their ways. That might not have been his parent's choice, but it was Gods. God was raising him up to deliver His people and Moses knowing the ways of the Egyptians would be a huge advantage to Moses (he would later spend 40 years away from Egypt to learn about the land God would bring the nation into). God puts people in the places they need to be to train them and use them appropriately. Note the same pattern with the following:
Daniel was trained in the ways of Babylon:
Daniel 1:4
" ... youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans."
Easter was taught and influenced on how to act and look before she was displayed in front of the king:
Esther 2:8-9
"So it came about when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. Now the young lady pleased him and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice maids from the king’s palace and transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem."
Joseph was educated in the ways of Egypt, like Moses. Paul was actually educated in the ways of the Greeks (See Acts 17). God provides the training He wants for the people He needs. You can be assured that if He is providing training it is for the accomplishment of His plan in your life, but in the larger plan of what He has designed for the lives of others. Steven is giving this first and only sermon. When he is done preaching, he will be stoned to death. Paul will be watching on the sidelines, actually holding the coats of those throwing the stones. Stephens ministry was short. Moses long and hard. But, for each it was designed by God and used for God.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Do you rejoice in the wrath of God? Nahum
Nahum 3:12-15
" All your fortifications are fig trees with ripe fruit—
When shaken, they fall into the eater’s mouth.
Behold, your people are women in your midst!
The gates of your land are opened wide to your enemies;
Fire consumes your gate bars.
Draw for yourself water for the siege!
Strengthen your fortifications!
Go into the clay and tread the mortar!
Take hold of the brick mold!
There fire will consume you,
The sword will cut you down;
It will consume you as the locust does.
Multiply yourself like the creeping locust,
Multiply yourself like the swarming locust."
Nahum is a prophecy about the large and vast city of Nineveh. We know Nineveh from the story of Jonah. Jonah, begrudgingly, had gone to Nineveh to proclaim the wrath of God. The king and all the subjects, at that message, repented and God gave them grace to repent and healed them. But, about 100 years later a king rose up and people rose up who, once again, rejected the truth of God's Word. Nahum is now sent to prophecy their destruction. In the above passage we see that the fortifications are, like an over ripe fig tree, about to be laid waste by flame and burnt to the ground. It should be noted that this was a mighty city. The walls were supposed to protect it. Yet, in 1:8 and 2:6 we read about the destruction and dissolving of the walls because of a flood. Above we read about a fire that is going to destroy the palace, that is filled with only women, left to guard or accompany the king. The king at the time was: Sin-shar-ishkun (620-612 BC) --- This was the son of Assur-etil-ilani. History tells us that when the enemy (sent by God) entered the city, Sin-shar-iskun brought all his wives and children into the palace, with all his treasure, and set it on fire. He died surrounded by the women and wealth that burnt and failed to rescue him. His army deserted him and he was consumed. God's wrath is certainly sure and His Word accurate. He proclaims His destruction and the world is laid waste. We ought not forget the truth of God's Word and when He says something we need to remember that God will and does fulfill His Word. Both the promises of blessing and the promises of discipline. We need to stand in awe of His character and praise ALL of His attributes, even the wrath of God.
" All your fortifications are fig trees with ripe fruit—
When shaken, they fall into the eater’s mouth.
Behold, your people are women in your midst!
The gates of your land are opened wide to your enemies;
Fire consumes your gate bars.
Draw for yourself water for the siege!
Strengthen your fortifications!
Go into the clay and tread the mortar!
Take hold of the brick mold!
There fire will consume you,
The sword will cut you down;
It will consume you as the locust does.
Multiply yourself like the creeping locust,
Multiply yourself like the swarming locust."
Nahum is a prophecy about the large and vast city of Nineveh. We know Nineveh from the story of Jonah. Jonah, begrudgingly, had gone to Nineveh to proclaim the wrath of God. The king and all the subjects, at that message, repented and God gave them grace to repent and healed them. But, about 100 years later a king rose up and people rose up who, once again, rejected the truth of God's Word. Nahum is now sent to prophecy their destruction. In the above passage we see that the fortifications are, like an over ripe fig tree, about to be laid waste by flame and burnt to the ground. It should be noted that this was a mighty city. The walls were supposed to protect it. Yet, in 1:8 and 2:6 we read about the destruction and dissolving of the walls because of a flood. Above we read about a fire that is going to destroy the palace, that is filled with only women, left to guard or accompany the king. The king at the time was: Sin-shar-ishkun (620-612 BC) --- This was the son of Assur-etil-ilani. History tells us that when the enemy (sent by God) entered the city, Sin-shar-iskun brought all his wives and children into the palace, with all his treasure, and set it on fire. He died surrounded by the women and wealth that burnt and failed to rescue him. His army deserted him and he was consumed. God's wrath is certainly sure and His Word accurate. He proclaims His destruction and the world is laid waste. We ought not forget the truth of God's Word and when He says something we need to remember that God will and does fulfill His Word. Both the promises of blessing and the promises of discipline. We need to stand in awe of His character and praise ALL of His attributes, even the wrath of God.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Did you know good women walk the talk and talk the walk? Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31:26
" She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
Most of the topic in the chapter on the "excellent wife" is about what she does. She has and industrious spirit and dutiful hands. She works hard (from morning to night) and looks to serve others. Most of the verses address these great character qualities. The above proverb, however, tells us that this women is not just a busy entrepreneur. She is also a teacher of truth and a conveyor of kindness. This is a women who takes time to teach others the qualities of God and the qualities she is already stated as possessing. In the first part of the chapter is her walk and in this proverb is her talk. They match!! She was a women of character in her actions and a women of character in her speech and teaching. She can teach kindness because he was kind. She can teach about wisdom because she demonstrates wisdom. It should be noted that she was willing to step into this role, as well. She may have felt comfortable making clothes for her family, buying fields, planting and harvesting and doing all the things necessary to keep her husband and family in comfort. But, she was also willing to step into the role of teacher and be up front in her community. This is not a women who shirked her responsibility of teaching others the truths of God. She was not one dimensional. She was just as comfortable working as she was teaching and teaching as she was working. She was indeed a virtuous women in all arenas. Whatever God had for her she was willing and equipped by God to complete faithfully with the abilities God gave her.
