Devotions
Observe..Interpret...Apply
And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:2-12)
It is important to start with the Word. It is the Word that informs us of God’s design and desire for us. God can enable us by His Holy Spirit to obey and please Him in our circumstances. Jesus quotes Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24 in his response. God created male and female in order to bring them together to make the whole. In the perfect world that God created, pre-fall man and woman were complete when they came together as one. Paul refers to this as a mystery, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31-32). A mystery because God instituted the marriage relationship to reflect the relationship between Him and us, Christ and the Church. As New Testament believers, with a full understanding of the gospel and the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to understanding and obedience, we can begin to understand the need to persevere in marriage for Christ.
The people of Moses’ day had no such understanding or ability to obey, without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Hard hearted people rebel against God’s design and desire, their rebellion can be so destructive that laws are needed to curtail the social damage. That is what Moses the lawgiver had to do. To the Pharisees Moses made sense, while Jesus’ words were impossible to accept. The disciples also struggled with what Jesus said, which is more fully captured in Matthews narrative:
The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” (Matt 19:10-12)
Takeaways and application
“And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’” (Colossians 4:17)
The ministry that the Lord gives us, will be outside our comfort zone and will require faith and dependence on the Lord to fulfill. For it is a ministry, “receive from the Lord.” Not something we would figure or precipitate towards. The ministry we receive from the Lord is something the Lord has prepared for us to do - Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” The Lord reveals this ministry to his children when they are born into his family.
A recent message convicted us to reflect on the “ministry we have received from the Lord.” Are we continuing in being faithful to fulfill the ministry we received?
It is a message from the Word, and worthy of reflection for all of us who seek to live for Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 says “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Ministry is about being a servant to others, for His glory.
In Colossians 4, we read that the Lord gives ministry (servant) callings to each of his children to fulfill. Aristarchus, Mark and Justus are a comfort to Paul (Col 4:10-11). Epaphras is praying faithfully for the churches (Col 4:12-13). Tychicus, Onesimus, Luke are serving alongside Paul (Col 4:7-15). Paul himself is serving the churches even as a prisoner (Col 4:18). Faithfully fulfill your ministry that you have received from the Lord.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (verse 1-2)
Bless the Lord! Is to speak well of Him and appreciate what he has done. King David pens this psalm as his personal praise to God. In the next few verses, verses 3-5, he notes the personal benefits he has received, forgiveness, redemption, and renewal. King David’s praise is a prophetic praise, because how God was to do this, forgive-redeem-renew, was unknown to the people of that time.
What God is going to do is consistent with his character - righteous, just, steadfast love, promise keeper, merciful (verses 6-9). So what does he do, “he does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” (verse 10). This is wonderful, but it is inconsistent with his character of justice and righteousness. How can a just God overlook or excuse sin? Herein we see the wisdom of God. God did indeed deal with sin and receive repayment for every iniquity, in Jesus - his Son, who was God himself taking the sins of mankind upon himself as the Son of Man. As a result, God is able to remove, detach and isolate the sins of “those who fear him.” It is not that God has dementia and has forgotten our sins, God has removed our sins from us, because he has attached it to himself and paid for it. It is so far removed it cannot be reattached to us (verse 11-12).
The redeemed are those who fear God and keep his commands - They are referred to as His children (verses 12-19). What has changed that we can be called his children, it is the “renewal” that King David mentioned in verse 5. God achieves this renewal by taking residence in the hearts of His children by His Holy Spirit. Sin was the barrier for fellowship and by paying the price for our sins that barrier has been broken and personal fellowship has been restored. God’s children are those who have put their faith in his redeeming work through Jesus and walk in faith allowing God’s Holy Spirit to guide them.
The work that God has done results in praise from the angels and all of creation (verses 20-22). These last three verses of the psalm the words of Paul in Romans,
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:18-25)
We along with creation suffer. But we no longer suffer without hope, for we know that the work of redemption and renewal has been done, but we wait for full restoration. We therefore can take confidence that although we may experience hardships that we cannot comprehend, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30)
The Wisdom of God, the One God, who achieves for us redemption, renewal and restoration in Himself, though his TRIUNE being - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, may be beyond our understanding. We can easily fall into the trap of ridiculing and rejecting what we cannot understand. Choose rather to accept by faith the salvation that the Lord has granted to us, which has resulted in the praise of his children and angels and all of creation.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” (verse 15)
Reflection and Application: The fault in this passage is personal wrong that a brother in Christian community can do to another. Often we may choose to overlook wrongs, and get along with each other. This is not the counsel of Jesus. Overlooking wrong, within Christian community is indicative of a non-eternal temporal perspective. This is consistent with Jesus’ teaching, in Matt 10:34, where he says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Jesus gives us inner peace when we obey his Word and follow him, but often we seek worldly peace and convince ourselves that we are Christ followers enjoying his blessings by being able to get along with others.
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (verse 16-17)
Reflection and Application: All true Christ followers are called to this commitment to holding a brother accountable to sin. The worldly approach focuses on getting along, and can cause us to avoid this step of submitting to Chrisian accountability that leads to repentance and reconciliation. Sometimes we can avoid this step of accountability, other times we can seek the help of others to justify ourselves and continue in wrong. It is important therefore to seek out Christ followers who are willing to seek the truth and speak into the life of the wrongdoer firmly to initiate repentance. Many want to be seen as peacemakers, but they seek worldly peace that brings them glory. When people use words like, “forget the past and let’s move on” or “blood is thicker than water”, they are seeking an outcome that may seem right but is not biblical. A true Christ follower, will listen and repent when their fault is pointed out to them. The one who continues to be adamant and refuses to listen to biblical counsel, is the one who does not love his Christian brother. The church should take note of this because this is likely indicative of a deeper spiritual deception, and needs to be called out by the church. In fact Jesus instructs the church to put such a person out, something the Apostle Paul modelled, which we read in 1 Cor 5:11-13.
Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. (verse 18-20)
Reflection and Application: Christian accountability is a high calling that results in eternal outcomes. This is the work that Jesus instructs us to unite on, and bear the cost of unpopularity, suffering and rejection. It may be just a few who agree and unite, but Jesus promises to be with them. Many will disagree and unite in seeking temporal worldly peace.
Solomon makes an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, by marrying the Pharaoh’s daughter. Seemed like a smart thing to do, and quite harmless. At this point we read that “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places” (1 Kings 3:3). Solomon worshipped God alone, with love and led his people in worship. However, the harmless decision to ally with Egypt was counter to God’s instruction, although it is possible Solomon made this decision innocently without expecting things to lead to unfaithfulness (Deut 17:14-17).
Take Away: Often we can innocently start down a path that leads to destruction. It is important for us to understand God’s Word and commit ourselves to applying God’s Word in our lives. Accountability to godly people and seeking their counsel can keep us humble and faithful.
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and Solomon is given the opportunity to ask anything he wants (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon asks for wisdom to govern well as king (1 Kings 3: 9). Solomon’s humility and unselfishness pleased the Lord and he also granted Solomon what most people would have asked for, prosperity and fame (1 Kings 3: 13). Following this the Lord provides the following counsel to Solomon, “And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:14).
The counsel that the Lord provided Solomon, is echoed by Jesus in Matt 6: 25-33. Jesus instructs us to not be anxious about anything, but to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. In fact, Jesus points to the birds and the flowers, which are not anxious and depend on God as being provided for better that Solomon was provided for (Matt 6:28-29). Solomon was successful as a wise king, prosperous beyond compare, honoured among his peers. But Solomon did not remain faithful (1 Kings 11:4).
Take Away: The Lord calls us to be faithful. God’s desire for us is to walk with us, provide for us as we trust him and walk with him in this life, and lengthen our days to spend eternity with him. Solomon asked well, because he did not seek selfish gain but rather wisdom to do his job well. It pleased God, and he granted Solomon more than he asked. There is however a better ask that Solomon could have asked. Solomon could have asked for his heart to be faithful just like his father David (1 Kings 1:14). This is what Jesus calls us to do, be faithful and seek his kingdom and righteousness, and all that we need on earth and even unto eternity will be added to us. Jesus is able to do that for us, because he paid the price for our sins and declares us righteous, so that the Spirit of God can take residence in us and enable us to live righteous lives. When we sin, because of our human nature like King David often did, we can come before God in repentance and be assured that we will be forgiven because of Jesus.
When we make God's Word our priority to live by, we will become a part of God's plan, which cannot be thwarted.
Please read 1 Kings 1, and let's together reflect on the drama that unfolds. This drama is prefaced by God's Word as recorded in 1 Chron 22:9-10, "Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever."
It is important to know that the actors in this drama were all aware of God's Word. King David had personally confirmed God's Word to Bathsheba 1 Kings 1:17, in doing so he also made it his word. Adonijah, David's oldest surviving son, also knew God's Word, but considered his worldly rights to be more important than God's Word (1 Kings 2:15).
The drama begins when Adonijah sees that David is weak and close to death and feels justified to lay claim to the throne (1 Kings 1:5). In fact, Adonijah sees the throne as rightfully his to take. Two things that enable Adonijah to pursue this evil:
- The support of others, blinded by Satan. Joab, one of David's army commanders, and Abiathar the priest support Adonijah's claim. It is likely that they had their own personal agenda. (1 Kings 1:7)
- King David, chose to be silent and did not speak-up to correct Adonijah's wrong thinking. David did not want to displease Adonijah. (1 Kings 1:6)
What follows is quite interesting. God raises up his servants to act wisely and promptly. Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba act together to inform David about what was happening. (1 Kings 1:11-27). To the world it may seem like Nathan and Bathsheba were being manipulative, but they were willing to put themselves at risk for God's Word. Adonijah was acting decisively and seemed to be the future (1 Kings 1:9), King David was dying and seemed to have lost his grip on power (1 Kings 1:1-4). Nathan and Bathsheba were placing themselves in great danger by standing-up for God's Word. The drama ends well, as we see David realizes what was happening and acts (1 Kings 1:28-37).
God's Word will be fulfilled. Satan can blind us into seeking our own agenda and justifying it as God's will for us. We may even enable those who are doing wrong through our silence or even our support. God's plans cannot be thwarted. God is gracious, merciful and patient. When we realize and do what is right, we become participants in His plan (even as David did on his deathbed). The Lord will protect those who stand-up for His Word and vindicate them, if not in this earthly life surely in eternity. God's salvation is no longer a mystery as Jesus has pulled back the veil of ignorance through his life, death and resurrection (the gospel). Eternity is no longer a wish, it is a sure hope.
Family drama's as seen in 1 Kings 1, may be evident all around us. The Lord is in control in every drama, his Word will not be thwarted, he vindicates the faithful and includes them in His plan.
Happy New Year! May 2024 be for you, and us, a year of faithfulness to God's Word, and patient perseverance in prayer.
Walking in the light begins and continues in truth. Those who deny they are sinners are deceiving themselves (1 John 1:8) and they are calling God a liar (1 John 1:10). God’s word may be in their mouth and even in their head, but it is not in them (1 John 1:10).
Sin is not something we dealt with in the past, it is something we deal with daily. We can deal with our sin with confidence, because we are not coming to the Father making a commitment we cannot keep, but Jesus is speaking for us as our advocate, committing to be the one who will live through us (1 John 2:1-2). We are able to confirm that we really know Jesus and His word is in us, by the evidence of how we are keeping Jesus’ commands. This is not to be confused with us aspiring in our strength to keep God’s commands, as the people in the Old Testament did and failed. It is the other way around, the impossible becomes possible because we are “in Jesus” (1 John 2:5b). Keeping God’s commands confirms that we are abiding in Jesus (1 John 2:6).
If you are abiding in Jesus there is no room for hate towards your brother. If you are in the light you will love your brother, if you are in darkness you will hate your brother (1 John 2:9-10). John has already noted that the evidence is actions, not words. Whoever says that they know Jesus, but does not live the way he has commanded them to, is a liar (1 John 2:4). The world picks up on this and often accuses Christians of “hating their brother.” Hate is evident in actions, not how someone feels. Slander, accusations, scheming, plotting and working to destroy another are actions that reveal hate. Hating your brother is sin, confess and repent of it and experience forgiveness and redemption in Christ.
The Word of God presents us with the truth, do not be deceived by the lies of Satan and continue to walk in darkness. Give heed to those who would lovingly rebuke, hold you accountable and shepherd you in the Word, for they are agents of the light. People, who make us feel good as we continue justifying our sinful conduct and walk in darkness, are agents of darkness. May the Lord, by His Holy Spirit, open our eyes and take away our blindness so that we can see (1 John 2:11).
“Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people” - Acts 6:8
Following this verse, one would expect an amazing and encouraging narrative to follow. However, what follows is quite the opposite.
Be faithful for, “He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 37:6). Don’t expect the world to see this, they will flourish in unrighteousness, “spreading like a green laurel tree” (Psalm 37:35), and laugh at the suffering of the righteous saying, “aha aha” (Psalm 40:15). Don’t be discouraged, be humble to discern God’s will and stand firm in righteousness.
The story of King David and his son Absalom is quite revealing of how the Lord sees the heart, and protects the faithful.
Absalom’s half brother Amnon, violated and shamed his sister Tamar and then rejected her with hate (2 Sam 13:1-20). 2 Sam 13:21 notes that, “When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.”
Absalom nurtures his hate and waits for two years to pass. Confident that no one would suspect, he devises a plan to murder Amnon (2 Samuel 13:23-29). Absalom knew what he had done was wrong, but instead of repenting and coming before the king, he ran away into self exile for three years (2 Sam 13:37-38).
In contrast we see David, his anger at the injustice was evident. First, against Amnon. Later, following Amnon’s murder, against Absalom. David’s anger is a result of injustice, not hate. King David loves his son Absalom, and in time he yearns for him (2 Sam 13: 39). David’s friends are able to see how affected David is by this situation and devise a narrative to make a way for David to reach out to Absalom (2 Sam 14:1-24).
King David allows Absalom to return to Jerusalem. However, two more years will pass without Absalom being allowed to come before the king. There are consequences that the Lord in his mercy allows, so that our hearts can soften in repentance. But Absalom did not repent. Rather, through deception he devises a plan to win the king’s favour (2 Sam 14:28-33). After winning the king’s favour, Absalom spends the next four years conspiring against the king. He “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Sam 15:7). People of the world are easily fooled by outward appearances (2 Sam 14:25), and flattery (2 Sam 15:1-6). Unrepentant Absalom is now patiently pursuing his selfish motives.
Those who trust God and wait upon him, may seem like fools to the world (2 Sam 15:25-26), but the Lord gives them discernment and protects them from destruction (2 Sam 15:32-37). The Lord will not lead his servants to do wrong (2 Sam 18:12-13), and therefore the wicked may feel like they can accuse, do wrong and get away.
Are you experiencing grief, because those who you expect would love you have turned against you? Are you finding people who you would expect to speak out, being fooled by the narratives of those who are seeking your destruction? Trust God and persevere like David. Even though Absalom had won the favour of many, and none would hold him accountable, the one whose destruction he sought was the one who loved him and grieved for him (2 Sam 18:33).
Like David, take your emotions to the Lord. In the midst of Absalom’s wickedness, David penned Psalm 3. It is hard to watch our loved ones face the consequences of their actions, but the Lord understands our hearts and will give comfort.
Psalm 3
Save Me, O My God
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son
1 O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God.
3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill.
5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jer 17:9
Deceit (n) – The act of representing as true what is known to be false. Deceive(v): To make a person believe what is not true; mislead; to cause to err; to impose on; to delude; to cheat. [Miriam Webster Dictionary]
The bible identifies Satan as the deceiver of the world (Rev 12:9). While the earth persists, and our mortal life endures we are susceptible to Satan’s deceit. In Acts 4:32 to Acts 5:11, we see how Satan can deceive: (a) A group of Christ followers to collectively disobey Christ’s command; as well as (b) Couples to be united in disobedience.
(a) Satan can Deceive a Group of Christ Followers
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave his followers the command to “Go” to all nations, baptizing believers into the faith and teaching them to walk in obedience to his teachings (Matt 28:19-20). Instead, the disciples were establishing a tradition of caring and sharing, in their hostile circumstance.
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brough the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles feet and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:32-36
Traditions can sometimes deceive us to believe we are doing God’s will, while we disobey God’s command. The apostles were deceived just like the pharisees had been. In his most direct confrontation of traditions, Jesus said to the pharisees, “But you say, if anyone tells his father or mother, ‘What you would have gained from me is given to God,’ he need not honor his father. So for the sake of tradition you have made void the word of God.” (Matt 15:5-6)
Even today a group of believers, can be deceived by Satan to unite in disobedience to Christ. The Holy Spirit (Christ) will convict us. Like the pharisees we can reject this conviction and uphold our traditions, or we can repent and obey as the apostles did. Sometimes it is the circumstance of suffering that brings us to repentance and obedience. (Acts 8:1)
Today secular society is united in pursuing selfish, self gratifying individualistic actions and describes itself as tolerant, peaceful, and loving. It is tempting to join the crowd and be deceived into disobedience by settling for traditions that are acceptable to many.
(b) Satan Can Deceive the Hearts of Couples
In marriage, the Lord brings two people together as husband and wife to be united as one, so that the two are no longer two but one (Matt 19:6). He does this so that they will work together, united by His Holy Spirit (Christ). During our earthly life, our spouse is our God given accountability partner for spiritual growth and obedience. In the story of Ananias and Sapphira, we see how Satan deceives this couple.
a. Selfishness – Selfish motives can temporarily unite people. We see how Satan deceives Ananias and Sapphira, who are part of the believing community. (Acts 5:1-4)
b. Guilt – Although united, Ananias and Sapphira knew their guilt. We see this in their choice to not come before the apostles together to make their offering. (Acts 5:7-9)
c. Death - When confronted they were without excuse (Acts 5:5 and Acts 5:10). It is an image of judgement when the unrepentant will stand before God without excuse.
Satan is a great deceiver; therefore, having accountability provides a level of protection from being deceived. It is not God’s desire that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), neither should it be our desire that any should perish. Therefore, let us hold each other accountable to the WORD. When convicted, respond in humble repentance. The apostle Peter held Ananias and Sapphira accountable, rather than seeking to maintain a façade of Christian unity.
Married couples should submit humbly and be accountable to one another. If you are married, know that marriage is God’s gracious provision for your spiritual growth and transformation.
The Old Testament and New Testament inform our faith. In Malachi 3:6, God asserts that, “He does not change.”. The God who breathed every WORD recorded in the Old Testament is the same God who breathed every WORD of the New Testament. For, “All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). Given this treasure we have been blessed with, we need to understand scripture in its context so that we apply it effectively with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which the Lord has graciously given each one of us who repents and accepts Christ as their Lord and saviour.
Malachi was written after the Temple of Jerusalem was rebuilt, following its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Temple rebuild is estimated by most scholars to have been completed around 516/515 BC. The rebuilt temple was known as the Second Temple, and stood until its destruction by the Romans in 70 AD.
The Second Temple became the centre of Jewish identity and religious fervour. The Jews were no longer autonomous, and were subjects of the Persian King. They however had their God and the Temple priests had considerable religious power and influence over the people. It is important to understand the book of Malachi in this context, and learn truth in the light of all scripture (Old Testament and New Testament), and apply it in our lives.
The rest of the book of Malachi repeatedly notes that it is written for the priests to pay attention (Malachi 1:6; Malachi 2:1; Malachi 3:3). It is therefore a book that can be particularly instructive to church leaders to examine their hearts.
Nehemiah leaves his high position in the royal court of Babylon, to go and build the walls of Jerusalem. God grants Nehemiah favour, provision and power (Neh 1-3). Opposition to God’s call is to be expected. Nehemiah tells us about his enemies and how he dealt with them:
Displeasure can give root to hate. Sanballat and Tobiah are willing to talk ill about Nehemiah to anyone who they can influence and bring over to their side. They reach out to the Samaritans (Neh 4:2), the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites (or Philistines) - Neh 4:7. Wickedness can blind our own to form unlikely relationships to plot our downfall (Neh 4:8). Nehemiah responded by praying for protection (Neh 4:9).
