Good Leaders Prepare People for Bad Times - Joshua 21-24

 Joshua 22:5-6 (ESV)

Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents.

We need to prepare those we love to face the world that hates them.  In the above passage we have Joshua’s words to the 2 1/2 tribes that had helped Israel conquer the promise land.  The 2 1/2 tribes (Reubenites, Gadites and 1/2 tribe of Manasseh), were already given their inheritance on the opposite side of the Jordan.  They promised Moses (and Joshua) that they would help the nation secure the land, while leaving their women and children behind.  This took great faith on their part.   They were now returning to their families. But, before they go, Joshua repeats to them the same commands he was given by God (Joshua 1:8-9) and the same commands he will give the entire nation (Joshua 21:14-18).   

The act of transferring God’s Word to others is a Godly leader’s responsibility.    Joshua has gone to great lengths to assure that those he is leading are equipped with God’s Word.   We have to pass on God’s Word to others.   We can’t assume they know the word.    The 2 1/2 tribes will be by themselves on the other side of the Jordan.  When we send others out to live their lives we can prepare them with the knowledge of God’s Word.   Joshua reminds them to obey God’s commandments.   They were “sent” away with the tools of God’s Word.   Joshua gave them silver, gold, bronze and much wealth, as well.  But, without the guidance of God’s Word the 2 1/2 tribes would have been in dire need.   When we pass along God’s Word, we give people the greatest truth and tools that will guide them, prepare them and protect them.   Paul told Timothy something similar as the young pastor was about to begin his ministry.  This should be the mantra of all Godly leaders:

1 Timothy 4:13-16 (ESV)

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

The Folly of Bad Choices (Lot’s Life) - Genesis 16-19

 Genesis 19:30-38 (ESV)

Lot and His Daughters

Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth. Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” So they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. The younger also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.

The story of Lot’s end is in stark contrast to the faith of Abraham.   Both Abraham and Lot had left their homeland to obey God and settle where God desired.   Abraham has already rescued Lot, once with his army of men (chapter 14) and once with his prayers (chapter 19).   God had blessed both Abraham and Lot.  When the land proved too small for them to live together Abraham allowed Lot to choose any portion of the land for himself.  He chose Sodom and Gomorrah.   Lot, apparently, loved the city life.   This proved to be fatal to some of his girls, already married.   And, as we see above, it proved to be destructive to his remaining girls, in regard to their morality.   

We have to remember that Lot requested, upon his fleeing from Sodom, that he live in a city named Zoar.    Apparently Zoar was not the place for Lot and he took his remaining two daughters to live in a cave.   We might wonder if Lot was escaping another city because he saw the dangers for his daughters, or was he falling into a deep depression and wanted to be alone in a cave.   In 19:19 he wanted to stay in the city.  Why change to the mountain now???  Is this a picture of repentance and now following God in obedience?  Or, was it the depression of losing his wealth and prestige in Sodom (remember, he sat at the city gate ... a place where the leaders sat)?   Whatever the case his daughters came up with their own immoral plan to perpetuate the family tree.   

All this shows us the fall of a man who had the same truth and call as his uncle Abraham.   Abraham responded by faith.  Lot responded by feelings.   Lot felt depressed and escaped to a cave.  He felt lost and drank himself so drunk he didn’t realized he was committing incest.   His family tree (the Moabites and the Ammonites) would give Israel fits the rest of their generations.   Lot’s selfishness would lead to conflict and unrest for Abraham’s descendants, Israel.   This is what happens when we reject the truth of God and attempt to live our lives on our own.   Lot rejected faith in God and instead enjoyed the pleasures of sin, for a season. It eventually caught up to him.  As it does to all men who reject God.  It cost him daughters who were killed in Sodom.  It cost him his wife who turned to salt.  It cost him the morality of his two daughters that remained.  It cost him his reputation for generations.   It would eventually cost his relatives.   Such is the choice of those who reject God’s truth. 

Sin’s Fire Within Us - Romans 7-8

 Romans 7:7-12 (ESV)

The Law and Sin

What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

What’s the deal with sin?  How did it start in man’s life?  What is the connection of sin and the “law?”    How do we defeat it? 

The above passage is Paul’s answer to those questions. When Paul refers to the “law” in the above passage he is speaking of all of God’s commandments, not just the Law given by God to Moses.   He is also referring to the commandment given to Adam and Eve, the first commandment ever given in the Bible.   Before that commandment (to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil), sin was dormant in man.  It was, as one commentary states, in a “latent” condition (hidden, not yet developed).   Man had a sense of blissful ignorance.  Sin was in him, but he neither knew its existence or the wickedness of it power.   Like a pool of gasoline it sat in his heart, simply waiting to either be consumed by the nature of God and give man freedom, or to be ignited in order to burn him to death.    The Serpent, wanting to destroy man, had no ability to ignite the gasoline until this message from God: 

Genesis 2:15-17 (ESV)

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

The spark that would have come from God to consume the gasoline and set man free was instead a match from Satan to consume man.   The law was not wrong but it was used by the Serpent to ignite the flame of death in man.   The “law” was holy, but because of man’s disobedience to the commandment of God, it stirred sin and the blaze continues to burn in man, desiring to kill him.   That is why Jesus had to die on the cross.  To extinguish sin positionally (forever) permanently, but only practically daily.  Our faith is in a fight with sin that, although extinguished by Christ’s blood in regard to our condemnation forever, continues to flare up and is only controlled by the Spirit of God.    We don’t defeat it, but by faith in the Spirit’s work we diminish it each day.  When we take a day off sin smolders and attempts to ignite to destroy us.   Grace must come along, through the power of the Spirit, each day, and control these hot spots in our life where sin still wants to burn and separate us from God.   The law was holy, but condemns us if we try to keep it ourselves.  It is only through Christ’s keeping the law for us that grace can come along, through the Spirit, by faith, to extinguish the sin that law continues to ignite.   Our obedience to His Word is the fire extinguisher in the hands of the Spirit to continue to quench and control sin’s blazing fire within us.  

Christ vs Riches of this World - Matthew 8-10

 Matthew 8:34 (ESV)

And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

The above verse is the end of a story where Jesus has just casted demons out of two men and into a heard of pigs.  The towns people are relieved that these two men will no longer torment them, but they are frustrated that Jesus costs them the heard of swine.    They discovered a truth that day.  Not only can Jesus significantly change a life, but also that Jesus was not always economically profitable.   

Remember the story in Acts in Philippi when Paul healed the girl who practiced divination:

Acts 16:19 (ESV)

But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.

Remember the story in Acts when Paul was in Ephesus and people came to Christ and burnt their books and idols to the goddess Diana (Artemis): 

Acts 19:24-25 (ESV)

For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.

We might want to recall, earlier in chapter 8 of Matthew what Jesus said about following Him:

Matthew 8:18-22 (ESV)

The Cost of Following Jesus

Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Jesus does not fit out economic principles of life.   We learn early on in life that we are better off if we accumulate.   Yet, in Christ, that is not often the case.   Let us realize that Jesus did not come here to make us economically comfortable.  His Kingdom is not this kingdom that we live in.   He came to give us eternal riches, not temporal gain.  

Nations Are In God’s Hands - Isaiah 18-22

 Isaiah 18 (ESV)

An Oracle Concerning Cush

1 Ah, land of whirring wings

that is beyond the rivers of Cush,

2 which sends ambassadors by the sea,

in vessels of papyrus on the waters!