" She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
Most of the topic in the chapter on the "excellent wife" is about what she does. She has and industrious spirit and dutiful hands. She works hard (from morning to night) and looks to serve others. Most of the verses address these great character qualities. The above proverb, however, tells us that this women is not just a busy entrepreneur. She is also a teacher of truth and a conveyor of kindness. This is a women who takes time to teach others the qualities of God and the qualities she is already stated as possessing. In the first part of the chapter is her walk and in this proverb is her talk. They match!! She was a women of character in her actions and a women of character in her speech and teaching. She can teach kindness because he was kind. She can teach about wisdom because she demonstrates wisdom. It should be noted that she was willing to step into this role, as well. She may have felt comfortable making clothes for her family, buying fields, planting and harvesting and doing all the things necessary to keep her husband and family in comfort. But, she was also willing to step into the role of teacher and be up front in her community. This is not a women who shirked her responsibility of teaching others the truths of God. She was not one dimensional. She was just as comfortable working as she was teaching and teaching as she was working. She was indeed a virtuous women in all arenas. Whatever God had for her she was willing and equipped by God to complete faithfully with the abilities God gave her.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Do you desire peace or war? Psalm 120-121
Psalms 120:6-7
" Too long has my soul had its dwelling
With those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
They are for war."
In Psalms 120-122 there is much talk about peace. In fact, the writer is praying for peace in these Psalms and recognizes both that man is not for peace and that only God can deliver real peace. Man, separate from God, is in a real place of conflict. Christ came that we might have peace. Note the following:
John 14:27
" Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
In that passage, John, the writer, was quoting Jesus and Jesus was referring to the ministry of the Holy Spirit as the one who will bring us peace in our hearts. God promises to be our peace and break down the conflict and wall between us and Him and between us and others. The above psalm talks about and is referring to a situation where the writer would want peace and has sought peace, but those around them only want conflict ... even war. The writer is taking his complaint to God to restore peace and end the war. Perhaps this is referring to a time in King David's life that Saul was in hot pursuit of him, even though David, on two occasions, could have killed Saul but didn't. David wanted peace but Saul wanted war. Perhaps we could be thinking of Joseph who only wanted peace with his brothers but they wanted war and sold him as a slave. Perhaps it was Moses who only wanted peace with his sister-in-law Merriam, but she wanted war and God struck her as a leper for her rebellion. There are plenty of examples in God's Word of those who sought peace when the other sought conflict and, even war. There are those who "hate peace." If you have a relationship with Christ you are to be like Christ and desire peace. Christ prayed, in John 17, that the believers would be at peace with one another and, as a result, reflect the character of God and the character of the peace within the Trinity. We ought to pray for peace and that peace will reign in our hearts and in the hearts of other believers.
" Too long has my soul had its dwelling
With those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
They are for war."
In Psalms 120-122 there is much talk about peace. In fact, the writer is praying for peace in these Psalms and recognizes both that man is not for peace and that only God can deliver real peace. Man, separate from God, is in a real place of conflict. Christ came that we might have peace. Note the following:
John 14:27
" Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
In that passage, John, the writer, was quoting Jesus and Jesus was referring to the ministry of the Holy Spirit as the one who will bring us peace in our hearts. God promises to be our peace and break down the conflict and wall between us and Him and between us and others. The above psalm talks about and is referring to a situation where the writer would want peace and has sought peace, but those around them only want conflict ... even war. The writer is taking his complaint to God to restore peace and end the war. Perhaps this is referring to a time in King David's life that Saul was in hot pursuit of him, even though David, on two occasions, could have killed Saul but didn't. David wanted peace but Saul wanted war. Perhaps we could be thinking of Joseph who only wanted peace with his brothers but they wanted war and sold him as a slave. Perhaps it was Moses who only wanted peace with his sister-in-law Merriam, but she wanted war and God struck her as a leper for her rebellion. There are plenty of examples in God's Word of those who sought peace when the other sought conflict and, even war. There are those who "hate peace." If you have a relationship with Christ you are to be like Christ and desire peace. Christ prayed, in John 17, that the believers would be at peace with one another and, as a result, reflect the character of God and the character of the peace within the Trinity. We ought to pray for peace and that peace will reign in our hearts and in the hearts of other believers.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Are you too old and put out to pasture? 2 Chronicles 21-24
2 Chronicles 24:15-16
" Now when Jehoiada reached a ripe old age he died; he was one hundred and thirty years old at his death. They buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done well in Israel and to God and His house."
It is hard to grow old. You get to the point of finally knowing something and finally understanding things in the world and those around you think you are an old man and have nothing left to offer. Our nation glorifies old age on the one hand and feigns praise by offering "retirement." They are saying, "Why don't you relax now that you are old," but they are really meaning, "You are old, please move on." The story of Jehoiada is a great story for us as it shows what happens when an old man wants to serve God, his rulers and his community, until the very end. Jehoiada was a great example of what the Apostle Paul told Titus, centuries later:
Titus 2:2
" Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance."
Jehoiada simply kept serving ... until a "ripe old age." You have to love that. He was fully honored at his death (hence the honored burial site) because he had "done well." God will assure that those who live out their years in the service of God will have honor until the very end. Jehoiada is contrasted in this same chapter with the king he served, Joash. After Jehoiada died, Joash quit serving God and listened to bad counsel. He would eventually die a lonely death and no one would honor him. Even though Joash was a king he would not be buried among the kings (2 Chronicles 24:25). Even thought Jehoiada was not a king (he was a priest) he would be, because of his faithfulness to the end, buried among the kings. Those who persevere until the end will be honored for that faithfulness. Despite the circumstances in our lives we need to serve God until then end. Despite how the world things of those older, we need to serve God until the end. Everyone may not appreciate the wisdom of the age, but, never-the-less, the aged should still seek to learn and be ready to offer counsel when asked. As our age grows on we can be a Jehoiada or a Joash.
" Now when Jehoiada reached a ripe old age he died; he was one hundred and thirty years old at his death. They buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done well in Israel and to God and His house."
It is hard to grow old. You get to the point of finally knowing something and finally understanding things in the world and those around you think you are an old man and have nothing left to offer. Our nation glorifies old age on the one hand and feigns praise by offering "retirement." They are saying, "Why don't you relax now that you are old," but they are really meaning, "You are old, please move on." The story of Jehoiada is a great story for us as it shows what happens when an old man wants to serve God, his rulers and his community, until the very end. Jehoiada was a great example of what the Apostle Paul told Titus, centuries later:
Titus 2:2
" Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance."
