Chapter 19 of Jeremiah concludes a section of Jeremiah spelling out what is in store for Judah as the result of their idolatry and failure to change and forsake their idolatrous ways. He will continue to prophesy, and up to now his focus has primarily been on the people and leaders together.
The description turns graphic, describing cannibalism that will occur, along with all the horror of the imminent Babylonian siege. Verse 8, though, in my view brings about the worst consequence of their sin. "I will also make this city a desolation and an object of hissing; everyone who passes by it will be astonished and hiss because of all its disasters."
Israel and Judah, even before the kingdoms were split, were to be a light to those outside of their faith. Simeon called Jesus a light to lighten the Gentiles, and God's people have always been expected to be a positive influence to the people and nations around them. Now, as a result of generations of following idols and other objects of their affection, Judah would be seen by travelers, not as a region of hope, but as one of disaster and destruction.
Just like the clay pot that Jeremiah smashes, God could no longer use Judah; they had become worthless, just as the pot that cannot be repaired after being smashed. The imagery was crystal clear to those who saw and heard Jeremiah.
I read these types of passages and pray for the church. We are to be the light of hope to this horrific and dark world. I wonder what "passers-by" think of when they see the church today. Do they recognize the church? Do we present the proper image of God to them? Do we reverently fear Him, and does our reverence and honor show in our lives?
Pray with me this week as we enter "Passion Week", when we should see great opportunities to share the light we know to be Jesus Christ.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Under Attack
Up to now, we get the feeling that Jeremiah's message is falling on deaf ears. People are choosing to listen to their leaders, who are assuring them all is well, God will be fine with their sin, no worries.
What happens, then, when a man stands up for the truth, leaders hear, and then have to make a decision? Well, in Jeremiah's case, chapter 18 shows what happened to him. "Then they said, 'Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah. Surely the law is not going to be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the sage, nor the divine word to the prophet! Come on and let us strike at him with our tongue, and let us give no heed to any of his words.'" (verse 18)
Seems like an answer someone might get even today. "Let's plot against him, lie about him, and then ignore him." They wrote him off as a lunatic, someone crazy enough to believe God.
Friends and family, that is where we are today, in my humble opinion. I do not expect a nation like ours to turn to God and create some Old Testament Israel version of a country. That does not seem to be God's plan. However, I do tend to take it personally when God is mocked, when sin is excused, as if it does not matter.
I wonder when God will say "enough" to how the church treats Him at times, or how we as individual Christians treat Him. He understands that the lost does not know how to live a righteous life for Him. It does not excuse them, however. Moreso then, I have the responsibility to follow Him, listen to, believe, and obey His word.
There are those among us boldly taking a stand for His truth. I pray that "those" include us, wherever it is that God has us living, and whomever He has us living around. Jeremiah's day called for a strong proclaimer of the truth. Tell me how today is any different.
Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator
What happens, then, when a man stands up for the truth, leaders hear, and then have to make a decision? Well, in Jeremiah's case, chapter 18 shows what happened to him. "Then they said, 'Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah. Surely the law is not going to be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the sage, nor the divine word to the prophet! Come on and let us strike at him with our tongue, and let us give no heed to any of his words.'" (verse 18)
Seems like an answer someone might get even today. "Let's plot against him, lie about him, and then ignore him." They wrote him off as a lunatic, someone crazy enough to believe God.
Friends and family, that is where we are today, in my humble opinion. I do not expect a nation like ours to turn to God and create some Old Testament Israel version of a country. That does not seem to be God's plan. However, I do tend to take it personally when God is mocked, when sin is excused, as if it does not matter.
I wonder when God will say "enough" to how the church treats Him at times, or how we as individual Christians treat Him. He understands that the lost does not know how to live a righteous life for Him. It does not excuse them, however. Moreso then, I have the responsibility to follow Him, listen to, believe, and obey His word.
There are those among us boldly taking a stand for His truth. I pray that "those" include us, wherever it is that God has us living, and whomever He has us living around. Jeremiah's day called for a strong proclaimer of the truth. Tell me how today is any different.
Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator
Friday, March 23, 2012
False Hope
Jeremiah 14-16 today.
"It's not as bad as you think."
"People are still generally very good."
"God is love; just be the best person you can be, and He will bless you, and you'll be fine."
