The scripture for today's devotion is Hebrews 1:1-2. "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world."
It had been "long ago" that He had spoken "to the fathers" but praise God that He did not remain silent, but sovereignly spoke again! As He spoke this time, He was speaking in a different manner as He spoke in His Son, the One through whom He had also made the world. As the Holy Spirit uses His word and moves in the hearts and minds of His children, we see that God is still speaking in His Son today. Truly, "the word of the Lord endures forever".
In 1 John 3:1 the Apostle John wrote, "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are". I have come to love that last phrase, "and such we are". We are not simply called children of God in word only, but in deed and in truth we are His children.
Romans 8:17 tells us, "and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ". We see in today's passage that Christ was "appointed heir of all things". May we seek His help to comprehend this amazing truth. We are fellow heirs with the One who has been appointed heir of all things. As we consider our glorious position in His Son, let us have ears to hear the many wonderful truths He has spoken through Him.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Something New for Pause and Ponder
For some time I have considered adding a short daily devotional as part of my blog. I will endeavor to do just that, keep them short. I will continue to write longer articles as the Lord leads. I still hope to do this every week or every other week if possible. There are times when it takes me longer to get my thoughts out of my head and into words.
I plan to start posting the daily devotional on Tuesday, April 21st, and will entitle it "Short Thoughts for Today". Unless the Lord directs differently, the book of Hebrews will be that portion of God's word that I will be sharing my thoughts on each day. I will post this daily thought Monday through Friday. I ask that you pray for me as I attempt "blogging through Hebrews". Pray that I may write only that which is for the edification of His Church and His glory.
I plan to start posting the daily devotional on Tuesday, April 21st, and will entitle it "Short Thoughts for Today". Unless the Lord directs differently, the book of Hebrews will be that portion of God's word that I will be sharing my thoughts on each day. I will post this daily thought Monday through Friday. I ask that you pray for me as I attempt "blogging through Hebrews". Pray that I may write only that which is for the edification of His Church and His glory.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Hammer and Nail
How do I share a few thoughts about Easter without going on and on? There is so much one could say regarding the various aspects of this great Christian celebration. Its topic is so grand and its substance so bountiful, that to do it justice is a difficult task for one such as I. How does one who has been familiar with sin all of his life, write about the One who knew not sin but became sin for me? I am convinced that this is only made possible through the promised work of the Helper. I must rely on His desire that we know Him and that we be used to help others to know Him also.
As it is difficult to discuss the birth of our Lord Jesus without mentioning His death, burial and resurrection, so also is it difficult to discuss His death, burial and resurrection without mentioning His birth. Perhaps it is not as universally accepted amongst all professing believers as we might hope, but the scripture solidly ties these matters together. No amount of false teaching, or wrongly dividing the word of truth can sever them in their connection to one another. Jesus was born to die. The gospel writers proclaimed that He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many". The baby Jesus, who had one day laid in a manger in Bethlehem, had come to one day hang on a cross on Golgotha.
The true Easter story does not suggest that Jesus was simply a very good man, perhaps even the best of all men, who was mistreated and eventually murdered by those acting wickedly. The true Easter story unashamedly proclaims that Jesus was born to die. That it was the Father's will to crush Him. That it was the Father's will for Him to partake of "this cup". In John 18:11 we read Jesus' words to Peter where He said, "Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?" So make no mistake and do not be lead astray from this important truth; it was the sovereign plan of the Godhead that God the Son would partake of flesh and blood, dwell amongst men, and "give His life", reconciling us to God.
Although I know that He was born to die, I have often wondered at what point in His earthly life He become aware of what lay before Him. At what point in His humanity did He comprehend that He would suffer the physical punishment inflicted upon Him and the cruelty of crucifixion. At what point did He know that He would come face to face with the horrific consequence of sin, suffering, if even for a moment, something He knew not, separation from His Father. Experiencing that which would cause Him to cry out with a loud voice, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" as He was taking upon Himself the sins of the world. I suppose it is not important to know when He became aware of the things that lay before Him as He grew up. Just knowing that He accomplished all that He came to do is sufficient for us.
The word reveals that Jesus grew up in the home of a carpenter. I can only imagine that early in His life He saw His earthly father, with strong loving hands, hands that had held Him, use the hammer and nail. Perhaps He would watch Joseph as he would build or repair something with these tools of his trade. Like most boys, not to suggest that He was simply a boy like any other, I can only imagine that He desired to use the hammer and nail as His father did. To build something. To fix something. We know that in time, like Joseph, He too would be called a carpenter, becoming familiar with the hammer and nail. At some point in His life, I expect that He saw the hammer and nail used for a different purpose and in a different manner. Surely He became aware, and perhaps witnessed the crucifixion of criminals by the Roman soldiers, knowing that an unloving hand had wielded the hammer in those cases as men were nailed to their crosses.
The word reveals that Jesus grew up in the home of a carpenter. I can only imagine that early in His life He saw His earthly father, with strong loving hands, hands that had held Him, use the hammer and nail. Perhaps He would watch Joseph as he would build or repair something with these tools of his trade. Like most boys, not to suggest that He was simply a boy like any other, I can only imagine that He desired to use the hammer and nail as His father did. To build something. To fix something. We know that in time, like Joseph, He too would be called a carpenter, becoming familiar with the hammer and nail. At some point in His life, I expect that He saw the hammer and nail used for a different purpose and in a different manner. Surely He became aware, and perhaps witnessed the crucifixion of criminals by the Roman soldiers, knowing that an unloving hand had wielded the hammer in those cases as men were nailed to their crosses.
In time, "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross", aware that His heavenly Father would also use the hammer and nail. No, He would not hold the nails or swing the hammer, but He would use the very men His Son would die for to nail Him to timbers He had created. "The certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us" would be nailed there also. This hammer and these nails would not be used to build or repair a cabinet or a boat, a chair or perhaps a house of this world. But as only God could cause it to happen, they would be used to build His Church and repair the sin-affected souls of men. We know the crucifixion story. It was a gruesome sight to be sure. It was meant to be a severe punishment for the vial criminal. But as sure as His crucifixion was, so also was His resurrection.
Again, make no mistake, His life was not taken from Him, He gave it freely. The importance of this is crucial. Jesus spoke of the necessity of this truth when John recorded Him saying in John 10: 17 -18, "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on my own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father". This "authority" and this truth that His life was given and not taken made His resurrection and the hope of our own possible. The Apostle Paul, summing up our faith and hope when speaking to the Council said, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!" Writing to the Romans and speaking of Jesus, Paul said He "was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Although there are many people who have been used by God in special ways throughout history, a very unique man comes to mind in this resurrection story. He is Joseph of Arimathea, described as a "prominent member of the Jewish council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God". The scriptures tell us that Joseph was the man who took the body of Jesus from the cross to the tomb. I have it in my mind that Joseph lovingly washed the mistreated body of our Lord before he carefully wrapped Jesus' body in His grave cloths. He placed the face cloth over the loving eyes that had gazed down at His mother and the others who had gathered near His cross, covering the mouth that had once spoken only the things of His Father. Joseph, while surely handling His body carefully, must have experienced the reality of His death like no other. The cloths that Jesus was wrapped in and the cloth that covered His face would not be needed for their intended use, but they would be used by God as a sign of His resurrection power.
