In 1 Samuel 23 we read while David is on the run from Saul he inquired of the Lord whether or not he should attack the Philistines at Keilah. The Lord told them to attack. Obviously David's men were not impressed because this would give away their location to Saul.
After the victory, the very people whom David delivered ratted him out and David and his men were forced to leave and live on the run once again. It is during this time we read of another incident of David and Jonathan meeting. In verse 18 we read: And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horeb and helped him find strength in the Lord.
Jonathan shows us how a true friend acts. David is tired, on the run, and discouraged - after all Saul wants to kill him. So what does his friend do? He helps him find strength. Where? In the Lord. Jonathan points to the Lord's faithful promises: My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel .... God made a promise and he will deliver.
We ought to thank God for friends who build us up in the Lord during difficult times. We also ought to seek to be a friend, not with vain words or false encouragements, but rather by pointing to the Lord's faithful promises, especially as found in Jesus Christ.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Take a Break
The disciples had just returned from a missions trip with a crowd following them, keeping them so busy they are not even able to sit down and eat. Jesus, showing compassion, says Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6.31)
Jesus not only said to them take a break, he also instructed them (and us) about Biblical rest. While we can feel guilty about rest, Jesus encourages us to take a break. What do we learn about rest in this passage?
First rest comes after busyness. Leisure is not leisure if you are in leisure mode all the time - that is laziness. Rest or leisure comes after work - hard work. The disciples had worked hard and now it was time to enjoy some rest.
Second rest is quietness. I don't think this means keeping the children quiet or going into the deep forest were there is no noise. Quietness, if we can put it this way, is to be quiet from the noise that makes you busy. It is separation from busyness. So, for example, if you are working, quietness would be separating yourself from work where you do not hear the noise of work.
Third rest restores us for further service for Christ. I believe this is where there is much confusion about rest. You may think, well, does that mean all I do is read my Bible and pray? Is that rest? Well - no. There is rest in God's creation as you garden, play with your children, date your wife, read, exercise, knit, play the piano, listen to music, watch TV, and enjoy a hockey game. The question to be asked is do you enter your work and your service for God with a greater desire to serve Him for His glory and His kingdom after you rest? That means we must chose our rest wisely. For instance, if you chose some rest that leaves you physically exhausted, that will not restore your body. ANother example is if you rest while watching TV that dishonours God, your body may be rested but your soul is not ready to serve. It is good to be intentional about our rest and ask God to bless it so we may serve Him with greater passion!
Why is rest so important? I believe rest is essential because the spiritual battle demands physical strength. Remember when your body is weak that the attacks seem to be the greatest. And so those who never rest or exercise - they become spiritually tired and sluggish.
This also emphasizes the importance of Sundays when two great blessings meet - spiritual rest as we worship together and physical rest as we spend time apart from our work. While not being a Sabbatarian, I believe a major reason we are so spiritually lethargic is because we scrimp on spiritual rest. We think 1 hour of public worship a week will cut it but in fact we become tired with the cares of this world and the burdens of this life.
Jesus says - come with me, to a quiet place and get some rest so that you may be better able to serve the master. Come, rest and be restored for the glory of God.
Jesus not only said to them take a break, he also instructed them (and us) about Biblical rest. While we can feel guilty about rest, Jesus encourages us to take a break. What do we learn about rest in this passage?
First rest comes after busyness. Leisure is not leisure if you are in leisure mode all the time - that is laziness. Rest or leisure comes after work - hard work. The disciples had worked hard and now it was time to enjoy some rest.
Second rest is quietness. I don't think this means keeping the children quiet or going into the deep forest were there is no noise. Quietness, if we can put it this way, is to be quiet from the noise that makes you busy. It is separation from busyness. So, for example, if you are working, quietness would be separating yourself from work where you do not hear the noise of work.
Third rest restores us for further service for Christ. I believe this is where there is much confusion about rest. You may think, well, does that mean all I do is read my Bible and pray? Is that rest? Well - no. There is rest in God's creation as you garden, play with your children, date your wife, read, exercise, knit, play the piano, listen to music, watch TV, and enjoy a hockey game. The question to be asked is do you enter your work and your service for God with a greater desire to serve Him for His glory and His kingdom after you rest? That means we must chose our rest wisely. For instance, if you chose some rest that leaves you physically exhausted, that will not restore your body. ANother example is if you rest while watching TV that dishonours God, your body may be rested but your soul is not ready to serve. It is good to be intentional about our rest and ask God to bless it so we may serve Him with greater passion!
Why is rest so important? I believe rest is essential because the spiritual battle demands physical strength. Remember when your body is weak that the attacks seem to be the greatest. And so those who never rest or exercise - they become spiritually tired and sluggish.
This also emphasizes the importance of Sundays when two great blessings meet - spiritual rest as we worship together and physical rest as we spend time apart from our work. While not being a Sabbatarian, I believe a major reason we are so spiritually lethargic is because we scrimp on spiritual rest. We think 1 hour of public worship a week will cut it but in fact we become tired with the cares of this world and the burdens of this life.
Jesus says - come with me, to a quiet place and get some rest so that you may be better able to serve the master. Come, rest and be restored for the glory of God.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
This Is Rich!
Paul writes to a troubled church in Corinth: And this is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Paul had just listed what some of the people were - sexually immoral, homosexuals, male prostitutes, thieves, drunks, slanders and swindlers. What is incredible about this passage is how Paul pastors his people. If you have just been reminded of your past sins- which all too often affect your present struggles and failures- what is it that you need to hear?
First, you need to hear what has changed. Paul did not mess up on the order of salvation when he put washed first, sanctified second and justified last - he was ministering to hurting people, not writing a systematic theology. What would bring maximum joy, amazement and peace to their hearts as they struggle? He had just listed who they once were and now he says to them first - you, who were stained with sin, have been washed. Exactly what we need to hear first: that the dirt of the past has been thoroughly washed away. Further, you have been sanctified: to be made holy in the sight of God. We read in the Old Testament God's people were call to be holy while in the New Testament, God's people are holy. They are made a member of God's people. Finally, they are justified: declared righteous in the sight of God. They have a right standing with God through Jesus - alone.
Second, you need to hear it again and again, in different ways. This is also the value of Paul's pastoral verse. He did not just say - you were justified - period. Rather, Paul lingers as he expresses God's blessing to the people - he stays a while. You are washed - think about it - amazing - but that is not all - you are sanctified - yes, we linger there but we are not done - you are justified in the only name that is worthy, the Lord Jesus Christ. Is that not rich?
Struggle with sin? Guilt? You have been washed, sanctified and justified. What is more amazing? Can money buy this rich treasure? How many people live with supressed guilt and dissatisfaction with earth's so called treasures? Here lies the answer.