The theme of Jeremiah continues, God is explaining His justice, painful as it is and will be. And Jeremiah adds a new retort of the people. "...the prophets are telling them, 'You will not see the sword nor see famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.'" The so-called prophets were trying to ease the concerns of the people, and pretending all was just fine.
They were not telling the people the truth, but rather were trying to make them feel better. Being that they were trusted among this people, as prophets, why would they NOT listen to them? I mean, come on, Jeremiah had no good news, he only challenged people to change their ways and follow God, on His terms!
Why were they supposed to listen to Jeremiah instead of them? Tough call, put yourself in their place, how would you decide what is truth?
I believe the major reason they wanted to listen to the prophets was because they did not know God's Word. Granted, they did not have their own scrolls to refer back to what was said to David, or Solomon, or Abraham, etc. But they had priests they could have asked. They could have asked leaders to read that Word, and tell them what was true. It was much easier to listen to people who had nice things to say. Otherwise, they would have had to own up to their sin, repent, and change their lifestyles?
Now who wants to do all that?
I pray Christians, faced today with the same choices, would do so.
And I pray people will listen to those who tell the truth of the Word, all of it.
Lastly, I pray for more leaders to be the tellers of that truth. God's Word is under attack, and honestly, the worst attacks are coming from WITHIN the church! I pray God will reveal the false prophets; there are so many people following them, it's the easier thing to do today.
"It's not as bad as you think."
"People are still generally very good."
"God is love; just be the best person you can be, and He will bless you, and you'll be fine."
The theme of Jeremiah continues, God is explaining His justice, painful as it is and will be. And Jeremiah adds a new retort of the people. "...the prophets are telling them, 'You will not see the sword nor see famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.'" The so-called prophets were trying to ease the concerns of the people, and pretending all was just fine.
They were not telling the people the truth, but rather were trying to make them feel better. Being that they were trusted among this people, as prophets, why would they NOT listen to them? I mean, come on, Jeremiah had no good news, he only challenged people to change their ways and follow God, on His terms!
Why were they supposed to listen to Jeremiah instead of them? Tough call, put yourself in their place, how would you decide what is truth?
I believe the major reason they wanted to listen to the prophets was because they did not know God's Word. Granted, they did not have their own scrolls to refer back to what was said to David, or Solomon, or Abraham, etc. But they had priests they could have asked. They could have asked leaders to read that Word, and tell them what was true. It was much easier to listen to people who had nice things to say. Otherwise, they would have had to own up to their sin, repent, and change their lifestyles?
Now who wants to do all that?
I pray Christians, faced today with the same choices, would do so.
And I pray people will listen to those who tell the truth of the Word, all of it.
Lastly, I pray for more leaders to be the tellers of that truth. God's Word is under attack, and honestly, the worst attacks are coming from WITHIN the church! I pray God will reveal the false prophets; there are so many people following them, it's the easier thing to do today.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I Hear You, But...
Jeremiah took it upon himself to get Judah right with the Lord. This might be kind of like, on a smaller scale in numbers, one of us trying to turn our country to God. Granted, God did not make the conditional promises to the USA that he did to Israel and Judah. Side note, 2 Chron. 7:14 is not directly tied to our land.
God told them then, "if...My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Here's the problem, they did not humble themselves; they did not pray and seek God and turn from their wicked ways of idolatry. Jeremiah makes the case very clear so far in the first ten chapters of his book.
And then in chapter 11, the hammer falls, "though they will cry to Me, yet I will not listen to them." I seriously do cringe and shutter at the thought of God not hearing cries for help. But keep in in the right context. He knew what they wanted, and longed for, but it was too late. They had been warned over and over again.
God is so very true to His Word. He justly punishes His people, and just like a child who is punished and cries out in the midst of the punishment, so it was with Judah. They got pretty serious about forsaking their idolatry when they realized God was indeed serious. After Bablyon, that is no longer a problem for them. But for Jeremiah, to have to bring this news to God's people, well, it pretty much fell on deaf ears.
When we take a stand for the Lord, and trust me, we are no "Jeremiahs", it might seem like nobody cares. Sure, we have our fellow Christians, but really, who else cares? Doesn't matter. Timothy is told by Paul in 2 Tim. 4, preach the Word, in and out of season. Whether we feel like it or not, and whether our audience is receptive or not, speak the truth, in genuine love and caring, of course, but remember Who is in charge, and He's got our back.