Jehoiada simply kept serving ... until a "ripe old age." You have to love that. He was fully honored at his death (hence the honored burial site) because he had "done well." God will assure that those who live out their years in the service of God will have honor until the very end. Jehoiada is contrasted in this same chapter with the king he served, Joash. After Jehoiada died, Joash quit serving God and listened to bad counsel. He would eventually die a lonely death and no one would honor him. Even though Joash was a king he would not be buried among the kings (2 Chronicles 24:25). Even thought Jehoiada was not a king (he was a priest) he would be, because of his faithfulness to the end, buried among the kings. Those who persevere until the end will be honored for that faithfulness. Despite the circumstances in our lives we need to serve God until then end. Despite how the world things of those older, we need to serve God until the end. Everyone may not appreciate the wisdom of the age, but, never-the-less, the aged should still seek to learn and be ready to offer counsel when asked. As our age grows on we can be a Jehoiada or a Joash.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Did you know that God's amazing grace and love can be seen in the midst of His discipline? Deuteronomy 1-3
Deuteronomy 2:7
" For the Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.”’"
The above verse is found in the midst of Moses' final message to the nation of Israel. He has led them out of Egypt and to the edge of the promise land. However, the generation he actually lead out of Egypt is now dead. This passage is a reminder to the NEW generation who survived the last forty years. The old generation was punished for their disbelief and their unwillingness to follow God's leading. Over the forty years of wandering they were being disciplined and would not be allowed to enter the Promise Land. The new generation would rise up in their stead and be allowed to enter into this land of promise. However, read the above passage again. Despite the discipline of God on that rebellious generation, AS they died off note what God did for them. He gave them guidance and provision, despite their rebellion. Even in discipline, God's amazing grace can be seen and experienced. Throughout the wanderings God would direct them. Throughout the wanderings God would send them food each day. Throughout the wanderings God would make sure they NEVER lacked. God could have wiped them out. He could have allowed them to died immediately. Instead, over forty years they were allowed to be replaced by the next generation and given guidance and care during that time. God disciplines us but He does so in love and in grace. We ought to rejoice and praise God in the midst of discipline for His continued amazing grace in our lives.
" For the Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.”’"
The above verse is found in the midst of Moses' final message to the nation of Israel. He has led them out of Egypt and to the edge of the promise land. However, the generation he actually lead out of Egypt is now dead. This passage is a reminder to the NEW generation who survived the last forty years. The old generation was punished for their disbelief and their unwillingness to follow God's leading. Over the forty years of wandering they were being disciplined and would not be allowed to enter the Promise Land. The new generation would rise up in their stead and be allowed to enter into this land of promise. However, read the above passage again. Despite the discipline of God on that rebellious generation, AS they died off note what God did for them. He gave them guidance and provision, despite their rebellion. Even in discipline, God's amazing grace can be seen and experienced. Throughout the wanderings God would direct them. Throughout the wanderings God would send them food each day. Throughout the wanderings God would make sure they NEVER lacked. God could have wiped them out. He could have allowed them to died immediately. Instead, over forty years they were allowed to be replaced by the next generation and given guidance and care during that time. God disciplines us but He does so in love and in grace. We ought to rejoice and praise God in the midst of discipline for His continued amazing grace in our lives.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
What gives us our boldness and what do we do with it when we have it? Hebrews 8-10
Hebrews 10:35-36
" Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised."
Apparently, there was a temptation in the church during the time of the writing of this great book, to quit! To toss in the towel of the Christian faith. It would seem that the date of the book, 60 or 70 A.D., would correspond with the persecution of Nero on the church and the burning of Christians, or the tossing them to lions for sport. If we knew we had a prospect of being burnt alive or being tossed to lions, would we continue to serve Christ and proclaim publicly our faith toward Him? The writer is telling the readers to not cast away that boldness they once demonstrated, even though the present suffering is worse. The reason? Because the same God who saved them and enabled them in the past will do so in the present and future and will come through with His promises ... all of them. We are to not given in and give up because we have a God who makes promises and delivers them to His children, despite the circumstances we might sense, feel, see or be told. God keeps His promises and therefore, no matter what the issues, we can continue to be bold. We are not bold because circumstances are correct. We are bold because He is faithful. We are not bold and willing to fight to the end because WE are somehow great people. We are bold because HE is faithful to what He said He would do. We are to continue to do the will of God (obedience to what we know He told us to do). Our boldness, however, is not sourced in our obedience. Our obedience is sourced in our boldness and our boldness is sourced in His faithfulness. So, we, by faith, believe God will keep His promises. That gives us a sense of boldness in the midst of turmoil or suffering or conflict. Despite all that suffering, that gives us the strength, ability and motivation to do His will. If we throw away our boldness it is because we fail to have faith that He will keep His promises. If we throw away our boldness (cease to believe He will keep His promises) we will cease to obey Him. We are tempted in this life to give up and give in when things don't go our way or things don't go our way in a comfortable manner or in a way we understand. Yet, these believers were threatened with hostile and life-ending circumstances, not minor inconvenient situations. Despite the severity of the threat, the answer for them and for us is the same ... faithfulness in the character of God to keep His promises despite those threats, which will produces a feeling of boldness, which will enable us to obey. It comes down to our faith in the character of God.
" Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised."