Nehemiah entrusted his work to the Lord in prayer (Neh 5:19; Neh 13:14; Neh 13:22; Neh 13:31). He submitted his appeal to God, and was not influenced by the world.
“Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?” (Psalm 2:1)
Stay the course, for the Lord will vindicate and bless the work of your hands.
Wrongs can cause offence. Wrongs can also cause more than mere offence; they can result in bad consequences. Sometimes however one can hold onto offence, even when one has not been particularly wronged. Jesus was able to forgive those who had deceived, denied, betrayed, abused and murdered him. Jesus was grievously wronged. Although Jesus offered forgiveness to all, forgiveness would only be received by those who believed in Jesus, while the others were already condemned (John 3:18).
Taking offence is something we must guard ourselves against. Offence is one of Satan’s favourite weapons to prevent a Christian from growing in faith and fellowship with Christ and others. In 1 Cor 13, Paul encourages Christ followers to love and serve one another. In 1 Cor 13:5, Paul notes two characteristics of this love, it is not easily provoked to anger, and it does not reckon and hold on to wrong. This truth can also be observed in Proverbs 19:11, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offence.”(ESV)
Recently, a son spoke about his father who had passed. He noted how his father, a professing Christian, held onto unforgiveness from childhood into his senior years. However, when he acknowledged this and released the unforgiveness, he experienced peace, joy and deeper fellowship with Christ. The one who had wronged him was long dead, but offence from wrong can give root to bitterness that can outlive the one who has wronged us.
As Christians, we have a responsibility towards fellow Christians. When we are wronged by a fellow Christian, we must confront them with the wrong that they have done to us. Avoiding this confrontation for relational peace is not Christian love. Jesus teaches us to confront the brother who has wronged us (Luke 17:3 and Matt 18:15). If we continue to reckon and hold on to wrong (offence), then we may want to examine our own heart and faith. Confronting the brother who wronged us may even lead us to be made aware of a wrong or offence we may have caused. As Christians we are on a journey of sanctification. We need to be humble to allow the Word and the Holy Spirit to change us and make us courageous in how we love our brothers.
Confronting a fellow brother of wrong can often end badly from an earthly perspective. Peace can be shattered and fellowship broken. Your brother may not be willing to acknowledge the wrong they have done or continue to do. Although you may not be holding unforgiveness, they may experience unforgiveness because they refuse to repent. Luke 17:3-4 addresses both repentance and forgiveness. The one who repents will experience forgiveness. This is consistent with the gospel, for John came before Jesus preaching repentance. Jesus sent out his disciples instructing them, “that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Repentance is so important that when matters of unrepentance are brought before the church leadership, they are to hold those they shepherd accountable (Matt 18:17). Repentance is not just saying sorry, repentance is evident in actions (Luke 3:7-14; Luke 19:8-10). However, in view of our human nature, the grace of forgiveness is not to be withheld from repeat offenders who repent (Luke 17:4).
“But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles” (1 Cor 1:23)
Paul sets out his reason for preaching the truth of the gospel of salvation. He was well aware of the broad rejection. For those who accepted the scriptures as God’s word (the religious Jews), the message of Christ’s death and resurrection did not fit with their understanding of deliverance. And for those who did not accept the scriptures (the philosophical Greeks), the message of Christ’s death and resurrection for our sins sounded foolish.
Whether you are a religious Christian or a smart world citizen who likes things to make sense, the truth of the gospel will offend you. Unless, the Lord opens your eyes to understand the truth. The Lord did this in person for his disciples (Luke 24:45). He promised that he would do this for all people who he had chosen before the foundation of the world, through his Holy Spirit, opening their eyes to understand the truth (John 16:7-11).
Whether we call ourselves Christians or not, we all need our eyes to be open to understand and personally put our faith in the truth of the gospel that God has revealed in His Word (the Scriptures). Being born into a Christian family and being baptised and following Christian traditions does not save us. This is what Jesus meant when he informed a respected Jewish religious leader, Nicodemus, that he needed to be born again (John 3:5). Born of water - baptism, which represents repentance, and of the Spirit, which represents opening our eyes to understand resulting in faith. The world ridicules the word, ‘born again’ and often equates it with charismatic Christians. A Christ disciple is one who is born again by repenting and placing his/her faith in the finished work of Christ through his death and resurrection. Faith that is evidenced in transformation, lest we deceive ourselves (2 Pet 1:10).
Paul models the two-fold call to service of a disciple.
Proclaim the truth to the world, without fear or favour. Grow in the Word and disciple each other in the Word. The wisdom of the Word is foolishness to the world, unless they are born again.
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” Matt 7:6
“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!” - Psalm 35:1
As we read on, we observe that the word “contend” includes God fighting against those who physically seek to hurt and bring His children down (Psalm 35:4). It also includes those who are going around character assassinating others by speaking untruths (Psalm 35:11). In our progressive culture, we are likely to experience more of the latter. Today people are able to character assassinate others, by propagating untrue narratives far and wide, using electronic media.
‘For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit.They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!”’ (Psalm 35:20-21)
Being quiet can embolden the vain talkers. Notice the Psalmist's observation on what they say: (a) They come up with deceptive narratives that misrepresent the truth (“they devise words of deceit”); and (b) They claim to have proof to discredit (Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!).
‘Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”’ (Psalm 35:27)
Even though it may feel like many are believing the slanderers, God does not abandon those who trust Him. The Lord will bring righteous people to stand by you to help you persevere. Steadfast lives become a testimony and encouragement to the faithful.
We found this excerpt from, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge, by Mark Batterson consistent with what we saw in Psalm 35, and something we could identify with. In Mark’s words, “I made a determination a few years ago that I wasn’t going to defend myself against any and every criticism that comes my way. Life is too short, and the mission is too important. And I’m called to play offence, not defence. God is my defender. And I believe He is contending for me if my cause is just and my heart is right. It’s important for us to have people in our lives who can speak words of rebuke and exhortation. But they will typically be someone with whom we have a relationship. When discerning whether to respond to criticism, I try to discern the spirit of the person doing the criticising. Is the purpose redemptive or vindictive? And I put the criticism through the filter of scripture. If it passes through the filter, then I need to repent. If it doesn’t, then I don’t let it pierce my heart. And I let God defend and contend on my behalf.”
A godly marriage unites us with a righteous spouse, in a covenantal relationship. Godly couples hold each other accountable and stand by one another. The absence of this is evident in the story of Ananias and Sapphira, a couple that was united in deceit, but were unwilling to come stand before Peter together, because of their guilt (Acts 5:1-11). Only a righteous person will hold you accountable and also stand by you and defend your integrity.
A recent sermon on “Being the family of God” by Dr. Jonathan Griffiths at the Metropolitan Bible Church, got us reflecting on the above referenced biblical text.
We can fall into a trap of seeking to get along with people and become critical of Christians for not being able to get along with others. The ones who seek to stand-firm in their faith are often branded as intolerant and hateful and must endure suffering (1 Peter 5: 9-11).
It is not uncommon for Christ followers to experience the rejection of their biological family. Following Christ results in a new identity. An identity and family in Christ. However, following Christ unites us with others who are also doing God’s will (Matt 12:46-50).
In this context we reflect on Gal 6:1-10. Here Paul reiterates Jesus’ words when he says “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal 6:10). Paul specifies three ways to show love and accept love, in the household of faith:
The scripture is sprinkled with the truth of how we are called to love and walk in unity. Be watchful, lest you be tempted to boast in the self-serving false unity of the world.
The office of prophet began with Moses.
(God Spoke to Moses) l will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die. (Deut 18:18-20)
From this passage we see that a Prophet is appointed by God. They are not self appointed or self proclaimed. A prophet only speaks what he hears from God. The words of a prophet are scripture - the word of God.
The office of the God appointed prophet came to an end when the Son of God, Jesus came.
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
From this passage we see the appointment of prophets has ceased since the appointment of His Son (Jesus) whom he has appointed heir over all things.
Jesus Commissioned Apostles to go out and proclaim the gospel. An Apostle was one who had been with Jesus and could be a testimony to Jesus’ earthly life (Acts 1:21-26). An Apostle was spiritually equipped with many spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching and prophecy (similar to the office of the Prophet in the Old Testament), to provide scriptural guidance to the church, until Christ’s return (2 Peter 1:16-21; 1 Cor 12: 27-31). In addition to the twelve, completed with Mathias to replace Judas, to proclaim the full gospel to the Jews, there was only one other Apostle appointed by Christ for his body until his return (Ephesians 4:11-12). That apostle was Paul, unnaturally born because he was not a disciple during Christ’s ministry years. However enlightened with the full testimony of Christ’s earthly life and also spiritually empowered and commissioned to be an Apostle to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 15:7-10, more fully explained by Paul in Gal 1-2). Further, Paul was accepted by the other apostles (Gal 2:7-9). Peter even confirmed Paul’s writing as scripture (2 Pet 3:15-16), and Peter accepted apostolic rebuke from Paul (Gal 2:14). The appointment of Prophets and Apostles to speak scripture to His church ceased with Paul, because the canon of scripture was closed with Revelations (Rev 22:18-20). Therefore, anyone who claims to be appointed by God as a Prophet or an Apostle today, is a Liar.
As of March 2021, on average Canada had 29 institutional long term care beds per 1000 population of seniors over the age of 65. However, there seems to be a constant outcry that there are insufficient spots and waiting time to enter long term care is currently over two years.
Factors predicting admission to an institutional long term care facility include age, diagnosis of dementia and other chronic conditions (such as diabetes, urinary incontinence and mood disorders) and losing a spouse (Garner et al., 2018). While facility-based care is generally targeted to high-needs individuals, there is some evidence of potentially inappropriate use of facility-based LTC: a study of six provinces and territories found that 22% of individuals aged 65 and older who entered an LTC facility had been assessed with low to moderate needs which may indicate that they could have been supported at home (CIHI, 2017a). (Source: Marchildon G.P., Allin S., Merkur S. Canada: Health system review. Health Systems in Transition, 2020; 22(3): i–194., page 119-120 section 5.8 Long-term care)
Notwithstanding the intent of institutional long term care, Canadian authorities have made it easier to help Canadians get seniors out of private homes into institutions. Hence, Canadian long term care facilities are overwhelmed. Some with moderate needs who could be supported at home with home care and family support, are able to use the system and get themselves classified as ‘In Crisis’ and fast tracked for institutional long term care. The Canadian health care system assists Canadians to opt out of caregiving for family members.
In recent years, Canada has taken another legislative step to ease itself of its burdensome citizens, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Lawmakers have justified the legislation as supporting autonomy, freedom and choice. Steps are increasingly being taken to make MAiD easy to access. The Canadian health care system is even extending its reach to support us in getting rid of our care needing population.
This is inconsistent with what one would expect from a nation that was founded under God. The Canadian motto, which can be found on its coat of arms is, A mari usque ad mare (Latin), in English ‘from sea to sea’. The phrase comes from Psalm 72:8 in the Bible: "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth" (KJV).
Are we as a nation submitting to God’s dominion?
Jesus instructs us to honour our parents by caring for them (Matt 15:4-6). Paul expounds on Jesus’ teaching and declares relatives seeking to avail of the long term care system of his day, as those who have denied the faith (1 Timothy 5:8). What is acceptable in our society, and available to us with regards to caring for the vulnerable, is not necessarily acceptable to Christ. As Christians however, we can choose to be faithful to Christ, and persevere in silence. Be the light where you are placed, care for your family, bear the cost.
This passage is about how to deal with sin within the believing community - Christian brothers and sisters. The sin that needs addressing is sin against another person within the believing community. The sins we see in the world are often present in the church as well. Lying, slander, scheming, physical abuse, emotional abuse, adultery and other sins against individuals can be very harmful. However, the Lord uses the faithful to transform his chosen. This passage is about how we are called to be faithful in participating in the work of the Holy Spirit, consistent with the Word of God.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” (Matt 18: 15)
Fear can result in the wronged person turning to others for help and support instead of speaking to the wrongdoer directly. Shame can make the wronged person deny reality and ignore the wrong. The bible instructs us to directly confront the person perpetuating the wrong. This may be counter intuitive and even dangerous. However, when we obey, the Holy Spirit can convict the wrongdoer and bring them to repentance.
A wrongdoer who refuses to listen can make things more difficult. In situations of abuse this can be particularly challenging. This leads us to the next verse.
“But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” (Matt 18:16)
If the wrongdoer refuses to listen and continues in doing wrong, we are instructed to bring a few other godly people into the situation. This could be seen as unacceptable in certain shame cultures. However, the biblical instruction is clear and worthy of obedience. The number of people to be included is very small, one or two. And they are not asked to come with an agenda to bring about reconciliation, rather they are given two specific instructions: a) Establish the facts; and b) confront the wrongdoer.
When we obey the instructions in the Word, the Holy Spirit can convict the person leading to repentance and reconciliation. Faithful people become part of God’s work that brings glory to Christ. Beware, pride and shame, can lead us to compromise and downplay wrong, in an effort to reconcile the relationships in a worldly way for self-glory.
The Lord hears the cry of the oppressed, the orphan, the widow and the sojourner. We are called to be faithful, not successful. May the Lord’s will be done and may we be found faithful where he has placed us.
Believers who do not obey the word can often harm a victim deeper than the one who is wronging them. We must understand and apply the Word of God truthfully, and avoid justifying and compromising the Word citing good intentions.
“Behold the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29b)
John the Baptist sets out an example to follow, so that many may encounter the truth. He proclaimed the truth (John 1:29); he bore witness to the truth (John 1:32-34); and he released his disciples to follow the true saviour (John 1:35-37).
As Christ followers this is what we are called to do, proclaim Jesus, bear personal witness, and disciple others to become followers of Jesus. John the Baptist didn’t just start well, he finished well. He continued to point people to Jesus and diminished in significance (John 3:25-36). He was exalted by God (Matt 11:7-19). Concerning John, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matt 11:11). But in the eyes of the world, he finished poorly (Matt 14:1-12).
While the Lord permits, we are called to proclaim, bear witness and disciple. Let people encounter the truth, and allow the Holy Spirit to convict and lead them to repentance.
Encounter the Truth, is an Ottawa based radio ministry that was birthed in the 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 shut-in. It has grown and is now on 47 radio stations across North America, proclaiming and expounding the truth of the gospel daily. If you live in Ottawa, you will have an opportunity to hear more about this ministry on January 22, 2023. Do register and come - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/encounter-the-truth-vision-evening-tickets-487986840777
“Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind” (John 9:32). Here are some spiritual truths that this miracle highlights:
Ezekiel 16, is about God's covenantal relationship with the nation of Israel. God promises to keep the covenant, although Israel has been unfaithful (Ezek 16: 59-63). The behaviour of the nation of Israel, is very revealing of the human heart. The human heart can go down a destructive path. Here are some things to watch out for:
Pride is at the root of ingratitude. “You did not remember the days of your youth” (in Ezek 16:22 and 43, ESV). Pride causes one to deny what others have done for them, and claims that they have achieved things by themselves. Of Israel the Lord says, “But you trusted in your beauty” (in Ezek 16:15, ESV).
The Israelites rejected the love of God, and sought satisfaction through other relationships to ease their conscience. Even in human relationships, when in pride one rejects the love of those who truly care for them, they seek to develop many other relationships to ease their conscience. But these relationships will not give them the satisfaction they seek. Of Israel the Lord says, “You multiplied your whoring relationship with the trading land of Chaldea, and even with this you were not satisfied” (Ezek 16:29, ESV).
They will also look ‘to provoke’ the ones they should be expressing gratitude (in Ezek 16:26, ESV). Instead they will offer their loyalty freely to develop bad relationships and provoke those who truly love them. Of Israel the Lord says, “Men give gifts to all prostitutes, but you gave gifts to all your lovers, bribing them to come to you from every side with your whorings. So you were different from other women in your whoring. No one solicited you to play the whore, and you gave payment, while no payment was given to you; therefore you were different.” (Ezek 16:33-34, ESV)
Often this behaviour pattern of ingratitude and multiplying bad relationships, can be perceived by society as being nice and helpful. Because in these bad relationships there is mutual benefit. The Holy Spirit can convict a sick heart to repent. The Holy Spirit is also able to protect the faithful, from an unrepentant ‘sick heart’, and achieve God’s will (see Ezek 16:30, ESV).
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, we are told that nations that the people of Israel spared, in obedience to God’s instructions, are now mightily coming against them as a great horde.
And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgement on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chron 20:10-12)
There are truths in this historic narrative that speak to us today. The Lord sees the faithfulness of our hearts, in spite of our weaknesses and failings. Take heart, the Lord knows those who set their hearts to seek him (2 Chron 19:2-3). How are we to continue in faithfulness, when it seems like many are against us?
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day claimed to be lovers of God, but had little interest in obeying God’s word, in fact:
Even Christ followers can have wrong expectations of Christ. Peter makes the great confession that Jesus is the Christ (Matt 16: 15-17). However, we soon realize that Peter’s expectation of Jesus is very different from God’s plan. It is likely that Peter expects Jesus to go to Jerusalem to declare himself king. Jesus' words catch Peter off guard (Matt 16: 21). Peter has spent almost three years with Jesus, yet he has not understood Jesus' mission, to reconcile us through his suffering, death and resurrection (Matt 16:21).
In the world, it may seem like evil people succeed. Jesus’ death was not the end of the story. The end is yet to play out, and is the hope of those who believe (Matt 16:27-28). Some who are trusting Jesus, will get to see his glory before they depart this earth. We know that Peter, James and John did (Matt 17:1-8), and Peter bore testimony to this event (2 Pet 1: 16-18).
At a personal level, if you are persevering through circumstances of lies and injustice, where many are seeking to destroy you, take heart. Even gaining everything on earth, does not compare with the glory that awaits us, when Jesus returns (Matt 16: 16-27).
This reflection is based on an expository sermon series at the Metropolitan Bible Church, “In the presence of the King”, by Dr. Jonathan Griffiths. Please tune in to listen to this continuing Sunday sermon series, which started on Sept 11, 2022.
A family was walking down the street, father, mother, toddler daughter, a baby boy in a stroller and grandpa with his walking stick. They passed a sign that said, “Danger! Railway Crossing Ahead.” Further on they came to a closed gate, with red lights flashing. They could even hear the sound of a train. They heard someone shout, STOP! TRAIN! They thought they could get through if they were quick about it. Alas! They walked right into the path of the train. The train did not spare any of them. Elder or infant, they all perished.
Ezekiel 9 speaks of a similar situation. The justice of God is like a train that is coming. Ezekiel 8:18 is clear about how things will end for the rebellious, “Therefore I will act in wrath. My eye will not spare, nor will I have pity. And though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.” Nevertheless, we expect God to not follow through. Our victim's cries are meaningless, if we have ignored the gracious provision and even the final warning of the Lord, “Then he cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, “Bring near the executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand” (Ezekiel 9:1). The rest of Ezekiel chapter 9, provides us with some insight into the perfect justice of the Lord:
The warning about a railway crossing is meaningful, because there is a crossing ahead. Similarly, grace only has meaning because of the wrath to come. A faithful life is the evidence of grace in your life, and is the promised security from the coming wrath - Phil 2:12-13 and 2 Peter 1: 5-13.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Judas is an example of how the love of money can lead to our destruction. Judas was one of the twelve disciples, so he was with Jesus and lived the life of a nomad. He would not be described as a rich man enjoying the comforts of the rich. In the gospel of John, we are provided some insight into Judas’ fall:
Scripture observation by Pastor Benjamin Devadason got us to reflect and share.