God told them then, "if...My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Here's the problem, they did not humble themselves; they did not pray and seek God and turn from their wicked ways of idolatry. Jeremiah makes the case very clear so far in the first ten chapters of his book.
And then in chapter 11, the hammer falls, "though they will cry to Me, yet I will not listen to them." I seriously do cringe and shutter at the thought of God not hearing cries for help. But keep in in the right context. He knew what they wanted, and longed for, but it was too late. They had been warned over and over again.
God is so very true to His Word. He justly punishes His people, and just like a child who is punished and cries out in the midst of the punishment, so it was with Judah. They got pretty serious about forsaking their idolatry when they realized God was indeed serious. After Bablyon, that is no longer a problem for them. But for Jeremiah, to have to bring this news to God's people, well, it pretty much fell on deaf ears.
When we take a stand for the Lord, and trust me, we are no "Jeremiahs", it might seem like nobody cares. Sure, we have our fellow Christians, but really, who else cares? Doesn't matter. Timothy is told by Paul in 2 Tim. 4, preach the Word, in and out of season. Whether we feel like it or not, and whether our audience is receptive or not, speak the truth, in genuine love and caring, of course, but remember Who is in charge, and He's got our back.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
We Need Leaders
It can be easy to give people a break when they make a mistake, if you think they simply do not know any better. Maybe they have never been in a position to learn the right way to do something. Or maybe they have not been paying attention to superiors who have been teaching them.
In Jeremiah 5, I see God trying to give His people the benefit of the doubt. He says in verse 4, "They are only the poor, they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the Lord or the ordinance of their God."
So, God in verse 5 says He will go the "great" (the spiritual leaders), as He wants to confirm that they know this "way of the Lord. It is kind of rhetorical, as we know what He finds..."But they too, with one accord (pretty much unanimous!) have broken the yoke, burst the bonds."
The leaders are the ones who have forsaken God, forgotten His ways, and have turned to themselves for guidance and sustenance. No wonder the people were so far gone, they had followed leaders who were not looking out for them, leaders who had made excuses before God as to why they were like they were.
It is easy for us to look at this whole situation and feel indignant. We could even feel some similarity with these people, as many so-called Christian leaders have long since led flocks astray, there are huge church groups and denominations that are more concerned with their own well-being, and theology has been forsaken along the way.
Yet we as sons and daughters of the King have God's Word. Sure, we need leaders to step up, "to stand in the gap" as it were, and lead the way. And when it comes to personal devotion to God, we as believers have all we need in God's Word. It is all-sufficient for life and Godly practice, including our church, our families, how we deal with government, and so on.
God did not pardon His people because they had wicked leaders. Neither will He excuse my sinful choices. I pray today for real maturity to recognize faults, for true daily confession of sin to Him, no excuses, just laying it out there for Him to deal with. And then I pray for our own spiritual leaders in the church, and for dads to be those leaders in the home. We desperately need more of each.
Holding Fast to the Name of the Creator
In Jeremiah 5, I see God trying to give His people the benefit of the doubt. He says in verse 4, "They are only the poor, they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the Lord or the ordinance of their God."
So, God in verse 5 says He will go the "great" (the spiritual leaders), as He wants to confirm that they know this "way of the Lord. It is kind of rhetorical, as we know what He finds..."But they too, with one accord (pretty much unanimous!) have broken the yoke, burst the bonds."
The leaders are the ones who have forsaken God, forgotten His ways, and have turned to themselves for guidance and sustenance. No wonder the people were so far gone, they had followed leaders who were not looking out for them, leaders who had made excuses before God as to why they were like they were.
It is easy for us to look at this whole situation and feel indignant. We could even feel some similarity with these people, as many so-called Christian leaders have long since led flocks astray, there are huge church groups and denominations that are more concerned with their own well-being, and theology has been forsaken along the way.
Yet we as sons and daughters of the King have God's Word. Sure, we need leaders to step up, "to stand in the gap" as it were, and lead the way. And when it comes to personal devotion to God, we as believers have all we need in God's Word. It is all-sufficient for life and Godly practice, including our church, our families, how we deal with government, and so on.
God did not pardon His people because they had wicked leaders. Neither will He excuse my sinful choices. I pray today for real maturity to recognize faults, for true daily confession of sin to Him, no excuses, just laying it out there for Him to deal with. And then I pray for our own spiritual leaders in the church, and for dads to be those leaders in the home. We desperately need more of each.