Apparently, there was a temptation in the church during the time of the writing of this great book, to quit! To toss in the towel of the Christian faith. It would seem that the date of the book, 60 or 70 A.D., would correspond with the persecution of Nero on the church and the burning of Christians, or the tossing them to lions for sport. If we knew we had a prospect of being burnt alive or being tossed to lions, would we continue to serve Christ and proclaim publicly our faith toward Him? The writer is telling the readers to not cast away that boldness they once demonstrated, even though the present suffering is worse. The reason? Because the same God who saved them and enabled them in the past will do so in the present and future and will come through with His promises ... all of them. We are to not given in and give up because we have a God who makes promises and delivers them to His children, despite the circumstances we might sense, feel, see or be told. God keeps His promises and therefore, no matter what the issues, we can continue to be bold. We are not bold because circumstances are correct. We are bold because He is faithful. We are not bold and willing to fight to the end because WE are somehow great people. We are bold because HE is faithful to what He said He would do. We are to continue to do the will of God (obedience to what we know He told us to do). Our boldness, however, is not sourced in our obedience. Our obedience is sourced in our boldness and our boldness is sourced in His faithfulness. So, we, by faith, believe God will keep His promises. That gives us a sense of boldness in the midst of turmoil or suffering or conflict. Despite all that suffering, that gives us the strength, ability and motivation to do His will. If we throw away our boldness it is because we fail to have faith that He will keep His promises. If we throw away our boldness (cease to believe He will keep His promises) we will cease to obey Him. We are tempted in this life to give up and give in when things don't go our way or things don't go our way in a comfortable manner or in a way we understand. Yet, these believers were threatened with hostile and life-ending circumstances, not minor inconvenient situations. Despite the severity of the threat, the answer for them and for us is the same ... faithfulness in the character of God to keep His promises despite those threats, which will produces a feeling of boldness, which will enable us to obey. It comes down to our faith in the character of God.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Are you jealous FOR God, or OF others? Acts 5-6
Acts 5:17
"But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy."
Jealousy is a terrible sin and one that is destructive to the house of God ... the Body of Christ. The Sadducees were watching the church grow and were filled with a desire to have the same thing for themselves. They didn't want was best for those being saved (rescued from hell!), or for Christ. They wanted the power and the leadership of the masses. Note what God's Word has to say about jealousy:
Romans 13:13
Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.
1 Corinthians 3:3
for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
Galatians 5:20
(Listing out the works of the flesh): idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
James 3:14
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
God hates Jealousy. When Aaron and Miriam were jealous of Moses' leadership, God struck Miriam with leprosy. When the Korah tried to usurp Moses' leadership God caused the earth to open up and swallow them alive. Jealousy (envy) deteriorates the Body of Christ like a cancer. The leaders of the day had already put Jesus to death as a result of their jealousy of His influence over the people. The same is not true of how they were jealous of Peter and the disciples and doing the same thing. Notice in the Galatians passage above the jealousy is in the same category as sorcery, idolatry and outbursts of anger. Those three sins are more outward in their manifestations. Jealousy is that secret sin of the heart when we want something that you are not intended to have. Let's pray that God removes the spirit of jealousy from us. The same word, Jealousy, is used in a good way in God's Word, as well, however. We can be jealous for God (have a hot burning for Him and what He is doing in the lives of others). Note Paul's words to the Corinthians, below:
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.
It is possible to have a hot boiling (the actual definition of Jealousy) in your heart for God and for what He wants to accomplish. Jealousy is one of those "members" of the body that Paul talks about in Romans 6:12-14. We are to "yield our members" as instruments of righteousness. We are to assure that our "members" (in this case the member, jealousy) is working for God, not for the flesh. We do that by submitting the "member" in prayer to God and asking Him to control that member. Satan and the flesh like to take our "members" captive and subvert them to act against us. We must constantly be on our guard, unlike the Sadducees in the above text in Acts, to assure that we are jealous for God and not against God and His people. The flesh can easily turn the member, jealousy, into a force in our lives for destruction rather than praise.
"But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy."
Jealousy is a terrible sin and one that is destructive to the house of God ... the Body of Christ. The Sadducees were watching the church grow and were filled with a desire to have the same thing for themselves. They didn't want was best for those being saved (rescued from hell!), or for Christ. They wanted the power and the leadership of the masses. Note what God's Word has to say about jealousy:
Romans 13:13
Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.
1 Corinthians 3:3
for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
Galatians 5:20
(Listing out the works of the flesh): idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
James 3:14
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
God hates Jealousy. When Aaron and Miriam were jealous of Moses' leadership, God struck Miriam with leprosy. When the Korah tried to usurp Moses' leadership God caused the earth to open up and swallow them alive. Jealousy (envy) deteriorates the Body of Christ like a cancer. The leaders of the day had already put Jesus to death as a result of their jealousy of His influence over the people. The same is not true of how they were jealous of Peter and the disciples and doing the same thing. Notice in the Galatians passage above the jealousy is in the same category as sorcery, idolatry and outbursts of anger. Those three sins are more outward in their manifestations. Jealousy is that secret sin of the heart when we want something that you are not intended to have. Let's pray that God removes the spirit of jealousy from us. The same word, Jealousy, is used in a good way in God's Word, as well, however. We can be jealous for God (have a hot burning for Him and what He is doing in the lives of others). Note Paul's words to the Corinthians, below:
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.
It is possible to have a hot boiling (the actual definition of Jealousy) in your heart for God and for what He wants to accomplish. Jealousy is one of those "members" of the body that Paul talks about in Romans 6:12-14. We are to "yield our members" as instruments of righteousness. We are to assure that our "members" (in this case the member, jealousy) is working for God, not for the flesh. We do that by submitting the "member" in prayer to God and asking Him to control that member. Satan and the flesh like to take our "members" captive and subvert them to act against us. We must constantly be on our guard, unlike the Sadducees in the above text in Acts, to assure that we are jealous for God and not against God and His people. The flesh can easily turn the member, jealousy, into a force in our lives for destruction rather than praise.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Do you know how important it is for leadership to practice justice? Micah
Micah 3:1-3
And I said,
“Hear now, heads of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel.
Is it not for you to know justice?
“You who hate good and love evil,
Who tear off their skin from them
And their flesh from their bones,
Who eat the flesh of my people,
Strip off their skin from them,
Break their bones
And chop them up as for the pot
And as meat in a kettle.”"
The prophet Micah is prophesying to both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. Both of the nations have disobeyed God and both have had wicked leadership who not only didn't correct the behavior of the nation, contributed to that disobedience. In the above passage Micah is telling the leadership is that their responsibility was to execute justice in the midst of the people. The standard for that is actually found within Micah's words. Micah is telling the two nations about the justice of God. The irony here is that God's justice is being administrated on the two nations because their leadership was not just. Just leadership brings harmony and joy to the people. Unjust leadership (wicked leaders) bring fear to people and disperses them (Proverbs 11:10; 21:15; 28:28). Justice in leadership is the number one commodity they need to have since daily they are asked to arbitrate between those who seek justice. Micah will later accuse these leaders in both nations of taking bribes and having false scales that were used to dispute and seek balance (Micah 6:10-13). The lesson in this book for leaders is to avoid this behavior and, rather, follow the example of God of executing exact justice. God is our example of how justice is administrated and how it needs to be administrated. God can't ignore His justice. Christ suffered on the cross because God IS just. God can forgive sins because He has a whim to forgive and/or because He is loving and kind ... even though He is. God forgives sin because He is loving and kind and uses the sacrificial death of His Son the cross because He is just. When we ignore justice we do a disservice to Christ and to the character of God.