Each Gospel writer tells us of the risen Lord, although each do so in their own way. Mathew says that when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave, an angel spoke to them saying, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying". Mark's Gospel tells us "a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe" said to the women that had come to the tomb, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He is risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him." And Luke's account says that when the women entered the tomb, "they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus" and that "two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen." And the Apostle John tells us that when he arrived at the tomb "he saw the linen wrappings lying there" and that Simon Peter entered the tomb and also "saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself".
The message was simple yet profound. He was not there. He had risen. The grave clothes were there but Jesus was alive and was no longer amongst the dead. Following His birth, joy was had when He was found "wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger". Following His death, joy would come because He was not found! Only His grave cloths were found within the tomb! Praise the Lord. Jesus would go on to make several appearances to His disciples before ascending to be seated at the right hand of His Father. It is one of those appearances that I wish to close with.
You may recall the story. Peter had proclaimed to the others, "I am going fishing" and they had responded by saying, "We will also come with you". They fished through the night but had caught nothing. Standing on the shore and unrecognized by the disciples, Jesus said, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" They had rightly responded to Him by telling Him "No". He then instructed them on where to cast their net and after doing as He said, they caught a large number of fish and John recognized the Lord Jesus. The disciples then returned to the shore and found Jesus there.
But they also found something we should stop and consider, if only for a few moments. There was "a charcoal fire already laid" and fish and bread placed upon it. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they had caught and implored them, "Come and have breakfast". He then served them the fish and bread. I find this quite amazing. Only days before, all of His disciples had fallen away as He had said they would. He had suffered terribly at the hands of the Roman soldiers, mocked and ridiculed by the people and then crucified, forsaken by His Father as He bore the sins of the world. He had met their greatest need and now He was meeting their basic needs. He desires to do the same for you and I. To meet our greatest need, forgiveness of sin, and continue to meet our basic needs each day. He wishes to keep providing for and equipping us. Yes, He has given eternal life to all who confess that Jesus is the Son of God. But He wants to be our portion, our source for daily living.
If you recall the story, it was after this breakfast that Jesus told Peter to "tend My lambs", to "shepherd My sheep" and to "Tend my sheep". I suppose if we quiet our hearts and lives, and listen carefully, we may hear Him saying, "Come and have breakfast". How will we respond to His invitation? Many have been skipping this breakfast with Jesus for too long and have grown weary and weak in His service. I find that this must be, at least in part, a cause for our struggle to tend His sheep as we should? We must "come and have breakfast" with Jesus.
Father, we acknowledge and thank You for these undying truths that You have given. "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures". "He was buried" and "He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures". Thank You for those great words of hope spoken long ago. "He is not here." "He has risen." Thank You that You "raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible". You inspired the great apostle to write "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied" But our hope in Christ is indeed beyond this life, because He has been raised from the dead. No, we are not to be pitied. We should be, more than all men, rejoicing in the hope we have found in the risen Savior. As sure as His birth was His death and as sure as His death was His resurrection. And as sure as His resurrection will be His return for His Church. Father, we thank You for these truths. Amen.
The message was simple yet profound. He was not there. He had risen. The grave clothes were there but Jesus was alive and was no longer amongst the dead. Following His birth, joy was had when He was found "wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger". Following His death, joy would come because He was not found! Only His grave cloths were found within the tomb! Praise the Lord. Jesus would go on to make several appearances to His disciples before ascending to be seated at the right hand of His Father. It is one of those appearances that I wish to close with.
You may recall the story. Peter had proclaimed to the others, "I am going fishing" and they had responded by saying, "We will also come with you". They fished through the night but had caught nothing. Standing on the shore and unrecognized by the disciples, Jesus said, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" They had rightly responded to Him by telling Him "No". He then instructed them on where to cast their net and after doing as He said, they caught a large number of fish and John recognized the Lord Jesus. The disciples then returned to the shore and found Jesus there.
But they also found something we should stop and consider, if only for a few moments. There was "a charcoal fire already laid" and fish and bread placed upon it. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they had caught and implored them, "Come and have breakfast". He then served them the fish and bread. I find this quite amazing. Only days before, all of His disciples had fallen away as He had said they would. He had suffered terribly at the hands of the Roman soldiers, mocked and ridiculed by the people and then crucified, forsaken by His Father as He bore the sins of the world. He had met their greatest need and now He was meeting their basic needs. He desires to do the same for you and I. To meet our greatest need, forgiveness of sin, and continue to meet our basic needs each day. He wishes to keep providing for and equipping us. Yes, He has given eternal life to all who confess that Jesus is the Son of God. But He wants to be our portion, our source for daily living.
If you recall the story, it was after this breakfast that Jesus told Peter to "tend My lambs", to "shepherd My sheep" and to "Tend my sheep". I suppose if we quiet our hearts and lives, and listen carefully, we may hear Him saying, "Come and have breakfast". How will we respond to His invitation? Many have been skipping this breakfast with Jesus for too long and have grown weary and weak in His service. I find that this must be, at least in part, a cause for our struggle to tend His sheep as we should? We must "come and have breakfast" with Jesus.
Father, we acknowledge and thank You for these undying truths that You have given. "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures". "He was buried" and "He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures". Thank You for those great words of hope spoken long ago. "He is not here." "He has risen." Thank You that You "raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible". You inspired the great apostle to write "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied" But our hope in Christ is indeed beyond this life, because He has been raised from the dead. No, we are not to be pitied. We should be, more than all men, rejoicing in the hope we have found in the risen Savior. As sure as His birth was His death and as sure as His death was His resurrection. And as sure as His resurrection will be His return for His Church. Father, we thank You for these truths. Amen.
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Former Days
We are familiar with some of the verses. In Ephesians 4:1 we read, "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called". In Colossians 1:10 we read, "so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". In 1 Thessalonians 2:12 we read, "so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory". And in 1 John 2:6 we read, "the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked". These verses seem to demand our attention and perhaps a question. How is my walk? How is your walk? I would suggest that our answers are crucial as we consider our relationship with the Lord and the health of His Church.
I have long appreciated the words of the beloved Apostle John, where in his third epistle he wrote, "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth". He was expressing this joy to "the beloved Gaius", the recipient of the letter, whom John had received testimony about regarding his walk in the truth. In John's second epistle, writing to "the chosen lady and her children", he wrote, "I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father".
I have long appreciated the words of the beloved Apostle John, where in his third epistle he wrote, "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth". He was expressing this joy to "the beloved Gaius", the recipient of the letter, whom John had received testimony about regarding his walk in the truth. In John's second epistle, writing to "the chosen lady and her children", he wrote, "I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father".