We all have a perspective of what is right and wrong. Our expectations and our actions are informed by our perspective. Our culture and upbringing has a lot to do with our perspective, which can also be described as our world view. When relationships sour and there is conflict, we can take one of two approaches to move forward:
The gospel (the good news) of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in the New Testament. However this was not a new message, it was the same message that was proclaimed in the Old Testament. Mark 1:1-3, notes that the good news is a fulfilment of what the prophets spoke. We see how John the Baptist, later Jesus and finally the disciples preached this good news to the people of their time, progressively bearing testimony to the gospel.
John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus. He proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People across the region came and confessed their sins and were baptised. John prophesied that after him a person would come and baptise the repentant and forgiven with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:4-8)
Jesus preached saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The message to repent was the same as John’s message, but Jesus did not baptise, however he spoke with authority, calling people to believe..
Lastly, we have a similar message from the disciples (specifically Peter). Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, fifty days after the death and resurrection of Jesus, saying, “Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:38). A similar message of repentance, over the Holy Spirit is no longer a future expectation but an assurance for those who repent.
Let us reflect on the three elements of the progressive good news that John, Jesus and the disciples preached.
The Lord is gracious and patient, he patiently transforms those who are repentant into the image of Christ. The ones who are being transformed will see the changes and experience freedom and peace (2 Corinthians 3: 17-18), but they will also experience affliction from the people of the world. Eternity is their hope, not this world. If this is your experience, do not lose heart. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
There can be nothing more important than our eternal hope. The bible assures us that if you believe in the Lord Jesus you will be saved (Acts 16:31).
The bible assures us that salvation cannot be lost, and in life will be evident in transformation that will culminate in eternal glory. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Rom 8:28-30).
However, there are also passages in the bible that seemingly suggest that one can lose their salvation. Hebrews 6:4-8, notes that it is possible to taste the heavenly gift, experience the Holy Spirit and taste the goodness of God’s word, and yet fall away. Going as far as suggesting that bringing someone who has thus fallen back into the faith is impossible.The only plausible explanation is that the ones who tasted and even experienced heavenly things, were never really saved. A deception that we are told that many Christians will fall for. (Matt 25)
Peter (2 Peter 1:5-10) and Paul (Col 3:12-17) urge us to self diagnose our heart condition. Paul describes the elect as those chosen by God, holy and beloved (Col 3:12). He calls them to examine if they have put-on two specific qualities in their relationships with fellow Christians. It is a misconception that it is easy to get along with Christians. The worst of who we are comes out in our relationships towards our fellow brothers and sisters.
Those who are harbouring unforgiveness towards others, are unrepentant towards Christ. They will seek forgiveness from others without repentance, while they continue in evil. They will not experience lasting peace or show gratitude (thankfulness). The world often justifies and encourages slanderous and scheming behaviour. But, Christ calls us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). Discern and choose, there is much at stake!
"Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68, ESV)
Today we have the complete gospel in our hands. We are instructed to read it, meditate on it, be transformed by it, and proclaim it to others.
It starts with each of us, in faith and humility, engaging with the Word. We have found journaling to be a very effective way to develop the discipline of spending time in the word. The ministry of Our Daily Bread (ODB), has been encouraging men and women to develop this habit of daily reading and reflecting on the word (The ODB daily reading devotional was first published in 1956).
Reading, reflecting and repenting is a threefold discipline that has helped us grow in the word and guide our children in the word. When we personally journal our reflections, these reflections help by: First, transforming us; Second, provides for learning that we can share and discuss with others; Third, it encourages others to take hold of this discipline that they see us modelling.
Over the last three years, we have shared some of these devotions on Facebook. The Holy Spirit has a way of taking the Word we read and making it a timely encouragement to help us persevere and endure in Christ. We hope you will also find similar encouragement in the word.
Noble Christians filter all that they hear and see through God's word, and hence are not easily deceived, "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11, NIV)
“Grace” is generally defined as favour. Theologically, divine-favour or even unmerited divine-favour. Unfortunately, these definitions fall short and can serve to misguide. The bible however explains grace in the shadow of God’s holy wrath. God’s grace gives us breath, even though we are spiritually dead in sin (The walking-dead - Ephesians 2:1-2); God’s grace patiently waits, giving us time to come alive spiritually (2 Peter 3:9); God’s grace makes a way for us to come alive, in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9); God’s grace includes us in His plans (Ephesians 2:10).
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgement.” (Heb 9:27)
Decoupling wrath from grace results in a misguided understanding of grace. We can see the application of misguided grace in the world, and even within the church. Misguided grace, is based on a wrong understanding of God, and results in a false image of god - “an idol”. Here are some examples of idols we create: a) An unjust idol - An idol that is forgiving, by excusing sin; b) An idol that postpones judgement eternally by allowing each of us to work out our own salvation through an unending cycle of rebirth; c) A favour seeking idol - allowing good works to balance out bad, possibly providing a formula to follow such as penance, indulgence and purgatory; d) A disinterested idol - Does not care what you believe as long as you don’t cause trouble to others; e) A benevolent granting idol that empowers his devotees with long life and prosperity and power, etc.
Those who do not know the truth, however misguided, are more likely to be open to the truth when it is proclaimed and presented. In contrast, those who have considered the truth, and have created their own false idol, could be less open to repent. 2 Peter 2:21 notes, “For it would be better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.”
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Heb 9:28)
A true understanding of grace leads us to recognize our own sin and repent of it knowing that a sinless saviour, Jesus Christ, paid for our sin (the wrath of God has been satisfied fully in Christ). Although we continue breathing and our sinful nature exists in us, we no longer deliberately sin - that is we can no longer walk in sin unconvicted or excuse sin around us. We walk in obedience to Christ. The fruit of grace will only be fully realised when Christ returns, by those who are walking in active obedience! (eagerly waiting)
The Lord stirs the heart of Nehemiah, who holds a high position in the King's court in Babylon, to go and build the walls of the city of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1). Although Nehemiah had the Lord's favour, the opposition he faced was real and relentless.
Often when we choose to do God's will we can face similar opposition.
(1) Hate towards the faithful can unite the people of this world for evil ( Nehemiah 2: 17 - 20)
Nehemiah knew that the hand of the Lord was upon him for good (Nehemiah 1:18), and therefore he was confident in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. It seems like all the resident leaders of Jerusalem, who usually would not agree on anything, were united in purpose to destroy Nehemiah - Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Gesham the Arab (Nehemiah 2:19). Loyalty to one another is motivated by fear, which manifests as hate. Loyalty to Christ is based on faith, which manifests as obedience. As noted in Matt 6:24, a person cannot serve two masters.
(2) Beware of the Reconciliation without Repentance (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
In Nehemiah 6:1-4, we see that those with evil intent, seem quite reconciliatory in their request to come and speak. Four times Nehemiah rejects their attempts to reach out, because he was able to discern that they meant harm. Often the faithful will not be able to explain their discernment to others. To the world they may seem like they are opposed to reconciliation.
(3) When evil plans fail, hate towards the faithful spews out (Nehemiah 6:5-9)
The faithful can only turn to the Lord, when their enemies unite in scheming. Nehemiah calls out to the Lord, "but now, O God, strengthen my hands." (Nehemiah 6:9b)
We are called to be true to God's word. When we seek to obey his word, he will strengthen our hand, even to stand alone. The Lord will give us discernment to avoid the traps of the wicked. He will establish his purpose through us. Stay faithful, and wait upon the Lord like Nehemiah did. The book of Nehemiah ends with these words, "Remember me, O my God, for good." (Nehemiah 13:31b)
Our hope is eternity, and we can be assured that the Lord will remember the faithful for eternal good, because of Christ.
A faithful example flows from our life, not our intellect and eloquent preaching. Like the Pharisees of old, we may be experts in God's word and be accepted and appreciated as key leaders in our church. However, we could be poor life examples. Poor examples can discourage others from leadership or can cause others to shun teaching and shepherding roles. The example of King David, can be an encouragement to not shun leadership and shepherding roles that the Lord calls each of us to do.
(1) King David's submitted fully to the Lord's Word
David was a powerful and resourceful king. He had a godly, and seemingly unselfish desire to build the temple for the Lord (1 Chron 28:2). However, the Lord had made it known to David that he was not the one to build the temple. David did not deny God's word and sought to justify his desire and do what he wanted. Instead, David proclaims the truth of God's word to the leaders (1 Chron 28:3). David did not deny his passion or desire, he acknowledges and proclaims God's word truthfully and submits willingly to God's word. (1 Chron 28: 11-19)
(2) David Instructs His son Solomon to likewise guard his heart
David shepherd's Solomon with the truth of God's word, modelled in his faithful life. David urges Solomon to serve : a) willingly from his heart; b) submitting all his plans and thoughts to the Lord (not as an FYI); c) seeking to hear from the Lord, before going ahead with his plans; and d) not walking away from the Lord. (1 Chron 28: 9-10)
David understood that walking in our own strength, with the support of people and earthly resources, can give us confidence. Walking in obedience to God's word can often be a fearful and discouraging place to be. David assures Solomon of God's faithfulness, an assurance that flows from personal experience:
"Then David said to Solomon, his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished." (1 Chron 28:20)
David's words should be an encouragement for those who are faithfully obeying God's word to answer the call for leadership, and shepherd others in the truth
The passage in James clarifies a few points: Satan is the tempter and inciter to sin; People are responsible for their sinful actions that result from their desires; and, Sin that is not addressed, will grow and result in eternal death.
Now let us examine 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chron 21 (two accounts of the same narrative)
(a) Getting past the contradiction
2 Samuel 24:1 says, "Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them." While, 1 Chron 21:1 says, "Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel."
At first glance, what seems like a contradiction between the two versus, gives us deeper insight into a spiritual truth. God is sovereign and therefore Satan's actions are within his purview. Satan however has no clue he is enabling God's plan, in fact he is working hard to thwart God's plans. As James has clarified above, Satan is up to inciting and tempting with evil intent. But, God's plan is working out good, for those who love Him and are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28).
(b) When the faithful address sin, good for God's glory results
Here we see the opposite outcome to James's warning of unaddressed sin leading to death. In this narrative we see King David acknowledging and addressing sin directly with God. He humbly submits to disciplinary consequences, mindful of God's mercy and goodness (1 Chron 21: 7-17 or 2 Sam 24:10-17)
(c) God fulfils his purpose with the repentant
In 1 Chron 21:18-30 or 2 Samuel 24:18-25 we see the outcome of this repentant process. The Lord leads David to acquire the site, which would later become the site for the Temple that Solomon would build.
This is not the first time we see God's blessing that follows humble repentance in David's life. In 2 Samuel 12, we see David's repentance over his sin with Bathsheba, has consequences, but once truly addressed with God, it results in the birth of Solomon.
David provides us with an example of the blessings that follow true repentance. Repentance must always be with the Lord, and the Holy Spirit will guide us on the steps we must take to be fully restored in relationship with God, and with others who are faithful to God. The reconciliation guided by the Holy Spirit, will result in God glorifying outcomes.
Often, we can be deceived into a false sense of security of trying to work things out with people. In doing so we may avoid coming clean in humble repentance and submission to God. The warning in James should give us pause. James 1:13-15, warns us about the danger of unrepentant sin and its eternal consequence.
We are all sinners, the real question is whether we choose to be the arrogant unrepentant sinners described in James, or a humble repentant sinner like David. It is better to stand alone before the merciful hand of God, than to stand confident with the religious crowd justifying ourselves and assuring each other of our self-righteousness.
When sin is addressed we go forward with a clear conscience, the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance, and the joy of being a part of God's purpose.
The human race across all cultures and societies have adopted this relationship, and now are even trying to redefine the relationship. The relationship was ordained by the one who created us. Setting it above all earthly relationships and loyalties, saying: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Gen 2:24)
Only in Christ can this true spiritual oneness be realised, "Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth."
The Lord can unite two different people and make them one, for his purpose of multiplying offspring for eternity, through our obedience and proclamation of His word.
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me. (Psalm 55:1-3)
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14)
Human feelings and passions are good when they are informed by the knowledge of the truth of God’s word. In the narrative of the ark of the covenant being moved to Jerusalem, we see how we can bring our thoughts into submission to Christ, instead of allowing our feelings to overcome us.
The grace of God extends to each of us, to receive in the knowledge of His truth. We cannot earn God’s grace through works, which would be legalism. However, those who receive God’s grace, will walk in knowledge and understanding of His truth, which is obedience. Obedience does not curtail our feelings. David’s obedience gives proper expression to his feelings and he becomes a testimony to the truth. Michal’s religious legalism, gives rise to the destructive feeling of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, becoming a source of falseness to the truth (James 3:14)
Recipients of grace will express their gratitude by walking in obedience.
Our families left Sri Lanka in 1984, following ethnic violence, which resulted in many middle class Tamil civilians fleeing the country, feeling unsafe or unwelcome. We found acceptance and identity in a new land. Indeed, for many years, it seemed like we had lost our love for the land of our birth, and had become indifferent to what was happening there.
In 2009, news emerged of a strategic military solution that involved much brutality and possibly genocidal activities. Although we personally did not know those who were directly affected by these activities, nor did we know anyone who was participating in the fighting, our hearts were stirred with compassion and love for our land and people. We sought out Christian members of the diaspora to pray with. We experienced what Nehemiah experienced (Nehemiah 1:4-7), and similarly the Holy Spirit gave us the burden to pray in unity along these same lines.
When I prayed, the Lord specifically gave me a word of encouragement, which I understood at the time as prophecy. The Israelites, for whom these words were first meant for, were the diaspora. “When the Lord has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve.” (Isaiah 14:3)
The prophetic words were so applicable and it seemed like the Lord was confirming that he had seen the same situation in our land, and confirming that his justice was coming.
“Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’ All the kings of the nations lie in glory, each in his own tomb; but you are cast out, away from your grave, like a loathed branch, clothed with the slain, those pierced by the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a dead body trampled underfoot, You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land, you have slain your people. “May the offspring of evildoers nevermore be named! Prepare slaughter for his sons because of the guilt of their fathers, lest they rise and possess the earth, and fill the face of the world with cities.” (Isaiah 14:16-21)
Fellow brothers, be faithful and patient, as you stand in unity for justice. The Lord reveals His plans to the faithful and will establish justice in His time.
Circumstances and experiences have caused us to reflect on this topic of generational sin. Generational sin has its origin in Adam, fellowship with God was broken for all generations that followed. Unrepented generational sins, from our direct ancestors, can perpetuate this broken fellowship in our immediate family. There is great blessing in repentance, for the blessing of repentance flows to a thousand generations. While the Lord’s punishment for iniquity visits the third and fourth generation (Deut 5:9-10). We see this throughout the bible and we also see how individuals are able to break out of this generational sin, or stronghold, and establish fellowship with God and bless their offspring.
We may not know what generational sins our ancestors may have passed on to us. Adultery, injustice, vengeance, selfish gain, control, jealousy, false accusations and self glory are all human sins, unrepented could become a generational curse. Sometimes cultural traditions allow us to engage in unjust behaviour without accountability (example - demanding dowry, which is culturally acceptable in some places). Tradition can often help us do wrong with a clear conscience before men and not be held accountable. Jesus pointed out a sinful practice of his day, children casting parents away without personally caring for them. It was accepted in tradition, but was offensive to God (Matt 15:4-6). Possibly acceptable in our culture and tradition as well. We are called to repent and live in obedience to God’s word, by faith.
We break spiritual strongholds through personal repentance and faith. When we repent, we break the effect of past family iniquity for our children. When parents are unrepentant, but one of their children humble themselves and are faithful to God, only that child’s family breaks out of the generational stronghold caused by the iniquity of the parents.The faith of our children and their service to God will not vindicate us. Repentance cannot happen through proxy. If we don’t deal with our sins, we will lack inner peace (Isaiah 48:22). Those who have no peace, will become a source of discord amongst others, seeking to please and causing trouble (Prov 17:9).
“Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10). Humility before God is evident in repentance and faith. The Lord enables the faithful to break out of generational strongholds, and to be protected from demonic influence (James 4:7).
Jesus paid for all our generational curses on the cost, to give us spiritual victory. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us - for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” - so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:13-14). Personal repentance is how we realise this spiritual victory in our lives and pass on the blessing to our children.
On Good Friday Jesus went to that cross to break the curse. He stayed on that cross because he cared for me and you. Will you respond in personal repentance and come to the cross and accept the blessing?
The Lord is holy and must be worshiped in Spirit and in Truth. However, because of God’s mercy and love, we can often take God for granted and not approach him with true appreciation, submission and reverence (worship) (Lev 10:1-2). We can take God for granted through active or passive behaviour:
We can be very religious seeking God for earthly blessings. When we don’t get what we expect, we can react in anger, play the victim, refuse to submit, serve, and worship God. Many take God for granted and seek a transactional relationship with Him.
This behaviour is part of our fallen nature. We can observe this behaviour in human relationships as well. We take those who love and care for us for granted. We have expectations but show little to no appreciation. When our expectations are not met, we react in anger (aggressive), or play the victim (passive). There is a refusal to acknowledge the truth and appreciate those who love and care. Rather than be humble and proclaim the truth, we seek to be proud and project a false reality and continue to receive.
Reflection:
There is grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all. Whether we believe we are the entitled son like Adonijah, or we are being misguided by an Adonijah like Joab and Abiathar, or a feeble vulnerable parent like David, or someone like Nathan or Bethsheba who understands God’s word and know you must act, the Lord calls us to humble repentance and obedience to His word. The Lord will vindicate and establish his plan. We must decide whether through obedience to God’s word, we will be part of His eternal plan.
We can sometimes avoid doing what is right or displeasing others, to enjoy a peaceful earthly life. God’s perfect plan that reconciles us to Him and each other, is achieved in those who walk in obedience to His word. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)
The letter of James is a letter written to believers. What should believers do when they are sick?
a) The believer should invite his/her church elders to pray. It is the call of the believer to accept the leadership of their church elders. (James 5:14)
b) There should be accountability relationships in the church - discipleship relationships. Sometimes, the disease may be due to sin. If so, the Holy Spirit may convict and lead us to confess, not only to Jesus, but also to the once we sinned against. True confession of sin is important to receive the free forgiveness of Jesus (James 5:16). We may misunderstand this verse, and: (i) make it a habit to confess sin to our church elders and seek absolution; (ii) Church leaders may decide that sin is the cause of the disease and condemn the sick person.
Believers and church elders are asked to pray in faith. We do not know the will of the Lord. But we have a promise, that when the righteous pray, the Lord will “save and raise up” the sick believer (James 5:15-16) - Some translations have rendered the phrase as “heal and raise up” however the Greek word is the same word for salvation and has the meaning of permanently being made whole. The Lord can do what we cannot even imagine, including temporary physical healing and eternal salvation (James 5: 17-18).
When we pray in faith, we will benefit from physical healing and / or spiritual healing according to our true need, according to the will of the Lord, and for the glory of the Lord (James 5:15, 19-20). The Lord will achieve his glorious purpose of salvation through the circumstances of this life. We are called therefore to pray in every circumstance (James 5:13-14).
A biblical expository reflection, prompted by the sermon this morning on James 5:1-12. James warns the unjust and people pleasers, and encourages the brothers (true believers). Even though the letter is addressed to believers to continue in obedience to Christ, James also warns society in general, many of whom may actually be found within the walls of the church.
The Unjust Socially and Economically privileged be warned (James 5:1-6)
Nothing wrong in being socially or economically privileged. However, unjustly abusing that status is wrong. The unjust are those who pursue earthly satisfaction and lay-up perishing treasures in this life. They are self-indulgent and vain. They do evil and injustice to others. Because of their earthly status, often they are able to get away with it. The life of these people may seem successful and attractive to others, even the ones they treat unjustly are unlikely to resist them.