And I said,
“Hear now, heads of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel.
Is it not for you to know justice?
“You who hate good and love evil,
Who tear off their skin from them
And their flesh from their bones,
Who eat the flesh of my people,
Strip off their skin from them,
Break their bones
And chop them up as for the pot
And as meat in a kettle.”"
The prophet Micah is prophesying to both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. Both of the nations have disobeyed God and both have had wicked leadership who not only didn't correct the behavior of the nation, contributed to that disobedience. In the above passage Micah is telling the leadership is that their responsibility was to execute justice in the midst of the people. The standard for that is actually found within Micah's words. Micah is telling the two nations about the justice of God. The irony here is that God's justice is being administrated on the two nations because their leadership was not just. Just leadership brings harmony and joy to the people. Unjust leadership (wicked leaders) bring fear to people and disperses them (Proverbs 11:10; 21:15; 28:28). Justice in leadership is the number one commodity they need to have since daily they are asked to arbitrate between those who seek justice. Micah will later accuse these leaders in both nations of taking bribes and having false scales that were used to dispute and seek balance (Micah 6:10-13). The lesson in this book for leaders is to avoid this behavior and, rather, follow the example of God of executing exact justice. God is our example of how justice is administrated and how it needs to be administrated. God can't ignore His justice. Christ suffered on the cross because God IS just. God can forgive sins because He has a whim to forgive and/or because He is loving and kind ... even though He is. God forgives sin because He is loving and kind and uses the sacrificial death of His Son the cross because He is just. When we ignore justice we do a disservice to Christ and to the character of God.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
It is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog - Proverbs 29-30
Proverbs 30:24-28
Four things are small on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, But they prepare their food in the summer; The shephanim are not mighty people, Yet they make their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, Yet all of them go out in ranks; The lizard you may grasp with the hands, Yet it is in kings’ palaces.
In this chapter of Proverbs the author uses a collection of "eblematic" parallelisms to covey his truths. In this particular parallelism he shows us by pictures four animals that display God's wisdom in their daily lives. The ant, not a strong but uses wisdom to prepare for the weather and stock pile food. That is wisdom! The "badger" (shephanim) is a small animal so makes its home in a well protected place in the rocks. That is wisdom! The locust, without a leader, is a unison band of workers. That is wisdom! And, the lizard, a small pest to most, because of its stealth and quiet demeanor hangs out with kings (much to the king's anger, I suppose). That is wisdom! Wisdom is here demonstrated as the ability to plan for oneself, to protect oneself, to produce for others, and to use a Palace as your play land. Wisdom is something given to us by God to do and accomplish practical things. Each one of these animals God has given wisdom to accomplish their functions in life. They don't argue with God about their role in life. They just fulfill it. Man has a role, as well. Our job is to fulfill it. That is what Wisdom does for us. It allows us to honor Him and fear Him in all that we do.
Four things are small on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, But they prepare their food in the summer; The shephanim are not mighty people, Yet they make their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, Yet all of them go out in ranks; The lizard you may grasp with the hands, Yet it is in kings’ palaces.
In this chapter of Proverbs the author uses a collection of "eblematic" parallelisms to covey his truths. In this particular parallelism he shows us by pictures four animals that display God's wisdom in their daily lives. The ant, not a strong but uses wisdom to prepare for the weather and stock pile food. That is wisdom! The "badger" (shephanim) is a small animal so makes its home in a well protected place in the rocks. That is wisdom! The locust, without a leader, is a unison band of workers. That is wisdom! And, the lizard, a small pest to most, because of its stealth and quiet demeanor hangs out with kings (much to the king's anger, I suppose). That is wisdom! Wisdom is here demonstrated as the ability to plan for oneself, to protect oneself, to produce for others, and to use a Palace as your play land. Wisdom is something given to us by God to do and accomplish practical things. Each one of these animals God has given wisdom to accomplish their functions in life. They don't argue with God about their role in life. They just fulfill it. Man has a role, as well. Our job is to fulfill it. That is what Wisdom does for us. It allows us to honor Him and fear Him in all that we do.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
What do you do in the midst of Affliction? Do you turn to His Word? Psalm 119
Psalms 119:67
" Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word."
As we read through this great Psalm on God's Word we ought to take notice of how many times the writer (King David) makes a connection between his afflictions in life and the power of God's Word to work in our lives during that affliction. Note the above verse, especially. David confesses his affliction in life was caused by his straying in life. This might be a clear reference to his adultery. But, the solution in the midst of that affliction was keeping the Word. Note anther passage centered around affliction and the Word:
Psalms 119:71
" It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes."
Here David realizes that affliction was the thing that drove him to the Word. He learned the Word in the midst of and in light of the afflictions he was experiencing.
Psalms 119:75
" I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me."
It is always tough to get a good framework in the midst of affliction. We blame others, we blame ourselves, we blame our loved ones, we even blame God. But, in affliction David realizes that after looking at God's Word, the affliction he often found himself in was out of God's faithfulness. That is a quite different perspective for affliction.
Psalms 119:83
" Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget Your statutes."
Here we don't see the word, affliction, but we have the feel and look of affliction. A "wine-skin in smoke" is a metaphor for affliction. In the midst of this smoke or fog, David finds it important to not forget the statures of God's Word. In our affliction we often forget God's Word. He is telling us to return to God's Word during this smoke.
Note these addition verses in the rest of this great chapter teaching us the same thing about affliction and how it is married to God's Word:
Psalms 119:92
" If Your law had not been my delight,
Then I would have perished in my affliction."
Psalms 119:107
" I am exceedingly afflicted;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word."
Psalms 119:153
" Resh.
Look upon my affliction and rescue me,
For I do not forget Your law."
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Do you know how to pray when faced with a bad situation? 1 Chronicles 17-20
2 Chronicles 20:5-6
"Jehoshaphat’s Prayer
Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord before the new court, and he said, “O Lord, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You."
