My last article included my thoughts about Christmas, the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Although I will not say how many other birthdays she has had, it was my wife's birthday this week. And so my final article of 2008, “A Lame Beggar & a Beautiful Young Woman”, is the result of some thoughts I have had regarding her. You will need to read the entire article to understand the connection between the lame beggar and the beautiful young woman. The short answer to this question is quite simple; me.
In the 3rd Chapter of the Book of Acts, Luke was inspired to record the first "apostolic miracle" following Pentecost. To me it has become one of the most profound and telling miracles found in Scripture. In verses one through ten we read, “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, 'Look at us!' And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene-walk!' And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God; and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
The Divine One had clearly orchestrated this meeting of the lame beggar and His two apostles. We read that this man had been lame from his mother's womb and learn later that this "man was more than forty years old" when this miracle occurred. The religious leaders had described it as "a noteworthy miracle" and although they wished to, they proclaimed, "We cannot deny it". "Weak" could not sufficiently describe the condition of this man's legs and lower body prior to the miracle. Forty years of unused muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons had left him utterly helpless to stand, walk, or leap.
The word tells us that the lame man was brought to the gate of the temple every day. I suppose that he had long abandoned any hope of using his legs. Sure, I believe that when he was younger he had undoubtedly longed to be able to walk and run like the other boys and girls. Perhaps he had even hoped and thought that he might be able to do so one day. But as the many years had passed, so had the thoughts and hopes of his younger years. There is no question in my mind that he had woken this day like so many days before. He would be taken to the temple gate where he would beg alms. And he would return again the following day and each day thereafter. I'm not sure of what all he would receive on any given day but his meager existence seemed dependent on his daily begging.
He certainly did not know it and had no reason to expect it, but on this day his life would be changed forever. On this day, the Sovereign One would accomplish a "noteworthy" miracle in his life. On this day he would be given new life and hope for tomorrow. On this day he would stand up and walk. On this day he would leap and praise God. He would not be carried to the temple gate tomorrow to beg alms. He would be a lame beggar no more!
As I considered the lame beggar, I couldn't help but see myself. Oh sure, I have never been lame in the same manner as he was and could not imagine the life that he had lived for more than forty years. But I concluded that I had also been lame from my mother's womb; crippled if you will, by sin. In my lameness, I was also weak and incapable of doing anything about my condition. I too sat begging at a "temple gate" but mine was of the world. The world seemed willing to give me what it had to offer, but as I know now, that too was a meager existence. And nothing it had to offer could remedy my crippled condition.
Peter and John did not find me lame and begging but a beautiful young woman came into my life. Like that of the lame beggar and the apostles, I am convinced that the Divine One had also orchestrated our meeting. But like the beggar, I was not expecting that which I would receive from her. Perhaps I would receive an interesting conversation or a date or maybe even a girlfriend. Like Peter and John, she did not possess silver or gold. In fact, she may have thought that all she had to offer was a broken life. But she wholly gave me her heart and she shared with me the gospel message of Christ. I had not expected the first and new nothing of the second. But within six months of our meeting I had become the recipient of a new life in Christ and was married to the woman who has remained the love of my life. And so it is that my wife's birthday is special to me. I was quickly approaching the age of three when this little girl was born and only our loving and gracious God knew that He would heal the "lameness" that we shared and would one day make us to be one. He is to be praised.
Like the lame beggar, I too had become enabled to stand, to walk, and to leap for the first time in my life. Sure, I had been able to stand, walk and leap with my legs since I had first learned how as a child. But now I found myself standing in Christ, empowered to walk in truth and privileged to leap in my heart and soul out of praise for the miracle God had performed in my life. And like the lame man, I no longer had to beg at the gate of the temple. I had also been given hope for tomorrow. I know that God was not dependent upon this beautiful young woman to accomplish His will in my life but I am so thankful that she was the vessel He chose to work through.
Father, on her birthday and throughout the year, I thank you for my wife. Thank you for bringing her into my life as I sat as a lame man, begging for the things offered by the world. Too often the flesh is prone to return to the life of a lame beggar. Help me to keep my focus on your Son and the abundant life that is found in Him alone. I know that I am not always found "walking and leaping and praising God". Help me to do so as I ought. In this coming new year, may you cause each of your children to be renewed in their faith and with a leap in their heart and soul, live lives praising you.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
A Baby, A Savior - My Thoughts For Christmas, 2008
Over the years I have heard the various thoughts that some have had on whether or not to forgive certain groups of people for the death of the Lord Jesus. I understand that some have even made public announcements of their forgiveness to one group or another. I remember wondering if they would take the next step and offer to forgive the Father for sending His only begotten Son into the world to die on a cross for you and I. Oh how great the inability of men to comprehend the things of God without spiritual discernment.
The scripture is clear. Jesus was born to die. It has been said that His cradle lay in the shadow of a cross. This may not have been literal but in type. But again, perhaps as the dawn broke that first Christmas morn, the morning light cast a shadow of a cross where the baby lay. I suspect no one would have noticed. We do not and could not celebrate any other birth as we do His. It is with great irony that we consider Christmas and the babe that lay in a manger. The matter and purpose of His birth is not harmonious with how we think of a child’s birth. Beyond His death itself, is an even greater irony; the cause thereof. The scripture tells us that death is the wages of sin. The scripture also tells us that Jesus was sinless; that He "knew no sin". I must take a few moments to consider this before I share my thoughts on Christmas.