As a father, and as one who has been privileged to serve others in the body of Christ, I believe I have a growing understanding of the joy the apostle spoke of. I suppose that each believer who has endeavored to parent their children in the way of the Lord or who has been involved in the discipleship of others in His Church can understand the joy that John expressed in these two epistles.
I would like to share a few thoughts regarding the apostle's words in his second epistle. As we read his words carefully, we will note that John spoke of "some" and not "all" of the children walking in truth. Some, to be sure, were doing so, but not all of the children were walking in truth. This makes practical sense and I believe would be truthful of any group of believers. We are not told if the number was large or small; if those walking in truth were the majority or the minority. But John's focus in the passage is not on the numbers, but on the children who were walking in truth and the gladness it brought him. I think this is important for us to consider. All may not be walking in truth as we might hope, but we must rejoice in those who are. And although I believe this is the right focus to have, we cannot and should not deny the reality of the other. Joy is often replaced by sorrow when our children, spiritual or biological, are not walking in truth. For those we must pray and be available to God for His use in their lives if He calls us so.
If He finds it an instrument of edification, I know that God may use this article in however He chooses and with whomever He chooses. But my hope is that just one of those other children, one of us who is struggling to walk in truth, will be spoken to in a life changing way by the One who is the Truth. Over the years, I have seen for myself and have heard from others, of those brothers and sisters in Christ who were "running well" but who now, for whatever reason, have been hindered in their walk with the One who is not ashamed to call us brethren. Despite being new creatures in Christ, they have found themselves walking as "mere men". We have all witnessed the results that have been left behind, some more tragic than others, but all having an adverse effect on the body of Christ and the people and families that compose it.
Time and space prohibit me from exploring all that God has said about our walk and the admonishments to walk in a particular manner. But I would like to look at two passages of scripture from the Book of Hebrews and pray that they might be used mightily by the One who inspired their writing. The first one is found in the 12th Chapter, in verses 11-12, where the writer admonishes us to "run with endurance, the race that is set before us". First of all, I have taken the position that all who are born again, all who have been made part of the body of Christ through the saving work of the Spirit, by grace are in the race. The race has been set before each of us. Perhaps all are not running well, but each of us has the race before them.
Several years ago, a single word in this passage struck me as having great significance. It is the word "endurance". We should make no mistake as to the importance of its place in this verse. I have come to believe that too many have only wished to run a short distance, perhaps running hard, but only for a season. Too many have attempted to take any and all perceived short cuts, wishing, if they think possible, to dictate the course, avoiding the Rule Book and expecting others to run the rest of the way without them. But we are called to run with endurance. Webster's defines "endurance" as "the ability to withstand hardship or adversity" or "the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort". Endurance is not needed for the "easy road" but it is not the "easy road" we are called to walk or run. I believe strongly, and feel compelled to say, that once the race has been set before you, once you have entered the race by the gracious work of God, it is not an option to get out. I know this is contrary to what some may teach. You may or may not be found running well, but nonetheless the race remains before you.
Several years ago, a single word in this passage struck me as having great significance. It is the word "endurance". We should make no mistake as to the importance of its place in this verse. I have come to believe that too many have only wished to run a short distance, perhaps running hard, but only for a season. Too many have attempted to take any and all perceived short cuts, wishing, if they think possible, to dictate the course, avoiding the Rule Book and expecting others to run the rest of the way without them. But we are called to run with endurance. Webster's defines "endurance" as "the ability to withstand hardship or adversity" or "the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort". Endurance is not needed for the "easy road" but it is not the "easy road" we are called to walk or run. I believe strongly, and feel compelled to say, that once the race has been set before you, once you have entered the race by the gracious work of God, it is not an option to get out. I know this is contrary to what some may teach. You may or may not be found running well, but nonetheless the race remains before you.
The second passage of scripture that I would like to consider is found in Hebrews 10:32- 35. Here the writer admonishes, "But remember the former days, when after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throwaway your confidence, which has a great reward."
It appears that early on, "after they had been enlightened" by the Spirit, to the truth that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Hebrew believers had been running well. They had been living by faith, trusting God and finding great hope and peace in His promises. This was evidenced in their walk. I would submit that it was by faith, and the confidence it generated, that they were able to endure "a great conflict of sufferings". They had been fixing their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. They had been looking heavenward, setting their "mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth". They had "showed sympathy to the prisoners", undoubtedly believers who had been imprisoned for their faith, at a time when doing so meant persecution. But they did so regardless, enjoying the rewards of faith and confidence as they ministered to the body of Christ.It was by faith they had come to believe and understand the "better" and "lasting" possession that belongs to the child of God. Some might say that this possession was forgiveness, everlasting life, a home in heaven, or the Righteous One Himself. But by faith they had come to know and be filled with the joy of this truth. As indicated above, this is what allows the believer to endure, "to withstand hardship or adversity" as he is strengthened by His might. So real and effectual had been their faith and confidence in the One who is faithful and true, that the writer says they had "accepted joyfully the seizure of their property". Such thinking was only possible, and would only remain possible, as they kept "seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God". Therein lies a common problem facing the body of Christ. Our enemy, or should I say enemies, the devil, the world and the flesh work together to distract and hinder us from remaining fixed on Jesus, from gazing obediently and lovingly towards the Savior.
For a moment, let us consider one admonition from the Hebrew writer to His readers. Again, remember that they had known living by faith and had seen first hand the faithfulness of God. It was not something they had simply heard about or knew existed for others; they had experienced it themselves. But now, with the race still before them, they were being admonished to "not throw away" their "confidence, which has a great reward". This was a confidence that for a time had been rightly placed in the Lord and the sufficiency of His promises. Perhaps it was not conscience or intentional, but they now found themselves in a situation of throwing this most precious treasure away, as if it had no value. Throwing away their confidence in God, the One who is always faithful. The only One we can truly have confidence in. Oh, the treasures and rewards of being confident in Christ!
For a moment, let us consider one admonition from the Hebrew writer to His readers. Again, remember that they had known living by faith and had seen first hand the faithfulness of God. It was not something they had simply heard about or knew existed for others; they had experienced it themselves. But now, with the race still before them, they were being admonished to "not throw away" their "confidence, which has a great reward". This was a confidence that for a time had been rightly placed in the Lord and the sufficiency of His promises. Perhaps it was not conscience or intentional, but they now found themselves in a situation of throwing this most precious treasure away, as if it had no value. Throwing away their confidence in God, the One who is always faithful. The only One we can truly have confidence in. Oh, the treasures and rewards of being confident in Christ!
I intentionally skipped over the first admonition in this passage, but believe it is of the utmost importance in preventing us from throwing away our confidence. Those receiving the Hebrew letter were first admonished to "remember the former days". The days when living by faith and trusting the God of creation had been their way of running. No, not when they were perfect, but when they had been looking to and trusting in the perfect One. They were being challenged to remember how it was when they had shown sympathy to the prisoners, in spite of the known consequences for doing so. To remember how it was that they had "accepted joyfully the seizure of their property". Yes, they were being called to remember the former days. Doing so would be vital for their walk.
