Joshua 1:2f: "(The LORD said) Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you (Joshua) and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give . . . . Be strong and courageous . . . . Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the laws my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it . . . that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
These words of the LORD to Joshua and the Israelites are great words of direction for leaders. God first tells Joshua, the new chosen leader of the Israelites (after Moses) to move into the Promised Land because He (God) had prepared the way. God had taken the initiative to begin a good work in the lives of the people; what He expected of Joshua was responsive faith to the leading that God was already orchestrating. Obedience was what was expected by the Lord.
God then called Joshua three (3) times to "be strong and courageous." When we have our faith anchored in God, we are able to press forward, even though the path ahead is uncertain and potentially perilous. Great leadership always involves responsiveness to God's calling.
God then knew that Joshua would need to be connected to His Word day and night, so that He would always follow the Lord's commands and not be enticed into believing that his success was coming from his own accomplishments. Twice in this passage God told Joshua that following His Word was the ingredient for success as a leader.
God also called his leaders not to be discouraged. Discouragement is a common response that leaders have when difficult experiences and obstinate people impede our progress. Moses had this experience in Numbers 11. He wanted the Lord to take his life, rather than experience the pain of failed leadership.
Because Joshua responded with faith to the calling of the LORD, God "exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life" (Joshua 4:14). His "fame spread throughout the land" (Joshua 6:27). God responded to Joshua's obedience with the blessing of successful leadership. The people respected their called leader, and Joshua was able to lead the Israelites in the direction that God willed for them. This is successful leadership wonderfully demonstrated for us today.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Offering for Infectious Disease
Leviticus 13:45; 14:4-6
"The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, 'Unclean! Unclean!" As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp . . . . If the person has been healed of his infectious skin disease, the priest shall order that two live clean birds and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed. Then the priest shall order that one of the birds be killed over fresh water in a clay pot. He is then to take the live bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the infectious disease and pronounce him clean. Then he is to release the live bird in the open fields."
In this rather difficult passage, it appears that a person who is physically and ceremonially unclean because of an infectious disease must be put outside the camp until the point of his cleanness can be determined by the priest. When the diseased one is healed from his infirmity, the priest then offers a sacrifice of one bird for the man or woman, along with scarlet yarn, cedar wood, and hyssop. The imagery of the cross of Christ is evident here. Although we do not know the type of wood used for the cross, it makes sense that the Romans would have used a wood that would not easily rot from exposure to the elements. It would not be surprising if the wood used were cedar. The scarlet color of the yarn reminds us of the blood of the sacrifice of the Messiah. Then too hyssop points us to the cross, for this shrub was used for cleansing (Psalm 51:7); and we find that the hyssop was found at the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:29).
Just as these elements were instruments used to declare the cleanness of the once unclean individual, so too the Cross of Christ is introduced to bring spiritual righteousness to those who would receive the Cross as the sacrifice for sins. One can even see the substitutionary imagery of one bird being sacrificed and the other being released once receiving the blood of the sacrificed bird. With the shedding of blood comes deliverance.
Some would attempt to justify the alienation of the infectious individual for the preservation of the people of Israel from an outbreak leading to complete annihilation. Still, with the dictates of "uncleanness" for non-contagious physical illnesses in Leviticus 15 (e.g. a woman's monthly period), there is something more to the story here. True, the non-contagious issues did not result in separation of the person from the people, but it did result in the declaration of uncleanness and thus the prohibition of approaching the Tent of Meeting for sacrifice. Only until the person with the "infirmity" was declared clean were they to go to present a sin offering and burnt offering for their cleanness.
It was not unusual for people to go regularly to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices for sin; still, the imagery of one being cleansed then coming before the presence of the Lord affirms the Holiness of the Lord, and how sin and imperfection are not allowed into His Holy presence. In fact, we find in Leviticus 15:31 that uncleanness is not allowed in the presence of the Lord because such uncleanness would defile His dwelling place. God's holiness demands that we be spiritually clean. Because we have all sinned and have thus been declared unclean, we are in need of the One who can declare us clean in order that we might approach the presence of God. It is through the Cross of Jesus Christ coupled with His resurrection that we are afforded cleansing. The payment has been made for our sins; what we must do is surrender ourselves to the Lordship of Christ to receive His declaration of righteousness.