It was God who established the law of sin and death. We are forced then, to consider a sinless Jesus and this matter of death. I would suggest that it was impossible, a contradiction if you will of God's law, for Jesus to simply die. In fact, without sin I don't think it was possible for Him to die at all. But die He did, the just for the unjust. We find the answer to this mystery in a tragic, yet glorious truth. Again, make no mistake; He had no sin of His own. He died for my sins. But addressing the correlation between sin and death clearer, we read that He "bore our sins in His body on the cross", or even more pointedly expressed, He was made "to be sin on our behalf". My sins alone would have been sufficient to cause His death but He bore much more than mine. No less than the sins of the world would be borne by this little child who laid there in such innocence that first Christmas day.
The Gospel of Matthew records the following for us in Chapter 1:18-21. "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
The Gospel of Luke records the angelic announcement to the shepherds of the Savior's birth in Chapter 2:8-12 as follows. "In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Oh, how we needed someone to save us from our sins! Sin had a solid grip on us. We could not get away. It would not let us go willingly: If we were to beg and plead with it to give us our freedom, it would stone heartedly reject our pleas. And if we fought against it with all our might, we would find that our efforts were all in vain. But praise God for the "good news of great joy". This babe lying in a manger had come to save us from our sins!
There He laid, the only begotten Son of God, partaking of flesh and blood. I don't know how long He was or how much He weighed. I suppose it matters not. I don't know if he had a lot of hair or not so much. I don't know if His mother's labor was difficult or not.
In the beginning He was laid in a borrowed manger and at the end He was laid in a borrowed tomb. Merry Christmas.
The One who knew no sin was now lying there in a world where all knew sin. Merry Christmas.
The One who found His welcome in a cattle stall will one day welcome me to His heavenly home. Merry Christmas.
He was found by the shepherds, wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger; but was found not amongst His grave clothes by His disciples. Merry Christmas.
Those little ears that first heard the voice of his parents and the animals nearby, would one day hear the loud shouts of the people saying, "Away with Him!" and "Crucify Him!" Merry Christmas.
That precious little face so adored by His mother would one day be spat upon and beaten. Merry Christmas.
The small nose that first sensed the smell of His mother and the animals and hay would one day smell the smell of blood and death on Golgotha's hill. Merry Christmas.
The smooth skin that His mother and father caressed would one day be tom from His body by scourging. Merry Christmas.
That little sweat head that lie in a manger would soon grow, that He might wear the crown of thorns that would be pressed upon His brow. Merry Christmas.
The soft hair on His head would change as He grew and one day would be matted with the blood from His brow. Merry Christmas.
Wood timbers, like those used to compose the stable and manger would one day be used to build His cross. Merry Christmas.
Those precious little hands and feet, marveled at by His parents, would one day be pierced through with large nails to suspend Him from His cross of crucifixion. Merry Christmas.
The mother who longingly gazed down in adoration of her baby, lying in a manger, would one day gaze up at Him in agony as He bore her sins and ours. Merry Christmas.
The kind little eyes that first looked up at His loving mother from His crude cradle would one day look down at her from His cross with a love like no other. Merry Christmas.
And that little mouth. Oh, that little mouth. The small cooing sounds spoken from His manger, that brought delight to His parents, would one day say, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing", bringing hope to a lost world. Merry Christmas.
Yes, that little mouth that would first utter cries to see His needs met would one day meet our greatest need as He cried once more with a loud voice; "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" Merry Christmas.
At His birth the angels proclaimed that He would be found, wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger. Following His death there came the victorious announcement when He was not found lying in His tomb. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." Merry Christmas!
Christmas. Perhaps there is nothing more ironic and nothing more grand. This babe lying in a manger; the Son of God sent to save us from our sins. Merry Christmas!!
Father, we simply marvel at your unspeakable gift. Thank you for saving us from our sins. Amidst the irony of it all, thank you that we can say with tidings of great joy, "Merry Christmas".
The scripture is clear. Jesus was born to die. It has been said that His cradle lay in the shadow of a cross. This may not have been literal but in type. But again, perhaps as the dawn broke that first Christmas morn, the morning light cast a shadow of a cross where the baby lay. I suspect no one would have noticed. We do not and could not celebrate any other birth as we do His. It is with great irony that we consider Christmas and the babe that lay in a manger. The matter and purpose of His birth is not harmonious with how we think of a child’s birth. Beyond His death itself, is an even greater irony; the cause thereof. The scripture tells us that death is the wages of sin. The scripture also tells us that Jesus was sinless; that He "knew no sin". I must take a few moments to consider this before I share my thoughts on Christmas.
It was God who established the law of sin and death. We are forced then, to consider a sinless Jesus and this matter of death. I would suggest that it was impossible, a contradiction if you will of God's law, for Jesus to simply die. In fact, without sin I don't think it was possible for Him to die at all. But die He did, the just for the unjust. We find the answer to this mystery in a tragic, yet glorious truth. Again, make no mistake; He had no sin of His own. He died for my sins. But addressing the correlation between sin and death clearer, we read that He "bore our sins in His body on the cross", or even more pointedly expressed, He was made "to be sin on our behalf". My sins alone would have been sufficient to cause His death but He bore much more than mine. No less than the sins of the world would be borne by this little child who laid there in such innocence that first Christmas day.
