Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. - Job 13:15 NIV
Job's sentiments would be admirable except for one neglected fact. It was never God's intention to slay Job. In fact, while God did give Satan permission to bring any destruction he chose against Job he was told that he could not kill him. The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands, but you must spare his life.” - Job 2:6 NIV
God does not mean harm to us. Sometimes, he will let misfortune come our way in order for us to learn a lesson, or to be moved to a safer place, but he never harms us for sport. That is the devil's work and we need to recognize his attacks when they come our way for what they are. Is it easy to tell the difference? Look at Job, a man who "was blameless and upright he feared God and shunned evil. (Job 1:1 NIV) Even the blameless are tormented by the devil In fact, they may be more open to his persecution because of their close relationship with God, and sometimes they may be the ones who have the most trouble differentiating between the work of God and the work of the devil.
What re we supposed to do? God says to resist the devil and he will flee from you, but first you have to recognize when it is the enemy. For me, the only solution is to stay close to the Father and to do as Job did, live as blameless a life as possible. Perhaps if I resist the devil in those areas of my life where I know he can trap me, I will develop the wisdom to discern when it is his attack versus God's working in my life.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Luke 22: Jeus Turned and Looked Straight at Peter
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” -Luke 22:61 NIV
Sometimes I feel the Lord look straight at me. It is not in an accusing way. Instead he voices his disappointment. 'Have you not been with me all this time? ' he asks. ' Don't you know me? Can you not wait with me an hour? Do you care so little that when your life is threatened, you disown me? Don't you know that I will never leave or forsake you? Why then is it so easy for you to forsake me? What are you afraid of, is it men, is it losing your friends, your position, or comfortable life?
Jesus knows all I've done. He knows the many subtle ways in which I have abandoned or denied him. He knows it all and yet he loves and forgives me. Just as it was with Peter, the love of his gaze cuts me to the quick. What mercy, what love and what grace.
Sometimes I feel the Lord look straight at me. It is not in an accusing way. Instead he voices his disappointment. 'Have you not been with me all this time? ' he asks. ' Don't you know me? Can you not wait with me an hour? Do you care so little that when your life is threatened, you disown me? Don't you know that I will never leave or forsake you? Why then is it so easy for you to forsake me? What are you afraid of, is it men, is it losing your friends, your position, or comfortable life?
Jesus knows all I've done. He knows the many subtle ways in which I have abandoned or denied him. He knows it all and yet he loves and forgives me. Just as it was with Peter, the love of his gaze cuts me to the quick. What mercy, what love and what grace.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Luke 21: Signs of the times
“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.
This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life. - Luke 21:12-19 NIV
We're always looking for signs of the end of the times. We're always looking for Armageddon, but few of us are looking for the first signs that Jesus said will take place before his re-appearing. Probably, because we don't want to admit to ourselves that by being Christians, we might be subject to ridicule, to hatred, to betrayal, to persecution. We find it hard to believe that being persecuted for our beliefs could be God's will. But it is, and it has been the way that God has worked down through the ages., That was how God worked with Joseph, with Moses, with Daniel, with the prophets, even with the five missionaries massacred in Ecuador by the Huaorani in the 50's. That is how the gospel is spread.
Most of us want to see the gospel spread. We want to see miracles and healings, but do we want to see persecution? Do we want to lose our reputation for the gospel? Could it be that as we see Christian influence on our nation wane, that it is all part of God's overall plan. Could it be that God is setting the stage for people to be brought to court, before judges, for their beliefs? Could it be that some of us will be thrown into the modern day equivalent of the lions den?
Lest that possibility bring on a spirit of fear, remember that Jesus said, he will give us 'words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.' and 'not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.
This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life. - Luke 21:12-19 NIV
We're always looking for signs of the end of the times. We're always looking for Armageddon, but few of us are looking for the first signs that Jesus said will take place before his re-appearing. Probably, because we don't want to admit to ourselves that by being Christians, we might be subject to ridicule, to hatred, to betrayal, to persecution. We find it hard to believe that being persecuted for our beliefs could be God's will. But it is, and it has been the way that God has worked down through the ages., That was how God worked with Joseph, with Moses, with Daniel, with the prophets, even with the five missionaries massacred in Ecuador by the Huaorani in the 50's. That is how the gospel is spread.