"The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, 'Unclean! Unclean!" As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp . . . . If the person has been healed of his infectious skin disease, the priest shall order that two live clean birds and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed. Then the priest shall order that one of the birds be killed over fresh water in a clay pot. He is then to take the live bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the infectious disease and pronounce him clean. Then he is to release the live bird in the open fields."
In this rather difficult passage, it appears that a person who is physically and ceremonially unclean because of an infectious disease must be put outside the camp until the point of his cleanness can be determined by the priest. When the diseased one is healed from his infirmity, the priest then offers a sacrifice of one bird for the man or woman, along with scarlet yarn, cedar wood, and hyssop. The imagery of the cross of Christ is evident here. Although we do not know the type of wood used for the cross, it makes sense that the Romans would have used a wood that would not easily rot from exposure to the elements. It would not be surprising if the wood used were cedar. The scarlet color of the yarn reminds us of the blood of the sacrifice of the Messiah. Then too hyssop points us to the cross, for this shrub was used for cleansing (Psalm 51:7); and we find that the hyssop was found at the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:29).
Just as these elements were instruments used to declare the cleanness of the once unclean individual, so too the Cross of Christ is introduced to bring spiritual righteousness to those who would receive the Cross as the sacrifice for sins. One can even see the substitutionary imagery of one bird being sacrificed and the other being released once receiving the blood of the sacrificed bird. With the shedding of blood comes deliverance.
Some would attempt to justify the alienation of the infectious individual for the preservation of the people of Israel from an outbreak leading to complete annihilation. Still, with the dictates of "uncleanness" for non-contagious physical illnesses in Leviticus 15 (e.g. a woman's monthly period), there is something more to the story here. True, the non-contagious issues did not result in separation of the person from the people, but it did result in the declaration of uncleanness and thus the prohibition of approaching the Tent of Meeting for sacrifice. Only until the person with the "infirmity" was declared clean were they to go to present a sin offering and burnt offering for their cleanness.
It was not unusual for people to go regularly to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices for sin; still, the imagery of one being cleansed then coming before the presence of the Lord affirms the Holiness of the Lord, and how sin and imperfection are not allowed into His Holy presence. In fact, we find in Leviticus 15:31 that uncleanness is not allowed in the presence of the Lord because such uncleanness would defile His dwelling place. God's holiness demands that we be spiritually clean. Because we have all sinned and have thus been declared unclean, we are in need of the One who can declare us clean in order that we might approach the presence of God. It is through the Cross of Jesus Christ coupled with His resurrection that we are afforded cleansing. The payment has been made for our sins; what we must do is surrender ourselves to the Lordship of Christ to receive His declaration of righteousness.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Each Generation's Responsibility
Psalm 145:4-7: "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
In this passage, King David cites the calling of parents and other mature believers to tell new generations of the greatness of God in His glorious splendor as well as His goodness to His creation. David proceeds this word of instruction by describing his worship encounter with God. He says, "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever . . . . Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom." One does not see a man who has to be coerced to worship the LORD; David is overflowing with passion and praise for the Lord of Hosts!
After the instruction given to the older generations to proclaim God's greatness, David praises God for His goodness: "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
Later in the chapter, David continues with a reflection of God's greatness and goodness: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all He has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."
This is a great chapter for parents and other mature believers to fulfill their calling to new generations of proclaiming the greatness and the goodness of our Holy God. This should not be a drudgery, but a delight. Older generations should be so overwhelmed by the majesty and goodness of the Lord, that they cannot help but shout praises to God. Our children should be able to see that our lives are bursting with joy and celebration for Our Lord. If we're unchanged by the presence of Christ in our lives, our children will see the duplicity of lifeless spirituality and will be turned away from such irreverence.
Be transformed. Be overcome. Be joyous. Be awestruck. Let the next generation see the power of a life radically impacted by our Glorious and Good God!
