Philippians 1:12;27; 2:13: "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel . . . . Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ . . . . For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
As I reflect upon these verses, I am reminded of Paul's desperate situation in a Roman prison. During this painful time, Paul used this opportunity to write letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and to Philemon. Paul mentions in Philippians 1:13-14 that his being in chains has resulted in everyone in the palace knowing that he is there for his allegiance to Jesus Christ, and his imprisonment has led to the brothers of the faith being even more resolved to "speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."
So in Paul's understanding of his circumstances, he knew that this trial in his life was actually serving the cause of Christ; in fact, God was using this situation to bring about greater kingdom good in that the gospel was being advanced. He then encourages the hearers of his letter to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. That is, they are to maintain their commitment to Jesus Christ, understanding the awesome privilege of being adopted by God into His royal family. This awareness will motivate the faithful follower to see all trials and tribulations as experiences that can be transformed into kingdom-building opportunities, no matter how painful and discouraging they may be. And although we are not pleased that these events arise, we nonetheless understand that our ultimate purpose for existence is to glorify God our Sovereign Creator, and praise His name for His greatness and His wonderful grace and mercy.
We must remember that it is God "who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose." Thus, in Paul's situation, God had willed that these events in his life occur (i.e. imprisonment), so that His good purpose of advancing the gospel would occur.
In our life experiences, we know that difficulties will come our way. Sorrow for these events is a natural emotional response to these losses (see Paul's response concerning Epaphroditus in 2:27); still, we are able to know through our intimate association with our Lord that He is orchestrating something that will accomplish great things for His kingdom.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Answered Prayer
I Peter 3:12; 4:7: "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil . . . . Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."
For the follower of Jesus Christ, prayer is an incredible benefit. Prayer to God provides us the opportunity not only to express praise and thanksgiving to a Sovereign and loving Lord, but it also gives us the chance to share our burdens and needs. The Word of God mentioned above tells us that God hears the prayers of the righteous, namely those who are submitted to the Lord and are striving to be obedient to Him. This does not necessarily mean that God always answers our prayers according to our expectations, but He responds in a way that is consistent with His will and for His glory. For the true follower of Christ, whose number one purpose in life is to glorify God, submitting to the will of God for the glory of God is always best.
When those who perpetuate their own selfish desires seek the Lord to answer their prayer, God will not answer according to their demands. To do so would perpetuate the sinful behavior in the individual, and God will never contribute to the chronic rebellion against His Lordship.
Thus, followers of Christ are called to be "clear-minded" or focused upon God without the distraction of sinful pursuits. We are also called to be "self-controlled." We must suppress the selfish desires within us that would wage war for control of our lives. We must surrender to the Lord in all things, for then we can expect the Lord to be responsive to our prayers for His ultimate glory.
For the follower of Jesus Christ, prayer is an incredible benefit. Prayer to God provides us the opportunity not only to express praise and thanksgiving to a Sovereign and loving Lord, but it also gives us the chance to share our burdens and needs. The Word of God mentioned above tells us that God hears the prayers of the righteous, namely those who are submitted to the Lord and are striving to be obedient to Him. This does not necessarily mean that God always answers our prayers according to our expectations, but He responds in a way that is consistent with His will and for His glory. For the true follower of Christ, whose number one purpose in life is to glorify God, submitting to the will of God for the glory of God is always best.
When those who perpetuate their own selfish desires seek the Lord to answer their prayer, God will not answer according to their demands. To do so would perpetuate the sinful behavior in the individual, and God will never contribute to the chronic rebellion against His Lordship.
Thus, followers of Christ are called to be "clear-minded" or focused upon God without the distraction of sinful pursuits. We are also called to be "self-controlled." We must suppress the selfish desires within us that would wage war for control of our lives. We must surrender to the Lord in all things, for then we can expect the Lord to be responsive to our prayers for His ultimate glory.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Show Me the Money
Psalm 73:2-3: "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
Here we find Asaph struggling as he watched others enjoying their material wealth while he was plagued with financial needs. In verse 16, Asaph writes, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me." He struggled with this intense desire to have what others had. It was not until he had a close encounter with God that he realized that God was in control and ultimately would reward everyone according to his obedience to Him. As Acts 17:26 suggests, God determined the time in eternity when we would live on the earth as well as the setting in which we would live. After Asaph realized all these things, he confessed to the Lord that he had been senseless and ignorant before the Lord (vs. 22). With this paradigm shift, Asaph was able to understand that God was all he really needed. In verse 25, he wrote, "Whom have I in heaven but you. And earth has nothing I desire besides you . . . . God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." In verse 28, Asaph wrote, "it is good to be near God." Asaph was able to understand that intimacy with God was sufficient to sustain him through life. He knew that he might not have all of the material resources that others had at their disposal; but Asaph knew that purpose, fulfillment, peace, and contentment would only come through an encounter with the Sovereign Lord.
Here we find Asaph struggling as he watched others enjoying their material wealth while he was plagued with financial needs. In verse 16, Asaph writes, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me." He struggled with this intense desire to have what others had. It was not until he had a close encounter with God that he realized that God was in control and ultimately would reward everyone according to his obedience to Him. As Acts 17:26 suggests, God determined the time in eternity when we would live on the earth as well as the setting in which we would live. After Asaph realized all these things, he confessed to the Lord that he had been senseless and ignorant before the Lord (vs. 22). With this paradigm shift, Asaph was able to understand that God was all he really needed. In verse 25, he wrote, "Whom have I in heaven but you. And earth has nothing I desire besides you . . . . God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." In verse 28, Asaph wrote, "it is good to be near God." Asaph was able to understand that intimacy with God was sufficient to sustain him through life. He knew that he might not have all of the material resources that others had at their disposal; but Asaph knew that purpose, fulfillment, peace, and contentment would only come through an encounter with the Sovereign Lord.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Racism
Numbers 12:1-2,9-10,13-15: "Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 'Has the Lord spoke only through Moses?' they asked. 'Hasn't he also spoken through us?' . . . . The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them. When the cloud lifted from above the Tent, there stood Miriam-leprous, like snow . . . . So Moses cried out to the LORD, 'O God! Please heal her!' The LORD replied to Moses, 'If her father had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days; after that she can be brought back.' So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days."