I can only answer for my walk; for how I am running the race that has been set before me. But my challenge is this. If you find yourself amongst those who are throwing away their confidence, a confidence that once was your passion for life and service; I believe God would have you "remember the former days". And as you remember them, delight in the faithfulness of the Lord and be restored in your confidence in Him! He will never disappoint. Great is the reward for those whose confidence is in the Lord. This race that we're running is one which demands endurance. We have not the strength or power in ourselves to endure. But He will be faithful and be your source of power to do all that He calls you to. As Paul was inspired to proclaim in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". In Christ alone!
Father, we acknowledge your forever faithfulness. We are aware that you have called us to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Thank you for your provisions. Thank you for equipping us, empowering us and sustaining us. For those of the body of Christ who were once running well and for whatever reason have been hindered in the race, and are even now at a place of throwing away their confidence, we ask that you would intercede and cause them to remember the former days. May you help each one of us to keep our eyes fixed on your Son Jesus, receiving His power to walk worthy, to run well, and to do so with endurance. May you cause us to be children with great confidence and faith, knowing that our toil is not in vain, "For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay"!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Jettison the Cargo! Part II
In Part I of "Jettison the Cargo!", we left the Apostle Paul a prisoner being transported to Rome on board a ship that had been caught in a fierce storm. At a time when "all hope of being saved was gradually abandoned", an angel of the Lord had appeared to Paul and told him not to be afraid; that he would stand before Caesar and that God had also granted that all those sailing with him would be saved from the storm as well. He was told there would be no loss of life but that they would run aground on a certain Island. We ended Part I with Paul encouraging the other men on the ship with the angelic message that he had received and with this statement of faith; “I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told".
Before I go on to Acts 27:27, I must take a moment and comment a little further on verses 23 and 26. In verse 23, Luke recorded a statement made by the Apostle Paul that speaks of the unique relationship that each believer has with God in Christ. "The God to whom I belong" were the words that he spoke. Yes, we are His! We have been bought with the precious blood of the Lamb! So many people in this world struggle each day with a sense of not belonging. It can mean much to the heart and soul to belong. What a privilege for those who have found themselves the recipients of His lavished grace! Oh the peace and contentment that can be enjoyed by those who belong to God.
In verse 26 Paul spoke of a "certain island" that they would run aground upon. Ours is not a God of chance. Ultimately, He would control the winds and the currents and cause them to run aground, not just on any island, but a certain island, where He would also provide for them. He would work in such a way as to minister to both the inhabitants of the island and those who would find themselves shipwrecked there. Perhaps we ought to be more thankful for that certain spouse that is ours, that certain child He has given us, that certain job or home He has provided or that certain church He has allowed us to be a part of. May we grow in our appreciation of the One who has blessed us so.
Continuing on now in verses 27-29, Luke tells us that following the 14th night since leaving Fair Havens, while being "driven about in the Adriatic Sea"; the sailors began to sense that they were approaching land. At around midnight they began to take soundings to determine the water's depth and to see, if indeed, they were nearing land. They first found the depth to be 20 fathoms and a little further found it to be 15 fathoms. This seemed to confirm their belief that they were approaching land. They became worried that they would run aground in the middle of the night. In verse 29 we find them casting "four anchors from the stern" in hopes of stopping the ship's progress towards land, so they could wait out the darkness of the night.
Anchoring from the stern is not the recommended way to anchor a ship or boat, but desperate situations can call for, or cause us to take desperate measures. Anyway, we find more lessons for the believer in Christ here. It is important for us to trust in the Lord and His promises during the difficult "storms of life". We may be tempted to, "cast anchors from the stem", if you will, when doing so may actually put us in greater danger. It is often during these times, that through prayer and perseverance, we need to hold on and stand firm to the truths of His word. Although the morning light does not always come as quickly as we might wish, it does come. And even when there seems to be no "morning light" to see by, even in the light of a dreary day, there is the dawn of "morning light" in the One who is Light.
In verses 30-31 we find some of the sailors attempting to escape from the ship by lowering the lifeboat into the sea, pretending that they were going to lie out anchors from the bow. Given the danger of having thrown anchors from the stern, this would have made sense. But Paul was moved to speak out and tell the centurion and the soldiers that, "unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved". What a great reminder of a great truth. God had determined a certain way of salvation and salvation would not to be found outside of His provision. Of course, this is not new. In the days of Noah, salvation was found in the Ark and nowhere else. And in Acts 4:12, Luke records the Lord's proclamation through the Apostle Peter’s words, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved”.
I pray that it may be different one day. But in the day that I write this article, there are many who profess faith in Christ, some who are even preachers and teachers in the Church, who compromise this truth. In some cases, perhaps out of a misunderstanding of unity and love, or wrongly dividing the word of truth, they promote the idea that there are many ways to God and that God has provided many different pathways to heaven. Oh how the Church needs men with the resolve of Paul to stand up and proclaim that there is salvation in Christ alone! That there is nothing that can cleanse us from our sins, but the shed blood of Jesus. That there is forgiveness nowhere else but the throne of God's grace that is afforded in Christ, His Son. As the beloved Apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:11-12, “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life”.
In verse 32 we read that the soldiers cut the ropes that suspended the lifeboat and "let it fall away" into the sea. They had let go of yet another means by which they could exercise control over the situation. As we will see, they had not given up complete control, but they were moving towards that end. I would suggest that some of us, if perhaps not all of us, need to let our own "lifeboats" fall into the sea. I'm not suggesting that we be irresponsible and not use the good sense that God has given us. I'm not suggesting that we live recklessly; "just trusting God" with what may come our way. I'm not suggesting, as some have, to forsake medical treatment or care. But we have been trying too long to provide for the things that God has already promised to provide Himself. And we try to provide for the intangible things like hope, joy, peace, contentment and happiness that can only be found in Him. And perhaps we have been too busy storing up for ourselves “treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" and need to be more concerned about storing up for ourselves “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in or steal”.
In verses 33-34, we find the Apostle Paul being a vessel of encouragement as he exhorts the others on the ship to eat some food and reminds them of God's promise that none would perish. I appreciate this example and hope to learn from it. Verse 33 says that "until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them". It was before dawn, while the dark of night was still upon them, before the light of morning, that Paul was encouraging them. No, I'm not suggesting that his encouragement came only in the night, but how important is it, that we be available to God to be used to encourage others in their times of darkness? May we be His vessel of encouragement to others.
Going on, in verses 35-37 we have another great illustration in Paul's actions. We read that he took some bread "and gave thanks to God in the presence of all". It seems almost funny to think that there are times when we have a sense of embarrassment to give thanks to God for our food in the presence of even a few. Christians were certainly not the majority on this ship full of men and Paul was the prisoner! Fourteen long nights had passed by and he was giving thanks to God. I have it in my mind that he was thankful for more than just the bread. He was thankful for His provisions, His promises, and as stated previously, for being His possession.