In this passage, King David cites the calling of parents and other mature believers to tell new generations of the greatness of God in His glorious splendor as well as His goodness to His creation. David proceeds this word of instruction by describing his worship encounter with God. He says, "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever . . . . Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom." One does not see a man who has to be coerced to worship the LORD; David is overflowing with passion and praise for the Lord of Hosts!
After the instruction given to the older generations to proclaim God's greatness, David praises God for His goodness: "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
Later in the chapter, David continues with a reflection of God's greatness and goodness: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all He has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."
This is a great chapter for parents and other mature believers to fulfill their calling to new generations of proclaiming the greatness and the goodness of our Holy God. This should not be a drudgery, but a delight. Older generations should be so overwhelmed by the majesty and goodness of the Lord, that they cannot help but shout praises to God. Our children should be able to see that our lives are bursting with joy and celebration for Our Lord. If we're unchanged by the presence of Christ in our lives, our children will see the duplicity of lifeless spirituality and will be turned away from such irreverence.
Be transformed. Be overcome. Be joyous. Be awestruck. Let the next generation see the power of a life radically impacted by our Glorious and Good God!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Learn Something From the Small Creatures
Proverbs 30:24-28: "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces."
(I am most indebted to Dr. Haddon Robinson, Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, for his 1999 Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary- Charlotte commencement address on this passage. Many of my reflective comments below have been influenced by his thoughtful insights on this text).
People today think that to learn invaluable words of wisdom, they must look toward those people and things that are greater than themselves; however when Agur, the author of Proverbs 30, gives us direction for gaining wisdom, he encourages us to look to the smaller creatures.
First, he identifies the ant. The ant is one of the smallest of the earthly creatures; in fact, it is so small that we may find ourselves stepping on one without even knowing it. And although the ant is very small in physical stature, it nonetheless knows the importance of preparedness. The ant knows that winter is just ahead; so it takes necessary steps to store up its food in the summer. The ant knows that if it were to wait until winter, it would not have enough food to sustain itself or its colony through the harsh, cold months.
We would do well to know the discipline and the diligence of the ant. We know that we all will face winters in our lives. They're packaged differently, but they still come our way. Whether our "winter" is a bad medical diagnosis or a financial catastrophe or the betrayal of a loved one, we know that we must ready ourselves now in the "summer" of life so that we are prepared for the winters ahead. Our preparedness comes through intimacy with God through His Word and through prayer. The more we are connected to Our Lord, the God of all Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), the more we are able to endure the bitter days of the future. Dr. Haddon Robinson, Professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, has once said, "What you carry into a crisis is what you have in a crisis." When we are experiencing a crisis, our eyes often are too wet with tears and our minds too distracted by the burdens of the situation for us to be able to glean much wisdom. This is why we need to be prepared today with God's Wisdom for the future.
The coney is a small, furry creature comparable to a rabbit. It is a rather powerless creature in terms of defending itself from predators; however, it is wise enough to know that its protection can be found by burrowing itself in the crags of large rocks. Were a coney to think that it is strong enough to protect itself from predators without any need of the safety of the crags, it would end up dead meat. The coney is otherwise defenseless without its safe haven of the rocks.
So too can we learn an invaluable lesson from this example. Our protection ultimately comes from our Rock, namely Jesus Christ (Psalm 18:2). When the Evil One would attempt to destroy us, we know that Christ is our Protector, our Deliverer, our Safety. We would never be able to defend ourselves were it not for our Savior. We would do well to remember that He is our ultimate Source of safety and protection. From Him only can come the blessing of peace and safety.
The locust is a rather small creature . . . a grasshopper that seems not to be a threat to anyone or any thing. Most of us have held grasshoppers in our hands and have been amused at their harmless demeanor. But one thing that a locust knows instinctively is that it can join with other locusts to increase its effectiveness. One locust will not harm much, but a swarm of locusts can bring kingdoms to their knees. When part of a collective purpose, the swarm can have a significant impact upon its environment.