Finally, this verse shows us how to minister to others. Paul is writing to a struggling people and what does he do? Reminding them of their sin, he lingers on the grace and mercy of God. Imagine the Corinthians' reaction - if this is what has happened and who I am, I want to live more for Jesus! Not out of guilt but love and thankfulness. And by the Spirit, I have the power.
Paul, the pastor, comforts the hurting and teaches the church how to minister to those who once were - but are no longer.
Paul had just listed what some of the people were - sexually immoral, homosexuals, male prostitutes, thieves, drunks, slanders and swindlers. What is incredible about this passage is how Paul pastors his people. If you have just been reminded of your past sins- which all too often affect your present struggles and failures- what is it that you need to hear?
First, you need to hear what has changed. Paul did not mess up on the order of salvation when he put washed first, sanctified second and justified last - he was ministering to hurting people, not writing a systematic theology. What would bring maximum joy, amazement and peace to their hearts as they struggle? He had just listed who they once were and now he says to them first - you, who were stained with sin, have been washed. Exactly what we need to hear first: that the dirt of the past has been thoroughly washed away. Further, you have been sanctified: to be made holy in the sight of God. We read in the Old Testament God's people were call to be holy while in the New Testament, God's people are holy. They are made a member of God's people. Finally, they are justified: declared righteous in the sight of God. They have a right standing with God through Jesus - alone.
Second, you need to hear it again and again, in different ways. This is also the value of Paul's pastoral verse. He did not just say - you were justified - period. Rather, Paul lingers as he expresses God's blessing to the people - he stays a while. You are washed - think about it - amazing - but that is not all - you are sanctified - yes, we linger there but we are not done - you are justified in the only name that is worthy, the Lord Jesus Christ. Is that not rich?
Struggle with sin? Guilt? You have been washed, sanctified and justified. What is more amazing? Can money buy this rich treasure? How many people live with supressed guilt and dissatisfaction with earth's so called treasures? Here lies the answer.
Finally, this verse shows us how to minister to others. Paul is writing to a struggling people and what does he do? Reminding them of their sin, he lingers on the grace and mercy of God. Imagine the Corinthians' reaction - if this is what has happened and who I am, I want to live more for Jesus! Not out of guilt but love and thankfulness. And by the Spirit, I have the power.
Paul, the pastor, comforts the hurting and teaches the church how to minister to those who once were - but are no longer.
Friday, May 19, 2006
A 2 Corinthians Ministry
This past week at the Sovereign Grace Fellowship Pastors' Conference, Brad Powers spoke on The Pattern of Pastoral Ministry in 2 Corinthians. The paper was unique because it took Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth and surveyed how Paul pastored.
People today talk about counter-culture ministry and then seek to be empowered with new techniques or end up being burdened with guilt because of their own lack of success because they have not followed the program and the leaders. 2 Corinthian Pastoral Ministry is counter-culture in our church age.
Brad pointed out under the heading Perspectives of Pastoral Circumstance that Paul ministered in weakness. He identified with a crucified Christ (10.1; 13.4); he refused to push himself forward (chapter 11-12); he was under the constant pressure of "parenting" a church (12.14-15); he refuses to use weapons of the flesh in the battle (2.17; 10.1-4); and he recognizes the power of the enemy who has blinded the minds of those who do not believe (4.3-6). In other words, he recognizes his own lack of power, Satan's limited power and God's unlimited power.
But does this mean that Paul's ministry is weak? Absolutely not as all this leads to a ministry of great strength. It forces Paul to rely on God who raises the dead rather than his own strength (1.9-11); it results in Christ being pushed forward rather than a mere man (4.5); it results in the edification of the church through the hardships and overwhelming task of parenting a people (12.19); it allows the use of weapons that are actually effective rather than the impotent weapons of flesh (10.3-4); and it focuses attention on God who makes the light shine rather than on the deep darkness of the enemy (4.4-7).
So many weapons given to pastors today actually make them weak and ineffective. There can be so much self and sin in ministry. On the other hand, ministry can be ineffective because we do not rely on God's power. Maybe that is the reason why the church seems to impotent today - we have not carried out a 2 Corinthians ministry which relies alone on God's great power but have substituted it with programs, egos, and pathetic human effort. Search 2 Corinthians and seek to carry out a powerful ministry because we serve a powerful God.
People today talk about counter-culture ministry and then seek to be empowered with new techniques or end up being burdened with guilt because of their own lack of success because they have not followed the program and the leaders. 2 Corinthian Pastoral Ministry is counter-culture in our church age.
Brad pointed out under the heading Perspectives of Pastoral Circumstance that Paul ministered in weakness. He identified with a crucified Christ (10.1; 13.4); he refused to push himself forward (chapter 11-12); he was under the constant pressure of "parenting" a church (12.14-15); he refuses to use weapons of the flesh in the battle (2.17; 10.1-4); and he recognizes the power of the enemy who has blinded the minds of those who do not believe (4.3-6). In other words, he recognizes his own lack of power, Satan's limited power and God's unlimited power.
But does this mean that Paul's ministry is weak? Absolutely not as all this leads to a ministry of great strength. It forces Paul to rely on God who raises the dead rather than his own strength (1.9-11); it results in Christ being pushed forward rather than a mere man (4.5); it results in the edification of the church through the hardships and overwhelming task of parenting a people (12.19); it allows the use of weapons that are actually effective rather than the impotent weapons of flesh (10.3-4); and it focuses attention on God who makes the light shine rather than on the deep darkness of the enemy (4.4-7).
So many weapons given to pastors today actually make them weak and ineffective. There can be so much self and sin in ministry. On the other hand, ministry can be ineffective because we do not rely on God's power. Maybe that is the reason why the church seems to impotent today - we have not carried out a 2 Corinthians ministry which relies alone on God's great power but have substituted it with programs, egos, and pathetic human effort. Search 2 Corinthians and seek to carry out a powerful ministry because we serve a powerful God.
Friday, May 12, 2006
God's Goodness
A famine had hit the land and we read in Genesis 47, the people of Egypt had spent all their money for food and now were forced to give up their land and finally themselves. There was nothing more they could give. The amazing contrast are God's people, namely Israel (Jacob) and his family as they are satisfied with the abundance of God. God in his good providence had sent Joseph many years earlier so God's people and promises could be preserved. When Joseph sends for his family, he provides them with a variety and abundance of food to eat and carts for them to ride into Egypt. You can imagine the procession as they travel in their limousines and ask to one another to pass the shrimp.
Even further, upon arrival Pharaoh says to Joseph's family: settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. It is as if Pharaoh is scratching his head, running through the various parts of the land - Where is the best land? Where? They have livestock, they need lots of room, they need water - where? Goshen - give them Goshen.