The Gospel of Matthew records the following for us in Chapter 1:18-21. "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
The Gospel of Luke records the angelic announcement to the shepherds of the Savior's birth in Chapter 2:8-12 as follows. "In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Oh, how we needed someone to save us from our sins! Sin had a solid grip on us. We could not get away. It would not let us go willingly: If we were to beg and plead with it to give us our freedom, it would stone heartedly reject our pleas. And if we fought against it with all our might, we would find that our efforts were all in vain. But praise God for the "good news of great joy". This babe lying in a manger had come to save us from our sins!
There He laid, the only begotten Son of God, partaking of flesh and blood. I don't know how long He was or how much He weighed. I suppose it matters not. I don't know if he had a lot of hair or not so much. I don't know if His mother's labor was difficult or not.
In the beginning He was laid in a borrowed manger and at the end He was laid in a borrowed tomb. Merry Christmas.
The One who knew no sin was now lying there in a world where all knew sin. Merry Christmas.
The One who found His welcome in a cattle stall will one day welcome me to His heavenly home. Merry Christmas.
He was found by the shepherds, wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger; but was found not amongst His grave clothes by His disciples. Merry Christmas.
Those little ears that first heard the voice of his parents and the animals nearby, would one day hear the loud shouts of the people saying, "Away with Him!" and "Crucify Him!" Merry Christmas.
That precious little face so adored by His mother would one day be spat upon and beaten. Merry Christmas.
The small nose that first sensed the smell of His mother and the animals and hay would one day smell the smell of blood and death on Golgotha's hill. Merry Christmas.
The smooth skin that His mother and father caressed would one day be tom from His body by scourging. Merry Christmas.
That little sweat head that lie in a manger would soon grow, that He might wear the crown of thorns that would be pressed upon His brow. Merry Christmas.
The soft hair on His head would change as He grew and one day would be matted with the blood from His brow. Merry Christmas.
Wood timbers, like those used to compose the stable and manger would one day be used to build His cross. Merry Christmas.
Those precious little hands and feet, marveled at by His parents, would one day be pierced through with large nails to suspend Him from His cross of crucifixion. Merry Christmas.
The mother who longingly gazed down in adoration of her baby, lying in a manger, would one day gaze up at Him in agony as He bore her sins and ours. Merry Christmas.
The kind little eyes that first looked up at His loving mother from His crude cradle would one day look down at her from His cross with a love like no other. Merry Christmas.
And that little mouth. Oh, that little mouth. The small cooing sounds spoken from His manger, that brought delight to His parents, would one day say, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing", bringing hope to a lost world. Merry Christmas.
Yes, that little mouth that would first utter cries to see His needs met would one day meet our greatest need as He cried once more with a loud voice; "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" Merry Christmas.
At His birth the angels proclaimed that He would be found, wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger. Following His death there came the victorious announcement when He was not found lying in His tomb. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." Merry Christmas!
Christmas. Perhaps there is nothing more ironic and nothing more grand. This babe lying in a manger; the Son of God sent to save us from our sins. Merry Christmas!!
Father, we simply marvel at your unspeakable gift. Thank you for saving us from our sins. Amidst the irony of it all, thank you that we can say with tidings of great joy, "Merry Christmas".
Friday, December 12, 2008
A Quick Reminder
He "made known" to the shepherds the birth of Jesus, prompting them to go and find "the baby as He lay in the manger". He gave Peter, a fisherman, revelation to proclaim that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the living God". On the road to Damascus, He sovereignly introduced Himself as Jesus to Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee. To Lydia, "a seller of purple fabrics", He opened her heart to receive the gospel message of Christ spoken by the apostle Paul. For all who find themselves believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, members of the Way, members of the body of Christ, He has "caused us to be born again to a living hope".
My "quick reminder" is simply this. No matter how desperate and evil things appear to be in the world and no matter how imperfect things are in the Church, the Holy Spirit is moving mightily all over the world. God is still opening the hearts of men and sovereignly revealing the truth of Jesus to men, women and children "according to the kind intention of His will".
I believe this statement is true today and will be true tomorrow. Somewhere in the world today, December 12, 2008, God opened the hearts of men, women and children and revealed to them the truth of Jesus; that He is "the Christ, the Son of the living God". They have received their "introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand". Praise God!
My "quick reminder" is simply this. No matter how desperate and evil things appear to be in the world and no matter how imperfect things are in the Church, the Holy Spirit is moving mightily all over the world. God is still opening the hearts of men and sovereignly revealing the truth of Jesus to men, women and children "according to the kind intention of His will".
I believe this statement is true today and will be true tomorrow. Somewhere in the world today, December 12, 2008, God opened the hearts of men, women and children and revealed to them the truth of Jesus; that He is "the Christ, the Son of the living God". They have received their "introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand". Praise God!
Friday, December 5, 2008
A Wonderful Change
Hoping and praying for changed lives has been a recent theme at our home. And at our church we have been praying specifically for the spouses of church members who are either unsaved or forsaking the “assembling together, as is the habit of some”. We do so, in part because we care, but also because we believe that God changes lives.