Christians would do well to learn the patterns of the locusts. When Christians are unified in purpose of glorifying God and furthering His kingdom, they are able to accomplish much more than working separately. The Evil One would have us pitted against each other, for he knows that the sterility of the Church is in its disunity. When we are separated from each other by disagreements, our energy is consumed struggling against each other. Factions are created, and any potential, constructive kingdom work is wasted. We need to be like the locusts and join together to maximize our effectiveness for Our Lord (Ephesians 4:3).
The lizard is a rather small reptilian creature that is small enough to be held in the hand; yet despite its size, it is persistent enough that it can be found in king's palaces. I wonder if Agur had seen an occasional lizard make its way into the presence of a king? Maybe Agur was given permission to be before the king; and as he looked around at the magnificent regalia that adorned the king's chamber, maybe he noticed a lizard on a wall or floor. For a human to be given permission to approach a king was a high honor, and this privilege was not granted to everyone. Agur may have seen the lowly lizard in the king's presence and thought to himself, "what determination this creature has to be in such an esteemed place."
We would do well to remember that diligence and persistence will take us to places that we never would have imagined that we could go. Sometimes, God wants us to step out in faith and follow His lead, so that He can use us beyond our ability to fathom. We may think that we are limited in our potential for the Lord. We may think that God cannot use such a "lowly" insignificant person like us. But we must counter those thoughts with thoughts of obedience to Christ, no matter to what level that path may stretch us. The more diligent and persistent we are like the lizard, the more we may find ourselves, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in places that we would never have imagined, for the glory of God.
As Dr. Robinson so eloquently said in his commencement speech to us over 8 years ago, "the next time you see an ant, a coney, a locust, or a lizard, remember that despite their smallness they have a lot to teach us . . . and we have a lot to learn."
(I am most indebted to Dr. Haddon Robinson, Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, for his 1999 Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary- Charlotte commencement address on this passage. Many of my reflective comments below have been influenced by his thoughtful insights on this text).
People today think that to learn invaluable words of wisdom, they must look toward those people and things that are greater than themselves; however when Agur, the author of Proverbs 30, gives us direction for gaining wisdom, he encourages us to look to the smaller creatures.
First, he identifies the ant. The ant is one of the smallest of the earthly creatures; in fact, it is so small that we may find ourselves stepping on one without even knowing it. And although the ant is very small in physical stature, it nonetheless knows the importance of preparedness. The ant knows that winter is just ahead; so it takes necessary steps to store up its food in the summer. The ant knows that if it were to wait until winter, it would not have enough food to sustain itself or its colony through the harsh, cold months.
We would do well to know the discipline and the diligence of the ant. We know that we all will face winters in our lives. They're packaged differently, but they still come our way. Whether our "winter" is a bad medical diagnosis or a financial catastrophe or the betrayal of a loved one, we know that we must ready ourselves now in the "summer" of life so that we are prepared for the winters ahead. Our preparedness comes through intimacy with God through His Word and through prayer. The more we are connected to Our Lord, the God of all Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), the more we are able to endure the bitter days of the future. Dr. Haddon Robinson, Professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, has once said, "What you carry into a crisis is what you have in a crisis." When we are experiencing a crisis, our eyes often are too wet with tears and our minds too distracted by the burdens of the situation for us to be able to glean much wisdom. This is why we need to be prepared today with God's Wisdom for the future.
The coney is a small, furry creature comparable to a rabbit. It is a rather powerless creature in terms of defending itself from predators; however, it is wise enough to know that its protection can be found by burrowing itself in the crags of large rocks. Were a coney to think that it is strong enough to protect itself from predators without any need of the safety of the crags, it would end up dead meat. The coney is otherwise defenseless without its safe haven of the rocks.
So too can we learn an invaluable lesson from this example. Our protection ultimately comes from our Rock, namely Jesus Christ (Psalm 18:2). When the Evil One would attempt to destroy us, we know that Christ is our Protector, our Deliverer, our Safety. We would never be able to defend ourselves were it not for our Savior. We would do well to remember that He is our ultimate Source of safety and protection. From Him only can come the blessing of peace and safety.