Holding Fast to the Name of the Creator
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Faithful Justice
Jeremiah 3 and 4 today.
At some point, warnings run out and justice must be served. We are warned daily of speed limits; if we ignore thee posted signs, there might be a police car visible to serve as an increased warning. When you shop, typically you will see a warning sign against shoplifting. On one hand, such warning signs are meant to be deterrents, yet on the other, there are specific consequences to disobedience.
God did not all of a sudden decide to send Judah into exile on a whim. He gave them so many warning signs, verbally communicating with its leaders. Solomon was promised a never-ending throne, if he would remain faithful and not turn to the idols of the world around him. Saul, two kings before him, was told to obey in his handling of the Amalekites, and he responded by doing things his own way, and expecting God to be pleased anyway.
Jeremiah, in chapters 3 and 4, calls on Judah to remember the expectations that were set by God. IN verse 1 of chapter 1, His people sin and return to Him on their terms, not His. They do so unashamedly, just like a harlot shows her forehead (verse 3), telling the world who she is and what she does. God asks them to show Him a place that has not been affected by their idolatry, and they cannot.
Judah SAW what happened to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It could have served as a valuable object lesson, but it did not.
So, if you are God, what do you do? Wipe them out, right? Hang on, check verses 12 and 13 of chapter 1. God says "Return...acknowledge your iniquity". He pleads with them to repent. Yet He knows they will not do so.
Fast forward to chapter 2, verse 19-26. Either Jeremiah or the people, or at times both, cry out in anguish over the coming siege and battle in Judah. Jeremiah either sees it coming and is watching it, or he knows how it will go down well enough to describe it. God describes the scene as a sort of de-creation (Holliday) regarding the ultimate destruction and desolation of Judah. He wanted to forgive them, and yet when they would not repent, He had to carry out His justice.
But God is so ever faithful, He states that He will not execute a complete destruction. There will remain a remnant, He has near future (70 years) and far future (Tribulation and Kingdom) in view regarding His care for His people. For now, Jeremiah knows they need to learn a lesson, as painful as that is going to be.
Like a parent uttering empty threats, God would deserve no respect if He did not carry out both His promised blessings and just punishment. We, just like Judah, can make ourselves vainly look acceptable to God, but we also know what His expectations are, both for salvation and holy living, and that he sees through what others cannot.
Will we listen? Will it be too late?
At some point, warnings run out and justice must be served. We are warned daily of speed limits; if we ignore thee posted signs, there might be a police car visible to serve as an increased warning. When you shop, typically you will see a warning sign against shoplifting. On one hand, such warning signs are meant to be deterrents, yet on the other, there are specific consequences to disobedience.
God did not all of a sudden decide to send Judah into exile on a whim. He gave them so many warning signs, verbally communicating with its leaders. Solomon was promised a never-ending throne, if he would remain faithful and not turn to the idols of the world around him. Saul, two kings before him, was told to obey in his handling of the Amalekites, and he responded by doing things his own way, and expecting God to be pleased anyway.
Jeremiah, in chapters 3 and 4, calls on Judah to remember the expectations that were set by God. IN verse 1 of chapter 1, His people sin and return to Him on their terms, not His. They do so unashamedly, just like a harlot shows her forehead (verse 3), telling the world who she is and what she does. God asks them to show Him a place that has not been affected by their idolatry, and they cannot.
Judah SAW what happened to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It could have served as a valuable object lesson, but it did not.
So, if you are God, what do you do? Wipe them out, right? Hang on, check verses 12 and 13 of chapter 1. God says "Return...acknowledge your iniquity". He pleads with them to repent. Yet He knows they will not do so.
Fast forward to chapter 2, verse 19-26. Either Jeremiah or the people, or at times both, cry out in anguish over the coming siege and battle in Judah. Jeremiah either sees it coming and is watching it, or he knows how it will go down well enough to describe it. God describes the scene as a sort of de-creation (Holliday) regarding the ultimate destruction and desolation of Judah. He wanted to forgive them, and yet when they would not repent, He had to carry out His justice.
But God is so ever faithful, He states that He will not execute a complete destruction. There will remain a remnant, He has near future (70 years) and far future (Tribulation and Kingdom) in view regarding His care for His people. For now, Jeremiah knows they need to learn a lesson, as painful as that is going to be.