Go, you swift messengers,

to a nation tall and smooth,

to a people feared near and far,

a nation mighty and conquering,

whose land the rivers divide.

3 All you inhabitants of the world,

you who dwell on the earth,

when a signal is raised on the mountains, look!

When a trumpet is blown, hear!

4 For thus the LORD said to me:

“I will quietly look from my dwelling

like clear heat in sunshine,

like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is over,

and the flower becomes a ripening grape,

he cuts off the shoots with pruning hooks,

and the spreading branches he lops off and clears away.

6 They shall all of them be left

to the birds of prey of the mountains

and to the beasts of the earth.

And the birds of prey will summer on them,

and all the beasts of the earth will winter on them.

7 At that time tribute will be brought to the LORD of hosts

from a people tall and smooth,

from a people feared near and far,

a nation mighty and conquering,

whose land the rivers divide,

to Mount Zion, the place of the name of the LORD of hosts.

In Isaiah we have a number of these prophecies, that to the modern reader probably makes little sense.   The above chapter being a case in point.   This chapter is written by Isaiah has a poem and, as stated, is a prophecy to the land of “Cush.”  Cush was a grandson of Noah’s.    He was Ham’s son and, if you recall, Ham was the one cursed for his dishonoring his father, Noah, after the flood.   

In this prophecy the nation of Cush is sending ambassadors (v 2) to Judah for some reason, not stated.  Isaiah sends them on their way to a nation characterized by being “tall and smooth.”   We have not idea who this is.   But, this is the interesting part of the poem.   Isaiah states at the end of the poem (vs 7) that this nation “tall and smooth” will bring a “tribute” (gifts) to the LORD of hosts.   

This all might seem confusing to those of us who live in a time far removed from these type of of events.  But, the point of the poem is that one nation (Cush) is trying to manipulate another nation (Judah) into a fight and God is stating that He is in complete control of all events.   This third nation (the “tall and smooth” nation ... which could be Assyria) is in God’s hands.   The lesson for the modern reader is very simple:  Mankind can try to manipulate world events through their ambassadors, but, it is God who is in control.   Even the most feared nation (tall and smooth) are at his disposal.   Later, in this book, God will say it this way through Isaiah’s pen:

Isaiah 45:5-7 (ESV)

I am the LORD, and there is no other,

besides me there is no God;

I equip you, though you do not know me,

that people may know, from the rising of the sun

and from the west, that there is none besides me;

I am the LORD, and there is no other.

I form light and create darkness;

I make well-being and create calamity;

I am the LORD, who does all these things.

God is in control and He even uses one nation against another to accomplish His divine will.   The world may seem out of control, but it is all within God’s sovereign plan.   

Bad Counsel Needs to be Confronted by Truth - Job 8-10

 Job 8:20 - 9:2 (ESV) (The end of Bidad’s speech toward Job)

“Behold, God will not reject a blameless man,

nor take the hand of evildoers.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,

and your lips with shouting.

Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,

and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”

Job Replies: There Is No Arbiter

Then Job answered and said:

“Truly I know that it is so:

But how can a man be in the right before God?

Bildad, one of Job’s three friends, has waxed eloquently that God punishes the wicked, but helps the blameless.  His point, like that of many people’s world view is that “bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people.”    The issue, as Job states in his reply to Bildad, is, “How can man be in the right before God.”   

Our world has the same view point as that of Bildad.   We have our own measurement of “good” and apply it loosely to our philosophy of life.   So, the person who thinks they are doing good by stopping someone from doing something is confronted by the person wanting to do that something, because they think that something is good.   We see this in our modern day fight about climate.  Some think they are doing good by stopping others from destroying the planet.  But, those they are stopping think they are doing good because they are using the planet for better things (in their mind).   In man’s mind, “good” is a relative term.  That is how Bildad is using it.   Job, however, sees God in His absolute holiness.   Job is asking a question based upon His view of God in that holiness.  In Job’s mind all men are bad, since God is the only good and sets the standard.   Bildad is trying to prove to Job that his condition is based upon his performance.  But, Job is trying to show Bildad that there is no one who can perform in a holy way to please God.   

We are so quick to condemn others and forget that we are all under condemnation.  It is only by the righteousness of God, imparted by the Son of God, that allows man to have blessings from God.  We can condemn those who are suffering and believe it is because of their sin.  But, we have to also accept that we all have sinned and all fall short of God’s glory.   That is Job’s point.   It does not give him relief from his suffering but it does give him relief from his tormentor, Bildad.   

God Is In Control - Psalms 9-11

 Psalms 9:5-6 (ESV)

5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;

you have blotted out their name forever and ever.

6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;

their cities you rooted out;

the very memory of them has perished.

Psalms 9:15-16 (ESV)

15 The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;

in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.

16 The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment;

the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah

God is in tune with the “nations.”   When we watch our news coverage we might not think God has any control over these national leaders.   They seem to act with feelings of impunity.   There is no one who is seemingly holding them accountable.   In most nations, no one in the nation is.  In democratic nations, it is supposed that the people hold them accountable by their vote.   But, as we watch the wayward way they lead they seem to act as though they answer to no one.  

But, in the above passages, written by King David, God gives us a better view point.   There may not be any real earthly checks and balances, but, in truth, God is at the helm.    It is God who will hold all nations accountable.  It will not be in our time frame, but we can rejoice that it will be in His.   The very mire they create for those in their nations, will be the pit that traps them.  They, as David states, will be caught by the net they set for others, around their own foot.   They will be “snared in the work of their own hands.”    God will so punish the nations that their memories will be blotted out.  We live in such egotistical times and the rich and powerful believe their names will be perpetuated forever.  However, the real truth is that God will wipe away those who reject Him and they will be remembered no more.    When we watch and read the news coverage about the powerful and those who rule the nations, be rejoicing that God is in control.  They may not know it, but God knows it.  

Praising the Attributes of God - Psalms 9-11

 Psalms 9:7-8 (ESV)

But the LORD sits enthroned forever;

he has established his throne for justice,

and he judges the world with righteousness;

he judges the peoples with uprightness.

When we meditate and/or think about the character of God, there are many aspects of that character.   In the above couple of verses we can see four aspects of God’s character:  His sovereignty, His eternality, His righteousness and His justice.  

In regard to His sovereignty we read that God is “enthroned.”  The Hebrew word used here means to “sit down” (for the purpose to judge ... which we will see in a moment).   God is “seated on His throne.”    This is a picture of God’s sovereign reign over all the earth.   The verse goes on to say, “... he has established his throne ...”.    In order for us to fully praise God we must begin with His sovereignty over us. 

The second aspect of His character we read about is His “eternality.”    God is sovereign, yes, and He is sovereign “forever.”    He is enthroned “forever.”    We must rejoice in the fact that God is not a passing thing.   Today, in our world, things come and go.  Nothing we have today will last.   Everything is always changing.  We can rejoice that we serve a sovereign God who is eternal.   He is the same yesterday, today and forever.   

These verses also teach us that God is righteous.   God never does wrong.   God can’t do wrong.    Whatever God does, whatever He allows, whatever God thinks about us, is completely and unequivocally right.   No other person or thing has that attribute or can claim that attribute.   You never hear rulers say they did something wrong.    They walk around and claim that they are doing what is “right” for all their constituents.  This is not the case.   Only God is righteous.  We can rejoice in the fact in dealing with HIs children He will always do right.  God is eternally righteous. 