It has been said that the changed lives of Jesus’ disciples was one of the greatest evidences of His resurrection and fulfillment of His promise to send the Helper. On the night preceding His crucifixion, Jesus had prophesied to His apostles that they would all fall away from Him. We are most familiar with Peter’s protest to this statement, but when Peter had said, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not”; the scriptures tell us that the others “were all saying the same thing also”. Their heart’s desire was strong but their ability to follow through on their commitment was lacking. And so it was that each of them fell away as Jesus had said they would.
But as promised, the Helper (Holy Spirit) came into their lives on the day of Pentecost and each of them were changed. They were given new life in Christ. They now had the power to be witnesses for Christ. In Acts chapter five we find the apostles being arrested for teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus. There had been a previous arrest of Peter and John where upon their release they had been threatened to “not teach or preach at all in the name of Jesus”. On this second arrest, those who opposed their message of Christ had “laid hands on the apostles, and put them in a public jail”. You may recall the account; during the night an “angel of the Lord” had opened the prison doors and sent them back out to speak to the people of Jesus.
Having resumed their call to speak of Christ, the apostles were then re-arrested and brought back to answer to the Jewish Council for continuing to do that which they had been forbidden to do. While being questioned, the high priest is recorded as making the following statement to them. “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” Without a doubt, these men’s lives had been changed! These men who had all fallen away from Christ that dreadful night were now being accused of filling the city of Jerusalem with their teaching of Him!
Each one who has come to know Christ has been forever changed. For some the change has appeared more dramatic than others, although in each case it has been a miracle of grace. I so much appreciate the change that was made in Saul of Tarsus’ life. When the Church had suffered its first martyr, the stoning of Stephen, the scripture tells us that he “was in hearty agreement with putting him to death”. He was described as one who was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” when he took the initiative to go to the high priest and request written authority for him to go to Damascus and “if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem”.
But on the road to Damascus the Lord intervened in his life, revealing Himself as Jesus and Saul’s life was never the same again. His name was changed to Paul but his was clearly more than a name change. The man who described himself as someone who “used to persecute the church of God beyond measure” and who “tried to destroy it” became a man whose passion was to “know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”. His hope was to one day depart this earth and be with Christ.
Each of us who has come to know the One who changes lives was traveling down our own road. I remember sharing my testimony one time and I commented that mine was not the road to Damascus but a road to a destructive lifestyle. A woman, who was much older than I, said that she had been on the same road I had described but had not seen me there. Years had separated our travel down this road but the One who rescued us from it was the same. As the Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:3, we could each say, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.
In 1914, a man by the name of Rufus McDaniel penned the following words to one of the great hymns of our faith. “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, Since Jesus came into my heart! I have light in my soul for which long I had sought, Since Jesus came into my heart!” He is said to have written the hymn following the untimely death of his youngest son. He found solace and hope in the wonderful change that had previously occurred in his life “when Jesus came into” his heart. He was praising Jesus, the One who had “wrought” the change in his life.
I found that Mr. McDaniel had written a couple of verses to this great hymn that are not found in our hymnal. One of the verses goes as follows; “I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure, Since Jesus came into my heart! And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure, Since Jesus came into my heart!” I love that thought; “Possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure”. Part of our hope is in a God who changes lives. May we be mindful of this great truth as we pray for those in and outside the body of Christ.
Father, we thank you for the wonderful change you have wrought in the lives of so many since you began to build your Church. I thank you for the wonderful change in my life. I thank you for Jesus Christ, the great changer of lives; the giver of new life! We pray for those who do not know you and ask that you would so work in their hearts and minds that they might declare of your Son; “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Along with Mr. McDaniel, may they one day sing, “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart!”
It has been said that the changed lives of Jesus’ disciples was one of the greatest evidences of His resurrection and fulfillment of His promise to send the Helper. On the night preceding His crucifixion, Jesus had prophesied to His apostles that they would all fall away from Him. We are most familiar with Peter’s protest to this statement, but when Peter had said, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not”; the scriptures tell us that the others “were all saying the same thing also”. Their heart’s desire was strong but their ability to follow through on their commitment was lacking. And so it was that each of them fell away as Jesus had said they would.
But as promised, the Helper (Holy Spirit) came into their lives on the day of Pentecost and each of them were changed. They were given new life in Christ. They now had the power to be witnesses for Christ. In Acts chapter five we find the apostles being arrested for teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus. There had been a previous arrest of Peter and John where upon their release they had been threatened to “not teach or preach at all in the name of Jesus”. On this second arrest, those who opposed their message of Christ had “laid hands on the apostles, and put them in a public jail”. You may recall the account; during the night an “angel of the Lord” had opened the prison doors and sent them back out to speak to the people of Jesus.
Having resumed their call to speak of Christ, the apostles were then re-arrested and brought back to answer to the Jewish Council for continuing to do that which they had been forbidden to do. While being questioned, the high priest is recorded as making the following statement to them. “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” Without a doubt, these men’s lives had been changed! These men who had all fallen away from Christ that dreadful night were now being accused of filling the city of Jerusalem with their teaching of Him!
Each one who has come to know Christ has been forever changed. For some the change has appeared more dramatic than others, although in each case it has been a miracle of grace. I so much appreciate the change that was made in Saul of Tarsus’ life. When the Church had suffered its first martyr, the stoning of Stephen, the scripture tells us that he “was in hearty agreement with putting him to death”. He was described as one who was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” when he took the initiative to go to the high priest and request written authority for him to go to Damascus and “if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem”.