Like a parent uttering empty threats, God would deserve no respect if He did not carry out both His promised blessings and just punishment. We, just like Judah, can make ourselves vainly look acceptable to God, but we also know what His expectations are, both for salvation and holy living, and that he sees through what others cannot.
Will we listen? Will it be too late?
Monday, March 12, 2012
"I Was Wr_______, I Was Wr______"
Did you ever watch "Happy Days" on TV? Remember Arthur Fonzarelli, a.k.a "The Fonz" having to admit that he made a mistake? He had a hard time admitting fault, and would utter the phrase in the title of today's posting. "Wrong" was a hard word for him to say.
I began devotionally reading Jeremiah. It's a long book, and I will not likely blog on each chapter. As a brief background, Jeremiah was a prophet who foresaw Judah's looming exile. He received the call from the Lord to point out to Judah the reasons for the coming judgment. He was a voice of righteousness surrounded by people who had turned their backs on the Lord.
In chapters 1 and 2, God, through Jeremiah, reminds Judah of where they have come from, how God had brought them to the promised land through so much adversity, how Israel was holy, set apart, by God. Appropriately, God had expectations of His people.
In return, His people were guilty of two sins: forsaking God by idolatry, and self-reliance, whereby they worshiped the works of their own hands (also referred to as "hewing their own cisterns").
What really struck me near the end of chapter 2 was Israel's response to God and His completely just indictment. "I am innocent". They made excuses, and expected God to overlook their sin. I tend to wonder what would have happened if Israel as a nation would have said, "You know what, God, You are right, we are wrong, please forgive us." Rhetorical question, I know. But that is what God wanted in response to Him. Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9 is his attempt to do just that.
In Psalm 78:39, God completes a summary of His people's failings by remembering that they are merely flesh, and He knows they will falter. But when they are called on their actions, He also expects them to humbly admit those failings, and turn back to Him in repentance and guidance.
So we can be indignant at Israel's idolatry and failing, but really, perhaps we should lament their lack of repentance, since that is the core of the matter.
Salvation is no different. God has indicted mankind as sinners. He commands all to repent and obey the Gospel. He commands all to accept what He has said about them (confess) and turn to Him and His saving grace. It is very relieving when someone truly repents, truly changes his ways, and perhaps that is why the angels rejoice when someone gets saved. It means there is one less person who is an enemy of Almighty God. "I was wrong" is beautiful when it is meant and acted upon.
Jeremiah had to stand up for truth in the midst of an ugly, wicked time. How are we as Christians much different?
I began devotionally reading Jeremiah. It's a long book, and I will not likely blog on each chapter. As a brief background, Jeremiah was a prophet who foresaw Judah's looming exile. He received the call from the Lord to point out to Judah the reasons for the coming judgment. He was a voice of righteousness surrounded by people who had turned their backs on the Lord.
In chapters 1 and 2, God, through Jeremiah, reminds Judah of where they have come from, how God had brought them to the promised land through so much adversity, how Israel was holy, set apart, by God. Appropriately, God had expectations of His people.
In return, His people were guilty of two sins: forsaking God by idolatry, and self-reliance, whereby they worshiped the works of their own hands (also referred to as "hewing their own cisterns").
What really struck me near the end of chapter 2 was Israel's response to God and His completely just indictment. "I am innocent". They made excuses, and expected God to overlook their sin. I tend to wonder what would have happened if Israel as a nation would have said, "You know what, God, You are right, we are wrong, please forgive us." Rhetorical question, I know. But that is what God wanted in response to Him. Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9 is his attempt to do just that.
In Psalm 78:39, God completes a summary of His people's failings by remembering that they are merely flesh, and He knows they will falter. But when they are called on their actions, He also expects them to humbly admit those failings, and turn back to Him in repentance and guidance.
So we can be indignant at Israel's idolatry and failing, but really, perhaps we should lament their lack of repentance, since that is the core of the matter.
Salvation is no different. God has indicted mankind as sinners. He commands all to repent and obey the Gospel. He commands all to accept what He has said about them (confess) and turn to Him and His saving grace. It is very relieving when someone truly repents, truly changes his ways, and perhaps that is why the angels rejoice when someone gets saved. It means there is one less person who is an enemy of Almighty God. "I was wrong" is beautiful when it is meant and acted upon.
Jeremiah had to stand up for truth in the midst of an ugly, wicked time. How are we as Christians much different?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"_______ by Faith, not by Sight."