The last aspect we read in these two verses is that God is the judge.  God is going to judge mankind and is, even now, carrying out His justice.  God will “judge” the world in His sovereign, eternal, righteous judgment.  No one can escape God the judge.   In Hebrews we read that believers have come before “God the judge of all.” 

Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV)

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Because of the blood of Christ believers have come before “God, the judge of all,” but through Jesus, the “mediator of a new covenant” and the “sprinkled blood” of Christ.  That means we can stand before a sovereign, eternal, and righteous God and be judge as righteous.    We can meditate on these attributes of God and praise Him for who He is because He has made us righteous before Him.  

Conquer and Steward What God Gives You - Joshua 16-20

 Joshua 19:9 (ESV)

The inheritance of the people of Simeon formed part of the territory of the people of Judah. Because the portion of the people of Judah was too large for them, the people of Simeon obtained an inheritance in the midst of their inheritance.

In this section of Joshua’s book, he is recounting the distribution of the land.   The nation of Israel has entered the promise land and conquer the major armies/cities/kings of the land.   Now it was time to divide up the land and for each tribe to go out and conquer the remaining portions.   There is a lesson right there for us.   We might see collective gains by the whole of the Body of Christ, but each individual member of the Body still has their own work to do in their own lives.   Remember, the Old Testament was an example to us and was a shadow of what the reality is once we are IN CHRIST.    This picture of Joshua conquering the promises land is a picture of the people of God in the New Testament conquering, through faith, sin in our own lives.  This is all seen in Hebrews 3-4.   

Another interesting piece about the above passage is that Judah had land left over.   In Joshua 17:14-15 we read that another tribe didn’t have enough:

 Joshua 17:14 (ESV)

Then the people of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me but one lot and one portion as an inheritance, although I am a numerous people, since all along the LORD has blessed me?”

So, in the one case you have a tribe who doesn’t think they have enough and another tribe who had so much, the people of Simeon could share it with Judah.   The lesson here might be in regard to how God, in His sovereign will, provides for us.   In the New Testament we have the following principle we should understand.  It is the parable of the “talents” that Jesus told His disciples.  Jesus was trying to teach them that God rewards those who steward what He gives them and He holds back His rewards for those who squander what He gives them.   The parable is as follows.  But, the lesson for us from Joshua is that God has given us our portion of the “land” in our Christian walk.  We are to steward it and conquer it.  Simeon didn’t conquer their land, they just lived off Judah’s land.  Judah did not conquer all their land and use it, so the people of Simeon had a place to be, without conquering their own land.  It is not clear who is at fault or if anyone is at fault in that example.  But, it is clear that they were given land and failed to conquer what they were given.  

Matthew 25:20-29 (ESV)

And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

The World Might Choose Darkness - Genesis 12-15

 Genesis 14:21-24 (ESV)

And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.”

We should note first that we are picking up the above passage right in the middle of a paragraph.   The paragraph is about what happened after Abraham rescued his nephew Lot.  If you are not familiar with the events that lead up to this point, it goes like this:

1.  Abraham and his nephew Lot had a lot of sheep.  So much so that their herdsmen would fight over the watering holes to water the sheep. 

2. Abraham give Lot the pick of the land and tells him that if he goes right, Abraham will go life and vice versa.   

3. Lot decides to go toward Sodom and Gomorrah. 

4. God tells Abraham that all the land he can see, from the east, west, north and south will be given to HIM ... even the land Abraham just gave to Lot. 

5. Five kings decide to fight four other kings, of which was also the king of Sodom.   But, in the process they take Lot captive. 

6. Abraham rescues Lot and, apparently, the king of Sodom. 

Now we arrive to our above verse.   After the rescue, the king of Sodom attempts to reward Abraham for saving his life (and his city/kingdom).   Abraham was not forbidden by God to take the gifts (at least we don’t read any command about that).  But, Abraham must have had some sense from the Spirit of God because his reply to the king of Sodom, was “no thanks, least you walk around later and tell everyone it was YOU who made Abraham rich.”   Abraham takes only what was needed to feed his 318 men and departs.   

The lesson here is twofold.  The first is that we need to be careful when dealing with the world that we do not allow them to believe our trust is in their riches, their provisions and their being gracious to us.  Believers are not to live at the graciousness of man, but by the grace and mercy of their God.  Does God use man to bless us?  Yes!  Just go back and read Genesis 12 and see how Abraham was made rich to begin with by the Princes of Egypt.   But, we are not to seek that type of blessing.   God can bless us with material goods any way He wants, but we are not to seek it from men who wish to later hold it over us.   

The second lesson is that despite Abraham’s witness and demonstration of humility in front of the king of Sodom, the king, the city and the people of Sodom will still be wicked.   We will soon read that Abraham has to pray for God to rescue Lot again, but this time from the very wickedness of the king whom Abraham just rescued.   Despite being saved by Abraham and seeing the humility of Abraham, Sodom is still Sodom.   We need to remember that we can often do everything we can by living a godly life in front of the world, but the world will still be the world.   

We are to be the light of the world, but we must realize that some in the world, will still be in darkness.  

Fruit of Righteousness - Romans 5-6

 Romans 6:22 (ESV)

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

THE FRUIT YOU GET LEADS TO SANCTIFICATION!  That phrase might be one of the most powerful when it comes to our desire for holiness and the mortification (killing off) sin.   The entire 5th and 6th chapter of Romans is to teach us about God’s marvelous act of “justification” (declaring us eternally righteous).  The above verse comes at the end of the section, as part of a concluding statement about the benefits of being justification.     Earlier, Paul told them to stop presenting their “members” (doorways to sin ... eyes, ears, mind, etc) as slaves to sin, but rather as slaves to the new righteousness they have been given (key word: Given).  Note:

Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Notice that in verse 13 Paul tells us that we are to present our members to righteousness  “... as those who have been brought from death to life ...”.     This is a connecting statement that tells us that our “sanctification” (holiness) is coupled with our “justification.”  Since, Paul states, we have been “brought from death to life” by Jesus death, burial and resurrection (chapter 5), then we are also “empowered” to present our “members” to God as instruments of righteousness rather than to sin s instruments of unrighteousness.  So, our justification gives us “fruit” that empowers and enables our sanctification.  That is the power of verse 22, above: THE FRUIT YOU GET LEADS TO SANCTIFICATION.   We must quit thinking that justification is by faith in Christ, but sanctification is something that we do.  ALL SANCTIFICATION, whether it is positional or practical, flows from what we THE FRUIT YOU GET.   Live by that.   The puritan preacher, John Owen, probably said it best this way:

No act of holiness will make the heart holy.  It is from a holy heart that acts of holiness are produced. 

The fruit we received via justification will lead to every aspect of our sanctification (holiness) as w believe, by faith, in the finished work of Christ.   

When Teaching God’s Word, Remember This - Matthew 5-7

 Matthew 7:28-29 (ESV)

The Authority of Jesus

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

These chapters (Matthew 5-7) are the first and only full sermon of Jesus’ earthly ministry.   It takes about 20-25 minutes to read.   There are 111 verses.   If you allow the ESV version of the Bible to guide you, they break the sermon up into twenty different topics.   James Montgomery Boice reminds us:

“Six times in chapter 5 Jesus is quoted as saying, “You have heard that it was said … But I tell you …” (verses 21f., 27f., 31f., 33f., 38f., 43f.), implying his greater and independent authority, ...”

To say that the sermon is the example all preachers should follow is an understatement.   There is enough material in this teaching to occupy our entire time on earth in both understanding and practice.  