In the passage above, we find that the brother and sister of Moses, who presumably had significant influence in the Israelite camp, resented Moses' marrying a Cushite woman. The people of Cush were dark-skinned people from regions south of Palestine. Was Miriam and Aaron resentful of the fact that Moses has not married one of his own kind? Was this racism? Genesis 9:6 states that all persons are made in the image of God and have immeasurable value. Moses' brother and sister should not have resented Moses' decision to marry a woman who did not look like them. They used this resentment as an opportunity to question if Moses should be leading them.
The irony in this passage is God's response of judgment against Miriam by striking her with leprosy (as white as snow). God gave her the opposite complexion of Moses' wife, which resulted in her being cast outside the camp as unclean for a period of seven days. Whereas Miriam wanted to ostracize Moses' wife for being different, she in effect was separated from the people for her sin.
Today, we still find racism evident throughout the world. One race or color of people hold in contempt another race and vice versa. This pandemic problem is counter to God's desire that all people be treated with respect. God created humans as the pinnacle of His creation made in His image. For this reason, all humans should be treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of race or color.
In the passage above, we find that the brother and sister of Moses, who presumably had significant influence in the Israelite camp, resented Moses' marrying a Cushite woman. The people of Cush were dark-skinned people from regions south of Palestine. Was Miriam and Aaron resentful of the fact that Moses has not married one of his own kind? Was this racism? Genesis 9:6 states that all persons are made in the image of God and have immeasurable value. Moses' brother and sister should not have resented Moses' decision to marry a woman who did not look like them. They used this resentment as an opportunity to question if Moses should be leading them.
The irony in this passage is God's response of judgment against Miriam by striking her with leprosy (as white as snow). God gave her the opposite complexion of Moses' wife, which resulted in her being cast outside the camp as unclean for a period of seven days. Whereas Miriam wanted to ostracize Moses' wife for being different, she in effect was separated from the people for her sin.
Today, we still find racism evident throughout the world. One race or color of people hold in contempt another race and vice versa. This pandemic problem is counter to God's desire that all people be treated with respect. God created humans as the pinnacle of His creation made in His image. For this reason, all humans should be treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of race or color.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Integrity
Mark 12:14: "You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth."
In this passage, the adversaries of Jesus, the Pharisees and the Herodians, acknowledged that Jesus didn't succumb to the pressure of his peers or even the religious establishment, but He spoke truth (the way of God) despite how unpopular that may have been to the culture at the time. These religious leaders even recognized Jesus as a man of integrity. Although that platitude was an enticement by them to get Jesus to conform to their insatiable desire to control Him, Jesus did not play along. His first words to them were, "why are you trying to trap me?"
Followers of Jesus Christ should be bold in their proclamation of truth in our world, and not succumb to what is popular or politically correct. No matter how society treats with contempt the person to lives by Godly truth, God Himself will be well pleased, and that is what is most important. Donald Miller in his book, Searching for God Knows What has said it well: "If we are going through religious motions to get people to think of us as religious, praise us, and all that, we are receiving our false redemption from a bunch of people who are going to be dead in fifty years. This is a shabby replacement for an eternal God." (pg. 203).
In this passage, the adversaries of Jesus, the Pharisees and the Herodians, acknowledged that Jesus didn't succumb to the pressure of his peers or even the religious establishment, but He spoke truth (the way of God) despite how unpopular that may have been to the culture at the time. These religious leaders even recognized Jesus as a man of integrity. Although that platitude was an enticement by them to get Jesus to conform to their insatiable desire to control Him, Jesus did not play along. His first words to them were, "why are you trying to trap me?"
Followers of Jesus Christ should be bold in their proclamation of truth in our world, and not succumb to what is popular or politically correct. No matter how society treats with contempt the person to lives by Godly truth, God Himself will be well pleased, and that is what is most important. Donald Miller in his book, Searching for God Knows What has said it well: "If we are going through religious motions to get people to think of us as religious, praise us, and all that, we are receiving our false redemption from a bunch of people who are going to be dead in fifty years. This is a shabby replacement for an eternal God." (pg. 203).
Friday, September 21, 2007
Grace
Psalm 49:7-9,11-15: "No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-that he should live on forever and not see decay . . . . Their (the wicked's) tombs will remain their houses forever . . . . Man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings . . . . They are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them . . . . But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself."
Here's the Gospel Message from God! No one but God can redeem your life. Neither you nor any other person or thing are able to save yourself from the judgment of God for your sin and rebellion. The Word says that the ransom for a life to be saved from death is costly. And only the Lord Himself could provide the payment for your sin. This is why He HAD to come to the earth to die on a cross for your sins. Only Jesus Christ is the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins (I John 2:2). If you place your faith and trust in anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ, your life will not be ransomed . . . it is TOO costly for anyone else to pay.
The peril of most today is that they believe that if they simply are a good person, God will welcome them into heaven. WRONG! The Bible tells us that none of us are righteous; no one seeks after God (Romans 3:10-11). All of our supposed "righteous acts" are in fact like filthy rags before a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6). This is why we MUST surrender ourselves to the mercy of God through submission to Him as our Lord and receive His precious COSTLY payment of Himself for our sins. Any other attempted remedy for our salvation will not be enough.
Here's the Gospel Message from God! No one but God can redeem your life. Neither you nor any other person or thing are able to save yourself from the judgment of God for your sin and rebellion. The Word says that the ransom for a life to be saved from death is costly. And only the Lord Himself could provide the payment for your sin. This is why He HAD to come to the earth to die on a cross for your sins. Only Jesus Christ is the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins (I John 2:2). If you place your faith and trust in anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ, your life will not be ransomed . . . it is TOO costly for anyone else to pay.
The peril of most today is that they believe that if they simply are a good person, God will welcome them into heaven. WRONG! The Bible tells us that none of us are righteous; no one seeks after God (Romans 3:10-11). All of our supposed "righteous acts" are in fact like filthy rags before a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6). This is why we MUST surrender ourselves to the mercy of God through submission to Him as our Lord and receive His precious COSTLY payment of Himself for our sins. Any other attempted remedy for our salvation will not be enough.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Perseverance
Job 19:25-27: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him . . . . How my heart yearns within me!"