Go ahead, fill in the blank. 2 Corinthians 5:7 proclaims the very familiar phrase "we walk by faith, not by sight." In reading Proverbs 7 this morning, the 2 Corinthians passage came to mind. Let me explain, and I hope this serves as a good reminder and challenge to us all.
Proverbs 7 carries the theme of the first nine chapters, depicting wisdom vs foolishness. Both are active in their pursuit of the young man who lacks sense. When that lack of sense influences the man, look at the simplicity of his activity regarding the harlot.
He takes the way to her house.
He follows her.
He actively makes a choice regarding his behavior.
You see, when I think of "walk by faith, not by sight" I typically think of comparing faith with the need for some sort of proof. But what I focused on today when I went to that passage was the clear understanding that we WALK. We don't sit, we don't run, for that matter either. We walk, we take action, we remain busy in our Christianity, a steady pursuit. And of course, we do that by faith. But we DO it, we don't just let it happen, or hope it happens, or watch others make it happen. We are involved, or we should be.
Why? Well, look at 2 Corinthians 5:9, in the same paragraph. "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." We are to have AMBITION to please Him, not sit idly by. It stands to reason that we CAN be pleasing to the Lord. And that comes by making choices that reflect our faith, that reflect His glory.
And those choices start by actively portraying, based on faith, the actions at the end of Proverbs 7.
Listen (to the teacher of wisdom).
Pay attention.
Do not let your heart turn aside.
Do not stray into foolish paths.
The road is littered with those who have strayed, with those whose hearts have turned aside.
Passage like these above, and many others, are calls to action. I pray today for the strength to pursue a wise path, laid out by the Lord.
Holding fast to the name of the Creator.
Proverbs 7 carries the theme of the first nine chapters, depicting wisdom vs foolishness. Both are active in their pursuit of the young man who lacks sense. When that lack of sense influences the man, look at the simplicity of his activity regarding the harlot.
He takes the way to her house.
He follows her.
He actively makes a choice regarding his behavior.
You see, when I think of "walk by faith, not by sight" I typically think of comparing faith with the need for some sort of proof. But what I focused on today when I went to that passage was the clear understanding that we WALK. We don't sit, we don't run, for that matter either. We walk, we take action, we remain busy in our Christianity, a steady pursuit. And of course, we do that by faith. But we DO it, we don't just let it happen, or hope it happens, or watch others make it happen. We are involved, or we should be.
Why? Well, look at 2 Corinthians 5:9, in the same paragraph. "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." We are to have AMBITION to please Him, not sit idly by. It stands to reason that we CAN be pleasing to the Lord. And that comes by making choices that reflect our faith, that reflect His glory.
And those choices start by actively portraying, based on faith, the actions at the end of Proverbs 7.
Listen (to the teacher of wisdom).
Pay attention.
Do not let your heart turn aside.
Do not stray into foolish paths.
The road is littered with those who have strayed, with those whose hearts have turned aside.
Passage like these above, and many others, are calls to action. I pray today for the strength to pursue a wise path, laid out by the Lord.
Holding fast to the name of the Creator.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Hidden
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:2-3
"So, how's your day going?" It's a typical question along with similar ones such as "How are your doing?" or "How are you?" These questions have become standard greetings, not really intended to get answered to any serious degree. When asked, we usually respond with "I'm fine, how are you?" or "I'm good, thanks."
I believe Paul would ask and answer that question with all sincerity. For a Christian, our mindset is challenged each and every day, and we can grow tired of trying over and over to make Godly choices. Paul would probably add a bit to the question, though. "How is your Christian walk today?" Not "How was it yesterday?" or "How are you planning on living for Christ tomorrow?" but TODAY. We should, therefore answer the "How are you?" with a joyful "My life is wonderful, as it is hidden with Christ in God!"
You see, Paul uses this term with respect to our old self being dead once we are saved. And Christ in person is hidden to the world around us. The world needs to see Christ through the church, through His believers. And in order for us to show Christ to others, we must understand that we are hidden with Him in God. The former desires of our flesh, the appetites of this world, are to be replaced with a life in Christ. Christians should appear dead to the things of the world, but yet, at the same time, alive with Christ as the source of our energy.
Further, with regard to salvation, we are still sinners, but as sinners saved by grace, God looks on us, and sees Christ, being that we are hidden in Him. So, too, should the world see Christ by seeing our actions, hearing our speech, watching our walk. With the energy that is of Christ at our disposal, they should see Him in and through us.