Isn't this a great picture of how God cares for His people? Even in struggles and pain and suffering, God's goodness is always abounding. In Revelation 2 we read of the suffering church in Smyrna that they were poor - the Greek word meaning they had nothing - zero in the bank. But immediately Jesus says - yet you are rich. In contrast, the church in Laodicea was rich in material possessions but were poor and in danger of being spit out.
We have a hard time with this but it is God's truth. In the midst of suffering, God's goodness outmatches and outlasts the world's best. Our God, who simply astounds us day after day with His abundance, is worthy of praise because in a land of famine, he has provided a feast for us.
Even further, upon arrival Pharaoh says to Joseph's family: settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. It is as if Pharaoh is scratching his head, running through the various parts of the land - Where is the best land? Where? They have livestock, they need lots of room, they need water - where? Goshen - give them Goshen.
Isn't this a great picture of how God cares for His people? Even in struggles and pain and suffering, God's goodness is always abounding. In Revelation 2 we read of the suffering church in Smyrna that they were poor - the Greek word meaning they had nothing - zero in the bank. But immediately Jesus says - yet you are rich. In contrast, the church in Laodicea was rich in material possessions but were poor and in danger of being spit out.
We have a hard time with this but it is God's truth. In the midst of suffering, God's goodness outmatches and outlasts the world's best. Our God, who simply astounds us day after day with His abundance, is worthy of praise because in a land of famine, he has provided a feast for us.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
To Cast or Not To Cast (Out Demons)
Tonight in our Bible Study, we are going to begin a study on Demon Possession Today: To Cast or Not To Cast. David Powlison has an excellent book entitled Power Encounters which is extremely helpful and my study on this subject has been helped greatly from his insights.
When the Bible speaks about evil or the powers of evil, it speaks about it two ways: situational and moral, seen succinctly in Ecclesiastes 9.3: This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun [situational]: the same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil [moral] and there is madness in their hearts while they live and afterward join the dead.
Moral evil is what people believe and do. It is sin, wickedness, unrighteousness which we are responsible for before God. Situational evil is what happens to us as we live in this fallen world or to put it another way, it is the result of living in a broken creation.
This is necessary to understand because when we read the Gospels and Acts, we read Jesus confronts demon possessed people who are, among other things, blind, deaf, convulsing, cutting, screaming, and foaming. Jesus is confronting those who are experiencing situational evil, the sad fruit of life under Satan's kingdom, the one who seeks to destroy and bring pain, tears, and torment. A classic case is Job as his possessions, children and finally health are all taken from him so he curses the day of his birth because of his suffering.
When Jesus casts out demons, he is meeting the kingdom of darkness head on and in a spectacular way he is reversing the curse of Genesis as he gives relief of suffering (thus showing His love); he is revealing that HE is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and we should pay attention and believe; and he is giving an object lesson for the coming blessings of the kingdom for all who repent and believe.
When the Bible speaks about evil or the powers of evil, it speaks about it two ways: situational and moral, seen succinctly in Ecclesiastes 9.3: This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun [situational]: the same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil [moral] and there is madness in their hearts while they live and afterward join the dead.
Moral evil is what people believe and do. It is sin, wickedness, unrighteousness which we are responsible for before God. Situational evil is what happens to us as we live in this fallen world or to put it another way, it is the result of living in a broken creation.
This is necessary to understand because when we read the Gospels and Acts, we read Jesus confronts demon possessed people who are, among other things, blind, deaf, convulsing, cutting, screaming, and foaming. Jesus is confronting those who are experiencing situational evil, the sad fruit of life under Satan's kingdom, the one who seeks to destroy and bring pain, tears, and torment. A classic case is Job as his possessions, children and finally health are all taken from him so he curses the day of his birth because of his suffering.
When Jesus casts out demons, he is meeting the kingdom of darkness head on and in a spectacular way he is reversing the curse of Genesis as he gives relief of suffering (thus showing His love); he is revealing that HE is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and we should pay attention and believe; and he is giving an object lesson for the coming blessings of the kingdom for all who repent and believe.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Flipping through Mark's Photo Album
Reading Mark is like flipping through an old photo album - the pictures describe the events. In Mark 4 Jesus is sailing across the Sea of Galilee when the winds pick up and the waves begin to flow over the sides. Jesus' disciples are panicking while Jesus is sleeping on a cushion. It is a picture you stare at for a while, trying to grasp the moment. Waves are submerging the boat, disciples are panicking as they run with buckets trying to undo the damage of the storm, the winds are gusting wildly, and Jesus is sleeping, not on a hard bench but comfortably on a cushion.
As we close the photo album, we are struck with this precious truth: God's care is so great that we may be in the middle of the storms of life and fall asleep on a cushion, resting in God's sovereign gracious care. In the middle of the storm, Jesus trusted God's care and could find rest.
We have seen this picture before many times. David writes in Psalm 23 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Elisha is surrounded by an army of Midianites but they do not compare to the army of heavenly angels sent by God; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego have an angel in the fiery furnace; and so on.
You may say, Well, Jesus is God so he should be able to sleep. But Mark gives another picture and that is, if you were to watch them go into the boat, Jesus would look like all the rest. In fact Mark writes: Leaving the crowd behind, they took [Jesus] along, just as he was, in the boat. Mark makes sure we understand that Jesus slept, not because he was God, but slept just as he was - in other words, fully as a human.
The question the disciples asked was: Jesus, do you care? Jesus not only stood up and said, Be still to the wind and the waves, he also slept on a cushion in the midst of the storm. Jesus' care comes not only in power and strength as one who controls the wind and the waves, but in a deep faith that His Father cares. Does Jesus care for you as His child? Enough to allow us to flip through his photo album and see him sleeping on a cushion when the waves and winds blew.
As we close the photo album, we are struck with this precious truth: God's care is so great that we may be in the middle of the storms of life and fall asleep on a cushion, resting in God's sovereign gracious care. In the middle of the storm, Jesus trusted God's care and could find rest.
We have seen this picture before many times. David writes in Psalm 23 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Elisha is surrounded by an army of Midianites but they do not compare to the army of heavenly angels sent by God; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego have an angel in the fiery furnace; and so on.
You may say, Well, Jesus is God so he should be able to sleep. But Mark gives another picture and that is, if you were to watch them go into the boat, Jesus would look like all the rest. In fact Mark writes: Leaving the crowd behind, they took [Jesus] along, just as he was, in the boat. Mark makes sure we understand that Jesus slept, not because he was God, but slept just as he was - in other words, fully as a human.