The locust is a rather small creature . . . a grasshopper that seems not to be a threat to anyone or any thing. Most of us have held grasshoppers in our hands and have been amused at their harmless demeanor. But one thing that a locust knows instinctively is that it can join with other locusts to increase its effectiveness. One locust will not harm much, but a swarm of locusts can bring kingdoms to their knees. When part of a collective purpose, the swarm can have a significant impact upon its environment.
Christians would do well to learn the patterns of the locusts. When Christians are unified in purpose of glorifying God and furthering His kingdom, they are able to accomplish much more than working separately. The Evil One would have us pitted against each other, for he knows that the sterility of the Church is in its disunity. When we are separated from each other by disagreements, our energy is consumed struggling against each other. Factions are created, and any potential, constructive kingdom work is wasted. We need to be like the locusts and join together to maximize our effectiveness for Our Lord (Ephesians 4:3).
The lizard is a rather small reptilian creature that is small enough to be held in the hand; yet despite its size, it is persistent enough that it can be found in king's palaces. I wonder if Agur had seen an occasional lizard make its way into the presence of a king? Maybe Agur was given permission to be before the king; and as he looked around at the magnificent regalia that adorned the king's chamber, maybe he noticed a lizard on a wall or floor. For a human to be given permission to approach a king was a high honor, and this privilege was not granted to everyone. Agur may have seen the lowly lizard in the king's presence and thought to himself, "what determination this creature has to be in such an esteemed place."
We would do well to remember that diligence and persistence will take us to places that we never would have imagined that we could go. Sometimes, God wants us to step out in faith and follow His lead, so that He can use us beyond our ability to fathom. We may think that we are limited in our potential for the Lord. We may think that God cannot use such a "lowly" insignificant person like us. But we must counter those thoughts with thoughts of obedience to Christ, no matter to what level that path may stretch us. The more diligent and persistent we are like the lizard, the more we may find ourselves, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in places that we would never have imagined, for the glory of God.
As Dr. Robinson so eloquently said in his commencement speech to us over 8 years ago, "the next time you see an ant, a coney, a locust, or a lizard, remember that despite their smallness they have a lot to teach us . . . and we have a lot to learn."
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Be Open To Correction
Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 29:1: “Let a righteous man strike me-it is a kindness; let him rebuke me-it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it . . . . A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy.”
We all struggle with the notion of self-sufficiency. Many times we think that we have all the answers to our daily lives, and we think that we are not in need of advice (and certainly not correction) from others. And although we easily can fall prey to the notion that we don’t need a word of rebuke or admonishment, we absolutely need to have mature believers in Christ confronting us about sin in our lives with the hope of correction and restoration (Galatians 6:1-2). No one is above the need of a loving rebuke from a fellow believer, for we are all tempted to sin and sometimes fall to its enticements.
The church has been created by God for the purpose of being a place where believers can corporately worship the Lord and a place where mutual edification of believers can occur. We are able to minister to one another in the faith by carrying one another’s burdens and by giving objective insight to each other about situations in our lives. This is why we need to be connected to a body of true believers who uphold the truths of God’s Word and are committed to being obedient to Christ (Hebrews 10:23-25). Proverbs 27:17 suggests that we are to sharpen each other as “iron sharpens iron.” Sharpening of blades does not occur without tension and friction, but in the end each blade is more resourceful in its sharpened condition. So too it is with a true believer’s confrontation. Our Christian friends may see the need to approach us with the concern that we are moving in a direction that is disobedient to our Lord. We must remember that the words shared by a friend, though painful at the time, may be the instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to convict our hearts of sin. We in turn must be humble enough to receive such words of direction. Even if the words shared are of a concern that is not warranted, we have the responsibility to love our friends and express appreciation to them for their willingness to love us by confronting us.