But on the road to Damascus the Lord intervened in his life, revealing Himself as Jesus and Saul’s life was never the same again. His name was changed to Paul but his was clearly more than a name change. The man who described himself as someone who “used to persecute the church of God beyond measure” and who “tried to destroy it” became a man whose passion was to “know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”. His hope was to one day depart this earth and be with Christ.
Each of us who has come to know the One who changes lives was traveling down our own road. I remember sharing my testimony one time and I commented that mine was not the road to Damascus but a road to a destructive lifestyle. A woman, who was much older than I, said that she had been on the same road I had described but had not seen me there. Years had separated our travel down this road but the One who rescued us from it was the same. As the Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:3, we could each say, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.
In 1914, a man by the name of Rufus McDaniel penned the following words to one of the great hymns of our faith. “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, Since Jesus came into my heart! I have light in my soul for which long I had sought, Since Jesus came into my heart!” He is said to have written the hymn following the untimely death of his youngest son. He found solace and hope in the wonderful change that had previously occurred in his life “when Jesus came into” his heart. He was praising Jesus, the One who had “wrought” the change in his life.
I found that Mr. McDaniel had written a couple of verses to this great hymn that are not found in our hymnal. One of the verses goes as follows; “I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure, Since Jesus came into my heart! And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure, Since Jesus came into my heart!” I love that thought; “Possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure”. Part of our hope is in a God who changes lives. May we be mindful of this great truth as we pray for those in and outside the body of Christ.
Father, we thank you for the wonderful change you have wrought in the lives of so many since you began to build your Church. I thank you for the wonderful change in my life. I thank you for Jesus Christ, the great changer of lives; the giver of new life! We pray for those who do not know you and ask that you would so work in their hearts and minds that they might declare of your Son; “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Along with Mr. McDaniel, may they one day sing, “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart!”
Friday, November 28, 2008
Why We Can be Thankful
So much to be thankful for; for those who are called children of God! In his first letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" and again in his letter to the Ephesians he wrote, "always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father". It is God's will that His children be ongoingly thankful and have Him as the focus of that thankfulness.
If we were to make a list of all that we are, or should be thankful for, such a list would be extensive in length. Perhaps at the top of our list would be the words written by the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian church where he wrote, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" All that we have to be thankful for finds its existence in light of this "indescribable gift", the gift of His Son, Jesus.
I am so thankful for the gift of salvation that I have in Christ. Forgiveness of sin is a privilege to treasure. I am thankful for my beautiful wife and the two wonderful children God has blessed us with. I am thankful for my job and for all that God provides each and every day. I am thankful for our church family. I am thankful for the privilege to serve Him. I am thankful for answered prayer. The list goes on and on but it is really something else that I wish to speak of today.
How is it that I can be thankful at all? Why can I thank God for anything? Why can I sit here now or at any other time and write this or any other thought regarding the things of the Almighty? The answer to these questions is found in a single word; Grace. I know that Jesus is the "name which is above every name" and that it is "the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" that I have been justified in. As stated above, it is in His name that we are to give thanks. His name is truly the "sweetest name I know".
But besides His name, grace is the sweetest word I know. Perhaps there is no other word in scripture that would alter the course of humanity more significantly if it were to not be found in our bibles. So many words have other words that could take their place. But what could take the place of grace? In 2 Corinthians 4:15 we read, "For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God". You see, it is grace that causes the giving of thanks that abounds to the glory of God.
In closing, in the 5th chapter of the Book of Romans, we find a glorious truth that the Apostle Paul was inspired to speak of regarding our Lord Jesus Christ when he wrote, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand". Salvation is not the end of grace, but our introduction into it!
Father, we have so much to be thankful for. But today I will simply say, "thank you for grace". If it were not for your grace, I could not know or thank you for your Son. I would not know how to thank you for forgiving my sins, for my family, for answered prayer, for my church family and for the many things I have to be thankful for. So at this time of thanksgiving, help me, help all your children, to be thankful for your grace. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, we pray that grace, "which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks" by all who have experienced it.
If we were to make a list of all that we are, or should be thankful for, such a list would be extensive in length. Perhaps at the top of our list would be the words written by the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian church where he wrote, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" All that we have to be thankful for finds its existence in light of this "indescribable gift", the gift of His Son, Jesus.
I am so thankful for the gift of salvation that I have in Christ. Forgiveness of sin is a privilege to treasure. I am thankful for my beautiful wife and the two wonderful children God has blessed us with. I am thankful for my job and for all that God provides each and every day. I am thankful for our church family. I am thankful for the privilege to serve Him. I am thankful for answered prayer. The list goes on and on but it is really something else that I wish to speak of today.
How is it that I can be thankful at all? Why can I thank God for anything? Why can I sit here now or at any other time and write this or any other thought regarding the things of the Almighty? The answer to these questions is found in a single word; Grace. I know that Jesus is the "name which is above every name" and that it is "the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" that I have been justified in. As stated above, it is in His name that we are to give thanks. His name is truly the "sweetest name I know".