What a great word of strength from Job. He had lost his family, his fortune, his health, and his fame. He was suffering from his physical pain, and he was alienated from his friends. His servants would not respond to his summons for help. His wife scorned him, and little boys would jeer him in the street.
Yet with all of this, Job found strength in these truths:
1. God lives.
2. God is Job's Redeemer.
3. God is in control. "He will stand in the end."
4. Job would be with God after death.
And for these truths, Job's heart yearned for the day of his deliverance. His hope in God sustained him through the perilous times. Job knew that his earthly purpose was not to experience happiness or success, but to glorify God . . . even if that meant suffering and pain.
What a great word of strength from Job. He had lost his family, his fortune, his health, and his fame. He was suffering from his physical pain, and he was alienated from his friends. His servants would not respond to his summons for help. His wife scorned him, and little boys would jeer him in the street.
Yet with all of this, Job found strength in these truths:
1. God lives.
2. God is Job's Redeemer.
3. God is in control. "He will stand in the end."
4. Job would be with God after death.
And for these truths, Job's heart yearned for the day of his deliverance. His hope in God sustained him through the perilous times. Job knew that his earthly purpose was not to experience happiness or success, but to glorify God . . . even if that meant suffering and pain.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
You Cannot Serve Before You Surrender
Isaiah 6:1,5-9: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted . . . . 'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.' Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.' Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here I am, Send me!' He said, "Go . . . "
Here is a good word for those who believe that they just need to do something charitable to get right with God, feel better about themselves, or find purpose in life. Whereas being involved in something charitable is not necessarily a bad thing, it actually can be sin if it lures you into the fallacious notion that good deeds are all you need in life to find purpose and/or to appease God.
Notice in the Isaiah passage mentioned above that there is an intentional order to one's relationship with God. First, Isaiah was overwhelmed by the holiness of God. Holiness means "set apart, above, and transcendent." When Isaiah saw the pre-incarnate Christ in His holiness, Isaiah's first response was dread. He pronounced that he was cursed for he had seen the majestic Lord and instantly was aware of his unworthiness to stand before the One True God. Isaiah realized that God is perfectly righteous, and compared to a holy God, the prophet was an ugly sinner . . . rebellious against God at his core. In a state of despondency, Isaiah lamented his sins against the Lord as he capitulated himself to the lordship of the Almighty God. Because of Isaiah's recognition of the Lordship of the pre-incarnate Christ (John 12:41), and because of his repentance of his sin against the Lord, Isaiah found God's atonement for his sin.
THEN and only then do we find God seeking out Isaiah to send him forth as a messenger to the rebellious Israelites. Notice that Isaiah did not start his encounter with God by wondering to what service project or charitable ministry he should commit. He did not organize a charitable fundraiser or mission trip to "do something for God." Instead, he encountered a Holy God FIRST! Then he submitted himself to God's Lordship and repented of his sins. Lastly, he yielded to the service call of God upon his life.
This order is sequential. For one to attempt to rearrange this order is to commit sin . . . Yes, I did say it . . . one can actually sin against the Lord by performing charitable acts of service without first encountering the Holy God.
Read for yourself in Isaiah 6 the account of the seraphs (literally "burning ones") . . . the heavenly beings who are before the throne of God. They have six wings . . . two which cover their eyes (they are overwhelmed by the transcendent holiness of a Holy God), two which cover their feet (they are submitted and humble as frail creatures before a transcendent Lord), and two which fly at the bidding of the Lord. Only two of the six wings are service oriented, the other four are responsive to relationship with God. It sounds to me that we would do well to learn from the seraphs. Let's not become spiritual busybodies; rather, let's submit to the Awesome Lord first and repent of sin. Then, we can await God's calling to do what He wills to be done.
Here is a good word for those who believe that they just need to do something charitable to get right with God, feel better about themselves, or find purpose in life. Whereas being involved in something charitable is not necessarily a bad thing, it actually can be sin if it lures you into the fallacious notion that good deeds are all you need in life to find purpose and/or to appease God.
Notice in the Isaiah passage mentioned above that there is an intentional order to one's relationship with God. First, Isaiah was overwhelmed by the holiness of God. Holiness means "set apart, above, and transcendent." When Isaiah saw the pre-incarnate Christ in His holiness, Isaiah's first response was dread. He pronounced that he was cursed for he had seen the majestic Lord and instantly was aware of his unworthiness to stand before the One True God. Isaiah realized that God is perfectly righteous, and compared to a holy God, the prophet was an ugly sinner . . . rebellious against God at his core. In a state of despondency, Isaiah lamented his sins against the Lord as he capitulated himself to the lordship of the Almighty God. Because of Isaiah's recognition of the Lordship of the pre-incarnate Christ (John 12:41), and because of his repentance of his sin against the Lord, Isaiah found God's atonement for his sin.
THEN and only then do we find God seeking out Isaiah to send him forth as a messenger to the rebellious Israelites. Notice that Isaiah did not start his encounter with God by wondering to what service project or charitable ministry he should commit. He did not organize a charitable fundraiser or mission trip to "do something for God." Instead, he encountered a Holy God FIRST! Then he submitted himself to God's Lordship and repented of his sins. Lastly, he yielded to the service call of God upon his life.
This order is sequential. For one to attempt to rearrange this order is to commit sin . . . Yes, I did say it . . . one can actually sin against the Lord by performing charitable acts of service without first encountering the Holy God.