The question the disciples asked was: Jesus, do you care? Jesus not only stood up and said, Be still to the wind and the waves, he also slept on a cushion in the midst of the storm. Jesus' care comes not only in power and strength as one who controls the wind and the waves, but in a deep faith that His Father cares. Does Jesus care for you as His child? Enough to allow us to flip through his photo album and see him sleeping on a cushion when the waves and winds blew.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Pulling a "Da Vinci"
I hope Leonardo will forgive me but I would like to start using his last name with somewhat of a different twist: the act of a Da Vinci occurs when someone believes the word of someone or anyone but God. Let me give you an example of someone pulling a Da Vinci.
In the recent article in Maclean's (Apr.3'06), Michael Baigent (author of Holy Blood, Holy Grail) is said to have begun The Jesus Papers with the following story (as told by Maclean's): Years ago a respected Anglican cleric told Baigent that a long-dead, famous churchman named Canon Alfred Liley (1860-1948) had told him that he, Liley, has seen indisputable evidence about 1892 that Christ was still alive in 45 CE, long after the Crucifixion. Baigent is sure he will never see the proof, but he firmly believes it. The story is, in effect, a version of Catholicism's apostolic succession - a true knowledge, passed from one pair of trusted hands to another and to another, over the course of more than a century. (p. 36)
That is a classic Da Vinci under my new definition. He pulled a serious, blatant Da Vinci without looking back. Baigent puts his belief in a Canon and on evidence he will never see with his own eyes - and he firmly believes it.
We may ask why? And why this craze over The Da Vinci Code? Here is what I think. If the Bible is true and if Jesus is who he says he is and if he lived a perfect life, died and rose again, ascended to heaven - if all of this is true, then all who know this truth and this Jesus must bend their knee and confess Jesus as Saviour and King. They must come in repentance and faith and find life alone in Jesus. The ultimate heart of the battle is not the truth and untruth of the Gospels (although that is a serious battle) but a battle of the heart. Men and women refuse to believe they are sinful and Jesus is the only answer to their problem.
So, when someone pulls a Da Vinci go ahead and tell them about the trustworthiness and the authority of God's Word but don't stop. Tell them the good news story of the historical Jesus who answered this question the following way: Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires? Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent. (John 6.28-29) Believe in Jesus, repent of your sins and follow Him - He alone is our hope.
In the recent article in Maclean's (Apr.3'06), Michael Baigent (author of Holy Blood, Holy Grail) is said to have begun The Jesus Papers with the following story (as told by Maclean's): Years ago a respected Anglican cleric told Baigent that a long-dead, famous churchman named Canon Alfred Liley (1860-1948) had told him that he, Liley, has seen indisputable evidence about 1892 that Christ was still alive in 45 CE, long after the Crucifixion. Baigent is sure he will never see the proof, but he firmly believes it. The story is, in effect, a version of Catholicism's apostolic succession - a true knowledge, passed from one pair of trusted hands to another and to another, over the course of more than a century. (p. 36)
That is a classic Da Vinci under my new definition. He pulled a serious, blatant Da Vinci without looking back. Baigent puts his belief in a Canon and on evidence he will never see with his own eyes - and he firmly believes it.
We may ask why? And why this craze over The Da Vinci Code? Here is what I think. If the Bible is true and if Jesus is who he says he is and if he lived a perfect life, died and rose again, ascended to heaven - if all of this is true, then all who know this truth and this Jesus must bend their knee and confess Jesus as Saviour and King. They must come in repentance and faith and find life alone in Jesus. The ultimate heart of the battle is not the truth and untruth of the Gospels (although that is a serious battle) but a battle of the heart. Men and women refuse to believe they are sinful and Jesus is the only answer to their problem.
So, when someone pulls a Da Vinci go ahead and tell them about the trustworthiness and the authority of God's Word but don't stop. Tell them the good news story of the historical Jesus who answered this question the following way: Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires? Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent. (John 6.28-29) Believe in Jesus, repent of your sins and follow Him - He alone is our hope.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Thank You for the Cross
Revelation 1.4-8: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (ESV)
Jesus, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of kings on earth - it is he who died for His people. Jesus, the one who loved us and has freed us from our sins by his blood - it is he who died for His people. Jesus, the one who has made us a kingdom, priests of his God and Father so that God may receive glory and power forever and ever - it is he who died for His people. Jesus, the one who will return on the clouds to bring His people home with him and to bring judgment on those who do not love him - it is he who died for His people.
Jesus, I thank you for who you are, for who you are making us, and for the joy of living in Your kingdom. Jesus, I thank you for the cross.
Jesus, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of kings on earth - it is he who died for His people. Jesus, the one who loved us and has freed us from our sins by his blood - it is he who died for His people. Jesus, the one who has made us a kingdom, priests of his God and Father so that God may receive glory and power forever and ever - it is he who died for His people. Jesus, the one who will return on the clouds to bring His people home with him and to bring judgment on those who do not love him - it is he who died for His people.
Jesus, I thank you for who you are, for who you are making us, and for the joy of living in Your kingdom. Jesus, I thank you for the cross.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Love Your Children
A court has ruled in Alberta Canada that it is fine for a 35 year old male to have an explicit sexual conversation on the computer and later phone a 12 year old girl at her house. The reason he was found not guilty: he did not try to lure her to have sex with him.
Understand this - it is not a crime to have a very explicit conversation with a minor and it is not wrong to phone her at her home, all without her parent's knowledge. We do not punish this sick behavior simply because at that time he made no attempt to meet her.
And so in an attempt to explain what has gone wrong we point the finger at our soft judges, our lenient justice system, our out of touch politicians or the smut on the computer. All these fingers pointing away from ourselves. We shift the blame elsewhere.
I believe one of the main reasons we read stories such as this is not courts or judges or politicians but a heart condition, that is a sin, called selfishness. Yes, pointing the finger at self we see our love of self. We are a selfish generation as we care for self first. Now, in polite circles we don't talk in such frank ways. Rather we say things like "we can't survive on one salary" or "I am just not fulfilled at home" and so on. But beneath all of this is self, pure and simple.
The result? We have a generation of children that have been ignored by their parents in the name of self. Our society no longer values children within the family and they are easily shipped out to others or left alone while parents go out and pursue their dreams. One prime example is the divorce rate. Enough said.
And sadly our children grow up alone figuring a lot of this world out on their own - or with their friends. I am not saying this mom did not love her 12 year old girl. I am saying that instead of blaming others, begin in your home and ask what place do your children have in your home? Do you value your children and spend time nurturing, guiding and loving them?
We have somehow believed a lie that says our children will be happy with the latest shoes and not the presence of their mom and dad. We have convinced ourselves that it is fine to give the most impressionable years of our children to others as we pay down a mortgage on an oversized house.