When King Jehoshaphat was confronted with an issue, he turns to God in prayer. The prayer (and the way it is formatted) is a great example to us on how we should pray and how we should acknowledge God's work in our lives in the midst of a bad situation. The first lesson is in the above passage: He acknowledges God's sovereign rule over all of mankind and that power is in God's hands. The second lesson: He acknowledges God's faithfulness in the past. See 20:7
" Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?"
The third lesson: Like the three Hebrews at the fiery furnace he is willing to stand even if it looks like, feels like, or evil is getting a momentary victory. See 20:9
" ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’"
The fourth lesson: He acknowledges his own weakness. See 20:12
" O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”"
The fifth prayer lesson is in 20:13. He inspired others to also pray and praise God despite the situation:
" All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives and their children."
The last lesson is that he praised God for the answer even though the answer had not yet come: See 20:18-19
" Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel, with a very loud voice."
"Jehoshaphat’s Prayer
Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord before the new court, and he said, “O Lord, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You."
When King Jehoshaphat was confronted with an issue, he turns to God in prayer. The prayer (and the way it is formatted) is a great example to us on how we should pray and how we should acknowledge God's work in our lives in the midst of a bad situation. The first lesson is in the above passage: He acknowledges God's sovereign rule over all of mankind and that power is in God's hands. The second lesson: He acknowledges God's faithfulness in the past. See 20:7
" Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?"
The third lesson: Like the three Hebrews at the fiery furnace he is willing to stand even if it looks like, feels like, or evil is getting a momentary victory. See 20:9
" ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’"
The fourth lesson: He acknowledges his own weakness. See 20:12
" O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”"
The fifth prayer lesson is in 20:13. He inspired others to also pray and praise God despite the situation:
" All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives and their children."
The last lesson is that he praised God for the answer even though the answer had not yet come: See 20:18-19
" Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel, with a very loud voice."
Monday, October 6, 2014
Do you wonder why you move from place to place? Numbers 33-36
Numbers 33:2
" Moses recorded their starting places according to their journeys by the command of the Lord, and these are their journeys according to their starting places."
In this chapter, Moses writes out the exact places that the nation of Israel traveled on their journeys. As we read the next verses it is like reading an atlas and a road map. The nation, over 40 years, went from city to city. They walked many miles. The Lord instructed Moses to record these journeys for us. To God, theses journeys the nation took, were important. God is interested in each step we take and in each place we wander. He is not absent in those journeys. We would do well to remember that on each place they journeyed God lead them during the day with a cloud and at night with a fire. These were not mere wanderings. God had a purpose for each step and a design for each path. God is interested in what we do and where we go and how we do it. God wanted them, for some reason, to remember each step and that is why Moses was instructed to write it out. God is not absent in our journeys and does not ignore our daily walks. God had a design for each of the places He took them. We should not be surprised when God moves His cloud or His fire (in our lives, the Holy Spirit) and directs us to go one place or another. Every time the cloud/fire moved they had to pack up and travel. The wilderness they traveled through was not a large area. In 40 years they would have traveled enough to see some familiar sights and landscapes. Their willingness to follow God would have been a matter of their heart. We sometime object when God cancels a job and moves us somewhere else. He sometimes moves from neighborhood to neighborhood, or church to church, or state to state. God has a purpose for our lives. Rejoice in His care and His sovereign rule in our lives.
" Moses recorded their starting places according to their journeys by the command of the Lord, and these are their journeys according to their starting places."
In this chapter, Moses writes out the exact places that the nation of Israel traveled on their journeys. As we read the next verses it is like reading an atlas and a road map. The nation, over 40 years, went from city to city. They walked many miles. The Lord instructed Moses to record these journeys for us. To God, theses journeys the nation took, were important. God is interested in each step we take and in each place we wander. He is not absent in those journeys. We would do well to remember that on each place they journeyed God lead them during the day with a cloud and at night with a fire. These were not mere wanderings. God had a purpose for each step and a design for each path. God is interested in what we do and where we go and how we do it. God wanted them, for some reason, to remember each step and that is why Moses was instructed to write it out. God is not absent in our journeys and does not ignore our daily walks. God had a design for each of the places He took them. We should not be surprised when God moves His cloud or His fire (in our lives, the Holy Spirit) and directs us to go one place or another. Every time the cloud/fire moved they had to pack up and travel. The wilderness they traveled through was not a large area. In 40 years they would have traveled enough to see some familiar sights and landscapes. Their willingness to follow God would have been a matter of their heart. We sometime object when God cancels a job and moves us somewhere else. He sometimes moves from neighborhood to neighborhood, or church to church, or state to state. God has a purpose for our lives. Rejoice in His care and His sovereign rule in our lives.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
What makes Christ so superior? Hebrews 5-7
Hebrews 7:26-27
" For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself."
Before we can understand the deeper meaning of the above text and appreciate what the writer of Hebrews is telling us, we need to revisit the first verses that start this beloved book. Note the following:
Hebrews 1:1-3
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,"
In the opening lines of the book the writer makes a point to state what will become the theme of the book: The Superiority of Christ. Christ is superior to everything and, after He "made purification of sins, He sat down ..."! The writer wants to establish that the sacrificial system was a picture of what was to come. Whereas other priest needed to offer up many sacrifices and many priest were needed to do so, because they were both sinful and terminally ill. But, Jesus was a priest of a different order and only needed to offer ONCE and then, completing the offering for all of us this one time, sat down ... He WAS FINISHED. The finality of Christ's offering and work is a theme of the book of Hebrews. Our sins (past, present and future) we paid for on the cross, ONCE!! Christ is the superior sacrifice as He declares Himself both the offerer and the offering. Other religions are not built on this premise. The individual must continue to seek the favor of God in their systems and, by continually sacrificing good works, their sins can be atoned for and they can receive a heavenly blessing. Yet, in the Christian faith the sins of the people, the believers, are cared for ONCE FOR ALL! Rejoice in the fact that ALL sins of the believer were cared for once for all. There remains no more sacrifice for sin. That is the real peace of the believers life. No more penalty for ANY sin, since ALL Sins are cared for by a one time sacrifice.
" For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself."