This is why the closing two verses are so powerful.   When preachers complete their Sunday morning homily there are a number of different responses they might see.   Depending on the content of the message they might see people inspired, challenged, instructed with an action plan, or many other end results.  They might be entertained and they might be bored out of their mind (something NO speaker should ever do with God’s Word).   But, probably few ever walk away as Jesus’ audience did in that day and elevate His message as being taught by someone who had “authority,” to the point they were “astonished.”   The current bar of excellence in their day was the “scribes.”  They were the teachers everyone listened to, at least the Jewish audience.   The Gentiles might have in their minds the Greek philosophers of the day.  Although Socrates and Plato were long gone, the Greeks still had the market on teaching.   Yet, we read from Matthew’s account that the audience that day walked away in amazement.   This is the power of the words of Christ.   Paul tells us to take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.   John tells us that Jesus was the Word of Life.   We must never forget that when God’s Word is taught (the way it should be taught) it is the the craftiness and/or eloquence of the speaker that matters.  It is the content of God’s Word that it is delivered with the authority that it is the very Word of God.  That is what will astonish the world.  That is what will convince the world to believe in Jesus, the Son of God.  

Pride Before Destructions - Isaiah 12-17

 An Oracle Against Babylon (their leader)

Isaiah 14:12 (ESV)

“How you are fallen from heaven,

O Day Star, son of Dawn!

How you are cut down to the ground,

you who laid the nations low!

Isaiah 14:16-22 (ESV)

Those who see you will stare at you

and ponder over you:

‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble,

who shook kingdoms,

who made the world like a desert

and overthrew its cities,

who did not let his prisoners go home?’

All the kings of the nations lie in glory,

each in his own tomb;

but you are cast out, away from your grave,

like a loathed branch,

clothed with the slain, those pierced by the sword,

who go down to the stones of the pit,

like a dead body trampled underfoot.

You will not be joined with them in burial,

because you have destroyed your land,

you have slain your people.

“May the offspring of evildoers

nevermore be named!

Prepare slaughter for his sons

because of the guilt of their fathers,

lest they rise and possess the earth,

and fill the face of the world with cities.”

“I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of hosts, “and will cut off from Babylon name and remnant, descendants and posterity,” declares the LORD.

In the Bible, Babylon is a picture of all the achievement of mankind.  They were historical a powerful nation and lead by corrupt and inhuman leaders.   Their exploits are noted in history and their conquest graphically displayed in museums.  A simply internet search will bare witness of their accounts. In the ancient world, Babylon was depicted as unconquerable and impregnable.    In spiritual terms, when used in the God’s Word, Babylon is the picture of all evil.    It is the hotbed of Satan’s domain.   It is used in the Old Testament as a picture of the tormentors of Israel and in the New Testament of the persecutors of the Church.    

In the above passage we have Isaiah’s prophecy about the King of Babylon and the city he lead.   Babylon was about to take the Northern Tribes (Israel) captive.  They were about to destroy, or were already destroying the rebellious peoples of God.  God was using them as a tool, like a hammer, to discipline His people.  But, in their journey to that end, they became proud and arrogant and undisciplined.   God, in these words, is condemning them and bringing them low.  Their pride had lifted them up, but God would bring them back to the ground.   

The world will be amazed (both historically and, eventually, spiritually) at the destruction of Babylon.  They will ask, “... is this the man you made the earth tremble.” Notice what Revelations says about her:

Revelation 18:1-3 (ESV)

The Fall of Babylon

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. And he called out with a mighty voice,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!

She has become a dwelling place for demons,

a haunt for every unclean spirit,

a haunt for every unclean bird,

a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.

For all nations have drunk

the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,

and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,

and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

The lesson? Mighty men will be brought low by the power and greatness of God.  Those who exalt themselves above God (even when being used by Him) will be brought low by God.   The pride of mankind will bring him low.  Our leaders and systems in power today might want to consider:

Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)

Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Help People in Pain, with Their Pain - Job 6-7

 Job 7:12-16 (ESV)

12 Am I the sea, or a sea monster,

that you set a guard over me?

13 When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me,

my couch will ease my complaint,’

14 then you scare me with dreams

and terrify me with visions,

15 so that I would choose strangling

and death rather than my bones.

16 I loathe my life; I would not live forever.

Leave me alone, for my days are a breath.

We probably have never meet someone in Job’s state ... at least not very often.  In all the words being tossed about in the book, all the theology (and philosophy) being uttered, we probably don’t take much time to think of what Job felt physically.   His body was in extreme pain and suffering.    We can read the book of Job and get so caught up in the narrative that we forget this is story is about a man who has experienced extreme loss and is, as he speaks, in deep pain.  We don’t know much about the medical industry back in Job’s day.  We read nothing about a treatment for his pain, or a medicine for his suffering.    Today, we can run to a pharmacy within miles of our homes and have a drug that alters the mind and numbs the pain.  But, in the above passage we read by Job is actually experiencing.  

He first compares himself to a monster of the sea that God has set boundaries for and limits upon.   He wonders if he as been relegated to a mere animal in God’s eyes.  He wonders who God won’t even let him sleep.  When he tries to sleep he states that God sends dreams to torment even that brief respite from the pain.  He even has a desire for his life to end.  He wants it all to be over.  It would be hard to imagine that and even worse to sit along side the road and witness it.  That is what is happening with Job and his three friends.   They are sitting along side the road watching Job scratch the boils off his body with broken pottery (chapter two).   This is where the lack of empathy of his friends is so absurd.  They want to correct Job’s theology as they ignore his suffering.  There is nothing wrong with trying to help someone process their pain and suffering and difficulty.  But, that should be done as we minister their physical needs.   We tend to want to correct their thinking before we first meet their need for relief.   You can present the Gospel to the homeless, of course.  But, it might be wise to show them the Gospel by find them a home.   We drive by and see the pain and maybe even pray.  But, the truth of the matter is we fail them but not remembering they are in deep, deep pain in their lives.  Yes, good theology will allow them to frame the pain and suffering better.  But, at some point we have to help them stop scratching their boils with pottery.  Find out why they are in pain, for sure.  But, also help them with the situation of the pain.  

Worship the Creator, Not the Creation - Psalms 6-8

 Psalms 8:5-8 (ESV)

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

you have put all things under his feet,

all sheep and oxen,

and also the beasts of the field,

the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

There is a philosophy today about the earth and creation.   People want to worship the creation and not the Creator.   People want to honor “Mother Earth” as though she were a god we are to submit to in reverence and honor.   In fact, the entire global warming movement, however true some of their facts may be, is world-wide worship of God’s creation BY man.   However, the above passage states that earth and all creation was created FOR man.   In fact, note the original Genesis account on what God’s intent was for the earth and mankind in it:

Genesis 1:26 (ESV)

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

The Genesis account in in line with the above passage from Psalm 8.   God made man and crowned him with “glory and honor.”  He then put man on the earth to have dominion over all God’s works.   Christians should be in full agreement that creation is under our stewardship.  We should be doing everything possible to honor God’s gift to us.   But, we should also remember, that God did not put us here to worship earth.  He put us here to subdue it and to care for it.   We are not subservient to the animals of this world.  They are NOT our equal.   We should care for them as all men should care for “beasts” (Proverbs 12:10).   The movement in our society portrayed through politics, movements, groups and media (especially the movie industry), is that we are equal to creation and should “share” the planet with them.  We are not better than the planet and creation.   Although there is something to be said about the concept of “sharing” the planet with what God created, there should be no mistake that God put us here to rule and not co-habit on the same level as the rest of creation.  Why does this matter?   Because it is man that God redeemed.   God sent His Son to shed His blood to pay for man’s sin.   We do know that the earth groans for redemption:

Romans 8:19-23 (ESV)

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

All creation will one day be set free from the impact of sin in the world.  But, it is mankind who has been giving dominion, privilege and stature in the world today.  As much as we are to steward what God gave us, we are to do so, not to worship God’s creation, but to worship the Creator and what He gave us:

Romans 1:24-25 (ESV)

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Kill the Little Giants Now - Joshua 11-15

 Joshua 11:21-23 (ESV)

And Joshua came at that time and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction with their cities. There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the people of Israel. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod did some remain. So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.