But besides His name, grace is the sweetest word I know. Perhaps there is no other word in scripture that would alter the course of humanity more significantly if it were to not be found in our bibles. So many words have other words that could take their place. But what could take the place of grace? In 2 Corinthians 4:15 we read, "For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God". You see, it is grace that causes the giving of thanks that abounds to the glory of God.
In closing, in the 5th chapter of the Book of Romans, we find a glorious truth that the Apostle Paul was inspired to speak of regarding our Lord Jesus Christ when he wrote, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand". Salvation is not the end of grace, but our introduction into it!
Father, we have so much to be thankful for. But today I will simply say, "thank you for grace". If it were not for your grace, I could not know or thank you for your Son. I would not know how to thank you for forgiving my sins, for my family, for answered prayer, for my church family and for the many things I have to be thankful for. So at this time of thanksgiving, help me, help all your children, to be thankful for your grace. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, we pray that grace, "which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks" by all who have experienced it.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Weary, Heavy-Laden and Thankful
Circumstances have prevented me from posting Part II of "Jettison the Cargo!" this week. Lord willing, I will do so in the weeks to come. My heart and mind have been occupied with other matters these last few days and I feel compelled to share some other thoughts.
Today, I found myself in a courtroom full of people with heavy hearts. Many tears were shed amidst the sounds of deep sobbing. Some were there mourning the loss of a woman who was their mother, their sister and their daughter. Others were there mourning the woman's death and learning that the young man who caused it would be going to prison for several years. They were his mother and father, sister, aunts, uncles and friends. I was in this second group. Early this past summer, my nephew had made a most unfortunate decision to drive while he was intoxicated. This afternoon he was hearing the court's verdict against him that will result in a minimum prison sentence of 75 months being imposed.
Over the past several months, many prayers have been prayed by God's children for my nephew, his family and the family of the woman who died in this incident. In Romans 8:26 the Apostle Paul wrote, "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;" I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has interceded so, time and again in this matter.
Not only have His people prayed; He has faithfully answered prayer. I know my nephew's life will never be just as it was prior to the tragic incident he will now serve time for. But before he was taken into custody he was given one of the most gracious gifts I have seen given by men. He was offered the forgiveness of those who had been so hurt by his actions. At the conclusion of his trial yesterday, the father of the woman who was killed gave him a hug and offered his forgiveness. Others told him they forgave him also. And today the father stood in the courtroom affirming his forgiveness and encouraged my nephew to forgive himself. He spoke of his faith in the Lord and his sincerity was undeniable. My nephew was overwhelmed with grief and spoke of his sorrow for what he had caused and his wish that he could undo it all.
We all found ourselves experiencing the consequences of a most tragic incident that has effected so many lives. My nephew will be formally sentenced next week, the day before Thanksgiving. As difficult a time as this is, and today was, I found myself thankful for many things. Foremost of all I was overwhelmingly thankful for our loving God. I was thankful for the faithful prayers of His children. I was thankful for the ways that He had answered prayer. I was thankful for a thoughtful, fair-minded judge who presided over the case. I was thankful for my nephew's desire to accept responsibility for his actions and his obvious remorse for his actions. I was thankful that God was working in the lives of members of this woman's family and my nephew's family to ease their hurting hearts. I was especially thankful for how He used the father of the woman who had died to speak to the heart of my nephew like no one else in the courtroom could have done.
It wasn't audible, but today I heard the echo of words spoken long ago by the Lord Jesus when He said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Praise God that there is a place for the weary and heavy-laden to go and to be given rest. May we heed His bidding to come and may we receive the rest that He offers. I would ask that you continue to pray for all involved in this matter. So many different people with so many different needs. I would specifically ask that you pray for my nephew's salvation. This is the most important rest that he needs. The forgiveness of sins. And pray for his safety while he is in custody. Pray that he would make the best of the positive things offered and that he would reject the negative influences. Pray for his family. Especially pray for his mom and dad. Their hearts are very heavy. May they look to the Savior for His grace, strength, love and mercy. And pray for the father and other family members who will continue to mourn the loss of their loved one. Especially pray for them during this holiday season. May each one go to the One who wishes to give rest to the wear and heavy-laden.
Father, it is at times like these that we simply say, "thank you for being there for us". At times it can be a mystery how you work in the lives of people but we are so thankful that you do. Help us to rest in the truth that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." We ask that you take these tragic things that have happened and cause them to work together for good. Thank you for being "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort".
Today, I found myself in a courtroom full of people with heavy hearts. Many tears were shed amidst the sounds of deep sobbing. Some were there mourning the loss of a woman who was their mother, their sister and their daughter. Others were there mourning the woman's death and learning that the young man who caused it would be going to prison for several years. They were his mother and father, sister, aunts, uncles and friends. I was in this second group. Early this past summer, my nephew had made a most unfortunate decision to drive while he was intoxicated. This afternoon he was hearing the court's verdict against him that will result in a minimum prison sentence of 75 months being imposed.
Over the past several months, many prayers have been prayed by God's children for my nephew, his family and the family of the woman who died in this incident. In Romans 8:26 the Apostle Paul wrote, "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;" I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has interceded so, time and again in this matter.