Before we can understand the deeper meaning of the above text and appreciate what the writer of Hebrews is telling us, we need to revisit the first verses that start this beloved book. Note the following:
Hebrews 1:1-3
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,"
In the opening lines of the book the writer makes a point to state what will become the theme of the book: The Superiority of Christ. Christ is superior to everything and, after He "made purification of sins, He sat down ..."! The writer wants to establish that the sacrificial system was a picture of what was to come. Whereas other priest needed to offer up many sacrifices and many priest were needed to do so, because they were both sinful and terminally ill. But, Jesus was a priest of a different order and only needed to offer ONCE and then, completing the offering for all of us this one time, sat down ... He WAS FINISHED. The finality of Christ's offering and work is a theme of the book of Hebrews. Our sins (past, present and future) we paid for on the cross, ONCE!! Christ is the superior sacrifice as He declares Himself both the offerer and the offering. Other religions are not built on this premise. The individual must continue to seek the favor of God in their systems and, by continually sacrificing good works, their sins can be atoned for and they can receive a heavenly blessing. Yet, in the Christian faith the sins of the people, the believers, are cared for ONCE FOR ALL! Rejoice in the fact that ALL sins of the believer were cared for once for all. There remains no more sacrifice for sin. That is the real peace of the believers life. No more penalty for ANY sin, since ALL Sins are cared for by a one time sacrifice.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Who is your health-care provider? Acts 3-4
Acts 3:16
" And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all."
In our modern health-care industry and systems in our country, the above verse doesn't rise to much of an interest to those who are in charge. It is doubtful that those who write the health-care policies of our land meditate much on Peter's words, above. Peter and John, in the context of this passage, were on their way to worship when man who was crippled from birth began to beg food from them. Peter, in what could be characterized as the record of the shortest sermon he ever preached, stated that often quoted verse, "Silver and gold I have known but what I have I give to you." Peter than prayed that in the name of Jesus, God would raise up the man and restores his health. And God did!! We are not all, today, in the mode or vain of faith healing. In fact, only a few are. I personally am not sure that God uses faith healers today, as he did in the first church. I believe that these miracles were signs of authenticity and, since the growth of the church, they died out. Even in Peter and Paul's ministry, as the early church unfolded and grew, sign gifts were less and less used or demonstrated. That is an historical fact. Peter and Paul and the apostles didn't have less faith as the church grew, but their was less necessity of faith healing as a way to authenticate the message. The massive growth of the church and the written Word of God in the "New Testament" replaced sign-gifts and awesome miracles. The miracle of a changed life on the inside replace the miracle of the changed life on the outside. However, it should be noted that the principle taught in the above passage is still true. Strong physical health, restored or retained, is a miracle of Christ and should be pursued first and foremost in faith. Peter is NOT ruling out doctors. Peter IS affirming for us that strength of health (he uses the words "perfect health" above) was exacted by faith in Jesus. This is so important for us to learn as a lesson in life. When people attempt to lose weight, most don't do so as an act of faith. Yet, to lose weight we need self-control and self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and the Spirit only works in our lives by faith. We might worship Christ for our salvation but we worship Blue Cross/Blue Shield for our health-care provider. It was on the basis of faith that this man was healed. We would do well to never leave the concept of faith in our approach to life and our own health-care policy and practices.
" And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all."
In our modern health-care industry and systems in our country, the above verse doesn't rise to much of an interest to those who are in charge. It is doubtful that those who write the health-care policies of our land meditate much on Peter's words, above. Peter and John, in the context of this passage, were on their way to worship when man who was crippled from birth began to beg food from them. Peter, in what could be characterized as the record of the shortest sermon he ever preached, stated that often quoted verse, "Silver and gold I have known but what I have I give to you." Peter than prayed that in the name of Jesus, God would raise up the man and restores his health. And God did!! We are not all, today, in the mode or vain of faith healing. In fact, only a few are. I personally am not sure that God uses faith healers today, as he did in the first church. I believe that these miracles were signs of authenticity and, since the growth of the church, they died out. Even in Peter and Paul's ministry, as the early church unfolded and grew, sign gifts were less and less used or demonstrated. That is an historical fact. Peter and Paul and the apostles didn't have less faith as the church grew, but their was less necessity of faith healing as a way to authenticate the message. The massive growth of the church and the written Word of God in the "New Testament" replaced sign-gifts and awesome miracles. The miracle of a changed life on the inside replace the miracle of the changed life on the outside. However, it should be noted that the principle taught in the above passage is still true. Strong physical health, restored or retained, is a miracle of Christ and should be pursued first and foremost in faith. Peter is NOT ruling out doctors. Peter IS affirming for us that strength of health (he uses the words "perfect health" above) was exacted by faith in Jesus. This is so important for us to learn as a lesson in life. When people attempt to lose weight, most don't do so as an act of faith. Yet, to lose weight we need self-control and self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and the Spirit only works in our lives by faith. We might worship Christ for our salvation but we worship Blue Cross/Blue Shield for our health-care provider. It was on the basis of faith that this man was healed. We would do well to never leave the concept of faith in our approach to life and our own health-care policy and practices.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Do you need to be in a place of discomfort to have your best worship? Jonah
Jonah 2:1
" Jonah’s Prayer
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish,"
When Jonah was tossed into the sea and swallowed by the fish, God put him in the exact place where he could ... worship! Worship? Yes, Worship!!! Read chapter two of Jonah and you will read a marvelous prayer of worship. Jonah lifts up and acknowledges his own sin and God majesty. He acknowledges his dependance on God and God's desire to meet that need. That is worship. The belly of the whale might seem like a strange worship center. It doesn't have glass stain windows, a praise team, a pulpit, coffee in the back, or a visitor's center. But, it was a worship center for Jonah. Jonah didn't want to worship God earlier from his home. Or, on his way in obedience to Nineveh. So, God put him in the exact place he could find his worship heart and voice. Sometimes we leave God no choice. We attempt to live without Him and run from Him only to find ourselves in a strange place and a sudden "need" to fear God and worship. The prodigal son did so from a pig pen (Luke 15). David did from broken bones and broken heart (Psalm 51). Peter had to hear a cock crow three times before he found the place to come to God in repentance and worship. The belly of the fish was a bad place to be. But, Jonah finally did the right thing from that bad place. Wherever you find yourself is a good place to worship. However, if you don't do in the comfort of your own surroundings you WILL find yourself in an uncomfortable place to find the voice of praise and worship.