Read for yourself in Isaiah 6 the account of the seraphs (literally "burning ones") . . . the heavenly beings who are before the throne of God. They have six wings . . . two which cover their eyes (they are overwhelmed by the transcendent holiness of a Holy God), two which cover their feet (they are submitted and humble as frail creatures before a transcendent Lord), and two which fly at the bidding of the Lord. Only two of the six wings are service oriented, the other four are responsive to relationship with God. It sounds to me that we would do well to learn from the seraphs. Let's not become spiritual busybodies; rather, let's submit to the Awesome Lord first and repent of sin. Then, we can await God's calling to do what He wills to be done.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Homosexuality
Leviticus 19:1; 20:7,13: 20:26: "The Lord said to Moses, 'Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy' . . . . consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy . . . . If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of the them have done what is detestable. . . . You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.' "
The context of Leviticus 19-20 is "being holy before the LORD." That is, the covenant community was called to be set apart from the sinful world by their obedience to the laws of a Holy God. In one of the declarations, God said that it is detestable for one to be involved in a homosexual relationship. Why would this be? It is because God has defined the sexual relationship to be between a man and a woman in a marriage covenant. As Ephesians 5 suggests, the husband and wife are to illustrate the ultimate spiritual, divine union between God and His bride, the Church. God has made man and woman biologically compatible to be able to experience sexual union for the procreation of Godly offspring (Malachi 2:15). Homosexuality treats with contempt the prescription that God has ordained for the marriage covenant. For this reason it is an abomination and should be rejected as a viable, relational alternative.
The context of Leviticus 19-20 is "being holy before the LORD." That is, the covenant community was called to be set apart from the sinful world by their obedience to the laws of a Holy God. In one of the declarations, God said that it is detestable for one to be involved in a homosexual relationship. Why would this be? It is because God has defined the sexual relationship to be between a man and a woman in a marriage covenant. As Ephesians 5 suggests, the husband and wife are to illustrate the ultimate spiritual, divine union between God and His bride, the Church. God has made man and woman biologically compatible to be able to experience sexual union for the procreation of Godly offspring (Malachi 2:15). Homosexuality treats with contempt the prescription that God has ordained for the marriage covenant. For this reason it is an abomination and should be rejected as a viable, relational alternative.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Husband, Be a Leader!
Genesis 16:2: "So she (Sarai) said to Abram, 'The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.' Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, 'You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering.'"
What a illustrative story for husbands is found in the above passage. Previously, Abram had been promised offspring by God directly (Genesis 13:15-16; 12:2; 15:4-5,16-18). Yet, after ten years had elapsed (he was 85 now), Abram's wife became disillusioned at the thought of no children. I'm sure that Abram discussed with Sarai on many prior occasions God's promise of children to the couple; this is likely why she faulted the LORD for her lack of bearing a child. Sarai exclaimed, "The LORD has kept me from having children"; so, in a desperate attempt to have SOMEBODY carry on the family name, she gave her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abram to produce an heir. Abram should have stopped this immediately, knowing that God had made a promise and would be true to His Word! Instead, Abram capitulated to Sarai's suggestion and thus was not the spiritual leader that he needed to be in his family. Notice that his wife would come to resent her husband for not taking the place of spiritual leader. She said, "you are responsible for the wrong I am suffering." Interestingly, God would delay the birth of their promised son, Isaac, by another 14 years.
Men need to understand their God-ordained place of being spiritual leaders in the home, and ladies should respect this calling through obedience to their husbands. Of course, this position of leadership does not mean that men have more intrinsic value than their wives; it is a functional role ordained to men to model the ultimate marriage between God (the husband) and His bride, the Church. With this calling of spiritual leader comes the expectation that men will lead their families toward Godliness. Men need to be submitted to Christ in all things, so that by their leadership, they can direct their families toward the blessings of God that come through obedience to the LORD!
What a illustrative story for husbands is found in the above passage. Previously, Abram had been promised offspring by God directly (Genesis 13:15-16; 12:2; 15:4-5,16-18). Yet, after ten years had elapsed (he was 85 now), Abram's wife became disillusioned at the thought of no children. I'm sure that Abram discussed with Sarai on many prior occasions God's promise of children to the couple; this is likely why she faulted the LORD for her lack of bearing a child. Sarai exclaimed, "The LORD has kept me from having children"; so, in a desperate attempt to have SOMEBODY carry on the family name, she gave her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abram to produce an heir. Abram should have stopped this immediately, knowing that God had made a promise and would be true to His Word! Instead, Abram capitulated to Sarai's suggestion and thus was not the spiritual leader that he needed to be in his family. Notice that his wife would come to resent her husband for not taking the place of spiritual leader. She said, "you are responsible for the wrong I am suffering." Interestingly, God would delay the birth of their promised son, Isaac, by another 14 years.
Men need to understand their God-ordained place of being spiritual leaders in the home, and ladies should respect this calling through obedience to their husbands. Of course, this position of leadership does not mean that men have more intrinsic value than their wives; it is a functional role ordained to men to model the ultimate marriage between God (the husband) and His bride, the Church. With this calling of spiritual leader comes the expectation that men will lead their families toward Godliness. Men need to be submitted to Christ in all things, so that by their leadership, they can direct their families toward the blessings of God that come through obedience to the LORD!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Selfish, Distracting Leadership
I Timothy 1:6-7: "Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm."
In this first chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul warns the people about false teachers who would make their way into the fellowship and attempt to distract the people by interjecting controversial matters to elevate themselves.
Paul alludes that these "want to be" teachers have wandered away from love, a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. They instead have started teaching false doctrines involving myths and endless genealogies resulting in controversies rather than God's work. In chapter 4, they forbid marriage and require abstention of certain foods. In turn, Paul refers to these teachers as "hypocritical liars who are deceiving spirits and teach things taught by demons."
The crux of the issue with these teachers is a desire to use their position of teacher as an opportunity to elevate their quest for power and influence. Their pride and the need to draw attention to themselves has resulted in their teaching strange myths that seem to captivate their audiences. They are fascinated with genealogies so that they can say that they are worthy by physical association with the line of Abraham that they are deserving of such positions of leadership. They then place hard restrictions upon the people; for with stringent guidelines, they are able to separate themselves from many who would not meet their expectations.
Later in the book, the Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said it well: "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to Godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain" (I Timothy 6:3-5).
If you are in a position of spiritual leadership within your church, remember that this position is a privilege from the Lord, of which God will hold you to account (James 3:1). We are not to focus upon controversial matters that distract from the central focus of the Gospel; rather, we are to strive in unity for the purpose of exalting the Lord Jesus Christ through praise and obedience.
In this first chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul warns the people about false teachers who would make their way into the fellowship and attempt to distract the people by interjecting controversial matters to elevate themselves.