People Pleasers be warned (James 2:1-9)
People pleasers are those who favour the privileged and enable the unjust in their wickedness. When pastors and shepherds in a congregation are people pleasers, accountability to God’s word is lost, and self-righteousness prevails. Often partiality is seen as nice and respectful, worldly peace seeking, and justified in society as acceptable. James calls it out, partiality is motivated by evil selfish intent (James 2:4), and it is a sin in God’s sight (James 2:1-9).
Believers be encouraged (James 5: 7-12)
True believers are likely to face suffering on earth. Often we can choose to avoid suffering by unjustly taking advantage of others because of our special social or economic status or by being people pleasers. James encourages believers to: (1) Be patient to the end - The Lord will vindicate, hold the unjust accountable, and reward you. Don’t lose faith. (James 5:7-8); (2) Do not grumble - Do not take matters into your own hands, go around slandering and accusing others and try to bring others down. (James 5:9); Be steadfast - Stay faithful to Christ- James provides examples of: prophets, who proclaimed God’s word faithfully while experiencing severe opposition; and, the example of Job, who experienced very personal suffering for personally choosing to honour God in his conduct. The majority around true believers will hate them, but the Lord will bring just the right people at just the right time, to encourage and sometimes even correct and rebuke the true believer, to be patient, not complain and take matters into their hands, and be steadfast in their faith based righteous behaviour.(James 5: 10-12)
Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving for the Colossians captures the gospel message that was first revealed to mankind as the Christmas blessing. In Colossians 1:3-5, Paul notes that this blessing : (a) Becomes ours through personal faith in Jesus Christ; (b) Is evidenced through our love for our fellow brothers and sisters of the faith; and (c) Because of our eternal inheritance of heaven.
This faith is neither blind, or based on hearsay, where we follow a religious denomination or a human leader. It is a faith that is grounded in knowledge and understanding. Even demons have knowledge and tremble (James 2:19). Knowledge with understanding leads to personal and ongoing repentance, transformation and sanctification.
Evidence of sincere love, looks nothing like earthly love. The evidence of love that comes from faith in Jesus Christ, is focussed on a singular purpose - evangelism and discipleship. Sincere love will do this through suffering for the sake of others, to present ourselves and others mature in Christ. Sincere love will admonish Christians who are living selfish earthy lives. Sincere love will speak up when people are being deceived by leaders taking fellow Christians captive through false philosophies, human traditions and spiritual experiences that are not consistent with the gospel of truth. Sincere love will often make us the target of many we love resulting in earthly suffering.
We endure suffering, showing sincere love with a singular unselfish purpose (Col 3:16-17). Because we are not seeking earthly peace, compromise, popularity or prosperity. Rather our eyes are fixed on the hope of eternity and the justice of Christ that abounds to us all as grace in this earthly life (Col 3: 24-25).
The official motto of Canada, found in its Coat of Arms is, “A Mari Usque Ad Mare”, which is the Latin of from sea to sea, found in Psalm 72:8, “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” Psalm 72, is King David’s prayer for his son King Solomon. But the prayer concludes with identifying the king who fulfills the prayer, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!” (Psalm 72:18-19)
The phrase in Psalm 72:8, “From Sea to Sea”, was first applied in 1867 when Lord Samuel Leonard Tilley chose the term dominion to represent Canada. Only Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were part of the dominion at that time. In 1871, British Columbia joined the confederation and the dominion of Canada extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Soon after, Rev. George Monro Grant, accompanied Sir Sandford Fleming, journaling the latters journey from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Ocean. The journal, Ocean to Ocean, was published in 1873. Rev. Grant, who was in favour of the Canadian confederation, preached on Psalm 72:8 wherever he went. In 1921, the motto “A Mari Usque Ad Mare” was included in Canada’s Coat of Arms.
O Canadians, remember your beginnings.
The gospel convicts of sin and transforms lives. True disciples of Christ will seek to proclaim the gospel so that the gospel can change lives. Many people and even governments, use the word “conversion” to stop the proclamation of the gospel and persecute disciples of Christ.
On 8 December 2021, Canada passed into law bill C-4, Conversion Therapy. The Conversion Therapy Bill bans any practice, treatment or service designed to:
The preamble to the bill notes that conversion therapy causes harm to society because, among other things, it is based on and propagates myths and stereotypes about sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, including the myth that heterosexuality, cisgender gender identity, and gender expression that conforms to the sex assigned to a person at birth are to be preferred over other sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Any coercive or abusive practice to change or repress a person's behaviour should rightly be banned in any free society. However, the bill does not describe what constitutes a practice, treatment or service of conversion therapy. The real danger is not criminal conviction, although possible, but rather the muzling effect that this bill could have on the gospel.
The proclamation of the gospel could lead to conviction and transformation, therefore any resulting personal change in a person’s behaviour and practice should be seen as an expression of freedom. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has tracked the process and procedure on how this bill became law, and has expressed concerns that it is hoping legislators would clarify - EFC on Bill-C-4-to-Ban-Conversion-Therapy. The Canadian Religious Freedom Summit will also be discussing this law at its summit on Feb 26, 2022.
Leaders have often resisted change and individual freedoms, and have sought to socially engineer society
In 2 Timothy 4:3-5, Paul warns against social depravity, writing, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” The bible does not peddle myths, in 2 Peter 1:16 we read, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” The slide into hopelessness happens when truth is characterised as a myth and put aside.
1 Cor 6:9-11 says, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. 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.” (see also Gal 5:19-21 and Eph 5:5). Believers are asked to confirm the genuineness of their faith, through a life of changed behaviour practices (2 Peter 1:3-11). The church is called to proclaim truth and disciple believers in that truth, for “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Great Commission comes with authority from Jesus whose authority trumps all authority on earth, saying, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
In many nations, Christian minorities are accused of trying to lure people to convert, and persecuted. In countries where Christians are nor necessarily the minority, they are accused of intolerance and persecuted. True believers are not called to deceptive coercive practices or violent protests. They are instead called to persevere through suffering that comes from proclaiming the truth. Only the truth can bring people to understand and respond in repentance and submit to the Lordship of Christ. Jude calls us to contend for the faith (Jude verse 3). He urges us to do this in love so that others may experience God’s mercy that leads to eternal salvation (Jude verses 21 - 23). Proclamation of the truth in love includes teaching, correcting, rebuking, training and encouraging using the truth of scripture, and living in obedience to scripture.
The mythical figure of Santa Claus originates from the legend of Bishop Nicholas of Myra (Modern Day Turkey, early fourth century). Saint Nicholoas was known for his intercessory prayers that resulted in many miracles (gifts). As the legend grew, many who sought a miracle in their lives, saw Saint Nicholas as their patron saint. The gift giving legend of Santa Claus is therefore associated with:
Santa Claus is a Christian symbol, let us not make him an idol. A symbol that should guide us to the truth - to ask unselfishly, to live with purpose, grow in obedience, and inherit eternity.
This phrase appears three times in scripture and it is worthy of our reflection and action. Muzzling an ox that is treading grain is wicked. In Deut 25:4, God through Moses, instructs the people not to do so. An ox desires to eat grain, to require an ox to work with grain while restraining it from eating, is wicked. What the ox would eat is small and would not affect the output, in fact it might actually motivate the ox and increase output.
Paul quotes this instruction from the Old Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:9, and 1 Timothy 5:18. In both places he is applying it to gospel workers or leaders. Let us examine each text in context.
Gospel workers are a target of the enemy, and it is important for us to not entertain slander against them. In fact, the threshold for bringing an accusation against a gospel worker should be high. Paul provides the church with godly guidance:
(i) If a charge is brought against an elder, examine the evidence. The church has a responsibility to examine the evidence and if the evidence is good admit the charge (1 Timothy 5:19); and,
(ii) Do not cover-up sin in the church. The church has a responsibility to hold the sinner accountable. Accountability for sin involves public rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20). A preacher / teacher is a public personality who is likely to be followed, and hence a public rebuke is necessary.
Workers who are not properly appreciated, as noted in 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, could be tempted to justify wrong ways to compensate themselves. They will answer for their actions to Christ. Churches who do not properly appreciate these labourers will also answer to Christ. Much has been lost because of labourers being discouraged and falling away.
Elders who persist in sin, will answer to Christ. Churches that avoid examining evidence or rebuking sinful elders will also answer to Christ. Much damage has been done by sinful elders, while the church turns a blind eye.
David is being attacked unrelentingly by many people. Their purpose is to bring him down. How do they do this? Their hate is so great that they see nothing wrong in slandering and misrepresenting facts. They act like they love and speak words of love, but they harbour hate in their heart.
Like David, are you facing this kind of hate and slander and attack from many? So how can we wait silently on God in our situation?
Suffering in silence does not mean that we should be silent before God. We are called to pour out the pain, hurt and injustices we are suffering to God. Often we do the opposite, pour out our heart to others and feel it is ungodly to complain to God.
Often when we think we can gain the respect of others who hate us, by elevating our position in their sight. We can seek to elevate our standing before them, and we can justify wrong means of extortion and robbery to increase our wealth with the hope of gaining respect. It is temporary and will disappear like a “breath.”
The truth of God’s word is sure and unchanging. It is found over and over again in scripture - “Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this.” People will not win in their wicked action, for power belongs to God. God’s love is not seasonal, play favourites or for a limited time. The love of God is steadfast. We can count on God to render justice and hold those who hate us, without repenting, accountable.
Like Paul, we also are living in the last days. Since the day of Pentecost, we have been in the last days (Acts 2:17). We wait patiently for the very last day, when Christ will return. No one knows the day or time (Matt 24:36-37), but we do know that it is being held back because of God’s mercy (2 Peter 3:9-10). With this in mind what sort of people must we be in our conduct?
Those who love themselves, and have no sincere love for others. They will live by worldly standards (verses 2-4). A closer examination of the text reveals that these people could very well be among us as wolves in sheeps clothing. Their conduct is justified by “difficult times” (verse 1), and they can fool us with their, “appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (verse 5). They are not counting on God’s power to see them through the difficult times, but on their own power to achieve their self-interest.
They present a danger to others. They endear themselves to others by deceiving sinful people with a false sense of security, and encourage them to pursue their passions (verse 6-7). This is exactly what they themselves are doing by their own power and it can be attractive to others, seeking to avoid humble submission to Christ through personal and ongoing repentance. Jannes and Jambres were the Egyptian magicians who performed counterfeit miracles to deceive people and draw them away from repenting and submitting to the true power of God that Moses was bearing testimony to (verses 8-9).
This morning we received a devotion on Joel 1:1-3, from a missionary friend in Sri Lanka, reminding us of the importance of repentance. Difficult times are God’s graceful providence for us to repent. Do not be deceived into missing the opportunity to repent (verse 13).
The godly ones are repentant sinners. We cannot see the heart, but we sure can see the conduct of the godly. The apostle Paul's own conduct is a testimony (verse 10-11).
Those who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted and will suffer (verse 12). This will happen because they choose to obey scripture, in every difficult situation they face, seeking to grow in obedience with their hope firmly on salvation (verse 14-15). Trusting in God’s power, not their own.
They will sincerely love others and will use all scripture to faithfully teach, reprove, correct and train in righteous conduct with sincere commitment to equip themselves and others (verse 16-17). They will accept the cost of persecution and suffering that comes from their obedience to make disciples (Matt 28:20).
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness” - 2 Peter 3:10-11.
James is writing to those who are in the church. Some walking by earthly wisdom, while others by the wisdom from above. James contrasts earthly wisdom from wisdom from above and instructs us how to diagnose our hearts and discern.
Earthly wisdom can very much be present in the church and even admired. The Greek words used for jealousy and selfish ambition, can be understood as being zealous to achieve self benefit. Our hearts can deceive us and the people of the world can assure us that self interest is not a bad thing. Often people who are zealous about their self interest, are very nice and respected by the world. After all, it fits with the world’s thinking.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth - James 3:14. There are external signs to discern the heart condition. The worldly wise will be boastful about themselves. They will not appreciate others or acknowledge how others have helped them. They will use their intellect to cover up the truth. They are worldly wise, so they will be false to the truth without seeming to lie. James notes that jealousy and selfish ambition will lead to disorder and justification of all kinds of wrong practices, because it is unspiritual and demonic at its root. (James 3:15-16)
Wisdom from above is not of this world. It does not fit with the world’s thinking or the ways of the world. It is illogical and senseless to the wise of the earth. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom - James 3:13. Good conduct in meekness has no personal benefit and makes no earthly sense. The Christ follower can be easily taken for granted. Further, the behaviour of a Christ follower convicts the earthly wise and the people of the world will join together to slander and malign them (1 Peter 4:4). But the Christ follower is called to persist in wisdom from above, that is, “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). These are not qualities that we naturally possess and while the world may ridicule our human personality, and accuse and ridicule, the Christ follower will persist in showing mercy, sincerely and impartially.
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace - James 3:18. Only Christ followers will sow and reap peace. Peace with God, in righteousness because of Christ, and peace and assurance in their heart. The people who are walking in the wisdom of this earth will not experience this peace, instead they will sow disorder through wrong actions, which they will justify (James 3:16). They can be lulled into a false sense of security of peaceful unity because they are of one mind with the world.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” - Gal 5:1
Let us read Galatians 5 in its entirety and see the context and understand the passage.
Paul describes two types of slavery in this passage. First, the slavery that religious leaders subject us to. Slavery enforced by commands, laws, and traditions. Some willingly accept this slavery because it helps them feel righteous (Galatians 5: 2-12). Second, slavery that seeks our wellbeing. We will not truly love others (Galatians 5: 13-15), rather we will seek to justify ourselves through good deeds.
Paul challenges us to examine our hearts:
“What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” - Rom 6:15
We often think of slavery as something that is being forced upon us - ‘to be enslaved’. Paul describes slavery as that which we submit to. Whatever we willingly submit to, we become a slave of. “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” - Rom 6:16
The first step for our own personal transformation to begin, is the acceptance that we are slaves to sin. This can sometimes be an eye opening moment for many who have grown-up in Christian homes. Augustine of Hippo, a Christian living a worldly life had such an eye opening moment in AD 386, when he read Romans 13: 13-14, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Luther, the reformer, a Christian theologian and preacher, had his eye-opening moment in early 1500, when he read Romans 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Willing slavery comes with freedom. “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.” - Rom 6:20. “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” - Rom 6:17-19
Willing slavery to sin, gives us the freedom to live how we want based on our comfort, convenience and pleasures. Likewise willing slavery to righteousness, gives us the freedom to overcome our selfish self-centred nature and obey, from the heart, the teachings of God’s word. Without grace, through Christ, we are naturally limited by our human nature to free ourselves from our willing slavery to sin. Don’t bother trying, people from Moses to Jesus tried and failed. Many have missed the memo - God’s word, so they continue to try.
A righteous man is imperfect, because he is a sinner being sanctified. The man who does not accept grace, a sinful man, relying on his goodness, may seem righteous. Choose wisely and examine your heart, it is easy to deceive and be deceived. The eternal realities that await each are very different (Romans 6:20-23).
Lord, confirm your grace in me through my conduct in obedience to your word, and sanctify me for eternity.
‘the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”’ - Job 42:7
The anger of the Lord burns against three seemingly faithful and committed friends. These are friends, who when they heard about Job’s suffering, left their homes and travelled to come and be with Job. They did not leave Job's side, and stayed with him. (Job 2:11-13). The rest of the book of Job is largely a discourse between Job and his friends.
Job’s friends could not bear to hear words of discouragement and hopelessness come out of Job’s mouth. Initially, they encouraged Job, but as Job continued to be discouraged because of the personal suffering he was experiencing, they spoke for God. They had the good intention of reconciling Job to God. To achieve this, they misrepresented the truth and did not acknowledge their ignorance, therefore the Lord says, “you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”
Reconciliation is a noble endeavour. It culminates in reconciling men to God. We need to approach this task with a sense of fear and trembling, as ones who would give account (Hebrews 13:17). Every reconciliation effort we engage between disputing people, should be done within this context. Reconciliation is based on the truth and bearing witness to the truth we know, and acknowledging ignorance of the truth we do not know, and a willingness to learn.
In recent times, the phrase “truth and reconciliation” is being acknowledged as the only way to achieve peace between ethnic communities. The goal is to move forward. Even though the world realises that truth is needed, there is a willingness to compromise on truth to achieve the goal. An openness to discover the full truth, and a humble willingness to acknowledge our ignorance and patiently hear and learn, is often absent. The goal must not supersede the truth.
The truth is the only thing that can set people free (John 8:32). Truth leads to repentance and forgiveness. Repentance involves acknowledging one's sin (the mind); feeling remorse for the sin (emotion); and willingness to provide restitution (action). Only one who has already forgiven the wrong that has been done to them and is yearning for a relationship, will be able to truly accept repentance. Without the truth, we will not witness the true reconciliation that comes through repentance and forgiveness.
Job humbly listened to God and learnt truth through his circumstance, and repents (Job 42:1-6). Although Job’s friends were seeking to reconcile Job to God, they were the ones who needed to be reconciled to God. God asks Job to intercede for his friends. (Job 42:8-9). Often it is through suffering, that we become worthy vessels for the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21).
Lord let me be your faithful servant interceding and intervening, as one who would give account to you.
Those who are maturing in Christ are living their earthly life with a singular purpose, “attain the resurrection from the dead” (verse 11). They know that they are not perfect and fully appreciate grace (verse 12). They: (a) do not dwell on or feel condemned by their past (verse 13); (b) are aware of what has already been attained in their life, and therefore are not discouraged by those who condemn (verse 14-16); and (c) have good role models and imitate these mature believers.
They are not distracted by those who identify as believers, but are of the world. Paul is filled with tears as he writes about the many, within the church, who walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. He informs the faithful how to discern them (verse 17-19):
Their conscience is not affected by actions that are shameful, rather they boast in their ability to scheme and plot. They rejoice in the downfall of the faithful.
Persevere in suffering to “attain the resurrection from the dead,” by Christ power (verses 10, 21).
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand..” (Psalm 73:23)
Understanding the truth of God’s word can help us respond patiently and righteously in suffering (Psalm 73:21-22). Humbly seeking to understand God’s word, in communion with the Holy Spirit, can assure us of the sure hope in Christ (Psalm 73:16-17).
What is it that causes the psalmist to say, “Nevertheless”? The psalmist raises the alarm, “Behold these are the wicked; always at ease they increase in riches” (Psalm 73:12). The psalmist cautions Christians, to be careful not to stumble (Psalm 73:2-3), because:
The actions of the wicked are motivated by self-confidence. The psalmist uses the words arrogance and pride to describe this self-confidence. The wicked do wrong actions to bring others down (Psalm 73:6-7). They are able to justify their actions and draw others in to enable their malicious intent (Psalm 73:8).
Ultimately, the wicked draw people to themselves. They claim to know the mind of God, and many will be misled to follow them. They are false prophets who do not submit to God’s word, but elevate themselves above God’s word.
Nevertheless, let us be faithful in suffering, for the Lord is our strength. We may not receive justice on earth, but the faithful have support where it really matters, in heaven (Psalm 73:25). We may not be successful on earth, but we are assured glory in eternity (Psalm 73:24). As much as we want others to take hold of this truth, the wicked and their followers may not be open to listen. Faithful perseverance in suffering may be the way we bear righteous testimony (Psalm 73:15, 27-28).