It is the obstinate, “stiff-necked” person who will suffer in the end. In his prideful condition, he is insistent that he is beyond any need of correction by others. He takes serious offense to one who would approach him about an area that is perceived as being disobedient to Christ. He turns a deaf ear to any words of rebuke and makes it a point to scold anyone who would dare question his character. God’s Word states that this person is stupid (Proverbs 12:1); that is, he is not sensible to the valuable words of re-direction that can lead him down the road of righteousness. In his sinister rebellion against correction, he commits his greatest energies toward discrediting those who would dare confront him. Such animosity is evidence of a heart that may be completely void of a relationship with Christ; “Why?” You may ask? The answer, as Galatians 5 suggests, is "obvious." These acts of the sinful nature (hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and the like) are those that are the evidential fruit of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). Persistent production of such fruit reveals a heart that is unresponsive to the Holy Spirit.
Remember, true friendship is found in one being straightforward and honest; merely exchanging pleasant platitudes with others reveals a heart that is more concerned with selfish returns from that person (i.e. the need for acceptance, affirmation, etc.) than with having the other person’s best interest at heart.
Proverbs 27:5,6,9 share keen insight to this thought: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses . . . . Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.”
We all struggle with the notion of self-sufficiency. Many times we think that we have all the answers to our daily lives, and we think that we are not in need of advice (and certainly not correction) from others. And although we easily can fall prey to the notion that we don’t need a word of rebuke or admonishment, we absolutely need to have mature believers in Christ confronting us about sin in our lives with the hope of correction and restoration (Galatians 6:1-2). No one is above the need of a loving rebuke from a fellow believer, for we are all tempted to sin and sometimes fall to its enticements.
The church has been created by God for the purpose of being a place where believers can corporately worship the Lord and a place where mutual edification of believers can occur. We are able to minister to one another in the faith by carrying one another’s burdens and by giving objective insight to each other about situations in our lives. This is why we need to be connected to a body of true believers who uphold the truths of God’s Word and are committed to being obedient to Christ (Hebrews 10:23-25). Proverbs 27:17 suggests that we are to sharpen each other as “iron sharpens iron.” Sharpening of blades does not occur without tension and friction, but in the end each blade is more resourceful in its sharpened condition. So too it is with a true believer’s confrontation. Our Christian friends may see the need to approach us with the concern that we are moving in a direction that is disobedient to our Lord. We must remember that the words shared by a friend, though painful at the time, may be the instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to convict our hearts of sin. We in turn must be humble enough to receive such words of direction. Even if the words shared are of a concern that is not warranted, we have the responsibility to love our friends and express appreciation to them for their willingness to love us by confronting us.
It is the obstinate, “stiff-necked” person who will suffer in the end. In his prideful condition, he is insistent that he is beyond any need of correction by others. He takes serious offense to one who would approach him about an area that is perceived as being disobedient to Christ. He turns a deaf ear to any words of rebuke and makes it a point to scold anyone who would dare question his character. God’s Word states that this person is stupid (Proverbs 12:1); that is, he is not sensible to the valuable words of re-direction that can lead him down the road of righteousness. In his sinister rebellion against correction, he commits his greatest energies toward discrediting those who would dare confront him. Such animosity is evidence of a heart that may be completely void of a relationship with Christ; “Why?” You may ask? The answer, as Galatians 5 suggests, is "obvious." These acts of the sinful nature (hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and the like) are those that are the evidential fruit of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). Persistent production of such fruit reveals a heart that is unresponsive to the Holy Spirit.
Remember, true friendship is found in one being straightforward and honest; merely exchanging pleasant platitudes with others reveals a heart that is more concerned with selfish returns from that person (i.e. the need for acceptance, affirmation, etc.) than with having the other person’s best interest at heart.
Proverbs 27:5,6,9 share keen insight to this thought: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses . . . . Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.”
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Transparency
Proverbs 28:13: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy . . .
Psalm 139:1-3, 23-24: “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from a far. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. . . . Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my misgivings. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
When we try to hide our sins from God, inevitably we find ourselves suffering the consequences of our disobedience to the LORD. We can't fool God; nor can we hide our sins from Him. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows where we are, what we're doing, and what we're thinking (Psalm 139:4,7-10).