And then we wonder when a 12 year old girl finds herself on line with a 35 year old pervert wondering if this is love. Parents - they are your children, a gift given. Cherish them and love them for His sake.
Understand this - it is not a crime to have a very explicit conversation with a minor and it is not wrong to phone her at her home, all without her parent's knowledge. We do not punish this sick behavior simply because at that time he made no attempt to meet her.
And so in an attempt to explain what has gone wrong we point the finger at our soft judges, our lenient justice system, our out of touch politicians or the smut on the computer. All these fingers pointing away from ourselves. We shift the blame elsewhere.
I believe one of the main reasons we read stories such as this is not courts or judges or politicians but a heart condition, that is a sin, called selfishness. Yes, pointing the finger at self we see our love of self. We are a selfish generation as we care for self first. Now, in polite circles we don't talk in such frank ways. Rather we say things like "we can't survive on one salary" or "I am just not fulfilled at home" and so on. But beneath all of this is self, pure and simple.
The result? We have a generation of children that have been ignored by their parents in the name of self. Our society no longer values children within the family and they are easily shipped out to others or left alone while parents go out and pursue their dreams. One prime example is the divorce rate. Enough said.
And sadly our children grow up alone figuring a lot of this world out on their own - or with their friends. I am not saying this mom did not love her 12 year old girl. I am saying that instead of blaming others, begin in your home and ask what place do your children have in your home? Do you value your children and spend time nurturing, guiding and loving them?
We have somehow believed a lie that says our children will be happy with the latest shoes and not the presence of their mom and dad. We have convinced ourselves that it is fine to give the most impressionable years of our children to others as we pay down a mortgage on an oversized house.
And then we wonder when a 12 year old girl finds herself on line with a 35 year old pervert wondering if this is love. Parents - they are your children, a gift given. Cherish them and love them for His sake.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Good News In Ethiopia
Last night at our evening church service, Melissa talked about her 6 month mission trip to Ethiopia. She showed many pictures and shared her experiences, followed by a time of questions. There were two striking moments for me Sunday night. The first was a story told of the children who came to their children's ministry and being very lethargic. They tried to do excercises to liven the children up but that did not work. They finally figured out that the reason the children were so weak was because they were not eating. They simply had nothing to eat. So at the beginning of their time together, they gave them something to eat and drink.
The second moment was the pictures of children/teens in boys and girls homes, without parents. Beautiful children and teens but with no family. Melissa mentioned the times she would be with both groups and seek to love them, in the name of Jesus.
And that is the value of doing more than social work in Ethiopia on a mission's trip. Melissa not only fed the children and developed relationships with those in the groups homes but she also was able to speak of the living water, the living bread and a heavenly Father. The gospel as it goes forward meets the ultimate need - pointing others to the death and love of Jesus Christ.
I thank the Lord Melissa was able to go to Ethiopia to feed the children and encourage the teens. But I also thank the Lord that she was able to take the great message of Jesus half way across the world and tell them of a gracious Father, a loving Christ and a Christian family.
The second moment was the pictures of children/teens in boys and girls homes, without parents. Beautiful children and teens but with no family. Melissa mentioned the times she would be with both groups and seek to love them, in the name of Jesus.
And that is the value of doing more than social work in Ethiopia on a mission's trip. Melissa not only fed the children and developed relationships with those in the groups homes but she also was able to speak of the living water, the living bread and a heavenly Father. The gospel as it goes forward meets the ultimate need - pointing others to the death and love of Jesus Christ.
I thank the Lord Melissa was able to go to Ethiopia to feed the children and encourage the teens. But I also thank the Lord that she was able to take the great message of Jesus half way across the world and tell them of a gracious Father, a loving Christ and a Christian family.
What Every Believer Needs to Know To Serve God: A Lesson from Gideon
As believers, what is the first lesson we need to learn when we are serving God? Gideon was surrounded by a massive army who was ruthless and oppressive when the angel of the Lord came to him and said, The Lord is with you, mighty warrior (Judges 6.12). Gideon follows this statement with two questions. One deals with the presence of the Lord and the other questioning the title "mighty warrior", both of which the Lord answers by assuring Gideon of His almighty presence. The point: the Lord is with you. If Gideon was going to serve the Lord, He needed to know first and foremost, the Lord is present. And if the Lord was with Gideon, Gideon would be mighty for the Lord.
And that is why the first battle God calls Gideon to fight is so important. Remember the Lord calls Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole, both of which Gideon does at night. The people of the town search for the one who would dare attack their gods and they finally come up with Gideon. Approaching his father, they demand Gideon's life, to which his father answers: ... If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.
What is so significant about this battle? In the ironic words of Gideon's father, Baal and Asherah are impotent. Gideon's God is not only present but all-powerful. The following scene when Gideon asks God to make the fleece damp and the ground dry, and then vise-versa, assures Gideon once again, in a very personal manner, the Lord would be with him: Yes, Gideon, God says, I am with you.
What an encouragement to Gideon as he was assured of God's power and presence. It's no wonder that when the Lord whittles his army down to 300, he does not protest. He has learned the lesson every believer needs to learn - God is powerful and the false gods cannot stand up to Him. And yes, God is ever-present with His people.
And that is why the first battle God calls Gideon to fight is so important. Remember the Lord calls Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole, both of which Gideon does at night. The people of the town search for the one who would dare attack their gods and they finally come up with Gideon. Approaching his father, they demand Gideon's life, to which his father answers: ... If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.
What is so significant about this battle? In the ironic words of Gideon's father, Baal and Asherah are impotent. Gideon's God is not only present but all-powerful. The following scene when Gideon asks God to make the fleece damp and the ground dry, and then vise-versa, assures Gideon once again, in a very personal manner, the Lord would be with him: Yes, Gideon, God says, I am with you.
What an encouragement to Gideon as he was assured of God's power and presence. It's no wonder that when the Lord whittles his army down to 300, he does not protest. He has learned the lesson every believer needs to learn - God is powerful and the false gods cannot stand up to Him. And yes, God is ever-present with His people.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
When He Saw The Crowds
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9.35-36
Jesus had come from heaven, became a man and as a man, never sinned, being perfectly righteous in every way. In a word, Jesus was holy. In his complete holiness, he knew the sinfulness of sin. As sinful humans, we can be offended by sin but not in the way Jesus could be offended. He was and is God and He saw sin for what it was and is in the human heart.
And yet, when he looked out over the crowds, he had compassion. The Holy One had compassion as he healed the sick and preached the gospel. It is a good lesson when we grow cynical and hard towards sinners - do we walk in this world with a compassionate heart, weeping for the lost harassed and helpless sheep.