Most of us want to see the gospel spread. We want to see miracles and healings, but do we want to see persecution? Do we want to lose our reputation for the gospel? Could it be that as we see Christian influence on our nation wane, that it is all part of God's overall plan. Could it be that God is setting the stage for people to be brought to court, before judges, for their beliefs? Could it be that some of us will be thrown into the modern day equivalent of the lions den?
Lest that possibility bring on a spirit of fear, remember that Jesus said, he will give us 'words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.' and 'not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Luke 20: A Precious Cornerstone
Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone’?
Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” - Luke 20:17-18 NIV
Sometimes I feel solely responsible for the gospel. I take it poorly when it is rejected. I take it poorly when the world rejects us. I take it poorly when the world lumps Christians with all the other crazies. But, Jesus told us to expect rejection. Shortly before his crucifixion he warns his disciples, in the parable of the tenants, that the world will not accept his message, but instead will put him to death. 'This can never be', they reply, but Jesus has proven to be correct down through the ages. The dismissal of the message in this day should not be surprising. Neither should our response be surprising. Rather than being defensive or panic stricken over the world's response, we should be even more confident that we have been gifted the precious stone; the cornerstone of God's plan of redemption for the world. The stone which, in spite of it's rejection by the world, is the cornerstone for a sure foundation.
Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” - Luke 20:17-18 NIV
Sometimes I feel solely responsible for the gospel. I take it poorly when it is rejected. I take it poorly when the world rejects us. I take it poorly when the world lumps Christians with all the other crazies. But, Jesus told us to expect rejection. Shortly before his crucifixion he warns his disciples, in the parable of the tenants, that the world will not accept his message, but instead will put him to death. 'This can never be', they reply, but Jesus has proven to be correct down through the ages. The dismissal of the message in this day should not be surprising. Neither should our response be surprising. Rather than being defensive or panic stricken over the world's response, we should be even more confident that we have been gifted the precious stone; the cornerstone of God's plan of redemption for the world. The stone which, in spite of it's rejection by the world, is the cornerstone for a sure foundation.
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. - Isaiah 28:16 NIV
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Esther: If I perish, I perish
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” - Esther 4:14-16 NIV
The history of the Jewish people might have been quite different were it not for Esther and her willingness to act against injustice. She knew she was risking her life, yet, in she stepped into danger for the greater good, realizing that it was more than her life that was at risk. The lives of all her fellow Jews were at risk unless she acted. As Mordecai said, "who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
These verses remind me of a song written by Derek Loux:
save me from comfort
paper religion
false conversion
make me stand
give me the privilege of suffering with you
that we’d see your glory fill this land
don’t let me perish for lack of vision
the days of peace on earth are few
save me from the famine of revelation
on the horizon the storm clouds brew
who will tarry with me for an hour
who will find out how my heart is breaking
who will tarry with me for an hour
who will be my friend
who will tarry with me for an hour
must i tread the grapes of wrath alone
who will tarry with me for an hour
who will be my friend
will you prepare the way of the lord
will you cry in the wilderness
will you prepare the way of the lord
will you be his friend
if i perish then i perish i am yours i am yours
In 2009 a few days before Christmas, Derek lost his life in a tragic car accident while coming back from a conference focused on rescuing girls from sex slavery, leaving his wife with ten children, most of whom were adopted out of extenuating circumstances. Derek was one who refused to be silent. His wife, Renee went on to adopt three more children in need and the Orphan Justice Center which they founded is still going strong, rescuing the helpless.
Who knows? We are all called to leave our comfort zones, we are all called to fight injustice. Our lives will always be in the hands of the Father, even if we perish.