The Psalmist in chapter 139 states this fact well. In the first verses of the chapter he states, "You've searched me and You know me . . . You know where I go and You know my thoughts. You know ALL my ways." David knows that he is completely transparent before the Lord; nothing in David’s life is getting past God. So instead of trying to hide his sins, David asks the LORD to search Him and find any misgivings that may be in his heart. In his quest for intimacy with the LORD, David wants to be completely clean.
A person desiring true intimacy with God will be transparent, vulnerable, and subject to the Lord’s illumination of his sin. He will submit to that word of conviction from the Lord and repent.
Let’s not try to hide from God. Let’s be open to His leading us into “the Way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:1-3, 23-24: “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from a far. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. . . . Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my misgivings. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
When we try to hide our sins from God, inevitably we find ourselves suffering the consequences of our disobedience to the LORD. We can't fool God; nor can we hide our sins from Him. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows where we are, what we're doing, and what we're thinking (Psalm 139:4,7-10).
The Psalmist in chapter 139 states this fact well. In the first verses of the chapter he states, "You've searched me and You know me . . . You know where I go and You know my thoughts. You know ALL my ways." David knows that he is completely transparent before the Lord; nothing in David’s life is getting past God. So instead of trying to hide his sins, David asks the LORD to search Him and find any misgivings that may be in his heart. In his quest for intimacy with the LORD, David wants to be completely clean.
A person desiring true intimacy with God will be transparent, vulnerable, and subject to the Lord’s illumination of his sin. He will submit to that word of conviction from the Lord and repent.
Let’s not try to hide from God. Let’s be open to His leading us into “the Way everlasting.”
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Idolatry
Psalm 135:15-18: "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them."
Idolatry has been a persistent problem with humanity since the beginning of time. In history past, cultures would craft idols, many times out of ornate elements like gold or bronze; and they would worship the things that they had created. Many believed that their gods would inhabit such inanimate objects once they were crafted; thus, the people would pay homage to these supposed deities and petition these deities for their needs.
Idolatry has been a persistent problem with humanity since the beginning of time. In history past, cultures would craft idols, many times out of ornate elements like gold or bronze; and they would worship the things that they had created. Many believed that their gods would inhabit such inanimate objects once they were crafted; thus, the people would pay homage to these supposed deities and petition these deities for their needs.
Conveniently, these inanimate objects were never able to communicate their divine will to the people worshipping them; thus, people were given license to interpret what their lifeless gods wanted them to do. I use the term "conveniently" because the people ended up serving their own selfish interests in the process. There was no deity to express consternation at the people's licentious behavior; for this reason, they were able to indulge in all kinds of immoral behaviors without apparent consequence. In fact, they would proclaim that their god(s) encouraged such libertine behavior.
Whereas in the modern world we may look with skepticism at societies that would craft inanimate objects into things worshipped, we nonetheless are apt to follow similar pursuits. Anything that displaces the worship of the true God of Heaven is idolatry, be it money, careers, relationships, substances, education, etc. And just like these people who would rationalize their antinomian behavior, we too can fall prey to the entrapment that our behavior is justified or even expected because of the benefits that we experience.
The foundation of all sin in the world is the quest of humanity to be divine itself! This first occurred with Adam and Eve desiring to be gods (Genesis 3:5); they wanted to be the center of the universe and not have to pay homage to the True Lord. So too with idol worship, we find that those who respond to such practices are attempting to secure license to do whatever they desire to do and be the center of their own universe. Irrespective of how we practice our idolatry, we nonetheless reveal that we are attempting to serve ourselves in order that we might assert our feigned claim to divinity.
Since our first priority in life is to glorify God, we fail to accomplish our purpose in life when we follow such paths of rebellion. We must repent of the "idols" that are in our lives that are mere smoke screens to our own quest for lordship. Our purpose in life is not to satisfy our own desires; the universe does not revolve around us. We would do well to submit ourselves to the True Lord. It is only through submission to the King of Kings that we will find His blessing. We can start by searching for Him through His Word, the Bible. Our God is not a lifeless deity who cannot communicate with us. His Word tells us exactly what we should do to acknowledge Him as the Lord.
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