Joshua is completing the role God gave him after Jesus death.   His job was to lead the nation of Israel into the promise land.  He was to start the conquering of the land.  In the remaining chapters of the book we read about the twelve tribes being given their portion of the land and charged with conquering it.   

In the above text we read something unusual about Joshua’s leadership.  In almost all the other narratives about Joshua we read about his utter obedience to all of God’s commands.  In fact, God even stated as such:

Joshua 10:40 (ESV)

So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the LORD God of Israel commanded.

This sentiment is repeated in several places in the book and Joshua is portrayed as the obedient leader who left nothing on done.   But, in the above passage we read that in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod some of the Anakim, the giants of the land, are left.   This is odd that we read of a place that Joshua did not utterly destroy all the inhabitants.  It doesn’t say why he didn’t, only that he didn’t.  The interesting thing about this is that years later a giant will come from Gath to torment the nation of Israel.  His name was Goliath.  Note:

1 Samuel 17:4 (ESV)

And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

Isn’t it interesting that the work undone by Goliath would become the tormentor of Israel, years later.   Is this not so true in a spiritual sense.    The land of Canaan in the Bible is a picture of our flesh.   It is referred to as the “old nature” in the New Testament.   When we are saved we are to “destroy” the old nature.  But, we don’t destroy it all.   The parts we don’t destroy comes back to hunt us later in life, or for the rest of our lives.  

Galatians 5:17 (ESV)

17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

When we live a few giants in our lives they give brith to more aggressive and bigger giants who eventually taunt us and hunt us.   Joshua and the nation never wiped out the giants of Gath.   They would become a tormentor of their lives later.  Remember, the sin that you fail to remove now will eventually grow in desire later.  It will torment you.  Kill it now and live in the Spirit later:

Romans 8:13 (ESV)

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, YOU WILL LIVE.

Sin Against the Character of God - Genesis 8-11

 Genesis 9:22-26 (ESV)

22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said,

“Cursed be Canaan;

a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”

26 He also said,

“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem;

and let Canaan be his servant.

The story of Noah and his son Ham shows us that the flood might have wiped out all those who sinned so grievously against God, but it not wipe out the natural sin in man’s heart.  The text above is very clear as to what happened to Noah after the flood.   The wine he made eventually became a substance he would abuse.  In his drunken state, his middle child (Ham) “saw the nakedness” of his father and, apparently, went to inform his brothers.   This “offense” does not seem to be that egregious to us for Noah to curse Ham’s son, Canaan.    Many people have suggested that Ham did something sexual against his father while Noah was in a drunken state.  Or, that he had sexual relationships with his mother, while Noah slept off his bender.    But, since the “solution” to the problem was for his brothers to simply walk backwards and cover their father’s nakedness, the sin of Ham was simply that of dishonoring his father.  Remember, God will eventually provide a commandment, through Moses, to “honor your father and mother and it would be well with you.”   The flood might have wiped out the earth but it did not change the character of God.  God’s character does not change.   Before the flood, after the flood, before the giving of the Law or after the giving of the Law, God’s character is the same.   Ham’s bragging, making fun of, and/or despising his father’s nakedness was all that was necessary for him to dishonor God’s character.   God holds all men responsible to live according to His character.

One additional point about this text is important to note.  When reading this section we have to remember it was written by Moses.  The entire Torah (first five books of the Bible) is Moses’ last words to the nation of Israel who are about to enter the land of “Canaan” and take control of it.  The above story is another reason, if not THE reason, that God was about to destroy Canaan and give the land to Israel.   The book of Genesis is the “beginning” of all things.   Moses, by including the above story is telling Israel (and us) the necessity to have Canaan become the servants of Israel.   Chapter ten and 11 of this book tell us how Noah’s family tree came to Abraham, who would be the father of Israel.   Canaan would become of the father of the Canaanites.   So, the above story has greater implications than just Noah and his boys.   Sinning against the character of God has greater implications than we think.    God would take Ham’s sin and treat it as the sin it is, despite what man thinks about it.   Living in opposition to God’s character has consequences far greater than we want to admit or recognize.  

Let God be True and Every Man a Liar - Romans 3-4

 Romans 3:4 (ESV)

By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,

“That you may be justified in your words,

and prevail when you are judged.”

At the start of Romans 3 the Apostle Paul is continuing an argument from chapter 2 about the value of circumcision and the Jews in relationship to the Law.   He has stated that circumcision doesn’t mean anything if you have not, first, believed in faith.   The conclusion one might think, then, is that there is no advantage to the Jew.  Of which he responds, no way!   The Jews were given the Law, the Torah.  They were afforded the responsibility to carry the Law to the surrounding nations.   But, some of them failed to believe and did not act in faith.  Paul’s question then is, “If the Jews were unfaithful, does that make God’s Torah false.   Paul’s response?  “By no means!”  Paul is emphatic.  When it comes to God’s word and God’s plan, man’s response does not validate it or de-validate it.   He states opening that God is true and everyone else is a liar.   God’s word (and God Himself) is not elevated by man’s belief in Him, or devalued when man fails to believe in Him.  God does not need man’s approval to be God.  God is truth separate man’s mind.  Note this Bible commentary on this thought:

Understanding the Bible Commentary Series:

Let God be true, and every man a liar, says Paul (v. 4)! This statement, indebted to Psalm 116:11 (“And in my dismay I said, ‘All men are liars’ ”), was judged by Calvin to “contain the primary axiom of all Christian philosophy” (Romans, p. 116). Calvin was right, but the statement means more than that. Verse 4 is not a philosophical abstraction of metaphysics and anthropology; it is a truth hammered out on the anvil of experience, a punishing truth that all are liars, and yet a liberating hope that God is true. Whatever we must concede about ourselves—and it will not be optimistic—we must confess that God is true (v. 4). Barth affirms, “HE is the Answer, the Helper, the Judge, and the Redeemer; not man” (Romans, p. 80). God is not a speculative truth, but a living and subsistent truth who helps, aids, restores, and saves. It is precisely because God is not like us that he is able to help us.

We can rejoice that God is truth, no matter what mankind’s response.    If the entire world disbelieved in God, God is still true.   We like to think that we validate God by our testimony.  We are even encouraged to go about and tell the great things God has done for us, as validation of God’s great love:

Mark 5:19-20 (ESV Strong's)

And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

But, we must never think that our experience or belief validate God.   God is true no matter or belief and/or behavior.   The quote Paul gives, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged,” comes from David’s confession after he committed adultery with Bathsheba and killed her husband to cover it up.  David is saying, my behavior does not deny God’s truth and faithfulness.   All mankind can believe what they want and express it has a great passion of their hearts and great temperament of their lives.  But, if it does not align with God the creator, they are but mere liars.  Let God be true and everyone else a liar!!  All the philosophy of mankind and all the world views they can hold must bow at the feat of God’s truth.   