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” - Esther 4:14-16 NIV
The history of the Jewish people might have been quite different were it not for Esther and her willingness to act against injustice. She knew she was risking her life, yet, in she stepped into danger for the greater good, realizing that it was more than her life that was at risk. The lives of all her fellow Jews were at risk unless she acted. As Mordecai said, "who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
These verses remind me of a song written by Derek Loux:
save me from comfort
paper religion
false conversion
make me stand
give me the privilege of suffering with you
that we’d see your glory fill this land
don’t let me perish for lack of vision
the days of peace on earth are few
save me from the famine of revelation
on the horizon the storm clouds brew
who will tarry with me for an hour
who will find out how my heart is breaking
who will tarry with me for an hour
who will be my friend
who will tarry with me for an hour
must i tread the grapes of wrath alone
who will tarry with me for an hour
who will be my friend
will you prepare the way of the lord
will you cry in the wilderness
will you prepare the way of the lord
will you be his friend
if i perish then i perish i am yours i am yours
In 2009 a few days before Christmas, Derek lost his life in a tragic car accident while coming back from a conference focused on rescuing girls from sex slavery, leaving his wife with ten children, most of whom were adopted out of extenuating circumstances. Derek was one who refused to be silent. His wife, Renee went on to adopt three more children in need and the Orphan Justice Center which they founded is still going strong, rescuing the helpless.
Who knows? We are all called to leave our comfort zones, we are all called to fight injustice. Our lives will always be in the hands of the Father, even if we perish.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Nehemiah 10-13 Desecrating the Sabbath
In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day.
Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah.
I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this wicked thing you are doing—desecrating the Sabbath day?
Didn’t your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath.” - Nehemiah 13:15-18 NIV
How is it that we can uphold all of the Ten Commandments with the exception of the fourth commandment? If one commandment no longer applies, then how do the others have any relevance.
This commandment must have been considered important as Deuteronomy discusses this commandment at length:
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do.
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day". - Deuteronomy 5:12-15 NIV
Lest we be too hard on ourselves, the Israelites found it easy to disregard this commandment as well. They were buying and selling, treading wine and carry on as if the Sabbath was just any other day, much like most Christians, myself included, in our country are guilty of today. Nehemiah recognized that historically, ignoring the Sabbath always brought calamity on the Israel. When it was pointed out to those returning from exile, they repented and swore before Nehemiah “When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath - Neh. 10;31 NIV
God's laws are just and they are also immutable. When we begin ignoring the commandment about the Sabbath, is it just a moment of time before we start ignoring the commandment to loving God with all our heart, or not murdering? Are we now facing the consequences? Is it possible that the breakdown of society that we are witnessing is a result of stirring up the wrath of God by our desecration of the Sabbath? Just asking?
Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah.
I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this wicked thing you are doing—desecrating the Sabbath day?
Didn’t your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath.” - Nehemiah 13:15-18 NIV
How is it that we can uphold all of the Ten Commandments with the exception of the fourth commandment? If one commandment no longer applies, then how do the others have any relevance.
This commandment must have been considered important as Deuteronomy discusses this commandment at length:
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do.
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day". - Deuteronomy 5:12-15 NIV
Lest we be too hard on ourselves, the Israelites found it easy to disregard this commandment as well. They were buying and selling, treading wine and carry on as if the Sabbath was just any other day, much like most Christians, myself included, in our country are guilty of today. Nehemiah recognized that historically, ignoring the Sabbath always brought calamity on the Israel. When it was pointed out to those returning from exile, they repented and swore before Nehemiah “When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath - Neh. 10;31 NIV
God's laws are just and they are also immutable. When we begin ignoring the commandment about the Sabbath, is it just a moment of time before we start ignoring the commandment to loving God with all our heart, or not murdering? Are we now facing the consequences? Is it possible that the breakdown of society that we are witnessing is a result of stirring up the wrath of God by our desecration of the Sabbath? Just asking?
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Nehemiah 7-9: Just and Faithful
Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. - Neh. 7:5-6 NIV
“Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.” “Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. Neh. 8:5-6 NIV
“Now therefore, O our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings and leaders, upon our priests and prophets, upon our fathers and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. - Neh. 9:32-33 NIV
The remnant has returned from exile. The temple has been rebuilt. Jerusalem's walls have been repaired and now the people gather to worship and give thanks. After the long years of exile, living under foreign rulers and foreign gods, they have a chance to reestablish their relationship with the God of their fathers.