Jesus knew the heights of holiness and the depths of sin and yet he reached out with compassion. We who stand alongside sinners need to show compassion - mercy in action - to sinners. We need to learn to once again view them as Jesus viewed the crowds and then seek to reach out in practical mercy and gospel proclamation. May God take your heart and give you compassion for the lost and boldness to live as Christ in this world.
Jesus had come from heaven, became a man and as a man, never sinned, being perfectly righteous in every way. In a word, Jesus was holy. In his complete holiness, he knew the sinfulness of sin. As sinful humans, we can be offended by sin but not in the way Jesus could be offended. He was and is God and He saw sin for what it was and is in the human heart.
And yet, when he looked out over the crowds, he had compassion. The Holy One had compassion as he healed the sick and preached the gospel. It is a good lesson when we grow cynical and hard towards sinners - do we walk in this world with a compassionate heart, weeping for the lost harassed and helpless sheep.
Jesus knew the heights of holiness and the depths of sin and yet he reached out with compassion. We who stand alongside sinners need to show compassion - mercy in action - to sinners. We need to learn to once again view them as Jesus viewed the crowds and then seek to reach out in practical mercy and gospel proclamation. May God take your heart and give you compassion for the lost and boldness to live as Christ in this world.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Jesus - Pastor and Deacon
We hear a lot about Jesus being the Great Shepherd - and He is and we are so thankful. What a blessing to be in his flock as he protects and keeps us in green pastures. We even have the assurance that if we are to wander, He will leave the 99 and come and rescue us, bringing us back.
But we also read that Jesus is the Great Deacon - a minister of compassion and mercy. One example out of many in the life of Jesus is found in Matthew 20.29-34 when Jesus gives sight to two blind men. In verse 32 we read that Jesus stopped - the first step in showing mercy. Jesus cared for people by first of making time for them. He stopped in his busy schedule and he called them, What do you want me to do for you? The second step is looking for opportunities to show mercy. Stop but then ask and look for what needs to be done.
Well, the blind men asked to receive their sight. When we want to learn how to show mercy, we go to the latest book written or guru on caring out ministry in our modern culture. We ought to first look at the simple acts of Jesus - he stopped, he inquired and then he did three simple acts of kindness: Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes (Verse 34) He had compassion, he reached out and he touched them. That is the example of the Great Deacon.
Stop. Ask. Be compassionate. Reach out. Touch. The Great Deacon has preached a simple sermon on how to be a minister of mercy in our hurting world. We may not be able to heal the blind, but we are able to visit the sick, visit those in prison, give bread tot he hungry and water to the thirsty - and it all begins when we STOP our busy schedules and show mercy.
But we also read that Jesus is the Great Deacon - a minister of compassion and mercy. One example out of many in the life of Jesus is found in Matthew 20.29-34 when Jesus gives sight to two blind men. In verse 32 we read that Jesus stopped - the first step in showing mercy. Jesus cared for people by first of making time for them. He stopped in his busy schedule and he called them, What do you want me to do for you? The second step is looking for opportunities to show mercy. Stop but then ask and look for what needs to be done.
Well, the blind men asked to receive their sight. When we want to learn how to show mercy, we go to the latest book written or guru on caring out ministry in our modern culture. We ought to first look at the simple acts of Jesus - he stopped, he inquired and then he did three simple acts of kindness: Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes (Verse 34) He had compassion, he reached out and he touched them. That is the example of the Great Deacon.
Stop. Ask. Be compassionate. Reach out. Touch. The Great Deacon has preached a simple sermon on how to be a minister of mercy in our hurting world. We may not be able to heal the blind, but we are able to visit the sick, visit those in prison, give bread tot he hungry and water to the thirsty - and it all begins when we STOP our busy schedules and show mercy.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A Matter of Time
God is so gracious! He really is even when we look at a passage like 1 Timothy 5.24-25: The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden (5.24).
You see, sin is so deceitful that we can believe we have begun to beat God at His game - we can continue to live in sin and serve God. But God in His grace loves us so much that He essentially says, I know what is going on and just because the sin that you are hiding has not been found out yet, it will if you continue in it. And so God in His grace warns us - stop your hidden sins or they will find you out. Any hidden sins?
But there is more. Covering up sins is tiring. We need to constantly look over our shoulder to see if anyone is looking or worse, we need to remember the lies we have told. Satan is so deceitful in that he is able to convince us that the supposed pleasure, which is wiping us out, is satisfying! And God intervenes in grace and says Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
If you are hiding sins, ask God to give you grace to deal with them. You will find forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit to give you power to confess and repent. Come to Jesus and you will find rest. However, if you choose to continue to hide your sins, know God's Word: and even those that are not cannot be hidden. In God's grace, He has warned you!
You see, sin is so deceitful that we can believe we have begun to beat God at His game - we can continue to live in sin and serve God. But God in His grace loves us so much that He essentially says, I know what is going on and just because the sin that you are hiding has not been found out yet, it will if you continue in it. And so God in His grace warns us - stop your hidden sins or they will find you out. Any hidden sins?
But there is more. Covering up sins is tiring. We need to constantly look over our shoulder to see if anyone is looking or worse, we need to remember the lies we have told. Satan is so deceitful in that he is able to convince us that the supposed pleasure, which is wiping us out, is satisfying! And God intervenes in grace and says Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
If you are hiding sins, ask God to give you grace to deal with them. You will find forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit to give you power to confess and repent. Come to Jesus and you will find rest. However, if you choose to continue to hide your sins, know God's Word: and even those that are not cannot be hidden. In God's grace, He has warned you!
Friday, March 10, 2006
How Big Is Your Church?
Pastoral success is in numbers and so we hear the question often and are judged accordingly. In fact, we judge ourselves as to how successful we are as numbers increase or decrease. I don't think it is just a "pastor problem" but also a "pew problem" - we are in a good church if it has good programs or a church that is moving forward if numbers are increasing- everyone wants to be part of this church!
I do not disagree that numbers should be noted - after Peter preached his first sermon we are told how many are saved. But when they become the focus and measure of success, the church begins to judge her efforts by worldly standards (must have a good report to our "shareholders"). What really is the "measure of success" for preacher and congregation? Is it not found in the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians2.19: For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not You? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. Paul will then speak of how much he wants to see the believers so they sent Timothy ... to strengthen and encourage you in the faith (verse 3) because Paul was ...afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts would have been useless (verse 5).
But Timothy reported to Paul good news about their faith and love so Paul writes: For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. Trials and persecution had not dimmed the Thessaloniuan believer's faith and love as they stand firm for the Lord.
What was Paul's joy? What was his meaure of success? Was it not found when his people were standing firm in face of temptation? When they were strengthened in holiness and love? When they were abounding in love and good works? When sinners were being saved?