We must take a moment to consider the result of Paul's boldness and faithfulness in Christ. Again, I'm not suggesting that this is Paul's doing, but Christ living in him. He is being used as a vessel of God's working. As he gave thanks and began to eat himself, we read that, "all of them were encouraged and they themselves also took food". Praise the Lord! God was using this prisoner, this tent maker, to encourage the sailors, the soldiers and all of the "two hundred and seventy-six persons" who were on board the ship. This is only one example of how the "sincere faith" of one of God's children can be used in a mighty way. Lord, help us to be bold in the profession of our faith.
In verse 38 we are told “when they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea”. I have just a quick thought on this. It seems that we always try to hold onto the things that may seem important to us for various reasons. I suspect that the wheat meant money to the ship’s captain and his crew. If you recall, it was early on in the storm when they had “began to jettison the cargo”. Not unlike them, we to often “jettison the cargo” that may be weighing us down. But we are also prone to jettison those things we consider to be less necessary for our lives and only jettison what we determine to be more essential after we exhaust our efforts. There are times when this is very wise and prudent; the right thing to do. But I think that often times, some of those things that we have determined to be more necessary, may indeed be the things of this world that could be weighing us down and leading our minds “astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ”. Don't get me wrong. There is much that could be jettisoned from our lives.
In verse 39 we read that the morning light overtook the darkness of the night, and as the day dawned they were able to see land, although they did not recognize it. How often are we unable to recognize God's divine provisions because we are not “fixing our eyes on Jesus”? Maybe we have not been in His word, or perhaps we have not responded to the open invitation to come to the throne of grace in prayer. And without question, “forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some” has adversely affected the “vision” of many of God’s children. The verse ends by telling us that they could see a bay with a beach and that they had “resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could”. As we will soon see, our resolve to do something may sometimes be interrupted by God as He accomplishes His will in our lives. James spoke of this when he was inspired to write that we ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."
Remember, that during the previous night the crew had cast four anchors into the sea in order to keep them from running “aground somewhere on the rocks”. And now in verse 40, we find them taking further steps. They appear to take three different actions simultaneously. First of all, Luke records that they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea. They were letting go of yet another means by which they might control their own destiny. It was as if they were surrendering, at least in part, their ability to “hold on” to the world and its provisions. And “at the same time” they were loosening the ropes of the rudders. Yes, they were giving up their ability to stir the ship. Again, the words of James echo in the back of my mind; “Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires”.
It appears that while some were casting off the anchors and others were loosening the ropes of the rudders, still others were hoisting the foresail to the wind. I hope that the picture is coming clear. Some of the ship’s cargo had been jettisoned days ago. The life-boat had been allowed to fall away into the ocean. The ship’s load of wheat had been thrown into sea. The ship’s anchors had been cast off into the sea. And now the ability to stir the boat had been surrendered and the foresails had been hoisted to the wind. And the wind, well it was subject to its creator and He was using it to drive them towards the beach.
Perhaps for a few moments it appeared to them that the ship would be driven onto the beach as they had purposed. God had promised a loss of the ship and in verse 41 we read that the ship struck a reef and the stern of the ship began to be broken up by the force of the waves crashing against it. In order to keep them from escaping, we find the soldiers planning to kill the prisoners, while the centurion is used by God to intervene and keep them from their intention. The centurion then commanded those who could swim to jump overboard and get to land. And then he commanded the rest to follow them, using planks and various items from the ship to assist them. I find in noteworthy that the ship was used for the salvation of the ship’s crew, both before and after it was broken. Sometimes we can swim ashore with the strength that God has afforded us. But there are times when we must utilize the “planks or other various things” that God provides to keep us afloat. And so all were brought safely to land, perhaps with Paul’s words echoing in each of their minds; “I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told”. Oh, may we rest in the truth of those words spoken by the apostle!
Father, we have so much to learn. Much growing up in Christ is before us. Thank you for your word. Thank you for the many practical illustrations that you have given us to help us grow in our faith and to better understand your wondrous ways. We know that there will be storms in this world that we live in as “aliens and strangers”. And we acknowledge that we have made unwise decisions that have contributed to the winds and waves crashing against us. Some have been lead astray by the “moderate south wind”, only to be assailed by a violent wind and caught in a storm tossed life. Help us to be more discerning. Help us to help one another. When right, help us to jettison the cargo in our lives that weigh us down from serving you. Help us to see your provisions, to trust in your care and to live by faith. Use us to encourage others in the storms of life; both those who are of the household of faith and those who wander outside.
Before I go on to Acts 27:27, I must take a moment and comment a little further on verses 23 and 26. In verse 23, Luke recorded a statement made by the Apostle Paul that speaks of the unique relationship that each believer has with God in Christ. "The God to whom I belong" were the words that he spoke. Yes, we are His! We have been bought with the precious blood of the Lamb! So many people in this world struggle each day with a sense of not belonging. It can mean much to the heart and soul to belong. What a privilege for those who have found themselves the recipients of His lavished grace! Oh the peace and contentment that can be enjoyed by those who belong to God.
In verse 26 Paul spoke of a "certain island" that they would run aground upon. Ours is not a God of chance. Ultimately, He would control the winds and the currents and cause them to run aground, not just on any island, but a certain island, where He would also provide for them. He would work in such a way as to minister to both the inhabitants of the island and those who would find themselves shipwrecked there. Perhaps we ought to be more thankful for that certain spouse that is ours, that certain child He has given us, that certain job or home He has provided or that certain church He has allowed us to be a part of. May we grow in our appreciation of the One who has blessed us so.
Continuing on now in verses 27-29, Luke tells us that following the 14th night since leaving Fair Havens, while being "driven about in the Adriatic Sea"; the sailors began to sense that they were approaching land. At around midnight they began to take soundings to determine the water's depth and to see, if indeed, they were nearing land. They first found the depth to be 20 fathoms and a little further found it to be 15 fathoms. This seemed to confirm their belief that they were approaching land. They became worried that they would run aground in the middle of the night. In verse 29 we find them casting "four anchors from the stern" in hopes of stopping the ship's progress towards land, so they could wait out the darkness of the night.
Anchoring from the stern is not the recommended way to anchor a ship or boat, but desperate situations can call for, or cause us to take desperate measures. Anyway, we find more lessons for the believer in Christ here. It is important for us to trust in the Lord and His promises during the difficult "storms of life". We may be tempted to, "cast anchors from the stem", if you will, when doing so may actually put us in greater danger. It is often during these times, that through prayer and perseverance, we need to hold on and stand firm to the truths of His word. Although the morning light does not always come as quickly as we might wish, it does come. And even when there seems to be no "morning light" to see by, even in the light of a dreary day, there is the dawn of "morning light" in the One who is Light.
In verses 30-31 we find some of the sailors attempting to escape from the ship by lowering the lifeboat into the sea, pretending that they were going to lie out anchors from the bow. Given the danger of having thrown anchors from the stern, this would have made sense. But Paul was moved to speak out and tell the centurion and the soldiers that, "unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved". What a great reminder of a great truth. God had determined a certain way of salvation and salvation would not to be found outside of His provision. Of course, this is not new. In the days of Noah, salvation was found in the Ark and nowhere else. And in Acts 4:12, Luke records the Lord's proclamation through the Apostle Peter’s words, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved”.