First they must have responsive hearts, they must respond "Amen! Amen!, "So be it!" Then they must bow down and worship. They must extol the God of Heaven. They must praise His name. Finally, they must take responsibility. They must acknowledge their sins, they must confess that they have brought the hardship upon themselves. While they have wandered far from God, He has never left them, he has always been just and faithful.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Nehemiah 1-7: Blessed to do God's Work
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. - Neh. 2:17-18 KJV
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him. - Ezra 7:6 KJV
Ezra and Nehemiah may or may not have been contemporaries but they were both instrumental in restoring the destruction that occurred when the Jews were exiled to Babylon. Ezra was a priest and Nehemiah was an administrator, but they both answered the call of the Lord and persuaded the Babylonian rulers to give them permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. Both of them were saddened by the destruction around them and called the people to repentance.
How is it that the pagan rulers gave permission to these two men to restore what had lain in ruins for almost 500 years? Simple, it was God that destroyed Israel and it was God that rebuilt. God destroys when his people forget him and he rebuilds when there is true repentance. I pray that God would raise up an Ezra and a Nehemiah in this day. Lovers of God who would see how the walls have fallen around us, who would see how God's temple has been destroyed and call the people to repentance and rebuilding. Leaders who are not in it for their own advancement or reputation but humble, penitent priests and administrators who would weep for the destruction and cry out to God on our behalf. It may be if such men arise, even the leaders of this country will recognize that they have been appointed by God and will bless them to carry out the work.
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. - Neh. 2:17-18 KJV
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him. - Ezra 7:6 KJV
Ezra and Nehemiah may or may not have been contemporaries but they were both instrumental in restoring the destruction that occurred when the Jews were exiled to Babylon. Ezra was a priest and Nehemiah was an administrator, but they both answered the call of the Lord and persuaded the Babylonian rulers to give them permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. Both of them were saddened by the destruction around them and called the people to repentance.
How is it that the pagan rulers gave permission to these two men to restore what had lain in ruins for almost 500 years? Simple, it was God that destroyed Israel and it was God that rebuilt. God destroys when his people forget him and he rebuilds when there is true repentance. I pray that God would raise up an Ezra and a Nehemiah in this day. Lovers of God who would see how the walls have fallen around us, who would see how God's temple has been destroyed and call the people to repentance and rebuilding. Leaders who are not in it for their own advancement or reputation but humble, penitent priests and administrators who would weep for the destruction and cry out to God on our behalf. It may be if such men arise, even the leaders of this country will recognize that they have been appointed by God and will bless them to carry out the work.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Luke 18: Who Then Can Be Saved?
Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” - Luke 18:24-17 NIV
It does seem pretty impossible to enter the kingdom of God. The prophet Isaiah echoed these sentiments when he said, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." - Isaiah 64:6 NIV
And so we would remain, relying solely on our righteous acts, swept away by the overwhelming flood of our sins, if it were not for God and his provision. Jesus knew what he was talking about, when he said that with God it was possible, because he knew he was the provision. He knew that in a few days, he would be going up to Jerusalem where he would become the impossible, become the means for our entry into the kingdom of God. With his death, he became our salvation, our only salvation. I am reminded of the old scripture song we used to sing from Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."
It was God's mercy and God's mercy alone that saved us, that purchased the kingdom of God for us. If it were not for that love, that mercy, that grace, none of us could be saved.
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” - Luke 18:24-17 NIV
It does seem pretty impossible to enter the kingdom of God. The prophet Isaiah echoed these sentiments when he said, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." - Isaiah 64:6 NIV
And so we would remain, relying solely on our righteous acts, swept away by the overwhelming flood of our sins, if it were not for God and his provision. Jesus knew what he was talking about, when he said that with God it was possible, because he knew he was the provision. He knew that in a few days, he would be going up to Jerusalem where he would become the impossible, become the means for our entry into the kingdom of God. With his death, he became our salvation, our only salvation. I am reminded of the old scripture song we used to sing from Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."
It was God's mercy and God's mercy alone that saved us, that purchased the kingdom of God for us. If it were not for that love, that mercy, that grace, none of us could be saved.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Ezra 1-4: Rebellious and Troublesome Jews
The king should know that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations.
Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and the royal revenues will suffer.
Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king,
so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place of rebellion from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans–Euphrates. - Ezra 4:12-16 NIV
Anyone who thinks the situation in the Middle East has a simple solution, doesn't know their history. The enemies of God and His people have been plotting against both the Jews and their god for centuries. Over and over again, there have been human plans to wipe them off of the face of the earth, or at the very least discredit them. Even today, unless one has traveled to Israel and Jerusalem, it is hard to understand the issue. Despite what is presented by the media, the Jews in Israel would like to have a Palestinian solution. They are not heartless, in fact just the opposite. Even now, their hospitals are treating children hurt in the ongoing Syrian conflict.. Israel welcomes refugees that few countries do. According to Amnesty International, "As of 2009, there are approximately 18,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Israel – a majority coming from Eritrea, Darfur and Southern Sudan." Yet, many continue to see Israel as 'rebellious and troublesome to kings and provinces', echoing the view in Ezra's day.
From my perspective, it all goes back to the day that Satan was thrown from heaven. I think he made up his mind that if he couldn't be the favorite, then no one else would be either. Like Cyrus, many of the kings in the Old Testament recognized that God's hand was on His people and on those who would help Israel. Those rulers with short memories would suffer the consequences of not realizing that God was behind Israel and Jerusalem. The rebellious and troublesome Jews have the God of the Ages on their side.
Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and the royal revenues will suffer.
Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king,
so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place of rebellion from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans–Euphrates. - Ezra 4:12-16 NIV
Anyone who thinks the situation in the Middle East has a simple solution, doesn't know their history. The enemies of God and His people have been plotting against both the Jews and their god for centuries. Over and over again, there have been human plans to wipe them off of the face of the earth, or at the very least discredit them. Even today, unless one has traveled to Israel and Jerusalem, it is hard to understand the issue. Despite what is presented by the media, the Jews in Israel would like to have a Palestinian solution. They are not heartless, in fact just the opposite. Even now, their hospitals are treating children hurt in the ongoing Syrian conflict.. Israel welcomes refugees that few countries do. According to Amnesty International, "As of 2009, there are approximately 18,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Israel – a majority coming from Eritrea, Darfur and Southern Sudan." Yet, many continue to see Israel as 'rebellious and troublesome to kings and provinces', echoing the view in Ezra's day.
From my perspective, it all goes back to the day that Satan was thrown from heaven. I think he made up his mind that if he couldn't be the favorite, then no one else would be either. Like Cyrus, many of the kings in the Old Testament recognized that God's hand was on His people and on those who would help Israel. Those rulers with short memories would suffer the consequences of not realizing that God was behind Israel and Jerusalem. The rebellious and troublesome Jews have the God of the Ages on their side.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Luke 14: If the Shoe Fits
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. - Luke 14:31-32 NIV
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 14:11 NIV
It doesn't take much imagination to apply this to our current political position, or even political posturing that is a distant memory, as in the alleged incident of Kruschev banging his shoe at the United Nations. As in every case, though, I have to relate what Jesus is trying to say to my own personal life, so I have to ask where do I go to war without first trying to make peace. I think back on the times when I have gone warring on matters that in retrospect seem very petty. I have come close to ruining friendships and work relationships over issues that could have been discussed thoroughly and coherently. Many times when I encountered opposition, I told myself I will take the "high road". I will consider the consequences and look for any concession. I will be gracious and explore all of the alternatives. I will love my enemies and do good to those who hate me. Sometimes I even put up a good front while internally I am banging my shoe at the offender and maintaining my superior self worth
I'm no longer sure that there are any reasons for going to war on a national or personal level. It seems to make fools of us all which in itself can be very humbling. Just like the politicians, I have a long way to go.
Friday, September 6, 2013
2 Chronicles 36: No Remedy
Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the LORD, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.
The Fall of Jerusalem
The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. 2 Chron. 36: 14-15 NIV
Do these words apply to us now? I know for certain that we have succumbed to all of the ungodly ways of the other nations. In fact, we are creating new, even more detestable practices for the rest of the world to follow. While some of the nations of this world are becoming more godly, we have taken the opposite approach and seem to be pursuing our own destruction. A few years ago, after September 11th, it appeared, for a time, that we were following after God once more, but just as after godly reign of Josiah when his sons reverted to the sins of his predecessors, I fear that we have despised the word of God too many times and we may be in the same position that Judah was after Josiah's reign. We have abandoned any semblance of holiness or godliness and are pursuing pleasure at any cost. Will this be the end? Has the wrath of God been aroused to the point where there is no remedy?