So yes, how big is your church? but more importantly, are your people standing firm and bearing fruit in spite of opposition and temptation? Are you part of church that is not only growing but a church that is looking you square in the heart and challenging and encouraging you to stand firm for Christ in all circumstances?
Unlike the world, there is not safety in numbers in the church; our safety is found in Jesus - alone.
I do not disagree that numbers should be noted - after Peter preached his first sermon we are told how many are saved. But when they become the focus and measure of success, the church begins to judge her efforts by worldly standards (must have a good report to our "shareholders"). What really is the "measure of success" for preacher and congregation? Is it not found in the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians2.19: For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not You? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. Paul will then speak of how much he wants to see the believers so they sent Timothy ... to strengthen and encourage you in the faith (verse 3) because Paul was ...afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts would have been useless (verse 5).
But Timothy reported to Paul good news about their faith and love so Paul writes: For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. Trials and persecution had not dimmed the Thessaloniuan believer's faith and love as they stand firm for the Lord.
What was Paul's joy? What was his meaure of success? Was it not found when his people were standing firm in face of temptation? When they were strengthened in holiness and love? When they were abounding in love and good works? When sinners were being saved?
So yes, how big is your church? but more importantly, are your people standing firm and bearing fruit in spite of opposition and temptation? Are you part of church that is not only growing but a church that is looking you square in the heart and challenging and encouraging you to stand firm for Christ in all circumstances?
Unlike the world, there is not safety in numbers in the church; our safety is found in Jesus - alone.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
The Church Is Full of Hypocrites - Really?
We have all heard it - I don't go to church because they are all hypocrites. Really? First of all, at some level, we are all hypocrites, church-goer or non-church-goer. Who has not said I'm all right, when inside they are not alright. I will still go to work or a hockey game even though the workplace and the arena are filled with hypocrites.
But I think there is a deeper misunderstanding. What is often the response of the Christian when they hear someone make that astute observation about pew-sitting hypocrites? We agree and apologize! Why? Instead we ought to use it as a time of evangelism. If we are going to evangelize, we need to first understand the distinction between justification and progressive sanctification. Justification tells us of our right standing before God, not others in the church; progressive sanctification tells us of our standing before those in the church.
When we go to church, our standing before God is right through the work of Jesus' death and resurrection - we stand as if we are righteous in the presence of God. At the same time, when we sit in our chairs and worship with one another, we are those who are still growing in Christ-likeness. No, we are not all hypocrites - no one that I have met recently has claimed sinlessness in everyday living. While forgiven in Christ, the church is filled with saved sinners seeking to love God and be Christ-like, but fail and sin against God and one another.
Martin Luther writes about the Christian life: The life, therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it; the process is not yet finished but it is going on; this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory but all is being purified.
Instead of apologizing for those in the church, tell the astute observers the gospel message. Talk about justification in ways they will understand and their need for a Saviour. Explain that to be saved doesn't mean perfection in this life. In others words, proclaim the gospel and the results of a changed heart, gently and honestly: God is at work to transform His people to look more like Him. We are not perfectly righteous but we are growing in righteousness; we do not yet perfectly love but we are learning to love; and we do not yet live like Jesus calls us to live, but we are growing in Christ-likeness.
So, this is good news for those who won't come to church because it is full of hypocrites. If the church is not full of hypocrites but sinners who are saved and are learning to love Jesus more each day, they should feel welcome.
So won't you come to church and know of the love of Jesus for sinners? Come on - you are more than welcome!!
But I think there is a deeper misunderstanding. What is often the response of the Christian when they hear someone make that astute observation about pew-sitting hypocrites? We agree and apologize! Why? Instead we ought to use it as a time of evangelism. If we are going to evangelize, we need to first understand the distinction between justification and progressive sanctification. Justification tells us of our right standing before God, not others in the church; progressive sanctification tells us of our standing before those in the church.
When we go to church, our standing before God is right through the work of Jesus' death and resurrection - we stand as if we are righteous in the presence of God. At the same time, when we sit in our chairs and worship with one another, we are those who are still growing in Christ-likeness. No, we are not all hypocrites - no one that I have met recently has claimed sinlessness in everyday living. While forgiven in Christ, the church is filled with saved sinners seeking to love God and be Christ-like, but fail and sin against God and one another.
Martin Luther writes about the Christian life: The life, therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it; the process is not yet finished but it is going on; this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory but all is being purified.
Instead of apologizing for those in the church, tell the astute observers the gospel message. Talk about justification in ways they will understand and their need for a Saviour. Explain that to be saved doesn't mean perfection in this life. In others words, proclaim the gospel and the results of a changed heart, gently and honestly: God is at work to transform His people to look more like Him. We are not perfectly righteous but we are growing in righteousness; we do not yet perfectly love but we are learning to love; and we do not yet live like Jesus calls us to live, but we are growing in Christ-likeness.
So, this is good news for those who won't come to church because it is full of hypocrites. If the church is not full of hypocrites but sinners who are saved and are learning to love Jesus more each day, they should feel welcome.
So won't you come to church and know of the love of Jesus for sinners? Come on - you are more than welcome!!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Xerxes Throws a Party - Jesus Outdoes Him
I love the book of Esther as God leads, guides and protects His people in captivity. As I was reading Esther 1, I was struck by the wealth of King Xerxes - ruling 127 provinces from India to the upper Nile region, throwing an open house (palace) for 180 days so people could be amazed at the lavish lifestyle, and then throwing a 7 day party, serving wine to each as they wished at no cost to them.
But then I thought - where is the wealth now? Really! Can anyone find it? What about the vast and great kingdom? Where is Xerxes now? Did he come to Esther's God? Life is fleeting, riches come and go, wine goblets empty, and kingdoms fade.
A good reminder as we can become consumed with riches, the here and now. Jesus says: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
Look around you at your car, your house, your job, your wrinkle free face and muscle-toned body - they will all disappear. Does the time and energy into physical health and wealth surpass your investment of spiritual health and wealth? If so, your treasure is on earth and you will reap your reward. But how great are the words of Jesus and the warning of Xerxes: there is a better life with greater rewards and blessings all through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Come and enjoy him who is the great giver of life.
One final thought: as I read Esther 1, I was impressed with Xerxes riches. I certainly would have attended the party and looked around. But then we think of the riches of Jesus and the banquet to which he invites us. Jesus, His Kingdom reaching from east to west, the earth His footstool, invites us into His presence and experience His blessings. Jesus again says: In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
So here are the two questions that remain: whose kingdom is greater and whose party would you rather attend? In the words of Joshua, As for me and my household, I will serve the Lord.