God Cares For Us, Even After Temptation - Matthew 3-4

 Matthew 4:11 (ESV)

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

In Matthew 4 we read that Jesus was fasting for 40 days and then Satan came to tempt Him.   Before we look at the above text there are a few lessons to learn just from the overview of the temptation:

1. Even in the act of worship we are not exempt from Satan’s temptation.   Jesus was fasting and worshiping and immediately after He completes the acts of worship, Satan is standing by to temp Him.  We might think leaving Church we are now okay, but it is often Satan and his team that are right there to resume the battle. 

2. Satan loves to attack us in our most vulnerable state.  Jesus was fasting for 40 days and was famished (that is the meaning of the Greek word).   Be assured that when we are at our lowest physically, mentally, psychology and/or materially, Satan will take advantage of that state. 

3. Jesus was “in” the Spirit at the time of the temptation.  Even though the Holy Spirit was there, present and empowering, Satan did not back down.  Granted, after Jesus’ death Satan and his foes were disarmed (Colossians 2:13-15).  But, he still does not stop looking for our weakest moments to tempt us.  

With those points in our minds, what a wonderful thought that Jesus was ministered to by God’s holy angels after His temptation.   We might assume that is because he “passed the test,” but I think that would be a narrow view of the text.  Remember, later in Hebrews we are told that Jesus was tempted in all points, like us, but without sin (Hebrew 4:15).  That shows that the author of the Hebrews (the Holy Spirit) is using the temptation of Christ to reflect our experiences, as well.  We should fully expect that the “aftermath” of the temptation is to be something we experience as well.   Certainly Jesus being ministered to by the angels because He defeated sin, would be available to us, even in our failures of sin.   The point here is that in our temptation, before, during and after God is trying to equip us and care for us.  When we fail in defeating sin in our temptation moments, our spirit is downcast and downtrodden.   The Holy Spirt certainly, for those sealed by Him, is available to care for us and bring us back into fellowship with God.  Jesus didn’t need to be back into fellowship, but it is apparent that the temptation did something to Him that angels were sent to care for Him.  He suffered during that temptation and was cared for by the Father.  Again, Hebrews tells us:

Hebrews 2:10 (ESV)

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

The word “perfect” in that verse is our word, “complete.”   So, in Christ’s suffering in temptation He completed His representation for us and with us.   He was then ministered to by angels.   We can be assured that God wants to care for us during and after our times of temptation, as well.   

No End Peace - Isaiah 7-11

 Isaiah 9:7 (ESV)

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Isaiah, the prophet, has a long and important ministry.  In the ESV version the introduction to the book reads this way:

“(ESV) Isaiah lived during the decline of Israel in the shadow of Assyria. He spoke the word of God to a people who were “deaf and blind” (see 6:10), who refused to listen to his warnings of looming disaster. He warned that the sin of the people of Judah would bring God’s judgment, yet he also declared that God is sovereign and would use Cyrus the Persian to return them from exile. The book speaks of a “servant,” a “man of sorrows,” who would be “pierced for our transgressions,” accomplishing God’s purposes of salvation (52:13–53:12). The final chapters give a beautiful description of a new creation in which God will rule as King, judging the wicked and establishing eternal peace. Isaiah prophesied about 740–700 B.C. (possibly till the 680s).”

So, we are told by historians he prophesied for at least 40 years, possibly 60.   He prophesied during many different kings and through many different situations.   He is to tell the nation of Israel that they are going to be captured and destroyed by the King of Assyria.  In this section he will be telling the King of Assyria that God will eventually make him pay for what he will do with Israel.  

Isaiah 10:12 (ESV)

When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes.

But, Isaiah was also able to prophesy about the coming peace that Christ will eventually bring to this people, this land and to the nations around them.   Isaiah told them that God would once again establish the house of King David, through David’s son, the Messiah.  That Messiah (Jesus) would establish a kingdom and a government that will rule the world in “peace.”  This will be a “peace” that will have no end.  That means the peace will grow and grow and grow.  

Psalms 72:7 (ESV)

In his days may the righteous flourish,

and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

The desire of the nation of Israel (and all mankind) is peace with each other.   But, first God would need to establish peace between man and Himself.  That is the peace that will first abound.   God was going to send His Son to restore peace between Himself and mankind.  Then that peace will grow between man and man.   And, there will be NO end to this peace. 

Romans 5:1 (ESV)

Peace with God Through Faith

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Man’s Depression vs God’s Deity - Job 3-5

 Job 3:20-26 (ESV)

“Why is light given to him who is in misery,

and life to the bitter in soul,

who long for death, but it comes not,

and dig for it more than for hidden treasures,

who rejoice exceedingly

and are glad when they find the grave?

Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden,

whom God has hedged in?

For my sighing comes instead of my bread,

and my groanings are poured out like water.

For the thing that I fear comes upon me,

and what I dread befalls me.

I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;

I have no rest, but trouble comes.”

To say Job is depressed would be an understatement.   In the first part of chapter three he wishes he would have never been born.    In the above section he simply wishes he would die.  Suicidal thoughts do not escape him.   The fate of the dead is the longing in his heart and mind.   And who would not have similar thoughts if they experienced his situation.  He has lost all his children to a storm, his servants, flocks, and riches to marauders.   He has lost the favor of his wife.   He has lost his health and sits in pain along side of the road scrapping his flesh with broken clay pots.   Pots, who like him in the past were cherished and useful, but now discarded and have lost their purpose.   This is Job’s circumstances.   Can anyone blame him for his mindset.   Loss of anything is particularly hard to deal with.  Much less the loss of life and/or health.   He has lost his life of ease and rest.  He has inherited a life of pain and loneliness.  He actually has feared this very thing.  What he dreaded has landed upon him.  He sees no hope.    His three friends will, over a variety of speeches, blame him for his own pain.   Job will defend and deflect and deny.   It will not be until the end of the long dialogues of shame and blame that Job finds relief.   His mind will be as equally affected by the situation he is in.  As his body deteriorates, his mind dismantles all his previous faith and trust.   What is the solution?  We have to go all the way to chapters 38-41 to hear God’s response to all this.  God allowed it and only God can solve it.   When Job’s depression is confronted by God, God takes him to His creation and His power and His provision of the world around Job.   What is Job’s eventual response:

Job 42:1-6 (ESV)

Job's Confession and Repentance

Then Job answered the LORD and said:

“I know that you can do all things,

and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

‘Hear, and I will speak;

I will question you, and you make it known to me.’

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

therefore I despise myself,

and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job eventually quits talking, defending and thinking of his issues and starts to focus back on the majesty of God.   God’s solution for depression is the constant meditation on His marvelous works, majestic creation and constant provisions.   Instead of Job focusing on his dilemma, he focus on God’s deity.   

The Violence of Mankind - Psalms 3-5

 Psalms 5:9-10 (ESV)

For there is no truth in their mouth;

their inmost self is destruction;

their throat is an open grave;

they flatter with their tongue.

Make them bear their guilt, O God;

let them fall by their own counsels;

because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,

for they have rebelled against you.

In these three songs of David (Psalms 3-5) we read about his anguish in regard to those who are trying to destroy him.   He calls those he is writing about his enemy. 