I pray that it may be different one day. But in the day that I write this article, there are many who profess faith in Christ, some who are even preachers and teachers in the Church, who compromise this truth. In some cases, perhaps out of a misunderstanding of unity and love, or wrongly dividing the word of truth, they promote the idea that there are many ways to God and that God has provided many different pathways to heaven. Oh how the Church needs men with the resolve of Paul to stand up and proclaim that there is salvation in Christ alone! That there is nothing that can cleanse us from our sins, but the shed blood of Jesus. That there is forgiveness nowhere else but the throne of God's grace that is afforded in Christ, His Son. As the beloved Apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:11-12, “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life”.
In verse 32 we read that the soldiers cut the ropes that suspended the lifeboat and "let it fall away" into the sea. They had let go of yet another means by which they could exercise control over the situation. As we will see, they had not given up complete control, but they were moving towards that end. I would suggest that some of us, if perhaps not all of us, need to let our own "lifeboats" fall into the sea. I'm not suggesting that we be irresponsible and not use the good sense that God has given us. I'm not suggesting that we live recklessly; "just trusting God" with what may come our way. I'm not suggesting, as some have, to forsake medical treatment or care. But we have been trying too long to provide for the things that God has already promised to provide Himself. And we try to provide for the intangible things like hope, joy, peace, contentment and happiness that can only be found in Him. And perhaps we have been too busy storing up for ourselves “treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" and need to be more concerned about storing up for ourselves “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in or steal”.
In verses 33-34, we find the Apostle Paul being a vessel of encouragement as he exhorts the others on the ship to eat some food and reminds them of God's promise that none would perish. I appreciate this example and hope to learn from it. Verse 33 says that "until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them". It was before dawn, while the dark of night was still upon them, before the light of morning, that Paul was encouraging them. No, I'm not suggesting that his encouragement came only in the night, but how important is it, that we be available to God to be used to encourage others in their times of darkness? May we be His vessel of encouragement to others.
Going on, in verses 35-37 we have another great illustration in Paul's actions. We read that he took some bread "and gave thanks to God in the presence of all". It seems almost funny to think that there are times when we have a sense of embarrassment to give thanks to God for our food in the presence of even a few. Christians were certainly not the majority on this ship full of men and Paul was the prisoner! Fourteen long nights had passed by and he was giving thanks to God. I have it in my mind that he was thankful for more than just the bread. He was thankful for His provisions, His promises, and as stated previously, for being His possession.
We must take a moment to consider the result of Paul's boldness and faithfulness in Christ. Again, I'm not suggesting that this is Paul's doing, but Christ living in him. He is being used as a vessel of God's working. As he gave thanks and began to eat himself, we read that, "all of them were encouraged and they themselves also took food". Praise the Lord! God was using this prisoner, this tent maker, to encourage the sailors, the soldiers and all of the "two hundred and seventy-six persons" who were on board the ship. This is only one example of how the "sincere faith" of one of God's children can be used in a mighty way. Lord, help us to be bold in the profession of our faith.
In verse 38 we are told “when they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea”. I have just a quick thought on this. It seems that we always try to hold onto the things that may seem important to us for various reasons. I suspect that the wheat meant money to the ship’s captain and his crew. If you recall, it was early on in the storm when they had “began to jettison the cargo”. Not unlike them, we to often “jettison the cargo” that may be weighing us down. But we are also prone to jettison those things we consider to be less necessary for our lives and only jettison what we determine to be more essential after we exhaust our efforts. There are times when this is very wise and prudent; the right thing to do. But I think that often times, some of those things that we have determined to be more necessary, may indeed be the things of this world that could be weighing us down and leading our minds “astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ”. Don't get me wrong. There is much that could be jettisoned from our lives.
In verse 39 we read that the morning light overtook the darkness of the night, and as the day dawned they were able to see land, although they did not recognize it. How often are we unable to recognize God's divine provisions because we are not “fixing our eyes on Jesus”? Maybe we have not been in His word, or perhaps we have not responded to the open invitation to come to the throne of grace in prayer. And without question, “forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some” has adversely affected the “vision” of many of God’s children. The verse ends by telling us that they could see a bay with a beach and that they had “resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could”. As we will soon see, our resolve to do something may sometimes be interrupted by God as He accomplishes His will in our lives. James spoke of this when he was inspired to write that we ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."
Remember, that during the previous night the crew had cast four anchors into the sea in order to keep them from running “aground somewhere on the rocks”. And now in verse 40, we find them taking further steps. They appear to take three different actions simultaneously. First of all, Luke records that they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea. They were letting go of yet another means by which they might control their own destiny. It was as if they were surrendering, at least in part, their ability to “hold on” to the world and its provisions. And “at the same time” they were loosening the ropes of the rudders. Yes, they were giving up their ability to stir the ship. Again, the words of James echo in the back of my mind; “Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires”.
It appears that while some were casting off the anchors and others were loosening the ropes of the rudders, still others were hoisting the foresail to the wind. I hope that the picture is coming clear. Some of the ship’s cargo had been jettisoned days ago. The life-boat had been allowed to fall away into the ocean. The ship’s load of wheat had been thrown into sea. The ship’s anchors had been cast off into the sea. And now the ability to stir the boat had been surrendered and the foresails had been hoisted to the wind. And the wind, well it was subject to its creator and He was using it to drive them towards the beach.
Perhaps for a few moments it appeared to them that the ship would be driven onto the beach as they had purposed. God had promised a loss of the ship and in verse 41 we read that the ship struck a reef and the stern of the ship began to be broken up by the force of the waves crashing against it. In order to keep them from escaping, we find the soldiers planning to kill the prisoners, while the centurion is used by God to intervene and keep them from their intention. The centurion then commanded those who could swim to jump overboard and get to land. And then he commanded the rest to follow them, using planks and various items from the ship to assist them. I find in noteworthy that the ship was used for the salvation of the ship’s crew, both before and after it was broken. Sometimes we can swim ashore with the strength that God has afforded us. But there are times when we must utilize the “planks or other various things” that God provides to keep us afloat. And so all were brought safely to land, perhaps with Paul’s words echoing in each of their minds; “I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told”. Oh, may we rest in the truth of those words spoken by the apostle!
Father, we have so much to learn. Much growing up in Christ is before us. Thank you for your word. Thank you for the many practical illustrations that you have given us to help us grow in our faith and to better understand your wondrous ways. We know that there will be storms in this world that we live in as “aliens and strangers”. And we acknowledge that we have made unwise decisions that have contributed to the winds and waves crashing against us. Some have been lead astray by the “moderate south wind”, only to be assailed by a violent wind and caught in a storm tossed life. Help us to be more discerning. Help us to help one another. When right, help us to jettison the cargo in our lives that weigh us down from serving you. Help us to see your provisions, to trust in your care and to live by faith. Use us to encourage others in the storms of life; both those who are of the household of faith and those who wander outside.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
He Taught Them!