Paul alludes that these "want to be" teachers have wandered away from love, a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. They instead have started teaching false doctrines involving myths and endless genealogies resulting in controversies rather than God's work. In chapter 4, they forbid marriage and require abstention of certain foods. In turn, Paul refers to these teachers as "hypocritical liars who are deceiving spirits and teach things taught by demons."
The crux of the issue with these teachers is a desire to use their position of teacher as an opportunity to elevate their quest for power and influence. Their pride and the need to draw attention to themselves has resulted in their teaching strange myths that seem to captivate their audiences. They are fascinated with genealogies so that they can say that they are worthy by physical association with the line of Abraham that they are deserving of such positions of leadership. They then place hard restrictions upon the people; for with stringent guidelines, they are able to separate themselves from many who would not meet their expectations.
Later in the book, the Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said it well: "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to Godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain" (I Timothy 6:3-5).
If you are in a position of spiritual leadership within your church, remember that this position is a privilege from the Lord, of which God will hold you to account (James 3:1). We are not to focus upon controversial matters that distract from the central focus of the Gospel; rather, we are to strive in unity for the purpose of exalting the Lord Jesus Christ through praise and obedience.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Who Gets Your Best?
Exodus 23:16,20: "Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field . . . . See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."
In this Exodus account, we find that the Israelites were traversing the wilderness in route to the Promised Land. God assured them that He would provide for their protection as He would lead them to this land of blessing. In turn, God commanded that the people honor Him with the giving of their best (i.e. the firstfruits) back to Him as an expression of faith and thanksgiving.
Because the Lord is the Sovereign One, who has offered to us through Jesus Christ the blessing of eternity with Him (the TRUE Promised Land), don't you think that He deserves the very best from us in response? Are you giving to the Lord the firstfruits of your life, your time, your money, your all?
In this Exodus account, we find that the Israelites were traversing the wilderness in route to the Promised Land. God assured them that He would provide for their protection as He would lead them to this land of blessing. In turn, God commanded that the people honor Him with the giving of their best (i.e. the firstfruits) back to Him as an expression of faith and thanksgiving.
Because the Lord is the Sovereign One, who has offered to us through Jesus Christ the blessing of eternity with Him (the TRUE Promised Land), don't you think that He deserves the very best from us in response? Are you giving to the Lord the firstfruits of your life, your time, your money, your all?
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Going Too Far
Numbers 16:2-3,7b,12-14: "250 Israelite men (were) well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, 'You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly?' . . . . When Moses heard this, he fell face down . . . (Moses said), 'the man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy. You Levites have gone too far!' . . . . Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. but they said, 'We will not come! Isn't it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And now you also want to lord it over us? Moreover, you haven't brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards . . . . No, we will not come!' "
The Numbers 16 passage is quite telling of a people who suffered Divine judgment for their rebellion against God and His chosen leadership. In Numbers 13-14, we find that the Israelites are on the verge of entering God's Promised Land, a land full of the blessing of vegetation and livestock. Although God had commanded the people to enter the land, assuring them that He would provide victory over any people who would try to stop them, the Israelites were not willing to step out in faith to receive God's blessing. They were fearful that this "land of giants" would destroy them as they entered. They could not accept God's promise that He would lead them and provide deliverance no matter how great an opposing army might be.
For their disobedience, God in turn shut the door of opportunity for them to enter the blessed land, and dictated to Moses that he must lead the recalcitrant people back into the barren desert to wander for 40 years. The Israelites then realized their missed opportunity and decided to attempt to enter the Promised Land without God's divine blessing; this act brought the attack of the Amalekites and Canaanites. These armies beat the Israelites, driving them back to the wilderness area of Hormah.
One would think that the Israelites would have seen their sin of disobedience and responded with repentance; instead, they decided to start playing the blame game. The 250 "well-known community leaders" began to question if they needed to have Moses as their leader; and as a result, they collectively approached Moses to blame him for taking them out of Egypt into the desert. They had forgotten that Egypt was a place of oppression and slavery, for they now referred to Egypt as a land "flowing with milk and honey" (16:13). In turn, they accused Moses of leading them into the desert to kill them, and they blamed Moses for failing to get them into the Promised Land. The Israelites would take comfort in finding Moses culpable for their lack of God's Divine blessings; this responsive attitude of the people eliminated their need for painful introspection of their own sin of disobedience.
These community leaders told Moses that he had gone too far in usurping authority over them, and they decided that they would lead themselves. In response, Moses told these Levites that they had gone too far in their desires to thwart God and His chosen leader for His people. Specifically, Moses said, "It is against the LORD that you and all your followers have banded together (16:11)."
As these leaders stood before the tabernacle in opposition to Moses and Aaron, God decreed judgment upon these men for their challenge of His Divine decree. In later portions of the chapter, God caused the earth to open upon these leaders and their families, swallowing them and then closing back upon them. This unnatural and untimely death of these leaders was a Divine statement that disobedience against God would result in His responsive judgment.
Okay, so what can we learn from this sobering story of rebellion and subsequent Divine wrath? I believe that this tragic story began with a people who first were disobedient to God's commands for their lives; and instead of repenting of their sin, they decided to blame others, namely Moses. When they weren't able to get the blessings of God (i.e. the Promised Land), they decided to abandon loyalty to God and take control of their own lives. Their anger and frustration continued to mount until abject rebellion was the eventual outcome. God was unwilling to relent from His righteous anger toward these people, and many died as a result of their sin.
Today, I see many people who follow the path of these rebellious people mentioned above. God may have a prescriptive plan for their lives; however, they do not follow obediently in faith. As the window of Divine blessing closes for a lack of obedience, people today respond with these words, "God, if you're not going to help me or answer my prayer, I'm not going to follow you." They get mad at God for not giving them what they want and start to blame Him for not getting the answers for which they are looking. They see God as a cosmic bell-hop that should give them what they want, and if He's not willing to provide, then they don't need Him.
God does not cower to those who would be rebellious against Him. In His Divine Holiness, God will bring to account those who would defy Him. Galatians 6:7-8 proclaims what disobedience will produce: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction."