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Luke 13: Christians in Name Only
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. - Matt. 28:19 NIV
Now, as in New Testament times, the word Christian has taken on a derogatory meaning and much of that we have brought on ourselves. We appear to have been doing everything but making disciples, for if that was our mission, they would have replicated themselves and the world would look a lot different. Satan understands this principle better than we do as Christians. His disciples are constantly bringing others into the fold, while we are creating Christians in name only that the Father is unable to recognize.
Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’
“But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ - Luke 13:24-27 NIV
Our pastor has been teaching about the difference between Christians and disciples. A search of the Bible shows only three instances where the word Christian is used.
- The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.- Acts 11:26 NIV
- Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”. - Acts 26:28 NIV
- However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.- 1 Peter 4:16. NIV
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. - Matt. 28:19 NIV
Now, as in New Testament times, the word Christian has taken on a derogatory meaning and much of that we have brought on ourselves. We appear to have been doing everything but making disciples, for if that was our mission, they would have replicated themselves and the world would look a lot different. Satan understands this principle better than we do as Christians. His disciples are constantly bringing others into the fold, while we are creating Christians in name only that the Father is unable to recognize.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
2 Chronicles 34-35: Josiah
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.
Now I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here.’” So they took her answer back to the king. - 2 Chron. 34:27-28 NIV
Josiah could not change the history of Judah and he could not change the punishment that would be inflicted on Judah for their disobedience, but because of his faithfulness, he would see peace and prosperity in his lifetime. Perhaps we need to take the posture of Josiah, we need to atone for our sins and not concentrate on our history or our future. What God has ordained for our country and the world is already being put in place. There is nothing we can to do stop his divine plan, but we can bring peace and prosperity to our own lives by restoring the covenant God made with us, by worshipping God alone rather than the gods of this world. Once we tear down the idols in our lives, we can live lives as God intended them to be. We can be complete in him in a world that is increasingly falling apart.
Now I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here.’” So they took her answer back to the king. - 2 Chron. 34:27-28 NIV
Josiah could not change the history of Judah and he could not change the punishment that would be inflicted on Judah for their disobedience, but because of his faithfulness, he would see peace and prosperity in his lifetime. Perhaps we need to take the posture of Josiah, we need to atone for our sins and not concentrate on our history or our future. What God has ordained for our country and the world is already being put in place. There is nothing we can to do stop his divine plan, but we can bring peace and prosperity to our own lives by restoring the covenant God made with us, by worshipping God alone rather than the gods of this world. Once we tear down the idols in our lives, we can live lives as God intended them to be. We can be complete in him in a world that is increasingly falling apart.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Luke 12: Where Your Treasure Is
But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:31-34 NIV
I play a lot of computer games. That may sound silly, but it is my confession and I suppose I could also confess that they have become an idol. Instead of finding fulfillment, I find that the more I concentrate on the games, the more depressed I become. Just like a drug addict, they do not satisfy, but leave me nervous and wanting for more, never to be satisfied.
That is not true of spending time with God and in his word. The more time I spend there, the better my energy and outlook on life become. The things of this world seem to melt away and I can see clearly what life is supposed to be and even what I am supposed to be doing. It is only in seeking the kingdom of God that we find satisfaction. Nothing else compares. Nothing else is more beautiful. Anything else is a very poor substitute.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:31-34 NIV
I play a lot of computer games. That may sound silly, but it is my confession and I suppose I could also confess that they have become an idol. Instead of finding fulfillment, I find that the more I concentrate on the games, the more depressed I become. Just like a drug addict, they do not satisfy, but leave me nervous and wanting for more, never to be satisfied.
That is not true of spending time with God and in his word. The more time I spend there, the better my energy and outlook on life become. The things of this world seem to melt away and I can see clearly what life is supposed to be and even what I am supposed to be doing. It is only in seeking the kingdom of God that we find satisfaction. Nothing else compares. Nothing else is more beautiful. Anything else is a very poor substitute.