Not only have His people prayed; He has faithfully answered prayer. I know my nephew's life will never be just as it was prior to the tragic incident he will now serve time for. But before he was taken into custody he was given one of the most gracious gifts I have seen given by men. He was offered the forgiveness of those who had been so hurt by his actions. At the conclusion of his trial yesterday, the father of the woman who was killed gave him a hug and offered his forgiveness. Others told him they forgave him also. And today the father stood in the courtroom affirming his forgiveness and encouraged my nephew to forgive himself. He spoke of his faith in the Lord and his sincerity was undeniable. My nephew was overwhelmed with grief and spoke of his sorrow for what he had caused and his wish that he could undo it all.
We all found ourselves experiencing the consequences of a most tragic incident that has effected so many lives. My nephew will be formally sentenced next week, the day before Thanksgiving. As difficult a time as this is, and today was, I found myself thankful for many things. Foremost of all I was overwhelmingly thankful for our loving God. I was thankful for the faithful prayers of His children. I was thankful for the ways that He had answered prayer. I was thankful for a thoughtful, fair-minded judge who presided over the case. I was thankful for my nephew's desire to accept responsibility for his actions and his obvious remorse for his actions. I was thankful that God was working in the lives of members of this woman's family and my nephew's family to ease their hurting hearts. I was especially thankful for how He used the father of the woman who had died to speak to the heart of my nephew like no one else in the courtroom could have done.
It wasn't audible, but today I heard the echo of words spoken long ago by the Lord Jesus when He said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Praise God that there is a place for the weary and heavy-laden to go and to be given rest. May we heed His bidding to come and may we receive the rest that He offers. I would ask that you continue to pray for all involved in this matter. So many different people with so many different needs. I would specifically ask that you pray for my nephew's salvation. This is the most important rest that he needs. The forgiveness of sins. And pray for his safety while he is in custody. Pray that he would make the best of the positive things offered and that he would reject the negative influences. Pray for his family. Especially pray for his mom and dad. Their hearts are very heavy. May they look to the Savior for His grace, strength, love and mercy. And pray for the father and other family members who will continue to mourn the loss of their loved one. Especially pray for them during this holiday season. May each one go to the One who wishes to give rest to the wear and heavy-laden.
Father, it is at times like these that we simply say, "thank you for being there for us". At times it can be a mystery how you work in the lives of people but we are so thankful that you do. Help us to rest in the truth that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." We ask that you take these tragic things that have happened and cause them to work together for good. Thank you for being "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort".
Friday, November 14, 2008
Jettison the Cargo! Part I
I have come to appreciate more and more the illustrations we find in the scriptures that tell us so much about real life situations. Oh how His word is profitable! One of my favorites is found in the 27th Chapter of the Book of Acts where so many lessons can be learned. The focus of this article will be in verses 13-26.
Here we find the Apostle Paul on his way to Rome, a prisoner of Julius, a "centurion of the Augustan cohort". Having previously appeared before the Roman governors Felix and Festus, Paul had appealed his case to Caesar and was being taken there to bear His name. They had boarded an "Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy" and had come to port in a place called Fair Havens, which was near the city of Lasea. Having rejected the exhortation of Paul to remain at Fair Havens, Julius had chosen instead to listen to the advice of the "experts", the pilot and captain of the ship and sail on, despite the approaching of winter and unsafe sailing conditions. After all, they said that Fair Havens was "not suitable for wintering" at. I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to remind us that God's ways are often contrary to the ways and wisdom of men but they are always better! As we read in Proverbs 3:5, " Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding".
Well, you may remember the story, following their decision to sail on, there blew a "moderate south wind" that, in their mind, affirmed the decision they had made. As I previously cautioned in my article entitled, "Circumstances and a Moderate South Wind", we must be careful not to look to circumstances to affirm or negate our decisions and actions. God is bigger than our circumstances and His word of truth must be our guide and measure.
In this chapter we have a great picture of what it can be like for the child of God who has wandered from the faith and how it is that he may find his way back. Not long after the inviting "moderate south wind" blew, a "violent wind" had rushed down upon them. As so often is the case when we have gotten off the path of righteousness, we are not able to stand against the storms of life or the winds of the flesh and we may "give way to it and let ourselves be driven along." Oh, how fast we can be driven far from the place God would have us to be. How our sins can become like a snowball rolling down the hill, growing greater the further it progresses downward.
To often, if we have not confessed our sins to God and have gotten right with Him, we begin to look to ourselves and the world for answers. As the ship was driven along, they looked to benefit from the shelter of an island and they fought to secure the "ship's boat" or lifeboat. Unable to resist the driving wind, they let out sea anchors in their attempt to minimize the speed at which they were being driven along. These self-efforts seemed fruitless as the following day they found themselves "storm tossed". Have you been there? To lighten their load and give the ship greater buoyancy they began to "jettison the cargo" as they "threw the ship's tackle overboard". In the context of what they were doing, I'm convinced that they began with that which they believed they could best do without. When trying in our own strength, we too will start letting go of the things we feel we can do without first, not wanting to let go of the very things that may be in our way of getting right with Him.
Despite their efforts, their situation seemed to worsen. In verse 20 we see that the storm had gotten so bad that "neither sun nor stars appeared for many days". I have long appreciated the words "no small storm", that were used to describe such a storm as this. The storm was said to be assailing them. In part, I believe it was assailing their human efforts of survival and reliance. This assault was so great that "all hope of being saved was gradually abandoned". But this hopelessness would be used by God to teach a great lesson. It is quite probable that the Apostle Paul himself was counted amongst those struggling for hope. But His faithful Lord would intervene at the right time to give hope where there seemed to be none. He can do the same in your life and mine.