Our response to sin should be repentance and submission to the Lord. Don't permit the seed of sin the opportunity to germinate within your soul; rather, recognize that you have been disobedient to the Lord and have treated with contempt His Holiness. God is Holy and worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. It is His Will to which we must yield; to attempt to thwart God is to bring His judgment. Keep your sin in check and avoid going too far.
The Numbers 16 passage is quite telling of a people who suffered Divine judgment for their rebellion against God and His chosen leadership. In Numbers 13-14, we find that the Israelites are on the verge of entering God's Promised Land, a land full of the blessing of vegetation and livestock. Although God had commanded the people to enter the land, assuring them that He would provide victory over any people who would try to stop them, the Israelites were not willing to step out in faith to receive God's blessing. They were fearful that this "land of giants" would destroy them as they entered. They could not accept God's promise that He would lead them and provide deliverance no matter how great an opposing army might be.
For their disobedience, God in turn shut the door of opportunity for them to enter the blessed land, and dictated to Moses that he must lead the recalcitrant people back into the barren desert to wander for 40 years. The Israelites then realized their missed opportunity and decided to attempt to enter the Promised Land without God's divine blessing; this act brought the attack of the Amalekites and Canaanites. These armies beat the Israelites, driving them back to the wilderness area of Hormah.
One would think that the Israelites would have seen their sin of disobedience and responded with repentance; instead, they decided to start playing the blame game. The 250 "well-known community leaders" began to question if they needed to have Moses as their leader; and as a result, they collectively approached Moses to blame him for taking them out of Egypt into the desert. They had forgotten that Egypt was a place of oppression and slavery, for they now referred to Egypt as a land "flowing with milk and honey" (16:13). In turn, they accused Moses of leading them into the desert to kill them, and they blamed Moses for failing to get them into the Promised Land. The Israelites would take comfort in finding Moses culpable for their lack of God's Divine blessings; this responsive attitude of the people eliminated their need for painful introspection of their own sin of disobedience.
These community leaders told Moses that he had gone too far in usurping authority over them, and they decided that they would lead themselves. In response, Moses told these Levites that they had gone too far in their desires to thwart God and His chosen leader for His people. Specifically, Moses said, "It is against the LORD that you and all your followers have banded together (16:11)."
As these leaders stood before the tabernacle in opposition to Moses and Aaron, God decreed judgment upon these men for their challenge of His Divine decree. In later portions of the chapter, God caused the earth to open upon these leaders and their families, swallowing them and then closing back upon them. This unnatural and untimely death of these leaders was a Divine statement that disobedience against God would result in His responsive judgment.
Okay, so what can we learn from this sobering story of rebellion and subsequent Divine wrath? I believe that this tragic story began with a people who first were disobedient to God's commands for their lives; and instead of repenting of their sin, they decided to blame others, namely Moses. When they weren't able to get the blessings of God (i.e. the Promised Land), they decided to abandon loyalty to God and take control of their own lives. Their anger and frustration continued to mount until abject rebellion was the eventual outcome. God was unwilling to relent from His righteous anger toward these people, and many died as a result of their sin.
Today, I see many people who follow the path of these rebellious people mentioned above. God may have a prescriptive plan for their lives; however, they do not follow obediently in faith. As the window of Divine blessing closes for a lack of obedience, people today respond with these words, "God, if you're not going to help me or answer my prayer, I'm not going to follow you." They get mad at God for not giving them what they want and start to blame Him for not getting the answers for which they are looking. They see God as a cosmic bell-hop that should give them what they want, and if He's not willing to provide, then they don't need Him.
God does not cower to those who would be rebellious against Him. In His Divine Holiness, God will bring to account those who would defy Him. Galatians 6:7-8 proclaims what disobedience will produce: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction."
Our response to sin should be repentance and submission to the Lord. Don't permit the seed of sin the opportunity to germinate within your soul; rather, recognize that you have been disobedient to the Lord and have treated with contempt His Holiness. God is Holy and worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. It is His Will to which we must yield; to attempt to thwart God is to bring His judgment. Keep your sin in check and avoid going too far.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Flourishing With Age
Psalm 92:12-15: The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."
We see in this passage that the righteous are people who continuously pursue God. They are committed to the LORD at all times and in all circumstances. If the times are hard, they still flourish because they are led by the Spirit of Christ in their lives. He is the Power Source that they have tapped, to endure through any obstacle.
We also find that the righteous thrive in old age . . . . They stay fresh and green. These are the ones who despite the pains of old age, look beyond the physical impediments and strive through the Holy Spirit to bear fruit for Christ. They are a blessing to God, and they further the kingdom of God.
In their proclamation, the righteous exclaim, "The LORD is upright, He is my ROCK, and there is no wickedness in Him." No matter what may befall them, these aged ones are able to put their utter faith in the LORD as their ROCK . . . the Firm Foundation that gives strength through any trial.
Because of their constancy in Godly character, these aged ones are a blessing to the generations who come after them. Through their passion for Christ, they strive to minister to those who would follow. In their conversation, they transmit the exuberance of their love for the Lord and their sincere gratitude for His love. They are not merely focused upon themselves, but they want to continue to impact the kingdom of God by being a source of inspiration for younger generations. They flourish because the Holy Spirit is prompting them and guiding them to bear fruit until the day of their glorification.
Oh, to be like this in old age . . . . May we be fruit bearers throughout the entirety of our lives. May we be a source of inspiration for those who would follow after us!
We see in this passage that the righteous are people who continuously pursue God. They are committed to the LORD at all times and in all circumstances. If the times are hard, they still flourish because they are led by the Spirit of Christ in their lives. He is the Power Source that they have tapped, to endure through any obstacle.
We also find that the righteous thrive in old age . . . . They stay fresh and green. These are the ones who despite the pains of old age, look beyond the physical impediments and strive through the Holy Spirit to bear fruit for Christ. They are a blessing to God, and they further the kingdom of God.
In their proclamation, the righteous exclaim, "The LORD is upright, He is my ROCK, and there is no wickedness in Him." No matter what may befall them, these aged ones are able to put their utter faith in the LORD as their ROCK . . . the Firm Foundation that gives strength through any trial.