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)
This is an often quoted verse of encouragement. It is important however for us to read this verse in context and use it properly to encourage. Often we can be hasty to encourage and commend using scripture inappropriately and this is equivalent to participating in the wrong that others are doing. (1 Timothy 5:22)
So let us look at assess the context of Rom 8:28:
The world will condemn and pick-on those who have truly believed and have willingly submitted to live by God's law to please Him (Rom 8:7-8). Transformed people are not perfect people, and they can be easy targets as they suffer and show weakness against these overwhelming odds. Our endorsement however does not come from people, it comes from God. Paul calls believers to encourage the faithful. When we put things in proper context, we will accept suffering with joy, and persevere in faithful obedience through the injustices we face, because we understand what God is achieving in us and through us. (Rom 8:29-39)
Christ leads his followers in triumphal progression, making their earthly life a fragrance in speech, writing and actions. Paul recognized that his speech, his letters and his actions proclaimed the knowledge of Christ everywhere. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
The words and actions of Christ followers will serve to: (a) condemn those who reject and walk in unrepentance, “from death to death”; or (b) assure the hope of life to the ones who are walking in repentance, “from life to life.” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
Jesus achieves this through those who choose to faithfully bear witness to the truth, through their words and actions. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians is based on truth that spreads the fragrance of Christ. A relationship marked by accountability, love and forgiveness.
Lord lead us to accept the pain that results in being a fragrance for you, in this life. Keep us from avoiding this pain by excusing sin. Guide us in holding our fellow brothers accountable in love, and extending true forgiveness.
Jesus sent his disciples out on a mission. We are also his disciples and he sends us out in the same manner. Before he sends, Jesus empowers His disciples (Matt 10:1). Only Jesus' disciples are sent by Jesus. Jesus' disciples are those who have repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus, only then can they be empowered by Jesus to go. Many can do good things, even useful things, but only Jesus' disciples can do things that matter for eternity.
Jesus' disciples are asked to go and do two things. First, proclaim the truth about Jesus' eternal kingdom (Matt 10:7). Second, by Jesus' power, freely help people suffering in bondage (Matt 10:8).
When a disciple obeys and goes to proclaim and help others, he will suffer. He will be persecuted in many ways, even put to death in the world (Matt 10:16-24). He will live under a shadow as people will slander and lie about him, and even bear false witness. There will be real cause to fear, but he is asked not to fear, for the truth will prevail and will be revealed in God's time (Matt 10:26-31).
What motivates the disciple to persevere through all this suffering, is the true hope of eternity. Jesus is our only salvation and we do want to take a hold of him with true faith, and we want every person to take hold of Jesus (Matt 10:32-33). The disciple not only brings salvation to the lost, he also gives other disciples the opportunity to earn eternal rewards (Matt 10:40-42).
Lord, help me to persevere well as a true disciple, even in my family and community (Matt 10:6). Help me to not be discouraged by wolves (Matt 10:16), or those who slander with intent to kill (Matt 10:28). I rest in your steadfast love and truth. “Remember me , O my God, for good.” - Nehemiah 13:31b
Our Daily Bread Reading Today. Read, Reflect, Repent.
God reveals His plans to us, but we may not get-it. God’s salvation plan through a sinless lamb was revealed in the Old Testament, most clearly in Isaiah 53. Also, Jesus directly told the disciples (Luke 18: 31-34). Often, we are like the disciples, we are blind to God’s plans, even though we are his followers who trust in Him.
God’s WORD provides us instructions on how we should conduct ourselves in relation to Him and also others. Even without a full understanding of His plan, we can walk in obedience to His instructions and wait on Him. This is what the disciples did, and this is what we can do with faithfulness and patience, in our earthly relationships with our spouses, children, parents, friends and brothers and sisters in the church - often those we are closest can frustrate us the most and we may want to give-up and move-on. We would however be wise to obey God's word and walk in faithful obedience.
There is something more dangerous than not understanding God’s plan, it is the danger of misunderstanding. The disciples thought that Jesus was going to “restore the kingdom to Israel.” They were ready for Jihad (Holy War). Only in waiting in faithful obedience, were they going to be part of the real plan of salvation, where all the nations are going to be restored in righteousness into the kingdom of God. In misunderstanding God’s plan we can become part of the devil’s scheme. In waiting upon God in obedience, we will be included in God’s plan, for He is faithful.
Reflect and Repent could make the passage personal leading to WORD based personal prayer.
Lord! Forgive our overenthusiasm and self-righteousness that could lead us to rush ahead in misunderstanding. Teach us to wait upon your Holy Spirit to guide us at the right time to discern and contribute to your eternal plan. While we wait Lord, let us be found obedient to your WORD in how we conduct ourselves in relationship to you and others.
This weekend we were in the company of Ron Gannet at Elim. Ron shared about the richness of journaling through SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. See https://www.gannettministries.org/
Our Daily Bread reading for today.
Read, Reflect, and Repent.
This is titled, "A song of Ascent." You will find this title for Psalms 120 to 134, the pilgrims sang these songs as they went to Jerusalem to worship God in his temple.
Help! When people feel helpless they often look-up for help. Those who believe in the supernatural, would build monuments, alters, temples, up on hilltops and rocks to stand out as visible objects of their belief so they can look up and go up for help.
Sometimes what we truly depend on for help cannot be objectified. But we could elevate what we truly believe in, in our hearts: money, power, popularity, our self-righteousness etc. What we elevate in our hearts is what we will pay homage to.
The pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem to worship God, reminded themselves that true worship happens in their hearts. They reminded their hearts of this truth by proclaiming it with their mouth, "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2)
Our help does not come from mighty created things like trees, hills and heavenly objects. It does not come from wordly things we elevate in our hearts. Our help comes from the one true creator God. Nothing else, nothing less.
Only in our helplessness, we bear witness to the strength of our helper. As we read the rest of psalm 121, we see evidence of helplessness: seems like your foot is slipping, seems like God is sleeping; seems like our keeper is not around; seems like we are being struck down, seems like evil is winning; and seems like our life is in danger (Psalm 121:3-8).
Our helplessness makes us chosen vessels to bear witness to the Lord, if only we look to him, the one true creator God, as our helper.
Read, Reflect and Repent.
“Woe is me, my mother, that bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me.” - Jeremiah 15:10
Jeremiah plays the victim with God. Jeremiah sins in three ways, to establish himself as the victim before God: (i) He curses his birth. It is the equivalent of wanting to take your life; (ii) He exaggerates his suffering describing himself as, “a man of strife and contention to the whole land”, and one that, “all curse.”; and, (iii) He boasts of his goodness, “I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me.”
Pride is rarely suspected when a person plays the victim. Jeremiah 1:5, says that the Lord called and appointed Jeremiah even before he was formed in his mother’s womb, now Jeremiah is cursing his birth. Further, in Jeremiah 1:17-19, God informs Jeremiah that he will face opposition, now Jeremiah is complaining about the opposition. God again reminds Jeremiah of his call and the promise that he will prevail (Jeremiah 15:11-12). But in Jer 15:13, God also reminds Jeremiah of the warning not to fall away, a warning that was given in his first call, “do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.”
Jeremiah realizes his own need for grace and humbles himself before God, and submits his faithful service as an offering to God. Jeremiah 15:15-17 echoes Jeremiah’s change in attitude from one of pride to humble submission. Jeremiah is not denying his hardships, rather he is truthful in acknowledging the unrelenting suffering to God (Jeremiah 15:19), but he does so recognizing God’s justice, sovereignty and faithfulness and appeals to God’s grace. There is no expectation of entitlement. No pride.
The Lord reiterates his promise to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:19-21). If you are faithful you will experience my grace and salvation.
Like Jeremiah, we may feel that we have served God and others well, and now it is time for God and others to serve us. Ageing spouses can take that attitude with the other spouse, and love can grow cold, as they demand to be cared for without appreciating their spouse. Ageing parents can take this attitude with children who care for them. Like Jeremiah, our pride could be couched in victim language winning sympathy from many and keeping us from recognizing our sin.
Like Jeremiah, we may need to be reminded that Christ’s call to faithful discipleship is a lifetime call. There is no reward for falling away without persevering. Our salvation and success is assured, in eternity. It may not be realized on earth.
The book of Proverbs describes five types of fools. We all have elements of these five types in us, however, one type may be more dominant. Discerning what type of fool we are can help us recognize our weakness and change. Discerning what type of fool someone else is, can keep us from certain avoidable situations.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools (ev-eel) despise wisdom and instruction.” - Prov 1:7
“How long, O simple ones (peth-eé), will you love being simple? How long will scoffers (loots) delight in their scoffing and fools (kes-eel) hate knowledge?” - Prov 1:22
Application
We must first apply this to ourselves and no matter what kind of fool we are, there is only one biblical prescription for us to begin becoming wise, “the fear of the Lord.” - Prov 1:7a.
As a church, we must also apply it in shepherding. Holding the sheep accountable, pointing out wrong, rebuking and correcting are necessary to bring people to fear the Lord, repent and submit to the Lordship of Christ. Churches can easily ignore this difficult and unpopular task, and even turn to counseling methods to address challenges among their sheep. The truth of the Word leads to rebuke and correction of the wrongdoer, and encouragement to the faithful (2 Tim 4:2). Counseling often caters to emotions and feelings, and seeks to find a mutual way forward, and in practice fails everybody and particularly discourages the faithful.
We must pray that no one reaches the point of no return of the steadfast fool. We cannot diagnose this, only the Lord knows. We can pray for ourselves and our loved ones to not harden our hearts against the Lord, but rather maintain a humble and repentant heart before him, until the day we breathe our last.
Lord, keep us humble before you. Lord, let us be merciful to others.
Context:
The Book of Ezra covers a period from 539 BC to 457 BC and the period of the following kings:
Observation:
(1) They will seek to discourage those who are faithful and plant fear (Ezra 4:4);
(2) They will befriend those they see as useful for their purpose of bringing down the faithful, through flattery, hospitality and gifts (Ezra 4:5);
(3) They will go to authorities with false accusation, which on the surface may seem compelling and can sway people (Ezra 4:11-16); and
(4) They are relentless and will not give-up, in spite of God’s favour and completion of the temple in 516 BC (during Darius reign), they persisted in writing accusing letters to King Darius, Xerxes and Artaxerxes. Their eyes are blind to what God is doing and their hearts are hard to realise and repent. (Ezra 4: 4-6)
Application:
Often it seems like the self-righteous are being succeeding. Eight years after the work started on rebuilding the temple, the work was stopped by King Cambyses 2. The work stoppage lasted 10 years (Ezra 4:24 and Ezra 6: 1-12). The discouragement can be so severe even the faithful could question their call, the call to serve, the call to care, the call to build - in obedience to God’s word and his Spirit’s stirring. The Lord’s plans will not be thwarted and the self-righteous will be held accountable. The faithful are called to be faithful, discern, and pray for the self-righteous to repent. A refrain that can keep our eyes on the Lord and our focus on eternity is, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136 also Ezra 3:11).
The Lord calls his faithful to uphold other suffering faithful. The upholding of one-another is not a spectator sport. Such behaviour is not reflective of the One Triune God we worship. The Father who intervenes, the Lord Jesus who identifies, and the Holy Spirit who intercedes:
We also see faithful care-givers caring for spouses, elderly parents, children and others, being slandered and attacked by many. But the Lord has called them to bear testimony and weep, and mourn and encourage other faithful caregivers. Again only God can prepare people through life circumstances to identify with other faithful sufferers.
The Nehemiah example is a model to the faithful today. We also have a more perfect model, the Holy Spirit. Because of Christ Jesus, we are people of grace indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:26-28
Christ followers are called to disciple one another. A significant part of discipleship is accountability. Christian accountability is often overlooked by Christ followers and even churches, as we get caught-up in the ways of the world in building ministries and growing our numbers. Three observations from scripture are worthy of note:
“For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’ Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.” - 1 Timothy 5:18-21
The church is instructed to not entertain a charge against an Elder, without confirming the evidence with two or three witnesses (consistent with Jesus’ instructions in Matt 18: 15-17, where it broadly applies to any Christian brother, not just an Elder).
Churches can entertain charges based on the profile of the individual bringing the charge without applying the instructions of the WORD. The above passage does ask us to not fall into this people pleasing trap of prejudging or showing partiality.
God raises up people to encourage and validate his faithful servants to keep them persevering in faithfulness. Your mercies are new every morning, great is your faithfulness, O Lord!
This reflection was triggered by the Daily Bread passage for June 4, 2021. The passage was Deut 32:1-4, which when read within the immediate context of the text, which is captured in Deut 31:30, “Then Moses spoke the words of this song until they were finished, in the ears of all the assembly of Israel:” It became necessary to reflect on the whole song. The significance of these words are further highlighted by the text in Deuteronomy 32:48-52. These were the last words that Moses would speak to the people, these words were his leadership legacy, the legacy of an imperfect faithful servant being called into God’s presence.
Moses' song is a testimony of God’s eternal plan, the gospel.
“Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God!” - Deut 32:1-3
“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” - Deut 32:4
“They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation. Do you thus repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people?” - Deut 32:5-6
“When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. But the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage” - Deut 32:8-9
“But Jeshuran grew fat, and kicked; you grew fat, stout, and sleek; then he forsook God who made him and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation.” - Deut 32:15
“They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled by my anger, and it burns to the depth of Sheol, devours the earth and its increase, and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains.” - Deut 32: 21-22
Even though man’s rebellion provokes God, in his mercy he does not destroy them, rather our collective rebellion results in our own suffering and destruction. The Lord desires that these hardships will make us wise unto salvation.
“For they are a nation void of counsel, and there is no understanding in them. If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end!” - Deut 32: 28-29
“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven and swear, As I live forever, if I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand takes hold on judgement I will take vengeance on my adversaries and will repay those who hurt me. I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh - with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired heads of the enemy. - Deut 32: 39-42
There are some who reject God. There are others who feel secure in God’s mercy and our comfortable living selfish lives, Deut 32:5 describes them as “no longer children.” There are also some who have taken hold of God’s grace, and persevere through earthly suffering and injustice, crying when Lord when?
Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land” - Deut 32: 43
Moses ended his song and he said, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” (Deut 32:46-47)
Light and joy go together. The joy of the Lord is grounded in walking in understanding of the truth. Joy is a relational experience with God and it is not based on circumstances of happiness, fame or fortune. As Isaiah prophesied, through Christ, the light has come into the world. Is that light evident in my life?
God promises deliverance from all our earthly challenges. The world offers solutions for our wellbeing. Even within the church it has given rise to prosperity gospels, and wellbeing based counselling. They appeal to people's desire to seek their wellbeing and indulgences. Often the once who persevere in faith are attacked for their human failings when they express discouragement and frustration. The counsel of Job’s friends reveals how easy it is to pick on one who is persevering in suffering. But for those who seek to persevere in seemingly hopeless circumstances, in obedience to God’s word, God provides assurance to stay the course, “For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.” Isaiah 9:5
Leaders can avoid justice and righteousness, when they seek to bring about relational reconciliation. God’s word calls us to persevere in this unjust world, walking in the light of God’s truth. In this passage, Isaiah starts off with Christ’s first coming but ends with Christ’s second coming. Between these two is the waiting while we see and experience injustice. Are we encouraging the people who are walking in obedience to God’s word to persevere, or are we counselling them to avoid suffering and seek their wellbeing?
Leaders can sometimes twist God's word and tell us to take justice into our own hands. Where did the people of Jesus hear the teaching of settling scores? They heard their religious leaders misinterpret the old testament. In Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; and Deuteronomy 19:21, the bible tells us that judges were to provide the people God's justice on earth. We are not to be judges. We are not to appoint our own judges.
Jesus’ teaching seems foolish. Jesus is telling us to recognize that injustice on earth is evil, and we are not to counteract evil. When we personally face injustice, Jesus calls us to bear it graciously (this does not exclude speaking-out or standing-up). We need to trust God to deal with evil in his time. As Christians we know that God is just and no injustice will go unpunished.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. - Ecc 12:14
When people are justly judged on earth, without pity, by the appointed authorities, the person judged and the community are convicted and can repent and be spared God’s judgement.
Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. - Deut 19:21
Jesus calls his followers to be gracious, bearing witness to the grace of God. When we experience injustice, we would like to be able to bear witness to God’s justice. But we have not received God’s justice, instead through Christ we have received his grace. Therefore, we are only truly able to bear witness to grace.
Are we living as people who trust the word of God, or are we taking matters into our own hand? Breaking the law to seek justice is not what Christ calls his followers to do. Christ calls us to live as people who have the assurance of God’s justice bearing witness to the truth of his word in this unjust world. We are to be the conscience of our society, so that our family, friends and even society can be convicted to repent.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. - Proverbs 15:18 (ESV)
There are two English words in the above two verses that seem to be similar but come from two distinct Hebrew words.
Let’s examine these two words.
Anger is an emotion that is godly. When a disciple of Christ sees injustice the godly emotion is anger. The emotion of anger results in the immediate human response of angry words and angry actions. The world’s solution is to deny or overcome emotion. In fact, this is what Buddhist philosophy teaches its followers, noting that emotions and desires are the root cause of sin, therefore these emotions and desires must be denied to be free of sin. But, God created us to have these emotions and desires. An emotion such as anger that arises from injustice is good and must not be denied.
The bible instructs us quite differently from the world. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” and James 1: 19-20 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Anger is something we must learn to manage. How? In obedience to Christ, submit to the suffering that results from injustice, take our fears and anxieties to God in prayer, and stand firm in confidence in the sure knowledge of God’s justice. When we release our anger to God, we become part of God’s purpose as he moves to address every injustice in His time. Anger is not to be condemned, but discipled, so that the disciple can become patient, self-controlled and mature for every good work.
Unlike anger, this is not an emotion. This is an intentional state that makes a person the cause of injustice. Proverbs 15:1, notes that wrath can be triggered by stirring up anger in someone. Proverbs 15:18, notes that a wrathful person (hot tempered person), is calculating in that they stir up dissension and conflict. Romans 12:17-19 says, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Wrath unlike anger is hidden and is evidenced through calculated actions that are evil and vengeful. As Romans 12:17 points out, the one who is driven to do evil by wrath, justified their actions because of the real or perceived evil that they believe they have experienced.
Application
Often when churches are presented with relational conflict, the parties involved fall into either the anger or wrath category. Since anger is evident, often the one who shows anger gets identified as the person who needs to change for reconciliation to happen. The real issue often is the person who is filled with rage and functions in wrath.
At a macro level even the world has recognized this issue and has launched ‘truth and reconciliation commissions’ to address the anger that has resulted in historic injustices in society. However, often the Christian church continues to blunder in this area. For example, many Christian marriage counsellors focus on the spouse who displays anger, avoiding the more difficult and unpopular task of holding the spouse who perpetuates injustice to account.
The above passages summarises discipleship, which Jesus expects of his followers. Here are three of our observations:
In life, on earth, temptation and sin will always be something we will have to overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our conduct that is not consistent with the WORD is sin, and avoiding doing what is right is sin (James 4:17). God will hold us accountable, even if professing Christian brothers, or even our church leaders, do not hold Christ followers as they should.
George Whitefield (1714-1770), was a preacher and evangelist, and even the media of his time described him as the most famous religious figure of his century. His life was not without controversy, the religious establishment of the day attacked him and even questioned his integrity. However, he faithfully served God until his death noting, “I desire no other epitaph than this, ‘Here lies George Whitefield - what sort of man he was, the great day will discover.’”
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4)
Jesus followers should have three character qualities that shines in their discipleship relationship with one another (brothers or sisters):
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matt 18:15-17)
A discipleship relationship is worth pursuing with one who professes to be a Jesus follower. We do not want to easily give-up, and there is bound to be relational pain and suffering if we choose to follow God’s WORD, and pursue our brother in love. Matthew 18:15-17, lays out the spiritual process to pursue a brother who is persisting in sin. There is however an earthly outcome to this process that Jesus lays out for his followers, the repentant brother is gained, the unrepentant brother is treated as a heathen.