Psalms 3:7 (ESV)

Arise, O LORD!

Save me, O my God!

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;

you break the teeth of the wicked.

Psalms 5:8 (ESV)

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness

because of my enemies;

make your way straight before me.

The heading of chapter three states that the enemy addressed is his own son, Absalom.   In the other two psalms he could be talking about Saul, or the descendants of the giant he killed, Goliath.   The point of the above verse is that David recognizes that his “enemies” have a deep, dark spiritual condition.   He recognizes that these people who are pursing him have first and foremost, “rebelled” against God.   When we encounter people in our lives that don’t like us, fight us in some way, or hinder our progress and/or even torment us, we often take it very personal.   It is hard to believe it is not personal.   It certainly was personal to David.   But, he realized that the catalyst behind their aggression toward him was their own lack of fear and love for the LORD.   Those who do not know God’s love, but rather reject it, will eventually find themselves attacking their fellow human being, in some cases, even their own father.   They do not have the love of God in them, so they can only express their hatred of Him toward those who love Him.   David understood the depravity of mankind.  Note what he says about it:

1.   There is no truth in their mouth (see Psalms 15)

2. Their inmost self is destructive.

3. Their throat (what they say) is an open grave, collecting those they are out to destroy. 

4. They “flatter” with their tongue, but only to deceive and destroy. 

David understood that those who were out to hurt him were inwardly lacking character.  Character is first generated by God.  If you lack a relationship with God, your depravity will eventually come to fruition.   They first reject God before they fight man.  So, the answer to change the world around us is the Gospel.  The Gospel restores the relationship man has with God. Once that is restored their relationship with other men Weill be restored.  Until then, no amount of social change or law of the land will prevent the destruction of man on man violence.  

God Puts Leaders AND Followers In Place - Joshua 6-10

 Joshua 6:1-7 (ESV)

The Fall of Jericho

Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.” And he said to the people, “Go forward. March around the city and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the LORD.”

Imagine the people’s mindset when they heard Joshua’s plan to take Jericho.  Remember, up until this moment, Moses was in charge.   But, Moses died and Joshua was put in charge.  Although he lead fighting expeditions for Israel, Moses was the one in charge and designing any plans.   This was new territory for Israel AND for Joshua.   In regard to military strategy this was completely out sorts.   What would the people think about Joshua?   

This is the key lesson in this section.   Joshua didn’t care what the people thought of his plan.  He only cared about carrying it out as God had designed it.   The people had seen Joshua lead them across the Jordan River, via Moses’ crossing the Red Sea pattern.  That showed the people that God was with Joshua.  Note the people’s response to the Jordan crossing:

Joshua 4:14 (ESV)

On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.

This undoubtedly played a key role when they heard Joshua explain the plans for Jericho.   This was Joshua’s water-out-of-a-rock moment.   Just as God had done miracle after miracle for Moses, so, too, was He about to do with Joshua as the leader.   This is how God works.  God must put into the hearts of follower-ship to allow leadership to lead.   God created a sense of “awe” by the people toward Joshua, as He did around Moses.  Only God can do that.  No leader can lead without some type of follower-ship.  But, it is God who gives the follower-ship the sense of “awe” that is needed for the leader to lead.  Regretfully too many leaders think so highly of themselves, they forget that God not only puts one up to lead, He puts others down to follow.   Joshua new this truth:

Psalms 75:6-7 (ESV)

For not from the east or from the west

and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God who executes judgment,

putting down one and lifting up another.

Mankind’s Creativity - Genesis 4-7

 Genesis 4:17-22 (ESV)

Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

Chapters four of Genesis might be considered, by some, a less significant section of the Bible.   In chapters 1-3 we have the creation of mankind.  In chapters 5-7 we have the narrative about the destruction of mankind, via the flood, with the exception of Noah and his family.  So, why have a journal entry about chapter four.   Because chapter four contains two important events that we must consider to put the flood of the earth into context.  

Chapter four starts out with Cain, Adam and Eve’s first born, killing Able, their second born.  That is obviously significant because it shows us the end result of sin when it is unchecked by God’s grace.  Although the Apostle James was speaking spiritual, rather than actual physical, note what he said about sin:

James 1:13-15 (ESV)

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

So, the first part of the chapter shows the sin of mankind fully on display.  But, as we read the second part of the chapter (see above) we see Cain’s line develop.   Turning away from God, Cain’s sin led his family to invest in other interests.   These interests are not necessarily wrong in and of themselves, but do show a beginning pattern of mankind finding other ways and other interests in life.   We read in the above passage that Jabel was a person who lived in tents and had livestock.   We then see his brother, Jubal, was interested in and the creator of, musical instruments.   His cousin, Tubal-Cain, made tools of bronze and iron.   Again, these interests are not sinful.  But, it does show as mankind developed their God-given creative nature begins to unfold.  But, we have to remember that their sin nature, expressed (and passed on) by their great-great-great-grandfather, Cain, killing his brother, is also part of the story.   We probably don’t think much about these early Bible characters being the creators of musical instruments and/or bronze and iron tools.   But, sin did not stop their creative juices from flowing.   Sin only prevented them from using the musical instruments and iron tools to glorify God in a pure manner.   It is refreshing to see the end of the chapter close with:

Genesis 4:25-26 (ESV)

And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.

We sin, then, that sin does not prevent creativity.   We also see that our creativity can be used to “call upon the name of the LORD.”    God is creative and He has made man a creative being.  The issue is NOT what we create, but rather what we do with our creation in relationship with our worship of the LORD.  Go fourth and be creative.  But, use the creation to call upon Him and worship Him.  

God Gave Them Up - Romans 1-2

 Romans 1:24-28 (ESV)

Therefore GOD GAVE THEM UP in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

For this reason GOD GAVE THEM UP to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, GOD GAVE THEM UP to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

GOD GAVE THEM UP!   As Paul opens up the book of Romans he wants to make sure that the readers in Rome are full aware of the power of the Gospel AND the power of sin.  He wants them to know that the Gospel brings them the righteousness of God:

Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

But, he also wants them to know that those who reject this powerful gospel He will ‘give them up” to their own wickedness.   Three times Paul states that God will give them up:

1. God will give them up to the lusts of their hearts. 

2. God will give them up to dishonorable passions. 

3. God will give them up to debased minds. 

Sometimes people just want their own way.  The only way to get them to learn is to let them have their own way, even that way will destroy them.   So, too, with God as He deals with man.   

How does God “give them up?”   God simply withdraws His unmerited favor - His grace - from their lives.   When God’s grace is not active in the life a person, man’s sin is over reactive.  It is ONLY God’s grace that keeps back sin.   Sin, left restrained, will produce what we read in this passage.   We have to realize that as people reject God, His wrath flourishes and His mercy and grace are removed from a life.   God gives them up to the passions of their hearts and minds and leaves them to their own devices.   That brings certain destruction on their souls.  When they exchange truth for lies and worship the creation (themselves) vs the creator God, God no longer restrains sin in their lives.  He simply allows sin to be their master and sin rules over them.  Sin destroys them when His mercy is removed.  

Deny Yourself and Worship - Matthew 1-2

 Matthew 1:24-25 (ESV)

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Imagine Joseph’s emotional state of mind.   He has just been told that his betrothed wife is pregnant (in those days it would be the normal thing to disown her and break off the wedding ... Mary could even be stoned to death).   Instead of shamming Mary, Joseph plans to privately leave her.  But, God stops him with this announcement about the baby.  Joseph remains with her.  This is complete counter to the culture of the day.   