In Matthew 6:9-13, we read, "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.'"
In the eleventh chapter of Luke's Gospel, in verses 1-4, we read, "And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples" And He said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins. For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
Often referred to as "The Lord's Prayer", these two passages of scripture represent, what is possibly, the most well known and quoted prayer found in the Bible. Over the many years that members of the Way have had an affection for these words of our Lord, much has been written about, and countless persons have commented on, various aspects of this prayer.
My intention in this article is not to examine or comment on the prayer itself, but to share some thoughts that I have related to matters surrounding its origin. I hope that you will bear with me, as I believe there are many opportunities for us to consider the practical, and the not so obvious aspects of the many and various biblical accounts God has preserved for us. I pray that these few thoughts will be edifying for His Church.
My focus will be on Luke's account, where we see that the prayer was given in response to the disciple's request that Jesus teach them to pray, "just as John also taught his disciples". The first thing I would like to consider is what had prompted this request. I know that God was at work in the lives of the disciples and I believe He had moved in their hearts to seek this instruction. But what about the human element? What were they thinking. It seems clear that the disciples had both seen and heard Jesus pray. Indeed, Jesus was a man of prayer. Was it the words that He spoke as He prayed? Was it the sound of His voice? Or perhaps the posture He assumed? They may have taken notice of all of these, but I am convinced that it was the intimacy that He shared with the Father that caught their attention. Truly, He and the Father were One.
Had you and I been afforded the privilege to witness Jesus praying, is there any doubt that we too would have implored Him; "teach us to pray"? Without question, I believe that His prayers were a reflection of His relationship with the Father and not some adherence to religious practice. God has reminded me of this truth often. How easy it seems to happen, that we become caught up in a religious practice of prayer and lack the intimacy with the Lord, which should be the very springboard of our prayers. The Apostle Paul would one day be inspired to write that we should be devoted to prayer and that we should pray without ceasing. While walking this earth, I believe Jesus lived both.
The other thought that I wished to share was Jesus' response to the disciples' request that He teach them to pray. I have come to appreciate Jesus' response to the request as being remarkable and noteworthy. I know that many will not think this to be a significant matter. You may even consider me odd to think this way or say such things. I know that His response would not be unexpected. In fact, I believe His character bound Him to respond as He did. But I think we will miss a valuable lesson if we don't take the time to consider this further. When He was asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, He did just that; He taught them to pray! He did so, knowing both their desire and their needs. He had no hesitation to teach them to pray to the Father, His Father.
I guess what caused me to consider Jesus' response remarkable was simply myself. This will be explained as I continue. He was interested in their needs and He listened to their request. He was concerned for their spiritual growth and took the time to teach them something that they could benefit from greatly. How would I have responded to such a request? Would I have demonstrated a similar concern and interest and respond as He did? How do I respond to requests for spiritual help? His response to their request has shone as a bright light on me, "piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and morrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart". Perhaps I am often too busy, uninterested or uncaring about the spiritual lives of others to even hear their requests for help or assistance. Or maybe I will help them tomorrow, but when tomorrow comes I have already filled it with much busyness and have not the time to serve.
I have never been asked by another believer to teach them to pray. But I have been asked to help someone in their desire to know His word better. I believe my response to this request has been the real reason why Jesus' response to His disciples in this matter has struck me so. Unlike the great Shepherd of the sheep, I was a failure in my response to a sincere request for spiritual help. "All things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" and I am without excuse. The epistles of the Apostle John would suggest that I lacked love. His love. A love that is not "with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth".
So yes, to me it is worth noting, that when asked by His disciples that He teach them to pray, Jesus taught them to pray. I am so thankful for His character, and for His many attributes that are seen in all that He does. Even as we hope to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, men such as I will not always do the right thing. Not so with the One who "is the same yesterday and today and forever". We can learn much from "The Lord's Prayer". But for all who may read this article, I pray that we learn this lesson that is found in Jesus' response to His disciple's request. May we be interested and concerned about the spiritual welfare of one another. May we take the time to listen and then take the time be His vessels of service. May we do so, not for the sake of service itself, but for His sake; for the edification of His Church.
Father, hallowed be Thy name. May your will be done in my life. Like the beloved apostle to the Gentiles, help me to "not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus". According to your will, help me to serve willingly "night and day", to go "house to house" as you may lead, "reasoning daily" in your word. I acknowledge that "my life" and "my time" are not really mine at all. You have bought me with the precious blood of Jesus. You have brought me to yourself through the One who gave Himself; you drew me to Jesus and I am yours. Help me to have His heart, His concern, and His passion to serve. May you be glorified and may you're people be edified. In the Wonderful name of Jesus. Amen.
In the eleventh chapter of Luke's Gospel, in verses 1-4, we read, "And it came about that while He was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples" And He said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins. For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
Often referred to as "The Lord's Prayer", these two passages of scripture represent, what is possibly, the most well known and quoted prayer found in the Bible. Over the many years that members of the Way have had an affection for these words of our Lord, much has been written about, and countless persons have commented on, various aspects of this prayer.
My intention in this article is not to examine or comment on the prayer itself, but to share some thoughts that I have related to matters surrounding its origin. I hope that you will bear with me, as I believe there are many opportunities for us to consider the practical, and the not so obvious aspects of the many and various biblical accounts God has preserved for us. I pray that these few thoughts will be edifying for His Church.
My focus will be on Luke's account, where we see that the prayer was given in response to the disciple's request that Jesus teach them to pray, "just as John also taught his disciples". The first thing I would like to consider is what had prompted this request. I know that God was at work in the lives of the disciples and I believe He had moved in their hearts to seek this instruction. But what about the human element? What were they thinking. It seems clear that the disciples had both seen and heard Jesus pray. Indeed, Jesus was a man of prayer. Was it the words that He spoke as He prayed? Was it the sound of His voice? Or perhaps the posture He assumed? They may have taken notice of all of these, but I am convinced that it was the intimacy that He shared with the Father that caught their attention. Truly, He and the Father were One.
Had you and I been afforded the privilege to witness Jesus praying, is there any doubt that we too would have implored Him; "teach us to pray"? Without question, I believe that His prayers were a reflection of His relationship with the Father and not some adherence to religious practice. God has reminded me of this truth often. How easy it seems to happen, that we become caught up in a religious practice of prayer and lack the intimacy with the Lord, which should be the very springboard of our prayers. The Apostle Paul would one day be inspired to write that we should be devoted to prayer and that we should pray without ceasing. While walking this earth, I believe Jesus lived both.
The other thought that I wished to share was Jesus' response to the disciples' request that He teach them to pray. I have come to appreciate Jesus' response to the request as being remarkable and noteworthy. I know that many will not think this to be a significant matter. You may even consider me odd to think this way or say such things. I know that His response would not be unexpected. In fact, I believe His character bound Him to respond as He did. But I think we will miss a valuable lesson if we don't take the time to consider this further. When He was asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, He did just that; He taught them to pray! He did so, knowing both their desire and their needs. He had no hesitation to teach them to pray to the Father, His Father.