Because of their constancy in Godly character, these aged ones are a blessing to the generations who come after them. Through their passion for Christ, they strive to minister to those who would follow. In their conversation, they transmit the exuberance of their love for the Lord and their sincere gratitude for His love. They are not merely focused upon themselves, but they want to continue to impact the kingdom of God by being a source of inspiration for younger generations. They flourish because the Holy Spirit is prompting them and guiding them to bear fruit until the day of their glorification.
Oh, to be like this in old age . . . . May we be fruit bearers throughout the entirety of our lives. May we be a source of inspiration for those who would follow after us!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Opened Eyes
Ephesians 1:18-19: " I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
What a tremendous passage for the Church. So often, we become ensnared by the trials and tribulations of this world that we lose sight of all the benefits that God has afforded to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Most assuredly, these benefits are not the result of our vain accomplishments (Eph. 2:1-3); rather, they are "lavished" (1:8) upon us according to "God's good pleasure" (1:9) and His "love" (1:4).
These benefits that we receive include (1) the riches of His glorious inheritance; (2) His incomparably great power for us who believe . . . . which gives us as His workmanship, the ability to do good works for His kingdom (2:10); (3) our access to God the Father through the Holy Spirit (2:18) with freedom and confidence (3:12); (4) our bodies being the presence where God chooses to live by His Spirit (2:22); (5) our ability to be strengthened by the power of God (3:16) . . . the one who is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (3:20)."
For those true believers who would tend to fall prey to the difficulties of life, these verses should be seen as "good news" that God has lavished upon His children. We all have seen how people respond to winning the lottery or the sweepstakes; yet, we seldom see believers with such exuberance. We need to move toward this enlightenment, so that we can with a positive countenance tap into the immeasurable riches that God has granted to us through His Son.
What a tremendous passage for the Church. So often, we become ensnared by the trials and tribulations of this world that we lose sight of all the benefits that God has afforded to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Most assuredly, these benefits are not the result of our vain accomplishments (Eph. 2:1-3); rather, they are "lavished" (1:8) upon us according to "God's good pleasure" (1:9) and His "love" (1:4).
These benefits that we receive include (1) the riches of His glorious inheritance; (2) His incomparably great power for us who believe . . . . which gives us as His workmanship, the ability to do good works for His kingdom (2:10); (3) our access to God the Father through the Holy Spirit (2:18) with freedom and confidence (3:12); (4) our bodies being the presence where God chooses to live by His Spirit (2:22); (5) our ability to be strengthened by the power of God (3:16) . . . the one who is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (3:20)."
For those true believers who would tend to fall prey to the difficulties of life, these verses should be seen as "good news" that God has lavished upon His children. We all have seen how people respond to winning the lottery or the sweepstakes; yet, we seldom see believers with such exuberance. We need to move toward this enlightenment, so that we can with a positive countenance tap into the immeasurable riches that God has granted to us through His Son.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Confused While Suffering
Psalm 44:13, 17-18: "You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us . . . . All this happened to us, though we had not forgotten you or been false to your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path."
Earlier in Psalm 44, the sons of Korah presented an interesting passage of reflection upon God's love for His people . . . a love manifesting itself in the deliverance of His people from all sorts of enemies. These sons remembered how their fathers were delivered, "not by their sword or arm; it was His (God's) right hand, His arm, and the light of His face" that brought deliverance. These sons continued by saying their boast would be all day long for God (44:8) for it is God that brings victory.
Then one finds an interesting switch in presentation, revealing that God has now rejected and humbled his people resulting in others plundering them. They no longer seem to be victorious over their enemies; rather they are receiving the "scorn and derision of those around (them) [44:13]".
One would think that there was unconfessed sin which was the reason for the removal of God's favor; however, in 44:17-19, we find these perplexing words: "all this happened to us, though we had not forgotten you or been false to your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path. But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals and covered us over with deep darkness. If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered it?"
It seems that there was no under girding sin which was the reasoning for God's noticeable absence leading to the sons' defeat by their enemies. God had chosen to remove Himself from their lives, and the sons of Korah did not understand why. They presented their actions before God to explain that if sin were found in their lives, they would understand God's abandonment. Now, they stood defeated by their enemies and scorned by the world; yet they yearned for God's hand of favor upon their lives. They concluded the passage with a plea that God not reject them forever but remember them in their misery and oppression. They urged God to remember His unfailing love for them.
So, the sons of Korah, with "downcast souls" (43:5) were resolved to put their hope in God and praise Him, despite their circumstances.
God's absence was not punitive in nature, but was designed to strengthen His people to depend upon Him alone. God was using these experiences of pain and defeat to grow His people to a point of knowing the blessing of pain, leading to utter faith and dependence in Him alone. God wanted these sons to never forget that His unfailing love is always constructive and best, though not always painless.
Earlier in Psalm 44, the sons of Korah presented an interesting passage of reflection upon God's love for His people . . . a love manifesting itself in the deliverance of His people from all sorts of enemies. These sons remembered how their fathers were delivered, "not by their sword or arm; it was His (God's) right hand, His arm, and the light of His face" that brought deliverance. These sons continued by saying their boast would be all day long for God (44:8) for it is God that brings victory.
Then one finds an interesting switch in presentation, revealing that God has now rejected and humbled his people resulting in others plundering them. They no longer seem to be victorious over their enemies; rather they are receiving the "scorn and derision of those around (them) [44:13]".
One would think that there was unconfessed sin which was the reason for the removal of God's favor; however, in 44:17-19, we find these perplexing words: "all this happened to us, though we had not forgotten you or been false to your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path. But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals and covered us over with deep darkness. If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered it?"
It seems that there was no under girding sin which was the reasoning for God's noticeable absence leading to the sons' defeat by their enemies. God had chosen to remove Himself from their lives, and the sons of Korah did not understand why. They presented their actions before God to explain that if sin were found in their lives, they would understand God's abandonment. Now, they stood defeated by their enemies and scorned by the world; yet they yearned for God's hand of favor upon their lives. They concluded the passage with a plea that God not reject them forever but remember them in their misery and oppression. They urged God to remember His unfailing love for them.