But, not only is he told that Mary is pregnant, he is told that the child in her womb is that of the Son of God, Immanuel.   Remember, up to this point, in Israel, we have had about 400 years of silence from God.   The Temple functioned.   The Priest did their priest thing.  But, there was silence from God.   So, now a young man is told, by an angel, no less, that his bride-to-be is pregnant with a God-child.    

Also imagine that Joseph is a young man with young man desires.   He has a young wife.   He is now going to live with her but not physically engage in sexual relationships with her, until the child is born.    Again, imagine his emotional response.   This is an amazing act of faith that allowed him to withstand from relations with his wife as the child Jesus grew in the womb.  There was no physical reason he could not do so.   This was his commitment to holiness.  He recognize that this was a holy act being carried out by Mary and that was his worship.   Withholding himself was an act of faith, committed to holy worship of God.   We hear little of Joseph from this point forward.   But, his significance is not in what he did, but, perhaps in what he did not do.   Holiness can be an act of denial as much as an act of worship.  

God Has A Day!! - Isaiah 1-6

 Isaiah 2:12-19 (ESV)

For the LORD of hosts has a day

against all that is proud and lofty,

against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;

against all the cedars of Lebanon,

lofty and lifted up;

and against all the oaks of Bashan;

against all the lofty mountains,

and against all the uplifted hills;

against every high tower,

and against every fortified wall;

against all the ships of Tarshish,

and against all the beautiful craft.

And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled,

and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low,

and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

And the idols shall utterly pass away.

And people shall enter the caves of the rocks

and the holes of the ground,

from before the terror of the LORD,

and from the splendor of his majesty,

when he rises to terrify the earth.

He has a day!!!   The world today keeps spinning but doesn’t realize it is spinning out of control.  It does not comprehend what is before it.   There is coming a day, prophesied over 3,000 years ago, when God will judge the people of the world.    Isaiah’s prophesy has two meanings throughout the 66 chapters.   One meaning is the historical context for the day Isaiah spoke it.  That context is that there was coming a day when Israel will be judged by a wicked nation (Babylon) for their rejection and disobedience of God’s holiness, as outlined in God’s word.    But, the second meaning is that Isaiah is also talking about all the kingdoms of this world that will equally be judged for the same reason: Rejecting the holiness that was given by the Servant King, the Messiah, Jesus.   God has a day!!!  In that day He will judge all those, who through their pride and arrogance, rejected God’s plan for holiness of mankind.   The proud and the lofty will be exposed and will be extinguished.   That is the story of Isaiah’s prophesy.  The above passage outlines this “day of the LORD” that is coming on all mankind.   Isaiah is “The Revelation” of the Old Testament.   The last book of the Bible, The Revelation of St. John, gives us all the details of “how” the above passage of Isaiah will be actually carried out.  But, Isaiah gives us the “why”.   Pride and arrogance prevent mankind from seeing their sin and their need for a Messiah, a savior.   Because of that pride, God will bring them low and it will God, alone, who will be magnified.    This is the story of the world today.   They keep heading for certain destruction because in the pride they can not see that God has a day!

Our Only Response to Suffering - Job 1-2

 Job 1:13-22 (ESV)

Satan Takes Job's Property and Children

Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

Our only response to this should be what we read in this passage:

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV)

Habakkuk Rejoices in the LORD

Though the fig tree should not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

GOD, the Lord, is my strength;

he makes my feet like the deer's;

he makes me tread on my high places.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

Walk in the Fear of the LORD! Psalms 1-2

Psalms 2:11 (ESV)

Serve the LORD with fear,

and rejoice with trembling.

For those New Testament believers who love God and see God as ONLY a God of love, the Old Testament warnings, like the above, to serve the LORD in fear, must cause great pause in their worship.  Notice what one commentary stated about Psalm 2 as a whole:

(Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) There is no avoiding the fact that Psalm 2 threatens the use of force, which may not be a popular notion today. But we must be clear that Yahweh uses force only when provoked in the face of defiance. And we must be clear what is at stake: not merely the status of one ethnic nation but the rule of “the One enthroned in heaven” expressed through his appointed earthly agent.

Psalm 2 contains both blessings and, as the above, warnings to those who “serve” the LORD.   This little song is quoted almost 20 times in the New Testament (verse 7 by itself is quoted ten times).  The writer is not mentioned but because of the mention of kingdoms and kings, it was probably a worship song that was sung to remind the nation of the path before them for obedience and/or disobedience.   This theme of the “fear of the LORD” was a popular theme of King Solomon:

Proverbs 8:13 (ESV)

The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.

Pride and arrogance and the way of evil

and perverted speech I hate.

Proverbs 14:27 (ESV)

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 16:6 (ESV)

By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.

It is by the fear of the LORD that we turn from the evilness in our hearts.   Today’s comfortable believer does not realize the power of being in awe of God and living in “fear” of His power and presence.   In one of the six “warning passages” in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, note what the writer warned the early church who was tempted to drift away from Christ:

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV)

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

And ...

Philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, WORK OUT your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who WORKS IN you, both to WILL and to WORK for his good pleasure.

That is not how we think in the Church-age.  But, that is how we should think.   We tend to believe our sins of indiscretion do not matter.  Yet, we believe that the “wages of sin is death.”  And we believe that “whatever we sow we reap.”   This law of “sowing and reaping” cannot be avoided.   We might not see the death (separation from something) when we sin and we may not see the reaping from the seeds of sin we sow, but it is never-the-less alive and impacting our day-to-day world.  As this little psalm warns the worshiper of Yahweh, we are to fear the LORD and rejoice in Him with “trembling.”   We are not to take lightly our walk with God.  He is holy and those who walk with Him fear His holiness:

Isaiah 6:3-5 (ESV)

And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory!”

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

Commemorate the Great Things God Does For Us - Joshua 1-5

 Joshua 4:1-3 (ESV)

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’”

We ought to commemorate the great things that God does for us.   In the above text we read about the instructions God gave Joshua after the nation crossed over the Jordan, on dry ground.  Just has He had done with Moses, now God had done with Joshua.  God parted the Red Sea and now dried up the Jordan River.   By doing so God did three things:

1. He melted the heart of the people of the land to know that God was on the march (Joshua 5:1). 

2. He established Joshua’s leadership in front of the people.  They now knew that Joshua had the same authority as Moses (Joshua 4:14).  

3. He established a memorial for all the people to remember the great thing God did that day for them (Joshua 4:1-13).  

This memorial would be a sign for them for many generations of the great things that God did for them and would do for them.  We are to memorialize God’s good works in our midst.   Note:

Psalms 119:27 (ESV)

27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

We are to meditate upon God’s wondrous works. But, the only way we can do that is if we see the wonderful works that God can do and is doing.  When Elisha’s servant was afraid and thought they were left alone, here is what Elisha prayed:

2 Kings 6:16-17 (ESV)

He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

When King Saul was afraid of the opposition, Samuel stated:

1 Samuel 12:16 (ESV)

Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

The twelve stones the nation took out of the Jordan River would be a physical commemoration of what God had done for them.  They were to look back at this over the next years to remember that God saves by His great strength.   We often forget the things God does for us.  We ought to have a list of every prayer God answered and every miracle He preformed for us during our walk with Him.   That is one sure what to remember and to trust God for future battles we face.  When you are worried about the foe in front of you, remember the fight God won behind you.