I guess what caused me to consider Jesus' response remarkable was simply myself. This will be explained as I continue. He was interested in their needs and He listened to their request. He was concerned for their spiritual growth and took the time to teach them something that they could benefit from greatly. How would I have responded to such a request? Would I have demonstrated a similar concern and interest and respond as He did? How do I respond to requests for spiritual help? His response to their request has shone as a bright light on me, "piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and morrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart". Perhaps I am often too busy, uninterested or uncaring about the spiritual lives of others to even hear their requests for help or assistance. Or maybe I will help them tomorrow, but when tomorrow comes I have already filled it with much busyness and have not the time to serve.
I have never been asked by another believer to teach them to pray. But I have been asked to help someone in their desire to know His word better. I believe my response to this request has been the real reason why Jesus' response to His disciples in this matter has struck me so. Unlike the great Shepherd of the sheep, I was a failure in my response to a sincere request for spiritual help. "All things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" and I am without excuse. The epistles of the Apostle John would suggest that I lacked love. His love. A love that is not "with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth".
So yes, to me it is worth noting, that when asked by His disciples that He teach them to pray, Jesus taught them to pray. I am so thankful for His character, and for His many attributes that are seen in all that He does. Even as we hope to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, men such as I will not always do the right thing. Not so with the One who "is the same yesterday and today and forever". We can learn much from "The Lord's Prayer". But for all who may read this article, I pray that we learn this lesson that is found in Jesus' response to His disciple's request. May we be interested and concerned about the spiritual welfare of one another. May we take the time to listen and then take the time be His vessels of service. May we do so, not for the sake of service itself, but for His sake; for the edification of His Church.
Father, hallowed be Thy name. May your will be done in my life. Like the beloved apostle to the Gentiles, help me to "not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus". According to your will, help me to serve willingly "night and day", to go "house to house" as you may lead, "reasoning daily" in your word. I acknowledge that "my life" and "my time" are not really mine at all. You have bought me with the precious blood of Jesus. You have brought me to yourself through the One who gave Himself; you drew me to Jesus and I am yours. Help me to have His heart, His concern, and His passion to serve. May you be glorified and may you're people be edified. In the Wonderful name of Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Knowing Love
What a privilege it is to know the love of God! Perhaps the most well known verse of scripture is John 3:16, where we read, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life". The beloved apostle also wrote in 1 John 3:16, "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren". In Romans 5:8 the Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us". God did not simply say that He loved us. He loved us. We are dependent upon the gift of His Son and His most gracious and humble act, in order that we might know love. There is so much to write about, so much to consider regarding God's love, but I will keep my thoughts brief.
Because of Him, we are now able to know love, love others and be loved. Again, in 1 John 4:7, John wrote "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God". And in 1 John 4:11 he wrote, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another". The scripture is clear and unified in proclaiming that believers should love one another and have a love for all people. But we can no longer be people who simply say they love. We must love. In 1 John 3:18 the apostle wrote, "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth". I have come to love the words in 1 John 3:1, where John was inspired to write these wonderful words; "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are." Do you see what he says here? We are not just called children of God, we are children of God. Not just in word or tongue but in deed and truth!
But amidst the wonder of knowing Him and hence knowing love, I have a burden on my heart as I write these few words. Many do not know God. Many do not know love. Perhaps it is too difficult for us to imagine or maybe we don't like to think it so. But there are men and women, yes boys and girls, all over the world who have never loved and who have never been loved. Even as I write, with my wife and children down the hall, asleep in their beds, I can almost see the empty hearts and the sad eyes of those who lay their heads down this night not knowing love. They are in my town and they are in yours. They are all over the world. Perhaps they are our neighbors.
But I must thank God for His love that He demonstrated; for the love that He manifested. For the love that He has lavished on His children. Today people all over the world re-affirmed their love for one another by various means. Cards, flowers, chocolates and various items were given and received. Words of "I love you" were spoken. I don't question that this can all be good for the heart and soul. But as I thought about the things we do and say, or the things that we give to remind or affirm our love for one another, I was drawn back to consider His love. He does not need to say a word or give us a token to remind us of His love. His love has been shown and has proven certain. The gift of His Son continues to proclaim His love and also call us to love.
Father, I thank you for demonstrating your love, in and through Jesus, your only begotten Son. Thank you for the privilege of knowing you and hence, knowing love; for being loved and for being equipped to love. My thoughts are with those who do not know you; who do not know love. Those who have never loved and have never been loved. I ask that you would work through your children, that we might be vessels of your love to them. I pray that in such love, Jesus might be seen and given praise. I pray for those who lay their heads down tonight not knowing love, and ask that you would so move in their hearts and minds that they may come to know you, the source of true love. Help me, help all your children to love, "not with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth". As a witness and testimony of your great love, and of Jesus, the demonstation of your love, help us to love one another.
Because of Him, we are now able to know love, love others and be loved. Again, in 1 John 4:7, John wrote "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God". And in 1 John 4:11 he wrote, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another". The scripture is clear and unified in proclaiming that believers should love one another and have a love for all people. But we can no longer be people who simply say they love. We must love. In 1 John 3:18 the apostle wrote, "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth". I have come to love the words in 1 John 3:1, where John was inspired to write these wonderful words; "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are." Do you see what he says here? We are not just called children of God, we are children of God. Not just in word or tongue but in deed and truth!
But amidst the wonder of knowing Him and hence knowing love, I have a burden on my heart as I write these few words. Many do not know God. Many do not know love. Perhaps it is too difficult for us to imagine or maybe we don't like to think it so. But there are men and women, yes boys and girls, all over the world who have never loved and who have never been loved. Even as I write, with my wife and children down the hall, asleep in their beds, I can almost see the empty hearts and the sad eyes of those who lay their heads down this night not knowing love. They are in my town and they are in yours. They are all over the world. Perhaps they are our neighbors.
But I must thank God for His love that He demonstrated; for the love that He manifested. For the love that He has lavished on His children. Today people all over the world re-affirmed their love for one another by various means. Cards, flowers, chocolates and various items were given and received. Words of "I love you" were spoken. I don't question that this can all be good for the heart and soul. But as I thought about the things we do and say, or the things that we give to remind or affirm our love for one another, I was drawn back to consider His love. He does not need to say a word or give us a token to remind us of His love. His love has been shown and has proven certain. The gift of His Son continues to proclaim His love and also call us to love.
Father, I thank you for demonstrating your love, in and through Jesus, your only begotten Son. Thank you for the privilege of knowing you and hence, knowing love; for being loved and for being equipped to love. My thoughts are with those who do not know you; who do not know love. Those who have never loved and have never been loved. I ask that you would work through your children, that we might be vessels of your love to them. I pray that in such love, Jesus might be seen and given praise. I pray for those who lay their heads down tonight not knowing love, and ask that you would so move in their hearts and minds that they may come to know you, the source of true love. Help me, help all your children to love, "not with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth". As a witness and testimony of your great love, and of Jesus, the demonstation of your love, help us to love one another.
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