" Jonah’s Prayer
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish,"
When Jonah was tossed into the sea and swallowed by the fish, God put him in the exact place where he could ... worship! Worship? Yes, Worship!!! Read chapter two of Jonah and you will read a marvelous prayer of worship. Jonah lifts up and acknowledges his own sin and God majesty. He acknowledges his dependance on God and God's desire to meet that need. That is worship. The belly of the whale might seem like a strange worship center. It doesn't have glass stain windows, a praise team, a pulpit, coffee in the back, or a visitor's center. But, it was a worship center for Jonah. Jonah didn't want to worship God earlier from his home. Or, on his way in obedience to Nineveh. So, God put him in the exact place he could find his worship heart and voice. Sometimes we leave God no choice. We attempt to live without Him and run from Him only to find ourselves in a strange place and a sudden "need" to fear God and worship. The prodigal son did so from a pig pen (Luke 15). David did from broken bones and broken heart (Psalm 51). Peter had to hear a cock crow three times before he found the place to come to God in repentance and worship. The belly of the fish was a bad place to be. But, Jonah finally did the right thing from that bad place. Wherever you find yourself is a good place to worship. However, if you don't do in the comfort of your own surroundings you WILL find yourself in an uncomfortable place to find the voice of praise and worship.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Do you see how pretentios the rich are? Proverbs 28
Proverbs 28:11 (NASV)
The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
Proverbs 28:11 (NIV)
A rich man may be wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
Money can distort a man's vision. It can make them "think" they are wiser than they really are. People love to run to rich men to ask them for advice. The assumption is that if they have money they also must have wisdom. The contrast is also assumed: If we don't have money we are not successful and, therefore, not worthy to ask for wisdom. But, God's wisdom is not the same as man's logic. Man's logic fails in the face of Godly truth. God states that a poor man with discernment can see right through the rich man's facade. Like the Wizard of Oz the poor man sees them standing behind the curtain. The Fear of The Lord produces wisdom and discernment. The Fear of Money (respect for it and desire for it) produces a false sense of security both in the one who has it and the one who doesn't have it. Men will constantly look to the rich for their wisdom. The poor, who have nothing and have come to the point where they realize it, are given Wisdom and Discernment. It is better to be poor with discernment than wealthy with false wisdom.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
Proverbs 28:11 (NIV)
A rich man may be wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
Money can distort a man's vision. It can make them "think" they are wiser than they really are. People love to run to rich men to ask them for advice. The assumption is that if they have money they also must have wisdom. The contrast is also assumed: If we don't have money we are not successful and, therefore, not worthy to ask for wisdom. But, God's wisdom is not the same as man's logic. Man's logic fails in the face of Godly truth. God states that a poor man with discernment can see right through the rich man's facade. Like the Wizard of Oz the poor man sees them standing behind the curtain. The Fear of The Lord produces wisdom and discernment. The Fear of Money (respect for it and desire for it) produces a false sense of security both in the one who has it and the one who doesn't have it. Men will constantly look to the rich for their wisdom. The poor, who have nothing and have come to the point where they realize it, are given Wisdom and Discernment. It is better to be poor with discernment than wealthy with false wisdom.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Do you repeatedly and verbally state the truths about God's character? Psalm 117-118
Psalms 118:2-4
" Oh let Israel say,
“His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Oh let the house of Aaron say,
“His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Oh let those who fear the Lord say,
“His lovingkindness is everlasting.”"
If we don't get the point of these three verses we are very dull in spiritual living. Like all the Psalms, Psalm 118 is a song to the Lord that is used in spiritual worship. Like many of our contemporary worship songs today the writer of this song uses repetition to drive how his point. The point he wants to shout in our worship is the lovingkindness of God. We can't read much of Scripture and not recognize God's unending and everlasting love. God has given everything for us in His Son. No greater love can be expressed. God forgives continually, even when we don't deserve it (1 John 1:9). Like a refrain of a great song we are to sing this truth out. Notice in the above passage the writer instructs Israel to say it, he instructs Aaron, the representative of the Levitical priesthood, and he instructs anyone outside the chosen nation and chosen worshippers, who fear the Lord to say it. God's chosen people need to say it repeatedly that God's lovingkindness is everlasting. God's chosen worshippers, the professionals at worship, need to say God's lovingkindness is everlasting. And, those not in the household of the chosen, but who fear God (Gentiles throughout the world) need to say that God's lovingkindness is everlasting. Why say it, especially if you simply know it is true and believe it to be true? Because saying it out loud and repeatedly makes it real in our lives. Because saying it out loud and repeatedly allows those who are not in the fold, now, to hear it and believe it. Our verbal utterance of God's great character is God's chosen method to declare His greatness throughout the world. You might think the street preacher is odd and out of place, but he or she might just be doing something we are should be doing ... Oh, let those who fear the Lord say, "His lovingkindness is everlasting."
" Oh let Israel say,
“His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Oh let the house of Aaron say,
“His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Oh let those who fear the Lord say,
“His lovingkindness is everlasting.”"
If we don't get the point of these three verses we are very dull in spiritual living. Like all the Psalms, Psalm 118 is a song to the Lord that is used in spiritual worship. Like many of our contemporary worship songs today the writer of this song uses repetition to drive how his point. The point he wants to shout in our worship is the lovingkindness of God. We can't read much of Scripture and not recognize God's unending and everlasting love. God has given everything for us in His Son. No greater love can be expressed. God forgives continually, even when we don't deserve it (1 John 1:9). Like a refrain of a great song we are to sing this truth out. Notice in the above passage the writer instructs Israel to say it, he instructs Aaron, the representative of the Levitical priesthood, and he instructs anyone outside the chosen nation and chosen worshippers, who fear the Lord to say it. God's chosen people need to say it repeatedly that God's lovingkindness is everlasting. God's chosen worshippers, the professionals at worship, need to say God's lovingkindness is everlasting. And, those not in the household of the chosen, but who fear God (Gentiles throughout the world) need to say that God's lovingkindness is everlasting. Why say it, especially if you simply know it is true and believe it to be true? Because saying it out loud and repeatedly makes it real in our lives. Because saying it out loud and repeatedly allows those who are not in the fold, now, to hear it and believe it. Our verbal utterance of God's great character is God's chosen method to declare His greatness throughout the world. You might think the street preacher is odd and out of place, but he or she might just be doing something we are should be doing ... Oh, let those who fear the Lord say, "His lovingkindness is everlasting."
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