Monday, September 2, 2013
2 Chronicles 29: Our Only Hope is in God
Our fathers were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of the LORD our God and forsook him. They turned their faces away from the LORD’s dwelling place and turned their backs on him. They also shut the doors of the portico and put out the lamps. They did not burn incense or present any burnt offerings at the sanctuary to the God of Israel. Therefore, the anger of the LORD has fallen on Judah and Jerusalem; he has made them an object of dread and horror and scorn, as you can see with your own eyes. This is why our fathers have fallen by the sword and why our sons and daughters and our wives are in captivity. - 2 Chron. 29:6-9 NIV
Anyone that wants to understand the current world state of affairs, must look no further than Solomon. "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again, he says; there is nothing new under the sun.There is nothing new under the sun." Eccl. 1:9 NIV
Over and over again, history has repeated itself. When rulers and nations follow God, they prosper. When they do not, they always meet the same end, they fall, or as the Chronicler says, they become an "object of dread and horror and scorn...this is why our fathers have fallen by the sword and our sons and daughters and our wives are in captivity." We cannot blame the state of our nation on any other enemy. We are the only ones at fault.
In that same vein, regardless of whether it's a nation or an individual, the same fate awaits all of God's children when we choose not to follow him. He will use any means to get our attention. He will raise up our enemies and cause us to seek advice from those who only have their own best interests at heart. Our lives will be thrown into confusion and our minds into captivity. Any hope other than in God is only an illusion.
Anyone that wants to understand the current world state of affairs, must look no further than Solomon. "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again, he says; there is nothing new under the sun.There is nothing new under the sun." Eccl. 1:9 NIV
Over and over again, history has repeated itself. When rulers and nations follow God, they prosper. When they do not, they always meet the same end, they fall, or as the Chronicler says, they become an "object of dread and horror and scorn...this is why our fathers have fallen by the sword and our sons and daughters and our wives are in captivity." We cannot blame the state of our nation on any other enemy. We are the only ones at fault.
In that same vein, regardless of whether it's a nation or an individual, the same fate awaits all of God's children when we choose not to follow him. He will use any means to get our attention. He will raise up our enemies and cause us to seek advice from those who only have their own best interests at heart. Our lives will be thrown into confusion and our minds into captivity. Any hope other than in God is only an illusion.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Luke 11: American Eyes
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness.
See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.
Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” - Luke 11:34-36 NIV
Years ago, an Indian woman, a native of India who was now living in the United States, told me forlornly, "I still have an Indian heart, but I have American eyes." I fear it is easy for all of us to succumb to "American eyes". We live in such a visual society. We are bombarded on all counts by pictures of the ideal: the ideal body, the ideal car, the ideal vacation, the ideal wife, the ideal job, the ideal house, the ideal clothing, the ideal trinket. As most of us have discovered, getting or achieving the ideal whatever, has not made us happier, and for Christians, we must realize it has not made us more Christ like. On the contrary, chasing after all the things that our eyes have seized a glimpse of has dimmed the light that should be shining. Most of us are very poor examples of what Jesus was telling us to be. We look good, we think we are impressing others, but we are not. We need to stop looking to the world for our light and instead turn our eyes to the light of the world, the only one that can infuse us with the light that illuminates the darkness.
See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.
Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” - Luke 11:34-36 NIV
Years ago, an Indian woman, a native of India who was now living in the United States, told me forlornly, "I still have an Indian heart, but I have American eyes." I fear it is easy for all of us to succumb to "American eyes". We live in such a visual society. We are bombarded on all counts by pictures of the ideal: the ideal body, the ideal car, the ideal vacation, the ideal wife, the ideal job, the ideal house, the ideal clothing, the ideal trinket. As most of us have discovered, getting or achieving the ideal whatever, has not made us happier, and for Christians, we must realize it has not made us more Christ like. On the contrary, chasing after all the things that our eyes have seized a glimpse of has dimmed the light that should be shining. Most of us are very poor examples of what Jesus was telling us to be. We look good, we think we are impressing others, but we are not. We need to stop looking to the world for our light and instead turn our eyes to the light of the world, the only one that can infuse us with the light that illuminates the darkness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)