The word heathen is often misinterpreted to mean, “cut-off” and has nothing to do with them. This is not true. Heathen just means nothing more than a normal earthly relationship, and not the brotherly relationship of discipleship. Our early relationship with the person continues: friend, sibling, parent, child, spouse, etc. Our godly responsibility to the earthly relationship continues as well. The discipleship responsibility to rebuke, seek repentance and acknowledge that repentance by extending personal forgiveness ceases. In fact, continuing with a discipleship relationship is no longer wise, as a rebuke would result in slander, insult and shaming of the Jesus follower. Not unlike what Christ himself experienced.
“Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” - Proverbs 9:8
"Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." (Ex 40:34)
It is an amazing word, "the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." The Lord's presence was with his people, much diminished from what Adam and Eve experienced in Gen 3:8, and only a shadow of what believers experience today as evidenced in Paul's rhetorical question to believers, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Cor 3:16). The Old Testament helps us to understand what it means to be God's temple.
1) It means guidance.
"Throughout their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But, if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up" (Ex 40:36-37)
The Israelites waited on God's guidance and did not proceed without it. As God's temple, this is what we are called to do, wait upon the Lord and be faithful while we wait. The guidance we receive is from God's word and His Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit will not speak on his authority but whatever he hears he will speak (John 16:13). Often we are tempted to take matters into our own hands to correct injustice, rather than wait upon the Lord while faithfully being obedient to Christ in the seemingly unfair circumstance.
2) It means an awareness of God's holy presence.
"And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp." (Num 10:34). "And the people complained in the presence of the Lord about their misfortunes." (Num 11:1a)
Our conduct as we wait upon the Lord is important. Our human nature causes us to complain in situations that we perceive as unfair, and we tend to rationalise and explain our unfaithfulness to God as discerning actions for God. The Holy Spirit convicts us directly. Also, like the people of Israel, we belong to a Christian community. The Holy Spirit dwells in every true believer. We are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1), to help us stay accountable and faithful. Today the elders of our church are to hold believers accountable in their spiritual conduct. In his day, Paul modelled eldership and called for accountability, writing in Phil 2:12, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now not only in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
It is an awesome and fearful thing for a sinful mortal, like me, to be in your presence, O God. Thank you Lord for the guidance and accountability that your presence provides. Let me daily come before you in humble submission. Keep me from seeking the counsel of those who flatter me and help me justify any selfish living or complaining, and open my eyes to seek the godly counsel of your word in every circumstance you call me to go through.
Why do we call this crucifixion Friday, Good Friday?
For similar reasons we celebrate American Independence Day on July 4 and Indian Independence Day on August 15 and D-Day on 6 June. These were all days that followed much suffering and loss, and in some cases the suffering and loss continued. But these days are marked in history and celebrated because they represent freedom!
Good Friday! Likewise, it represents freedom. It is far more meaningful than any of the freedoms noted above, because it goes to the very core of our being. In fact the very word freedom is paradoxical. Prior to that Good Friday over 2000 years ago, men remained separated from their creator, a situation that persisted since Adam. Adam and Eve heeded the voice of deception, wrongly perceiving their rebellion as freedom. Since then, men and women continued to do whatever they wanted, living according to their passions, believing whatever they want and worshipping their own creations and imaginations and convincing themselves that they were free.
True freedom is realising the purpose that our creator has for us, but in order to do that, our relationship with our creator must first be restored. This is what happened on Good Friday! The greatest rescue operation of all time.
1 Peter 3:18 says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit"
The righteous one died for the unrighteous (all mankind), to restore the relationship by bringing us to God. When we individually acknowledge through repentance, that we are unrighteous, and in need of a saviour, and believe that Jesus the righteous Son of God died as our substitute. We will then be made alive in the spirit (born again). This is our REDEMPTION. Well like Christ rose from the dead physically with a new body on Easter Monday, we too can look forward to that glorious day of Christ's appearing when we will rise with imperishable bodies. This is our sure hope, our SALVATION.
But, the redeemed - the born again are no longer dead. Because of Good Friday, we are now free. Made alive to live our remaining earthly years for Christ. It is a call to suffer. The righteous for the unrighteous. Those who are born again are now righteous, not of our own, but declared righteous, because of Christ's righteousness. Like Christ, our master, our purpose is to bring the unrighteous (the yet to be declared righteous), to Christ.
Paul the Apostle understood this and writes in Colossians 1: 24-29, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
Those who are spiritually reborn, will be experiencing suffering so that the work of Christ on the cross will be taken hold of by their generation. Suffering to bring the unrighteous to Christ, and suffering to present those who have accepted Christ to grow in spiritual maturity.
Are we using our freedom to suffer for the redemption and salvation of others? This is how the Apostle Paul calls each of us to confirm that we have truly been reborn to the sure hope of salvation.
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Phil 2:12-13
This is our reflection on the passage that was exposited by Dave Rennalls, pastor of discipleship at the Metropolitan Bible Church (the MET) on Sunday, 21 March 2021.
1. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26)
Hate is a word that we associate strong emotional feelings to, the opposite emotional feelings to what we would associate with the word love. The Greek word, 'miseó' - translated as hate, is more properly understood as love less. It is a comparative word. Jesus uses the same word in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
In Luke 14:26, noted above, Jesus is making the same point. A disciple is one who has committed him/herself to be loyal to Christ. Loyalty to father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes even to themselves is denied, as the disciple chooses to conduct him/herself in loyalty to Christ. All other relationships are maintained through that primary loyalty to Christ.
2. "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Lk 14:27)
The loyalty of a disciple to Christ is evidenced through the life that the disciple chooses to live for Christ. Seeking to understand God's word and living by it, in every circumstance and decision in life, is the call of cross bearing obedience. It is indeed a cross, because the response of the world will be unmistakable and suffering is assured.
3. The Decision - Luke 14:28-32.
Jesus gives us two examples to illustrate the choice we have in this matter of loyalty. The first, is an example of counting the cost before we start a building project. This is just good sense. Our loyalty to Christ (our faith), likewise, is based on full understanding. The second example is more revealing, considering the possibility of victory before committing to battle. If victory is not possible, he would be wise to seek terms of peace. King Jesus is sitting on his everlasting throne, what will our response be? It will be foolish to go into battle. The only terms of peace we can seek with King Jesus is unconditional surrender. He asks for our complete loyalty. This is the best offer we can ever receive. The king of kings is offering us a seat at the table, and in return he asks us to trust him fully and be loyal to him. We know he loves us and gave his life for us while we were still his enemies. Wow! What a deal. Why do we seek to please others and give them our loyalty? Our loyalty to Jesus should give us courage and strength to urge our father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters to give their loyalty to Christ alone. If they reject us, and become the cross we must bear, let us uphold them in prayer. Let us pray that they will make peace with the king of kings, and give him their loyalty. King Jesus cannot be fooled.
When our loved ones accept the terms of peace and give their loyalty to the king of kings, Jesus, it is a wonderful thing to be able to serve King Jesus, together, in brotherly love and unity.
1. Is the outcome of a godly life between true disciples of Christ.
"Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourself have been taught by God to love one another." (1 Thes 4:9)
It is interesting to note that Paul says that there is nothing to write. Not only will true disciples be experiencing this, as they grow in Christ, as noted in 1 Thes 4:10, they should be experiencing this more and more, not less and less with other true disciples.
2. True disciples are those who increasingly live for Christ.
"Finally, then brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification." (1 Thes 4:1-3a)
A true disciple is following the instructions of scripture more and more in their lives, an ongoing process of sanctification. Believers whose lives are being sanctified thus can be a testimony to the world of the brotherly love that the bible talks about. As we are increasingly committed to obedience to God's word in every area of our life, brotherly love becomes the outcome. But it is still something even Christ centred disciples have to be intentional about and work towards.
3. When brotherly love is not the visible outcome
In many instances, brotherly love is not what we may experience or visibly see. This should not be surprising, as walking in obedience to God more and more, is not something that we often see even within the church. It was not that different in Thessalonica. Paul calls the true disciple to show brotherly love, but reminds the disciple that their love should not drive them to do the work of the Holy Spirit, convict and transform those who are walking in disobedience. Paul reminds the disciple to love but also back off, "live quietly, and mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." (1 Thes 4:11-12)
Brotherly love is committed to the eternal wellbeing of others. Brotherly love is evident on earth, when different people unite and collectively obey Christ. They also are able to teach, rebuke, correct and train each other in righteousness, because they all humbly submit to Christ.
In contrast, worldly love is based on interdependence, loyalty, irresponsibility and interference for personal reasons. Often those who are committed to deny self and obey Christ are accused of not loving because they are not loyal to those who walk in self gratifying disobedience. Take heart and persevere, for Christ faced this from the religious teachers of his day and was condemned by the religious and civil authorities, and the majority.
Persevere in obedience and brotherly love, no matter who condemns, Christ vindicates the faithful.
Jesus says, "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves." (John 14:11)
Jesus is testifying that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. There is a second testimony, the Father bears testimony of the Son - Jesus (John 8:18). There is also a third testimony, the works bear testimony to the person of Jesus. Every word Jesus says and every work Jesus does is a word spoken by the Father and a work done by the Father (John 14:10). This threefold testimony is true for us who believe in Jesus too.
i) The first testimony of our faith is our oneness with Christ.
We are no longer dead, as we were when we lived by the logic and rationale of the world and pursued worldly ambitions that everybody could understand and relate with. We are now alive, but very different. We live with Christ living in us. We are no longer our own, the Holy Spirit lives in us and we are one with Jesus.
"That they (new disciples and already disciples) may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me." (John 16:21).
ii) The second testimony of our faith is the canon of scripture.
The word of God testifies to our faithfulness when we live for Christ. The world, including the religious, will not confirm, validate or vindicate us, but the Word will do these things and bear testimony for us, Just like when the Father bore testimony of the Son in John 8:18, while the pharisees condemned Him and picked-up stones to stone Him.
iii) The third testimony is the works we do, which would be the works of Christ.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)
No longer is Jesus on earth doing the works, but his works have been multiplied on earth through the ones who truly believe. In fact, Jesus reminds that prayer will sustain us as we persevere:
"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." John 14:12-13
Application
The order is so important. True faith results in works, not good works as the world understands goodness, but Christ's work. Work that counts for eternity. We are not here to judge each other's works, but we are called to no longer live for ourselves but to live for Christ.
Christ lives through us, in the circumstance he has placed us in. The Holy Spirit (Christ) living in us, will guide us in all truth, for he will not speak of his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:13)
The truth that the Holy Spirit speaks will always be words that have already been spoken in scripture. The Holy Spirit will not provide personal words to one or a few. We can therefore teach, rebuke, correct and train in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17). Often as we handle the word of God the Holy Spirit convicts and vindicates.
a) The Holy Spirit uses the truth to convict people leading to repentance. The danger is not being humble, and seeking to justify oneself in the face of truth. The fact that these truths come out (the intersection of God's word with our circumstances and conscience), is the pure grace of God. For God does not desire that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).
b) The Holy Spirit also uses the truth to vindicate and encourage those who are walking in obedience. There is also a danger in being vindicated. We are not vindicated to regain the lost opportunities or live a life of indulgence that we can justify because of the past sufferings and injustices we suffered. We are vindicated, to continue to persevere in obedience to God's word.
As disciples we have been called to live for Christ, and Christ alone, by faith. It is a life of suffering in which we are assured peace and joy. Eternity is where we will be free of suffering. Just like Christ, persevering through suffering is the testimony we bear for the power of Christ and the glory of God. Stand firm!
How can you tell that a prophet some or many are following is false?
(1) False prophets, "will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them" - 2 Peter 2:1
The Greek word for "secretly" means stealthily or craftily, introducing heresies that deny the Master who called them - Jesus Christ. Although these prophets clearly present themselves as Christ's representatives, their teachings will deny the Master in a way that glorifies themselves.
(2) They will be, "those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion" - 2 Peter 2:10; and, "many will follow their sensuality" - 2 Peter 2:2
Their life and conduct will show increasing evidence of the passions of this world that satisfied cravings of power, wealth or sexual indulgences.
(3) They will, "despise authority" - 2 Peter 2:10
They will establish themselves as an authority to themselves. In today's world that often means setting-up an independent board that is often appointed and controlled by the person. They will be reluctant to submit to true christian accountability.
(4) "Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones" - 2 Peter 2:10
The glorious ones referred to here are the devil and his angels. Verses 11 and 12 clarifies this understanding. Jude 9 also confirms this understanding, "But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgement, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.'" Often we may be amazed and give high importance and even loyalty to those who speak with authority. We are not called to fear the devil, but we are called to overcome the devil through submission to Christ and the authority of Christ.
(5) "They have hearts trained in greed" - 2 Peter 2:14
As the false prophets' fame rises, they will make less effort to conceal their greed. In fact, they will justify and rationalise their greed. They convince themselves (train their hearts), and they are also able to convince others through false teaching, about the rightness of their greed. The greed is often money and/or fame. It is evident through decisions that the leader makes and justifies, without real accountability or submission.
Application Questions:
How can we avoid the slow slide into being misled to follow a false prophet?
False prophets are able to entice and mislead, "unsteady souls", or "those who are barely escaping from those who live in error." - 2 Peter 2:14 and 18. At first glance, it may seem like Peter is alluding to new believers. That is clearly not the case. Just look back to how he starts the letter, 2 Peter 1:1, "Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ." The faith we have received, is of equal standing with the faith that every believer has received. If you have received this faith, then you are fine, God will protect you from false prophets and guard the faith you have received.
Have you received this faith from God?
Peter urges each of us to personally confirm the answer to this question. 1 Peter 1:10 tells us how, "Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall."
What are these qualities we are called to practice?
The passage that precedes, more specifically 1 Peter 1:5-8 sets out these qualities, "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
First, as we noted in 2 Peter 1:1, faith is received. Second, virtue or moral goodness is a decision we make. We give up immoral behaviour that we may have considered previously to be an acceptable lifestyle. Some of us may have had to make less changes than others. Even among those who have not put their faith in Christ, we see evidence of some people being more virtuous than others. Third, those who have received the true faith will begin to see a transformation that is informed by the WORD (knowledge). This third step can only happen in the life of one who has truly received that faith, as noted in 2 Peter 1:1 and noted in the first step above. This transformation is evident through:
- Godliness, living in obedience to God's WORD. As we became more virtuous we chose to do what was morally right. But now, we also understand the WORD and choose to obey it, increasingly, in every area of our lives. We live lives that are pleasing to God, informed by the WORD, through the conviction and enabling of the Holy Spirit.
- Brotherly affection and love, that is committed to the eternal well being of others, through a commitment to discipleship that the Holy Spirit can use to bring repentance and transformation. This has little to do with getting along with others and making them feel good about themselves. There is a paradox in this love, while you love your brother quite often your brother will hate you. This is what Jesus referred to in Matt 10:34.
- Fruitfulness for eternity in accordance with the WORD (knowledge) of our Lord Jesus Christ. This again has nothing to do with worldly success, that is often misinterpreted as fruitfulness.
- Increasing changes to our character, especially in the area of self-control and steadfastness. These are character qualities that help us continue through suffering while staying the course without compromising our obedience to God. This is the paradox, as the world questions our salvation because of the suffering they see, the Holy Spirit confirms our salvation through the transformation we see.
May the WORD motivate you to live and die for Christ.
Two passages that we would not generally associate together. This is the paradox of the gospel.
1) Psalm 73:13-15, says, "All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. If I had said, 'I will speak thus,' I would have betrayed the generation of your children."
Do you feel boxed in like the Psalmist? Are you experiencing rebuke and rejection daily for doing what is right in God's sight? The Psalmist tells us that when we continue faithfully trusting in God alone, our lives will be used by God to convict and transform others. The next generation of Christ followers.
2) Psalm 73:16-17, says, "But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end."
In 1 Peter 4:12-13, Peter tells us not to be surprised when we experience fiery trials. If you are walking in faithful obedience, the only question is, when will the trial come? We can often question the injustice or unfairness of prolonged suffering. No earthly rationale or even explanation from even godly people will help us understand what is happening. It is only in God's presence that we discern God's purpose. This understanding is very personal, and is not something we can make others understand. But as Peter notes understanding gives us joy even in the midst of suffering.
3) Rev 19: 1b - 3, says, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever."
Like the Psalmist, we hope you will also be encouraged to be steadfast in faithfulness, for in just a little while we will join in the unending eternal chorus of the faithful, Hallelujah!
1. "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin" - (verse 1, ESV)
The mind of Christ was all about doing His Father's will (John 6:38, John 4:34). This is the life that Peter is calling every true disciple of Christ to. We can know the Father's will through his word. The word of God instructs the disciple. A true disciple not only follows these instructions but will also teach others to observe all that Jesus has commanded us to do (Matt 28:20).
Peter is referring to the suffering that comes from such radical obedience. When we suffer because of obedience to God's word, we are suffering for righteousness. Although none of us are sinless, through a transformed obedient life in Christ, we can stand blameless before the Father. (Psalm 15)
2. "With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you" (verse 4, ESV)
With respect to a true disciple choosing to do the will of God in his or her life, the people who are of the world living by worldly rationale and social standards, are surprised and will malign the true disciples. For example: A true disciple will answer God's call to serve (Matt 10:34-39); In marriage, a true disciple will choose to leave his/her biological family to cleave to his/her spouse to establish an independent unit that shows Christ's love to all they relate to as a single unit (Matt 19:5-6); a true disciple (wife) will respect and submit to her husband (1 Peter 3:1-6); a true disciple (husband) will lovingly lead his wife in righteousness (1 Peter 3:7); a true disciple will personally care for his/her elderly parents (Matt 15:4-6); and more. The word speaks into every circumstance that we find ourselves in, the true disciple seeks to understand and obey the word in their circumstance.
Obedience to God's word, will surprise the people who are living by the social standards and thinking of the world. Peter informs the true disciple to not be surprised when individuals join together and collectively malign them.
3. "For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does." (verse 6, ESV)
The disciple is called to not lose heart. Their suffering for obedience serves a higher call. For we know that those who die in Christ live eternally, even though they also face earthly death. The suffering of a true disciple is a testimony that the Holy Spirit can use to lead the people of this world to be convicted to repent. Some may close their ears to what we have to say, and harden their hearts, but our actions will continue to bear witness. In this we are called to follow Christ's thinking and stay the course of doing the Father's will.
1. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." - John 14, verse 1.
The disciples were very troubled because Jesus had just told them that he would be leaving them. I am sure we can identify with the disciples. When our expectations and plans are shattered we can also get very troubled. Although we may consider ourselves people of faith who believe in God, we can get troubled. Jesus calls us to also believe in him, because he has put things in the proper perspective.
2. "In my Father's house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would i have told you that i go to prepare a place for you?" John 14, verse 2.
Believing in Jesus puts our earthly life in the right perspective - an eternal perspective. Many will tell us, and it would even seem quite logical, that children of God should experience earthly health, wealth and relational peace with others. In fact, if we do not take hold of the truth and believe in Jesus as he calls us to, we will be very vulnerable to the deception of false prosperity preachers who mislead and deceive many, for a while.
3. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14, verse 6.
Jesus is the only way to be reconciled with the Father and come into the Father's home. There is deep truth in this statement. Jesus is 'the way', not just the means. Jesus has laid out the pathway for us to follow (see verse 4 and 5). The pathway is based on truth, the truth of God's word and a life of obedience to that word. It is the way of the cross, "If anyone would come after me let him deny himself take up his cross and follow me." (Matt 16:24). It is the way of suffering and bearing faithful witness to a Saviour who calls us to a good life that is not of this world.
Let us be faithful disciples, who also come alongside others who seek to be faithful, by bearing the cost of health, wealth and relational peace on earth.
Jesus makes it quite clear at the very beginning of this passage that a disciple is not merely one who calls him 'Lord, Lord.' Jesus goes on to say that what really defines his disciple is one who comes to him, hears his words and does them (verse 47).
As we begin this New Year, this is a worthy commitment to make. As New Year's resolutions go there can be no greater resolution than this, to be a true disciple of Christ.