So...how are you doing? Really, how's your day going?
"So, how's your day going?" It's a typical question along with similar ones such as "How are your doing?" or "How are you?" These questions have become standard greetings, not really intended to get answered to any serious degree. When asked, we usually respond with "I'm fine, how are you?" or "I'm good, thanks."
I believe Paul would ask and answer that question with all sincerity. For a Christian, our mindset is challenged each and every day, and we can grow tired of trying over and over to make Godly choices. Paul would probably add a bit to the question, though. "How is your Christian walk today?" Not "How was it yesterday?" or "How are you planning on living for Christ tomorrow?" but TODAY. We should, therefore answer the "How are you?" with a joyful "My life is wonderful, as it is hidden with Christ in God!"
You see, Paul uses this term with respect to our old self being dead once we are saved. And Christ in person is hidden to the world around us. The world needs to see Christ through the church, through His believers. And in order for us to show Christ to others, we must understand that we are hidden with Him in God. The former desires of our flesh, the appetites of this world, are to be replaced with a life in Christ. Christians should appear dead to the things of the world, but yet, at the same time, alive with Christ as the source of our energy.
Further, with regard to salvation, we are still sinners, but as sinners saved by grace, God looks on us, and sees Christ, being that we are hidden in Him. So, too, should the world see Christ by seeing our actions, hearing our speech, watching our walk. With the energy that is of Christ at our disposal, they should see Him in and through us.
So...how are you doing? Really, how's your day going?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
God of Convenience?
An opinion piece appeared in the news this week entitled "Why is school prayer only allowed during tragedies?" I will not rehearse the article here, but I will say that in the past few weeks, I have read about tragedy after tragedy, or one horrific crime after another, and God cannot be pleased with mankind, the crowning achievement of His creation.
When we as Bible-believers dare to mention God's wrath, or His judgment, or even openly talk about sin and the corruption of the world, we are seen as heartless, condemning, holier-than-thou people. Yet God's Word is pure, and true, and at all times sharper than a two edged sword (Heb. 4:12, understand when this was writen and you'll see the author meant there is nothing more powerful), able to pierce and judge thoughts and one's heart, cutting to the core of any issue.
In that light, I read Proverbs 1, this morning, and seriously wondered how close God is to this point with us, maybe our country, maybe the church, maybe society as a whole. I do not want to be overly dramatic, yet this passage made me shutter.
23 "Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;
25 And you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof;
26 I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes,
27 When your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,
29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD.
30 They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof.
31 So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices."
God pleads with people to come to Him on His terms. He is there to hear the believer when trouble arises, which it will. He is also there to hear the praises of His people in good times. So, with all due respect to those affected by recent or any tragedies, we should indeed cry out to Him for help, but we should also not take Him for granted on less tragic days.
It is good that God is thought of as a source of help when tragedy strikes, and it is up to us to really explain to them who He is. We can echo the call of Wisdom in Proverbs 1, and we can pray, and pray hard, that people will finally listen to Him. God is very, very serious. I pray it is not too late.
When we as Bible-believers dare to mention God's wrath, or His judgment, or even openly talk about sin and the corruption of the world, we are seen as heartless, condemning, holier-than-thou people. Yet God's Word is pure, and true, and at all times sharper than a two edged sword (Heb. 4:12, understand when this was writen and you'll see the author meant there is nothing more powerful), able to pierce and judge thoughts and one's heart, cutting to the core of any issue.
In that light, I read Proverbs 1, this morning, and seriously wondered how close God is to this point with us, maybe our country, maybe the church, maybe society as a whole. I do not want to be overly dramatic, yet this passage made me shutter.
23 "Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;
25 And you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof;
26 I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes,
27 When your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,
29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD.
30 They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof.
31 So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices."
God pleads with people to come to Him on His terms. He is there to hear the believer when trouble arises, which it will. He is also there to hear the praises of His people in good times. So, with all due respect to those affected by recent or any tragedies, we should indeed cry out to Him for help, but we should also not take Him for granted on less tragic days.
It is good that God is thought of as a source of help when tragedy strikes, and it is up to us to really explain to them who He is. We can echo the call of Wisdom in Proverbs 1, and we can pray, and pray hard, that people will finally listen to Him. God is very, very serious. I pray it is not too late.
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