So, the sons of Korah, with "downcast souls" (43:5) were resolved to put their hope in God and praise Him, despite their circumstances.
God's absence was not punitive in nature, but was designed to strengthen His people to depend upon Him alone. God was using these experiences of pain and defeat to grow His people to a point of knowing the blessing of pain, leading to utter faith and dependence in Him alone. God wanted these sons to never forget that His unfailing love is always constructive and best, though not always painless.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Watch Your Mouth!
Proverbs 18:21: "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
The tongue is an incredibly powerful instrument that God has created in the body of a man. With it, a man has the ability to be a blessing to his family and others; or the man can use his tongue to be the source of denigration and discouragement for his family and friends.
I have observed fathers who have not blessed their children. In their self-centeredness, they refused to encourage their children and bestow a verbal blessing to the ears of these precious little ones. The children, in turn, grow up living lives of insecurity and low self-esteem. Typically I have observed that these children underachieve their potential in life, for either they believe that they don't deserve to attain such levels of accomplishment or they are fearful of embarking into the uncharted waters of "uncertainty." Many of these children become disgruntled adults, who show the scars of a missing verbal blessing from their parents.
This reminds me of the passage in Proverbs 17:6: "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." This is true, provided that the parent has cultivated and nurtured his child to become the abundant fruit of his family. Integrity, consistency of character, and the gift of verbal blessing are all important ingredients that a father can give to his children.
Jesus' words in Luke 17 are telling for parents who would cause their children to stumble by refusing to bless them: "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves."
Make it a point to bless those around you, especially your children. God has given you a tremendous opportunity to be a source of encouragement. Enjoy the savory fruit of a life that makes a positive impact upon others.
The tongue is an incredibly powerful instrument that God has created in the body of a man. With it, a man has the ability to be a blessing to his family and others; or the man can use his tongue to be the source of denigration and discouragement for his family and friends.
I have observed fathers who have not blessed their children. In their self-centeredness, they refused to encourage their children and bestow a verbal blessing to the ears of these precious little ones. The children, in turn, grow up living lives of insecurity and low self-esteem. Typically I have observed that these children underachieve their potential in life, for either they believe that they don't deserve to attain such levels of accomplishment or they are fearful of embarking into the uncharted waters of "uncertainty." Many of these children become disgruntled adults, who show the scars of a missing verbal blessing from their parents.
This reminds me of the passage in Proverbs 17:6: "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." This is true, provided that the parent has cultivated and nurtured his child to become the abundant fruit of his family. Integrity, consistency of character, and the gift of verbal blessing are all important ingredients that a father can give to his children.
Jesus' words in Luke 17 are telling for parents who would cause their children to stumble by refusing to bless them: "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves."
Make it a point to bless those around you, especially your children. God has given you a tremendous opportunity to be a source of encouragement. Enjoy the savory fruit of a life that makes a positive impact upon others.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sorrow Does Not Mean Salvation
Matthew 27:3: "When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 'I have sinned,' he said, 'for I have betrayed innocent blood.'"
As one reads this passage, one sees that Judas was remorseful for betraying "innocent blood." Yet earlier in Matthew 26:24, Jesus pronounced a curse upon Judas for his coming betrayal, proclaiming that it would have been better if he had never been born. Certainly this level of condemnation would have never been proclaimed by Jesus had Judas merely had a lapse of judgment and would soon be forgiven for his demonstration of genuine remorse.
Although Judas feels guilt for his wrongdoing of betraying Jesus and even takes steps to remedy the betrayal (returning the money to the priests), no where do we see a man who submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. We see that Judas recognized Jesus as an innocent man but not Lord!
There seems to be remorse but no evidence of submission to Jesus as the Lord of his life. Contra this with the thief on the cross in Luke 23:42 who is not only remorseful for the sins he has committed, but also recognized Christ's Lordship and asked that he be remembered when Jesus entered into His kingdom. There seems to be a willingness on the thief's part to yield himself, despite his short time remaining on earth, to serve Christ as his Lord. This seems to be the difference between salvation and damnation in these two cases. Awareness of sin and heartfelt remorse do not suffice for one's salvation. Submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is necessary.
Of course, the obvious recalcitrant ones in the Matthew 27 passage are the chief priests and elders who, "persuaded the crowd to . . . execute Jesus" [27:20]; who mocked Jesus on the cross by saying, "let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him" [27:42]; and who even after Jesus' death, referred to Him as "that deceiver" [27:63]. This is evidence of abject rebellion against Jesus as Lord. Their fate of eternal damnation was sealed with their quest for their own lordship over Jesus Christ.
As one reads this passage, one sees that Judas was remorseful for betraying "innocent blood." Yet earlier in Matthew 26:24, Jesus pronounced a curse upon Judas for his coming betrayal, proclaiming that it would have been better if he had never been born. Certainly this level of condemnation would have never been proclaimed by Jesus had Judas merely had a lapse of judgment and would soon be forgiven for his demonstration of genuine remorse.
Although Judas feels guilt for his wrongdoing of betraying Jesus and even takes steps to remedy the betrayal (returning the money to the priests), no where do we see a man who submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. We see that Judas recognized Jesus as an innocent man but not Lord!
There seems to be remorse but no evidence of submission to Jesus as the Lord of his life. Contra this with the thief on the cross in Luke 23:42 who is not only remorseful for the sins he has committed, but also recognized Christ's Lordship and asked that he be remembered when Jesus entered into His kingdom. There seems to be a willingness on the thief's part to yield himself, despite his short time remaining on earth, to serve Christ as his Lord. This seems to be the difference between salvation and damnation in these two cases. Awareness of sin and heartfelt remorse do not suffice for one's salvation. Submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is necessary.
Of course, the obvious recalcitrant ones in the Matthew 27 passage are the chief priests and elders who, "persuaded the crowd to . . . execute Jesus" [27:20]; who mocked Jesus on the cross by saying, "let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him" [27:42]; and who even after Jesus' death, referred to Him as "that deceiver" [27:63]. This is evidence of abject rebellion against Jesus as Lord. Their fate of eternal damnation was sealed with their quest for their own lordship over Jesus Christ.
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