Deeper Reflection:
1. Verse 47, uses three present participles. A present participle is an action that is in progress. The Berean Literal Translation of verse 47 reads, "Everyone who is coming to Me, and hearing My words, and doing them, I will show you whom he is like." Discipleship is open to everyone, there is no favourites or bias in Christ. Discipleship involves three ongoing elements that remains true until the day we breathe our last, in this earthly life:
i) Coming to Jesus - A commitment and a re-commitment to submit ourselves to the Lordship of Christ. A continued denying of self, and submission to Christ.
ii) Hearing Jesus' Word - Today we have the complete scripture in our hands. The word hearing has the threefold meaning of: the ability to hear; consideration of what is heard; and understanding or perceiving what was heard. It is an inductive or careful expository study of God's word through observation, interpretation and application. Every disciple is called to commit themselves to be hearing Jesus' word.
iii) Doing Jesus' Word - This again is an ongoing commitment that applies to every aspect of a disciple's life. The greatest danger here is being deceived by the devil. Often this happens when we rationalise and use unclear passages to choose not to obey passages that are clear. Here are some examples of clear passages that a disciple may need to grapple with: a) Marriage and divorce (Matt 19:3-9); b) Honouring parents (Matt 15: 1-6 & 1 Timothy 5: 8); and c) Church Eldership (1 Timothy 2: 8-15). There are many more examples where Jesus' word is counter cultural. Our society is increasingly moving in a direction of redefining human sexuality and wants to give us the right to take our own life and the life of the unborn. Those seeking to be culturally acceptable, and avoid suffering, will be tempted to compromise Jesus' clear words. We can overcome this deception by committing to understand and truthfully apply Jesus' word, in-spite of the personal cost.
Lord, teach me your word and strengthen me by your Spirit to be faithful in every circumstance of life. Make me aware of my disobedience and let my guilt convict me unto repentance (John 15:22). I want to build my life on the foundation of your word, and stand firm and steadfast until the end of my earthly life.
In life we often seek to justify ourselves through our words or better yet through our actions. Although these have some value, they can often prove useless in a wicked and biassed world. Prejudices rise from ignorance and also from past experiences and offences. Against prejudices, our words and actions to justify ourselves can be futile. The blindfolded lady justice is a symbol of fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, favour, greed, or prejudice. We know however that this is not always the case. But there is one who justifies us by faith - the righteous judge. Let's examine how Romans 5 describes this faith:
1. It is a faith based on knowledge
Romans 4:16-23, presents Abraham as the father of this faith. Abraham was called by God, he experienced God's love, protection and provision. Therefore, based on knowledge, Abraham chose to put his faith in God. When God called Abraham to believe him for the impossible, Abraham made a conscious choice to believe in the impossible promise. That conscious faith was credited to him as righteousness, and Abraham was declared righteous before God. (Romans 4: 16-23). Similarly, we have direct knowledge of the gospel, that God loves us and gave his Son to die for us to justify us by his blood. God promises us the impossible, reconciliation, escape from justly deserved wrath and salvation. Like Abraham, based on the knowledge of who God is and what he has done for us through Jesus, if we choose to consciously put our faith in God's seemingly impossible promise, we will also be declared righteous (Romans 5:6-10).
Jesus' sinless death and bodily resurrection is a historic fact. We do not need faith to accept a fact. Those who deny a fact are denying the truth. However, it is by faith that we look forward to the promised hope of salvation. Those who have such faith persevere courageously in obedience to Christ.
2. It is a faith that Justifies
We will be justified by the grace that we receive because of our faith. Grace justifies us by:
a) Giving us access to confidently stand in peace before our righteous Father. Even while the world with its prejudices, guilt and biases seeks to condemn, by grace, God gives his faithful the assurance that they are indeed justified (Romans 5:1-2).
b) Ordaining suffering for us. This is probably a hard pill to swallow, and often, even those who consider themselves Christians will find creative ways to avoid it. We can cite capacity, calling and other pious justifications to avoid suffering that comes from obedience to God's word. Suffering however results in benefits that we would be wise to ensure we receive. The reward of suffering is character and hope. We are justified for eternity through our suffering. (Romans 5:3-5)
Lord teach me to suffer and serve. My words and actions can often be misinterpreted and misunderstood, however you know my heart and my faith in you. Give me peace in your presence and joy in my suffering.
A man fashions a god, he and all his companions worship this creation of the craftsman (verses 9-12). We know that the person who has fashioned is a deluded man. The lie is obvious, but the deluded craftsman is blind to it. Both the craftsman and his companions will face eternal shame (verse 11).
Verses 13-19, provide an illustration of this delusion. A man patiently nurtures and grows a strong hardwood tree; he cuts it down and uses part of this fine tree as wood fuel; and he uses another part to carve out a human form, which he worships. He and others with him are blind to this delusion.
Today western society may claim that we have got past this delusion of idol worship. Greek and Roman idol worship has been relegated to mythology. Only in the east, we generally see idol worship as a major religion. Have we really progressed, or have we advanced in our delusion?
In 2006, Richard Dawkins published his book, "The God Delusion." Dawkins is recognized as one of the top intellects on evolutionary biology. Richard believes that those who believe in a creator God are deluded. Richard uses one part of his intellect for groundbreaking scientific research, and he uses another part of his intellect to deny the existence of a creator. The carpenter-craftsman does this with hardwood, Richard, who is part of our progressive western society, does this with his intellect.
Denying God and being blind to the truth is the highest form of personality disorder, which blinds us to the only path to redemption. As we see in verse 20, the deluded carpenter cannot see the obvious, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
As a society, we are good at diagnosing personality disorder at lower levels. When we choose to deny the truth, and delude ourselves with lies, there will come a point where we will not be able to tell the difference. The irrational statements of one with personality disorder cannot be explained and no amount of human reasoning will bring them to their senses. Every personality disorder is in reality a subset of our fallen sin personality. At the root of every personality disorder, is our denial of the truth about who God is, which keeps us from properly relating to him in Spirit and Truth.
God's grace gives us hope. Verses 21-22, tells us of this hope that is based on the truth. The truth is that God has formed us and cares for us. God has restored and redeemed us. He wants us to open our eyes to this truth and repent and live by this truth. Often a personality disorder diagnosis can become an excuse from repenting and changing. The empathy of the world will not save us from eternal shame. Taking hold of truth is hard, because: it reminds us of our sin and failings; and our need for God's help. Delusion often seems better for the moment, because it helps us: continue in our pride; our independence; and our justification of our sin. While we breathe, God's grace abounds. We must each seize the opportunity before it is too late. God is not fooled, the craftsman and his companions will be put to shame (verse 11).
As always, context for this passage is important. This is a letter written by Paul to Christians. In particular, starting in chapter 4, Paul is telling them not to live the way they used to (as Gentiles). In the world, selfish living, lying, and falsehood is all acceptable, as long as you could justify it for your selfish purposes (Ephesians 4:25), self gratifying sinful behaviour is also acceptable, as long as it makes you happy (Ephesians 5:3-7).
Paul goes on to describe godly conduct that Christians should adopt. This conduct does not come naturally. Falsehood and lies will often make a godly person angry, Paul advises Christians not to brew in their anger. When humans brew over anger, without handing the injustice over to God, they give opportunity to the devil. We justify and do sinful actions that are vengeful, and hence destructive for us and others (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Paul calls on Christians to live with purpose for Christ. Do useful work so that you can earn and help others. Also, be one who encourages in words. Our focus should be eternity and the eternal well being of each person. (Ephesians 4: 28-29)
Paul does not stop there. In fact, Paul recognizes that we are in the world and often the world is in our Christian family as well. Paul gives instructions in chapter 4 and 5 on things to do, things not to do and things to avoid.
Do Christians have a responsibility towards each other? Paul believes we do, and he sets it out in Ephesians 5:10-14:
- Discern what is pleasing to God. This takes understanding of God's word in context and committing to apply it, appropriately. It also includes prayer, for God to open our eyes and lead us in obedience. Prayer gives us power to persevere in faithful obedience (verse 10)
- Do not participate in wrong actions (verse 11 a). It would be good if Paul had stopped there, but he doesn't - "Expose wrong things" (verse 11 b). When we become aware of wrong, we cannot excuse or downplay it. Why? a) It affects our collective testimony for Christ (verse 12); and b) It is a disservice we do to our brother who is continuing in this wrong. For when the wrong is exposed, and someone is held accountable, the Holy Spirit can convict them and restore them (verse 12 -14).
May the Lord lead each of us to pay the price of following Christ.
This is a personal letter to a believer, Philemon in Colossae. Philemon hosted a house church in Colossae, and was well known to Paul (Philemon verse 2). Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, escaped from his master and went to Rome. This was a capital offence. In Rome, Onesimus met Paul and became a believer. Paul sends Onesimus with a letter addressed to Philemon. In this letter we see a pastor's heart and a pastor's role in reconciliation.
Reflection:
Encouragement
1. Verses 2-7, Paul encourages and appreciates Philemon. Paul's words are true, not flattery. We know this, because if Paul intended to flatter, he would have continued to do so through the whole letter.
Accountability
2. Verses 8-11, Paul lays out what is right for Philemon to do. Paul lays it out as an appeal from his heart. Paul's appeal is based on the truth - what is right. Paul is not asking Philemon to do something that is inconsistent with Christ's command, as a personal favour. Yet it is an appeal, because Paul recognizes Philemon's cultural, traditional and society rights to make an example of Onesimus. In fact, not doing so could be seen as detrimental to the very principles on which that society functioned. There is a cost for Philemon to do what is right.
3. Verses 12 - 14, Paul holds Onesimus accountable for his actions. Paul does not cover up and seek to protect Onesimus. In fact, Paul has made Onesimus realise his wrong, repent of it and now agree to take responsibility. Paul has entrusted Onesimus to hand deliver a letter to the master he ran away from, which logically in that society would have been viewed as walking to your death. What Paul does is not beneficial for him either. In fact, Onesimus is serving him well. Paul could have very well asked Philemon to release Philomen for him. This would allow Philemon to save face in Colossae, and Onesimus to be free, and Paul to be well served. A good earthly solution of peace. Reconciliation with Christ reflected by repentance and submission is the call of Christ, and Paul holds both parties to accountability before Christ.
The Pastoral Cost
4. Verse 17 - 20, Paul puts his relationship with Philemon on the line. Paul is willing to pay the price, just like Christ did for us. However, Paul is not taking the fault, he has clearly required Onesimus to repent and respond in submission. Paul is modeling the gospel in the reconciliation he is seeking between Onesimus and Philemon.
Confidence
5. Verse 21 - 22, Paul is confident that his relationship with Philemon will not be affected and also that Philemon will do the right thing before God. Paul's confidence is in Christ, because he: a) has a relationship with Philemon and he knows Philemon's love and faith for Christ (verse 5); and b) He knows that what he is doing is motivated by the truth of the Word, not any other motive to gain acceptance or popularity or gain for himself.
Not all relationships can be reconciled on earth. True reconciliation is only achieved through our commitment to the truth, obedience to the truth, humility in accepting fault, submission to each other in love, and submission to Christ.
Those who seek to reconcile relationships have an excellent model in Paul. A commitment to the truth and holding parties accountable to the truth; a commitment to both parties in relationship; and a willingness to bear the cost that cannot be paid by the parties.
Christ endorses this model in Matt 18:15-17, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell them to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
Often the world may tell us to suffer in silence. Suffering in silence, when a Christian brother continues to wrong us, is not honouring God's purpose in each of our lives (Philemon verse 15). Jesus calls us to try to work things out bilaterally: first with each other; if this fails, tell it to those who know the parties and are willing to hold each side accountable to the truth; if that fails, seek out a mutual pastor elder who can speak into both lives.
This is a timely reflection as the world awaits the US presidential election 2020. The rhetoric has been divisive. In some social media groups, Christians and non-Christians have disagreed sharply, concluding, "let's see whose god is real." Not unlike the almost 3000 year old narrative we see in 1 Kings 18.
1. False gods are figments of human imagination.
In 1 Kings 18:27, we see Elijah mocking the prophets of Baal, saying your god is either, "musing" or "relieving himself" or "asleep" or "on a journey." These are all human behaviour. When people create their own gods, they are an exaggerated description of human powers, and desires. These creations could be from ancient times and passed on through the generations, they are often shrouded in mythology. They may have power to hold people in fear and bondage, but they have no real power to deliver.
2. God is Truth.
When we see the glories of creation and the sovereign progression of history, that has brought us through many evil ages and evil leaders, to a place where we stand in a world that has defied destruction. A world that is sustained by the grace of a sovereign God. We know in our hearts, there is a true sovereign God who cares. The God who created us, loves us, and since the beginning of time has sought to renew the relationship with us. The relationship that humanity, beginning with Adam, turned away from in rebellion, seeking independence. Consequently, they fell into fear and bondage that comes with false beliefs they substituted for the truth. In 1 Kings 18: 30-32, Elijah bases his worship on the renewed relationship that God established with Abraham and Isaac, that resulted in a relationship with the nation Israel. Worship is based on the truth of God's word that leads to a restored relationship. The relationship that Elijah notes has since progressed through history, and the Old Testament bears testimony that this progression was always God's purpose and the New Testament uncovers this mystery. Now all nations have been included in this restored relationship, through Christ (1 Peter 1:3). When we approach God in truth, our worship is humble, there is no place for arrogance. It is really not a competition on who will win and celebrate, rather the result sought is how many will come to humble repentance. A turning towards God. 1 Kings 18:37, Elijah prays, "Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” The godly outcome that we should seek is that America as a nation, and indeed all the nations of the world, will turn their hearts back to their creator, who has revealed himself through Christ and calls us to relationship and worship. Like Elijah, this should be the prayer of the church.
3. Confidence.
When we call out to God, in accordance with the truth of His word, and in keeping with His desire, knowing that, "The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9). We can be confident that the outcome will be consistent with God's purpose. Elijah was so confident that he raised the odds, 1 Kings 18:33-35, asking the people to soak the sacrifice in water. When we pray consistent with the word, in all humility, we have nothing to fear. Release the outcome to the Lord, without fear, and wait upon his marvellous deeds that will cause his grace to flow towards the nations.
Prayer
As a church we are called to stand in the gap, in prayer, for grace. The reality is that God's patience is not indefinite. God's just wrath is being held back, by grace. We are not called to pray for wrath, that will come in God's time, we are called to pray for grace.
O Lord, be glorified, in the US presidential election 2020. May your people repent and turn to you, while there is still time. Have mercy on us O Lord! Let us not presume to know your will, O Lord. For we acknowledge, even in these divisive times, 'your thoughts are not our thoughts, and your ways are not our ways.' (Isaiah 55:8). Empower us to understand and be faithful to your WORD, and informed by your word, enable us to show love and mercy to the world.
Reflection
This passage provides a description of mercy and grace.
Mercy!
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (Eph 2: 4-5a, ESV)
The word "but" causes us to look back a few verses to understand the context. Paul actually describes the default state of the human race, "dead in trespasses and sin." This is the state we are born into and live, waiting for physical death. This applies to all of us, whether we are born Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian or have no religious beliefs. It is not our religion or lack of religion that makes us a race or a person to be pitied, it is our state, "dead in trespasses and sin." A helpless and miserable state, a state of despair, a state of helpless bondage to the desires of the flesh, a state that leads to the consequence of having to face the wrath of a just and holy God (Ephesians 2:1-3).
Mercy is God pitying us, having compassion on us, and taking us out of this state of misery. He does this because of his love for us. It has nothing to do with anything we did or could do, for we were (spiritually) dead in our trespasses. God is Spirit, so effectively there is nothing a spiritually dead person can do to illicit his compassion or mercy. It's all God, he sees our helplessness and responds in mercy. He gives spiritual life to the dead person. Ephesians 2:4-5a is the biblical definition of mercy.
Mercy is something God calls each of us to do. Engage in actions that will alleviate true misery of others, they could be: for example, orphans (those who do not have the love of their birth parents - today = vulnerable children); widows (those who have lost their primary support relationship and our helpless - today = vulnerable seniors); and aliens (those who are discriminated and treated badly because they are different - today = vulnerable groups). The Old Testament repeatedly calls people to reflect this mercy towards others, a couple of references, Isaiah 1:16-17 and Jeremiah 22:3. The New Testament makes it more personal, mercy for a Christian is to be evident in his own household, 1 Tim 5:8. Mercy is not deserved or earned, mercy is compassion shown to another to alleviate their miserable state. Mercy is the response to true misery. In fact, the scripture often refers to this mercy as justice.
Grace!
"By grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Eph 2:5b-9, ESV)
Grace delivers unimaginable things that we never expected. Sitting with Jesus in heaven, and riches in the coming age (eternity). It is being in the presence of God forever, Salvation! This is only possible if we are no longer sinners, but also that our past sins are no longer held against us. A person with a guilty conscience cannot come into the presence of God. God, through Christ, offers us forgiveness, but we cannot receive that forgiveness unless we acknowledge our guilt and repent. Humanity understands this well. Here is an illustration. A poor little boy steals a box of cookies from a store. The cashier sees him. He manages to run away. The cashier has mercy on him and decides not to use the security camera footage to press charges. Since that day, however, the boy avoids the cashier. Often he would hide when he saw him on the street, because of his guilt.
When we show mercy to one who does not deserve it, maybe one who has treated us unfairly in the past. And as a result of the mercy shown, they escape their misery. But they do not appreciate it, rather they take us for granted. God calls us to show mercy to undeserving people, especially our own households. The recipients of mercy however may not be able to have a proper relationship with us, if they have guilt. Only God can release them from guilt, we can show mercy, but grace belongs to God.
King David understood this truth. He had committed adultery with Bethsheba, the wife of Uriah, while Uriah was away fighting in the King's war. To cover his guilt, David has Uriah killed by asking his commander, Joab, to put Uriah where the battle was fiercest and pull back the troops. God sends Nathan the prophet to confront David and remind him of his sin. The entire narrative is found in 2 Samuel chapters 11 & 12. Bethsheba, Nathan and Joab knew what the King had done. Every time David faced them this guilt would have been before him. He was the King, his hard heart and arrogance could help him deny the guilt, sear his conscience, and continue. But that is not what David did, he went directly to the person who could take away guilt, God. Psalm 51, is David's response to the indictment that Nathan delivered. Psalm 51:1-4, David prays for God to cleanse him and take away the misery, acknowledging that his sin was against God and it was ever before him. God gives David and also each of us much more than the mercy we seek, when we come to him in faith evident in our repentance. He gives us grace.
As our society seeks to be more tolerant, and Christian churches seek to be more inclusive, and Christian counsellors seek success, they try to play God and take away the guilt of people. The guilty are advised to not feel bad, because God understands, he loves and forgives. They skip over the required humble response of repentance. Those who are hurt by the sinful actions are advised to forgive wrong and make those who have wronged them feel comfortable. Guilt is not dealt with, the discipline of repentance is not taught (1 John 1:9), and people are deceived into a false sense of security and a temporary relational reprieve. In fact, this was a concern that Paul observed in the Christian church of his day and wrote to his disciple Timothy about godlessness in the last days, that people, "having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:5), before he goes on to say, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
God's Grace releases us to relate well to God and others, and ultimately ushers us into God's presence in heaven. "For by grace you have been saved through faith." Eph 2:8a
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
We are in the midst of a global pandemic. There is global political unrest and an increasing move towards nationalism and autocracy. Many have experienced painful loss of loved ones, and they suffer alone, without the comfort of others, in these pandemic times. In this world we will suffer, and in these times we may be acutely aware of our suffering. But as obedient Christ followers, we are likely to experience greater suffering as a result of persecution from others, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12)
To appreciate the Philippians 4:4-7 passage noted above, we must read the immediate context, which are verses 1-3. Paul's joy is to witness his brothers in Philippi standing firm in the Lord (verse 1). In verse 2-3, Paul refers to two godly women who are having a significant disagreement. Paul appeals to a fellow brother to help these women to agree. Godly people can disagree and fail to experience the joy that God has in store for them, it is in this context that Paul pens Philippians 4:4-7.