An angel of God appeared before Paul and told him to not be afraid. It would only make sense that Paul had found himself afraid. But from the context, I believe that Paul had addressed his fears through prayer. The angel assured Paul that he would stand before Caesar and that God had also "granted" him all those who were sailing with him. Could it be that in this very difficult time, Paul had been praying for the safety of each man on the boat? I believe so. After a brief "I told you so" regarding their decision to leave Fair Havens, Paul shared God's promise, as delivered to him by the angel, with the other men on the ship. In light of God's promise he urged them to keep up their courage, telling them that the ship would suffer loss but that there would be no loss of life.
I will end Part I of this article with Paul's words as recorded by Luke in verse 25. "I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told." This is a statement of great faith based on God's greater faithfulness. This truth is repeated throughout scripture. In 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Paul wrote, "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass". In Hebrews 10:23 the author wrote, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful". And in 1 Corinthians 1:9 Paul declared, "God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Father, we have so many lessons to learn as we "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity". Thank you again for the promised Helper. Oh, how our minds need renewing. Thank you for your word, your mercy and your grace. And yes, thank you "that it will turn out exactly" as you have faithfully told us.
Here we find the Apostle Paul on his way to Rome, a prisoner of Julius, a "centurion of the Augustan cohort". Having previously appeared before the Roman governors Felix and Festus, Paul had appealed his case to Caesar and was being taken there to bear His name. They had boarded an "Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy" and had come to port in a place called Fair Havens, which was near the city of Lasea. Having rejected the exhortation of Paul to remain at Fair Havens, Julius had chosen instead to listen to the advice of the "experts", the pilot and captain of the ship and sail on, despite the approaching of winter and unsafe sailing conditions. After all, they said that Fair Havens was "not suitable for wintering" at. I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to remind us that God's ways are often contrary to the ways and wisdom of men but they are always better! As we read in Proverbs 3:5, " Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding".
Well, you may remember the story, following their decision to sail on, there blew a "moderate south wind" that, in their mind, affirmed the decision they had made. As I previously cautioned in my article entitled, "Circumstances and a Moderate South Wind", we must be careful not to look to circumstances to affirm or negate our decisions and actions. God is bigger than our circumstances and His word of truth must be our guide and measure.
In this chapter we have a great picture of what it can be like for the child of God who has wandered from the faith and how it is that he may find his way back. Not long after the inviting "moderate south wind" blew, a "violent wind" had rushed down upon them. As so often is the case when we have gotten off the path of righteousness, we are not able to stand against the storms of life or the winds of the flesh and we may "give way to it and let ourselves be driven along." Oh, how fast we can be driven far from the place God would have us to be. How our sins can become like a snowball rolling down the hill, growing greater the further it progresses downward.
To often, if we have not confessed our sins to God and have gotten right with Him, we begin to look to ourselves and the world for answers. As the ship was driven along, they looked to benefit from the shelter of an island and they fought to secure the "ship's boat" or lifeboat. Unable to resist the driving wind, they let out sea anchors in their attempt to minimize the speed at which they were being driven along. These self-efforts seemed fruitless as the following day they found themselves "storm tossed". Have you been there? To lighten their load and give the ship greater buoyancy they began to "jettison the cargo" as they "threw the ship's tackle overboard". In the context of what they were doing, I'm convinced that they began with that which they believed they could best do without. When trying in our own strength, we too will start letting go of the things we feel we can do without first, not wanting to let go of the very things that may be in our way of getting right with Him.
Despite their efforts, their situation seemed to worsen. In verse 20 we see that the storm had gotten so bad that "neither sun nor stars appeared for many days". I have long appreciated the words "no small storm", that were used to describe such a storm as this. The storm was said to be assailing them. In part, I believe it was assailing their human efforts of survival and reliance. This assault was so great that "all hope of being saved was gradually abandoned". But this hopelessness would be used by God to teach a great lesson. It is quite probable that the Apostle Paul himself was counted amongst those struggling for hope. But His faithful Lord would intervene at the right time to give hope where there seemed to be none. He can do the same in your life and mine.
An angel of God appeared before Paul and told him to not be afraid. It would only make sense that Paul had found himself afraid. But from the context, I believe that Paul had addressed his fears through prayer. The angel assured Paul that he would stand before Caesar and that God had also "granted" him all those who were sailing with him. Could it be that in this very difficult time, Paul had been praying for the safety of each man on the boat? I believe so. After a brief "I told you so" regarding their decision to leave Fair Havens, Paul shared God's promise, as delivered to him by the angel, with the other men on the ship. In light of God's promise he urged them to keep up their courage, telling them that the ship would suffer loss but that there would be no loss of life.
I will end Part I of this article with Paul's words as recorded by Luke in verse 25. "I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told." This is a statement of great faith based on God's greater faithfulness. This truth is repeated throughout scripture. In 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Paul wrote, "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass". In Hebrews 10:23 the author wrote, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful". And in 1 Corinthians 1:9 Paul declared, "God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Father, we have so many lessons to learn as we "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity". Thank you again for the promised Helper. Oh, how our minds need renewing. Thank you for your word, your mercy and your grace. And yes, thank you "that it will turn out exactly" as you have faithfully told us.
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