But then I thought - where is the wealth now? Really! Can anyone find it? What about the vast and great kingdom? Where is Xerxes now? Did he come to Esther's God? Life is fleeting, riches come and go, wine goblets empty, and kingdoms fade.
A good reminder as we can become consumed with riches, the here and now. Jesus says: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
Look around you at your car, your house, your job, your wrinkle free face and muscle-toned body - they will all disappear. Does the time and energy into physical health and wealth surpass your investment of spiritual health and wealth? If so, your treasure is on earth and you will reap your reward. But how great are the words of Jesus and the warning of Xerxes: there is a better life with greater rewards and blessings all through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Come and enjoy him who is the great giver of life.
One final thought: as I read Esther 1, I was impressed with Xerxes riches. I certainly would have attended the party and looked around. But then we think of the riches of Jesus and the banquet to which he invites us. Jesus, His Kingdom reaching from east to west, the earth His footstool, invites us into His presence and experience His blessings. Jesus again says: In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
So here are the two questions that remain: whose kingdom is greater and whose party would you rather attend? In the words of Joshua, As for me and my household, I will serve the Lord.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Psalm 13: Hope In the Battle With Sin
What to do with guilt? Where to bring it? Where to go when we are persistently bombarded with temptation? How to find hope when we consistently fall into the same sin and feel defeated? You may struggle with these questions as sin seems to gain ground and darkness spreads, causing you to doubt your salvation. Psalm 13 helps us as we watch the Psalmist struggle with an enemy that seems to be gaining ground.
Psalm 13.1-2 tells us of the struggle. The first utterance from the psalmist's mouth is like many a prayer found in our most painful moment - short and honest: How long, O Lord? David then elaborates: How long will you forget me - forever? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts, have sorrow in my heart and have the enemy triumph over me? Sin, the enemy is winning and gaining ground.
What is David's concern? Why the struggle? Psalm 13.3-4 tell us that if God does not answer, the enemy will laugh at him and claim victory. Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. This is a real fear in the believer's life - does the advance of the enemy mean God's love has left me and the enemy is becoming to powerful.
What does David do? Give up? Renounce God as powerless and join the "dark side"? Does he even doubt his faith (sometimes what may seem to be a very spiritual act in itself)? No, no and no. He states three truths he may not see by sight but holds to by faith.
1. But I trust in your unfailing love: when I do not love you like I should, I trust in your love that does not let me go.
2. My heart rejoices in your salvation: when I struggle and am losing ground, I rejoice in your salvation that you have given me. You have saved me, knowing my sin and who I am - I have not saved me from my sins.
3. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me: I will simply begin to sing of God's goodness and if God is good, then He will protect me, empower me, keep me safe and ultimately give me victory over my sin.
This prayer is valuable as it teaches us how to pray in desperate times when struggling with sin. Cry out to God and be honest - brutally honest; tell him your heartfelt fears; and finally, think "God" thoughts by asking what do you know to be true? Does God love me with an unfailing, everlasting love? Then he will not reject me. Has God saved me? Then he will not condemn me or give me over to my enemy. Has God been good? Then I will sing even while the enemy surrounds me and seems to be winning.
Psalm 13.1-2 tells us of the struggle. The first utterance from the psalmist's mouth is like many a prayer found in our most painful moment - short and honest: How long, O Lord? David then elaborates: How long will you forget me - forever? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts, have sorrow in my heart and have the enemy triumph over me? Sin, the enemy is winning and gaining ground.
What is David's concern? Why the struggle? Psalm 13.3-4 tell us that if God does not answer, the enemy will laugh at him and claim victory. Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. This is a real fear in the believer's life - does the advance of the enemy mean God's love has left me and the enemy is becoming to powerful.
What does David do? Give up? Renounce God as powerless and join the "dark side"? Does he even doubt his faith (sometimes what may seem to be a very spiritual act in itself)? No, no and no. He states three truths he may not see by sight but holds to by faith.
1. But I trust in your unfailing love: when I do not love you like I should, I trust in your love that does not let me go.
2. My heart rejoices in your salvation: when I struggle and am losing ground, I rejoice in your salvation that you have given me. You have saved me, knowing my sin and who I am - I have not saved me from my sins.
3. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me: I will simply begin to sing of God's goodness and if God is good, then He will protect me, empower me, keep me safe and ultimately give me victory over my sin.
This prayer is valuable as it teaches us how to pray in desperate times when struggling with sin. Cry out to God and be honest - brutally honest; tell him your heartfelt fears; and finally, think "God" thoughts by asking what do you know to be true? Does God love me with an unfailing, everlasting love? Then he will not reject me. Has God saved me? Then he will not condemn me or give me over to my enemy. Has God been good? Then I will sing even while the enemy surrounds me and seems to be winning.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
A Personal Moment With Abraham - Genesis 20
Abraham had been sent into a land that was filled with those who did not fear God - and he was afraid. Genesis 20.11 Abraham tells Abimelech that the reason he told him Sarah was his wife was because I said to myself, 'There is not fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. This is a very personal moment with Abraham - friends sitting down to coffee, talking honestly. Abraham, the man of faith, after a sip says "I was afraid." And why not? Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 shows us the wickedness of the day. Abraham wandered primarily among people who he ought to fear, humanly speaking. Do we not fear what wickedness can do to our wives and children?
But Genesis 20 tells us of His protective grace over the life of His people. Behind the scenes God worked for the good of His people. His promise to guide and protect Abraham never failed - despite Abraham's lack of faith in God's sovereign protection.
What Christian hasn't looked to God and said I am afraid - God protect and keep me (and my family). But thank God we can be afraid and He still protects and keeps us. When Peter walked on the water to meet Jesus and his eyes began to look at the waves and he began to sink, the hand of Jesus pulled Peter to him. Abraham - a man of great faith was afraid. God - a great God guarded and guided His son. We are reminded that we have a gracious Father who guides, protects and keeps His people in a land filled with those who have no fear of God - and so we need not be afraid.
Thanks for the coffee Abraham.
But Genesis 20 tells us of His protective grace over the life of His people. Behind the scenes God worked for the good of His people. His promise to guide and protect Abraham never failed - despite Abraham's lack of faith in God's sovereign protection.
What Christian hasn't looked to God and said I am afraid - God protect and keep me (and my family). But thank God we can be afraid and He still protects and keeps us. When Peter walked on the water to meet Jesus and his eyes began to look at the waves and he began to sink, the hand of Jesus pulled Peter to him. Abraham - a man of great faith was afraid. God - a great God guarded and guided His son. We are reminded that we have a gracious Father who guides, protects and keeps His people in a land filled with those who have no fear of God - and so we need not be afraid.
Thanks for the coffee Abraham.
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