Paul desires for every Christ follower to stand firm, with their hearts guarded by the peace of God that is beyond human understanding (verse 7), and as a result be able to always Rejoice in the Lord (verse 4). Between verses 4 and 7, Paul presents two joy killers that often entraps Christ followers.
Joy killer one - "Unreasonableness"
Paul calls on Christ followers to be reasonable (verse 5) {Greek word "Epieikes" defined as equitable, fair, mild and/or gentle}. Even Christians, who may be well respected among their peers, can be very unreasonable when they do not get what they want or they are hurt. Unreasonableness can often be justified humanly, but is not pleasing to God.
Joy killer two - "Anxiety"
Paul calls on Christ followers not to be anxious about anything (verse 6). Being a reasonable person can make us the target of unreasonable people, this can naturally feed anxiety as we can feel overwhelmed by the unrelenting unreasonableness of others. Paul does not suggest that the anxiety is unfounded, rather he asks us to come to the Lord with an attitude of gratitude and prayerful confidence, knowing that the Lord is there beside us, walking with us.
Be reasonable, do not be anxious, for the Lord hears and he is with you. No matter what your earthly challenge is today, rejoice!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is all about the Word. The word, law, precepts, commands, testimonies, and rules are all words that are used to describe the Word of God. Verse 105 paraphrases the whole psalm well, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." A few takeaways from our reflection on the above noted eight verses.
1. We must approach God's word with humility and reverence. Only then will our heart be open to be convicted and taught. The Psalmist has given a list of points to inform our attitude: a) Love for God's word (v.97); b) commitment to meditate on God's word (v.97 and v.99); and cherishing and being nourished by God's word (v.103). Taking the time to reflect on God's word in the morning will help us meditate on it all day.
2. When we approach God's word with humble reverence, God establishes us in understanding to obey His word. Again we see a list of points that supports this approach. The word: a) helps us keep God's precepts (v.100); b) holds us back from evil to keep God's word (v. 101); helps us stay on track (v.102). We can easily fall into a selfish lifestyle and even use God's word to justify ourselves. However, when we approach God's word in humble reverence, he leads us in proper understanding and obedient submission. Often such submission comes at a cost that we must choose to accept (Luke 9:23).
3. When we approach God's word with humble reverence, God establishes us to be a confident testimony for Him. God opens our mind, by his Holy Spirit, to true understanding of His word. Teachers and elders deserve respect and honour, however, we are not to place them above God's word (verses 99-100). We are advised to test what they say against God's word (Acts 17:11), and we are also called to bear testimony to the truth even when it contradicts what the learned and the elderly say (1 Tim 4:12). The discouragement of the world cannot diminish the confidence that we receive from the Word.
4. Increasing love for God's Word will result in increasing hate of false ways (verse 104). The ways that many consider smart will be increasingly offensive and difficult to ignore: lying to cover-up and deceive, manipulation to profit, hypocrisy to win favour, and selfish unity based on flattery and pleasures. These things will offend those who seek to walk in obedience to God's word. The world will brand obedient Christ followers as intolerant and judgmental.
Indeed true understanding of God's word is transformational leading to conviction, repentance and obedience. What follows is servanthood to Christ, applying God's word to teach, train, rebuke and correct (2 Tim 3:16-17). God often works through obedient servants to convict the humble, and condemn the proud.
To fully appreciate grace, one must first consider the fall.
1. Deceived
Today Satan often presents himself as another person. That person can even be me, doing Satan's bidding if I am not careful. Observe the method of Satan: a) Satan deceives by mixing truths with lies to make statements that are untrue, and mislead many by appealing to their intellect - today people often make untrue statements and argue and justify (wisdom of the world); b) Satan appeals to our desires - it is the basis of good marketing, manipulate others by appealing to their desires (health and wealth gospels); and c) Satan stirs us to take offence and rebel - today people stir others to take offence and rebel and turn away as a society from what is good and right. We need to be vigilant, as these things often happen even in churches.
2. Blinded
God is sovereign, we are not. We are created in God's image to be in relationship with him. We want our eyes to be open to the truth of what God reveals to us as His purpose and will. Within the relationship we have roles. Man and woman together have the role of relating to God (transparent), man as the leader and woman as the helper. Instead, we seek to be free of our dependence on God, seeking to decide between good and evil. What may seem like freedom, is actually bondage. Without a perfect relationship with God we cannot know what is good, our eyes are only open to evil. This is what happened to Adam and Eve, "Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked." - Gen 3:7. Contrast that with open eyes to the truth of God's word that leads to salvation and sanctification (Acts 26:18).
3. Broken
Our understanding of unity is distorted, when our relationship with God is broken. Gen 2:20-25, lays out God's original intent for the relationship between man and God. He took a part of a man, to create a woman, so that they may come back together and be united. The relationship between man and woman was to be a unique relationship of oneness, "Therefore, man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" - Gen 2:24). A transparent relationship with God, "And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed" - Gen 2:25. The original intent was for a man, a woman and God to form a triune relationship of oneness. Man was to lead in transparent communication with God, with woman as his helper, collectively as one unit walking in obedience. This did not happen and Adam chose to break this relationship for all mankind - "she took off its fruit and ate it, and she also gave to her husband who was with her, and he ate." Adam was present and went along with Eve, and God was not invited into the situation. After the fall, the only place we can evidence this triune relational oneness is in the Trinity (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit - One God). In a fallen world, the marriage relationship is hard work, and no longer for all (Matt 19:10-12) and can only be achieved by God's grace through faith, "Did he not make them one with a portion of the Spirit in their union" - Malachi 2:15. We must be vigilant not to be deceived into accepting interpretations of God's word that justify sexual immorality and broadening the definition of marriage, or justify divorce and remarriage as acceptable to God. God is not pleased when we knowingly take his word and distort it, in order to fulfill our desires (Matt 19:3-9). It is encouraging to know that God always restores those who respond to him in true repentance (1 John 1:9).
Our Prayer as a couple
(individuals: replace "us" with "me"; "our" with "my")
Lord keep us from being deceived, and becoming a tool for the Deceiver. Open our eyes to the truth of your word and keep us walking in faithful relationship with you, experiencing your grace. Let our hope be in you alone and your promise to restore all things to the way you intended them to be in the beginning (Rev 21:1-5). Until that day, keep us walking by faith and not by sight, and submit to your sanctifying work in us.
The context of this passage is the church, made up of Christians who Paul describes as members of the same body (Romans 12:5). There are definitely broad truths about love that we can apply to other relationships in family and society, but the church context is how the passage is to be both understood and applied. When applying biblical truth generically to other contexts, it is good practice to look for additional biblical confirmation that speaks more directly to that context.
Reflecting on this passage in context, was certainly an eye opener and an encouragement. There were three main takeaways:
1. Love is about action (verses 9 to 13)
We are called to abhor evil and hold fast to what is good (verse 9). Churches are trying to make themselves more accommodating of society. There is an increased tendency to downplay / deny evil; and on the other hand there is a tendency to move from objectivity to subjectivity on good / truth. Often abhorring evil and holding fast to good is described by other Christians as being judgemental. Standing up can cause us to become unpopular, discouraged and even want to turn away from Christians. Verses 10-13, is all about not giving-up on our brothers.
2. Love is also about attitude (verses 14-18)
We can put on a smile and do all the right actions described above, and even be celebrated as a model member of the church, but our heart may not be in the right place. Here Paul asks us to examine our heart and nurture true love for your fellow brother. Even if peace may not be possible we are to be careful not to develop hate in our hearts.
3. Love is ultimately a reflection of our faith in God (verses 19-21)
Our love for others is founded on God's grace to us. The confidence that God will uphold the righteousness of our cause lived out in obedience to him. We can keep doing what is good and right, even when others take advantage of us and we are taken for granted.
As we commit to obey Christ and be guided by his word, he will convict and lead us in righteous actions with the right attitude, towards others. Often these righteous actions will lead to rejection and persecution, but the Lord will take up our cause, even if nobody else does.
This is a Long Psalm. It can be an encouraging and transforming read. Read this psalm as poetry (genré). The message it proclaims is not sequential like a story, rather the themes come in waves. You will have to connect the themes to understand the main points that the psalmist is trying to make.
Reflection:
1. There are two kinds of people - Righteous and wicked.
There are verses in the psalm that describe each type of person. Often we may believe that a righteous person is a good person. Not so, a righteous person is a sinful guy who trusts in God and does good (verse 3); delights in God and his desires are fulfilled (verse 4); commits his ways to the Lord and waits for the Lord to act (verse 5). The second point that one who delights in God will receive his desires, seems at odds with the earthly experience of many who choose to trust and commit their ways to the Lord. Read verse 5 with verse 23, and it becomes clear that the one who delights in God desires for what God has established for him. God's will becomes his desire. Of further note, the righteous is characterised by generosity that does not flow from abundance but love (verse 16 & 21). Verses 12-15, 21, and 32 likewise describe the wicked.
2. There are two futures.
The righteous will have God's plans established through them, they will inherit the land forever, they will not be put to shame, and they will be saved. On the other hand the plans of the wicked will fail, they will disappear, and they will perish.
3. Two kinds of sinful responses.
The righteous are prone to fret (see how often that word repeats), get angry because of the injustice (verse 8-9). The wicked plot against others with hate (verse 12), they take or borrow from those who do not have remorse (verse 14 & 21), they have it out for the righteous (verses 14 & 15, 32 & 33).
Often the righteous get attacked for their anger. While the wicked hide their hate and gnash their teeth at the righteous. Anger is clearly not good, it can lead to wrath and tends to evil (verse 8). The wicked plotting and gnashing of teeth, may be done in secret while the world is often fooled by their composed behaviour, but it leads to destruction (verse 12-13).
God cares and loves all people. Verses 27 and 28 says:
"Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the Lord loves justice;
he will not forsake his saints."
Clearly we fall under one of these profiles: righteous or wicked. There is hope and a future for all, because of God's grace. If it is fret or anger, as you seek to trust God and do good, come clean through repentance so that you can experience God's will in your life in continuing to walk righteously through the challenges. There is however a greater danger for those who know much about God, but are not trusting and waiting on him, rather they take matters into their own hands and plot, gnash their teeth and take pleasure in destroying the righteous. God is patient, and gives the wicked time, sometimes it could be a long life, because, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9)
Ephesians 5:1, "Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children."
Ephesians 5:2, "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Mini-Reflection: Imitating God is imitating Christ. Imitating God is showing love through sacrificial action towards others, not because they deserve it, but as an act of worship to God.
Ephesians 5:3-21. The Character qualities that we must develop to imitate God. These are the qualities that will keep us from bad company, bad habits and seeking to get along with the world.
Reflection:
1. Gratitude - Develop an attitude of thanksgiving (verse 4). Recently a friend posted on Facebook, "Ungrateful people complain about the one thing you haven't done for them instead of being thankful for the thousands of things you have done for them." How true, but this could be us if we are not careful, and as we get older we can become bitter and unhappy. How can we guard against this? Ephesians 5: 19-20, tells us how. Be immersed in the word of God, and proclaim it from your mouth. Also proclaim how God is providing for you with thanks. It takes time to think and thank God for the things we often take for granted in the present. Many are quick to thank God for the past, but have nothing to thank him for in the present.
2. Discernment - Applying the Word of God wisely. The apostle Paul takes time to unpack this and it would be wise to reflect carefully. He points out three elements of discernment:
i.) Discerning what is wrong and not participating: We can often be deceived by friends and associates to justify and compromise and participate in wrong - knowingly or unknowingly. By giving first preference to God's word and seeking to understand and live by it we can avoid being deceived (verses 6 and 7 of Ephesians 5).
ii) Discerning what is right and doing it: We can often choose to stay under the radar, and avoid doing what is right in certain situations. We may even call this discernment and be praised for it. Again it is not the situation or the praise of people that should be the source of our discernment, but the word of God (Ephesians 5:9). James 4:17 is more direct and tough to misinterpret, "Whoever knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, for him it is sin."
iii) Discerning wrong and exposing it: We can often see wrong and choose to stay silent. When are we to be silent and when are we to expose it, this takes godly discernment. There are many secret societies that require their members to share allegiance to the society and keep its secrets, on pain of consequences. It is amazing how these secrets remain kept, even when there is a large membership of seemingly diverse people. Many would say that the secrets are maintained because of the fear of consequences. Shame however can be a great motivator to keep a secret. We see this all the time in society: The wife would keep a secret of her husband's unfaithfulness or even abuse because of shame; Abused children keep the secret because of shame; Abused parents keep the secret because of shame. Paul calls us to discern when to expose these shameful acts, even though it is shameful to speak of them (Ephesians 5:11-12). Left unchecked these unfruitful actions will affect others, and imitators of Christ are called to sacrifice themselves and expose such people and actions, as an act of worship.
If you are imitating Christ in this way, you are likely to be experiencing the pain of sacrifice, the hurt of rejection and the hate of those around you. Be encouraged by Psalm 37, your future is bright though the present is hard - Persevere in faith.
1. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? - 1 Cor 1:20
- Those we consider wise are often a combination of academics (like the Jewish scribes), and debaters (Greek philosophers and orators). The first are authoritative, and see themselves as those who are to be followed without question, because they are more learned and intelligent than the common man. The second are seemingly liberal and inclusive. They invite questions and debate from the common man. But, again they believe they are the ones who have the answers and they seek to convince others. They do however run out of patience and will turn against their dissenters (we see examples in (Acts 6:9-12; Acts 9:29). Intellect, academic knowledge and theological degrees only puff up and lead to intolerance of dissent. None of these are bad by themselves, but reliance on them is worldly.
1. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom - 1 Cor 1: 22
- Now Paul shifts his focus from the wise to the common man. The common man is not necessarily unlearned or illiterate, rather is a layman and not considered as wise. Some such common men, even today like the Jews of old, seek signs to believe. They want to experience a miracle, or seek a special spiritual experience to believe. God is able to miraculously intervene, for he is sovereign over all circumstances, but he often does not grant our wish. There are those who have been given spiritual gifts to humbly call on God to intervene. These miracles and experiences can get our attention, to put our trust with understanding on God, but they cannot save us. Instead, often gifted leaders use their gifting to draw attention to themselves and seek glory, privilege and honour among the people they serve. Their spiritual gifting may be authentic, but their human nature is also present. When human nature takes over ministries will eventually falter and fall. Others follow leaders who speak well and interpret the word well and are able to provide answers to life questions. Again, following smart leaders who seem to have all the answers does not lead to salvation.
So if experiences, miracles and good interpretation of the word by leaders does not lead to salvation, what does?
3. It pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe - 1 Cor 1:21b
We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God - 1 Cor 1:23-24
The gospel saves, when we understand and respond in faith. The power of God is experienced in the believers life, often through suffering and not as an escape from suffering. Each of us is called to understand and believe. Those who believe should use their spiritual gifts, with all humility, to bring others to the knowledge of salvation through the word.
4. For consider your calling brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth....God chose what is low and disposed in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. - 1 Cor 1:26-29
No matter how big our successes are, how immense our following is, how secure our revenue is - it is necessary to constantly check our hearts for pride.
Lord, keep me from pride that can creep in so subtly and destroy my testimony for you and reveal that my faith in you is just a feeling. Help me to have a humble heart of repentance that acknowledges the sin of pride, and not let pride take root. I do not want to say sorry quickly to those I offend and experience a false sense of security. Lord teach me to be humble and truly recognize, confess and repent, and seek your help to root out the sin of pride. You O Lord see my heart, let my heart ever be right with you.
God's plan for salvation is evident in the feasts he established for his people. Leviticus identifies six feasts that the people were to keep:
1. The Passover (Leviticus 23: 4-8): The feast that signifies the redemption of the people from Egypt. Where the angel of death passed over the homes of those covered by the blood of the Passover lamb. It was a pointer to the Passover Lamb - Jesus, who would sacrifice himself to redeem those who put their faith in Him.
2. The Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9-14): It is the day that you celebrate the first fruits that the land bears. It is a thankful acknowledgement of God's grace and an anticipation of the harvest to come. It was a pointer to the Resurrection of Jesus with an imperishable body - the first fruit of what is to come the harvest of souls who will be given imperishable eternal bodies on the day of resurrection.
3. The Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22): The celebration of the harvest. It was a pointer to the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit came on people representing the harvest of sinners unto righteousness, through faith in Christ. It also points to the day of harvest for eternity.
4. The Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25): The proclamation of God's goodness. A pointer to our call to proclaim the good news that we have received by grace.
5. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23: 26-32): The personal repentance that God called each person individually and as a community. A pointer to the acceptance of grace through repentance. The grace of salvation is a done deal and has nothing to do with us, repentance however is our response, initially when we first hear the good news and ongoing as we continue living in this sin prone body by the power of the Holy Spirit.
6. The Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23: 33-44): A feast where people come together and camp out and be in God's presence. A pointer to the time we will assemble before God and be in his presence forever (Hebrews 12:22-23, the assembly of the firstborn).
What an amazing salvation. It has been foretold, modelled through even the feasts that the Israelites celebrated and has now been revealed, by the finished work of Jesus. The key response that we are each called to is, "Repentance"
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
A passage that both Jesus (Matt 19:4-5) and Paul (Eph 5:31) refer to, when discussing marriage. Often our understanding of the marriage relationship is coloured by the challenges that couples face in marriage. It is good to take a step back and recognize how God defined the marriage relationship. Unlike every other relationship that naturally flows biologically or is established by society, the marriage relationship was instituted by God as part of his creative work.
Reflection
1. Gen 2:20-22, describes the problem and God's creative solution. Problem: There was no suitable helper for man. Solution: God created woman, of the same substance of the man, using a part of the man - a rib. Man is incomplete without the woman that God has for him. We know that woman is of the same worth as man, because she has already been described as such in Gen 1:27. The marriage relationship instituted by God is part of creation, not a legal construct.
2. Gen 2: 23, we are given Adam's response to what has just happened. Adam recognized the woman as part of him and the oneness with the woman. Adam's response is not just about companionship, but also a recognition that only now, by this woman, he can be complete.
3. In Gen 2:25 we are told of God's purpose for marriage. The two independent people that were uniquely created for each other by God, are now through marriage, brought together to become one again. Through relationship the two shall reunite as one. This is God's intent for every marriage, however it cannot be achieved without God's Spirit (Malachi 2:15).
The marriage that God instituted bears witness to the relationship between Christ and the church. The mystery has now been revealed to us, so we have more reason than the folks of the Old Testament, to honour the marriage covenant (Ephesians 5:32).
Application / Repentance
Let us commit ourselves to our marriage, and to the oneness that God calls us to, and the completion that God wants to see by bringing two back to one. This has to be hard work, it is a greater miracle than taking a rib from Adam to create Eve. Let us release our fears and insecurities and allow God to achieve this miracle by his Spirit, without being discouraged by the circumstances. It is not God's intent for married couples to co-exist, but God wants us to come together as one person. This should be the desire of every person in a marriage or considering marriage, becoming one. It may seem like such a desire is impossible to achieve, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" - Matt 19: 26. Wait for God to make this happen, even if the circumstances or the counsel of the world says otherwise. Let us resolve to be faithful to Christ, and not compromise or give up. Trust and persevere faithfully in your call, as noted by Paul in Ephesians 5:33, "However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." We do not do this in response to our spouse, but in response to Christ (Eph 5:21). So even in the absence of true love from a husband, Christ asks the wife to truly respect her husband. Even in the absence of true respect from his wife, a husband is called to love his wife.