March 1, 1994
Babies die. Children waste away with cancer. Marriages fall apart. Car accidents take lives. People brutally murder other people. Tornadoes destroy people and property. Earthquakes, floods, and fires take their toll. People are trapped in poverty or wheel chairs or pitifully hooked up to tubes. Why doesn’t God fix everything?
Struggling and skeptical people ask how could there be a God when life is so difficult, so painful? How could God be good and still allow all these things? If there is a God, he is not fair. Why doesn’t God fix everything?
Think for a minute what the world be like if He did. There would be no more illness or death, no more economic downturns, no more wars globally or across the breakfast table. No one would ever have an accident or break a bone. There would be more hate. And the weather would be perfect and the environment completely stable. We would like that. All our problems would be over. Or would they?
The greatest difficulty with this scenario is that when God did fix these things, people really did not welcome His efforts. He raised dead children and adults. He healed those with wasting, horrible diseases. He taught people how to love one another. He ordered the wind to stop blowing. He fed crowds with a handful of groceries. He fixed everything.
It was fantastic for a time. People were excited about what He was doing. However, as much as He loved them and wanted them to experience His power and be healed from the damage of life, He was far more interested in dealing with the roots of their problems. These diseases and troubles were merely the symptoms. Like a physician, He knew that no matter how many people rose from the dead, human hearts are sicker than bodies with cancer or leprosy. For that root problem, His fix was repentance and faith in Him.
It was at this the people balked. They wanted everything fixed, but only up to a point. If it meant a change in the way they thought and lived, they were not interested.
It seems that the issue should have ended in a simple stalemate. God wanted to help them, they only wanted a certain amount of help. God would fix as much as they would let Him, and everyone would be happy. Not so.
The people proved the very point God was trying to make. The condition of their hearts was their greatest problem. Instead of a polite “no thanks” to God’s offer, they retaliated against Him. They accused Him of being Satan. They hurled insults and spit in His face. They mocked Him and nailed Him to a tree. Rather than having God fix everything, they killed Him.
We are responsible for the consequences of our choices, not God. If I insist on eating junk food all day, I will develop health problems. Is it fair to God to ask Him to fix that, even though in mercy He might?
My own sin and the sin of other people brings problems into my life. I may not be personally responsible all the time but can anyone ask God to fix the problem without expecting Him to deal with the sin and the sinner(s) that are responsible? Human responsibility consequences make sense.
Actually, there is a day coming when God will make all things perfect. Revelation 21 says, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
His offer is still available.
Showing posts with label expectations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label expectations. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2016
Monday, June 15, 2015
Waiting with expectation and joy .............. Parables 287
October 2, 1991
Our fourth grandchild was due July 20th. The mother and father were prepared. They had the bedroom painted, tiny clothes bought, diapers folded and stacked, and even a few toys stashed in the closet.
We were really excited too. But because we are not within shouting distance any more, we carried a borrowed cellular phone everywhere - for four weeks. By the 26th, we had to constantly remind ourselves that babies eventually are born... it would happen. This was not an event we would somehow miss because the date came and went.
Some of our friends teased us and said the baby would come the day we forgot the phone. Some of them wanted to get the number and call us, just to watch our blood pressure raise.
Of course we thought about this expected baby most of the time. What would it look like? Would it be a boy or a girl? We prayed for its health and for a safe delivery. Towards the end, we prayed it would turn the right way up (it did) and that our daughter would have strength to deliver (she did) and her husband would have his wits about him as he helped her in the case room (he did). The whole thing was a little like waiting for the Second Coming; we didn’t know the exact time but we were certain it would happen!
We do know that Christ will arrive, even though His return is not limited to nine months. Still, God tells us to “wait for His Son from heaven” with that same attitude of expectancy and joyful desire as we waited for this baby. The biggest difference is that when He comes life’s trials will end and we will go to forever be with the Lord. (Some mothers figure the arrival of a baby is the beginning of life’s trials!)
The Bible reminds us: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6)
For some, Christ’s second coming will be as an unexpected thief. Those who did not believe it would happen will be shocked and “overtaken.” But it will surely happen. To use another metaphor, it is a certain as labor pains are certain for a woman who is pregnant.
As for those who are “the sons of light” (a term used to describe Christians), that day is to be expected, but as we wait our anticipation should provoke thoughtful, godly living. We should not be inattentive like a sleeping person or blind like one who is darkness. Although we do not know exactly what He looks like, we know our waiting will be rewarded because we already know that He is indeed the Son of God who will take us to spend eternity with Him.
The grandchild we waited for with such anticipation turned out to be a dark-haired, blue-eyed girl, who weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and looked so “mature” that her mother says, “She came out well-done.” She is a great delight to us, a fulfilment of our excited expectations.
When Jesus comes, we know that delight will be similar yet multiplied. He will fulfil every desire of our hearts and give delight that will last forever. Our responsibility is to be ready, eager for Him to arrive, even telling others so they can share in the event and not be surprised when the labor pains begin.
Our fourth grandchild was due July 20th. The mother and father were prepared. They had the bedroom painted, tiny clothes bought, diapers folded and stacked, and even a few toys stashed in the closet.
We were really excited too. But because we are not within shouting distance any more, we carried a borrowed cellular phone everywhere - for four weeks. By the 26th, we had to constantly remind ourselves that babies eventually are born... it would happen. This was not an event we would somehow miss because the date came and went.
Some of our friends teased us and said the baby would come the day we forgot the phone. Some of them wanted to get the number and call us, just to watch our blood pressure raise.
Of course we thought about this expected baby most of the time. What would it look like? Would it be a boy or a girl? We prayed for its health and for a safe delivery. Towards the end, we prayed it would turn the right way up (it did) and that our daughter would have strength to deliver (she did) and her husband would have his wits about him as he helped her in the case room (he did). The whole thing was a little like waiting for the Second Coming; we didn’t know the exact time but we were certain it would happen!
We do know that Christ will arrive, even though His return is not limited to nine months. Still, God tells us to “wait for His Son from heaven” with that same attitude of expectancy and joyful desire as we waited for this baby. The biggest difference is that when He comes life’s trials will end and we will go to forever be with the Lord. (Some mothers figure the arrival of a baby is the beginning of life’s trials!)
The Bible reminds us: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6)
For some, Christ’s second coming will be as an unexpected thief. Those who did not believe it would happen will be shocked and “overtaken.” But it will surely happen. To use another metaphor, it is a certain as labor pains are certain for a woman who is pregnant.
As for those who are “the sons of light” (a term used to describe Christians), that day is to be expected, but as we wait our anticipation should provoke thoughtful, godly living. We should not be inattentive like a sleeping person or blind like one who is darkness. Although we do not know exactly what He looks like, we know our waiting will be rewarded because we already know that He is indeed the Son of God who will take us to spend eternity with Him.
The grandchild we waited for with such anticipation turned out to be a dark-haired, blue-eyed girl, who weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and looked so “mature” that her mother says, “She came out well-done.” She is a great delight to us, a fulfilment of our excited expectations.
When Jesus comes, we know that delight will be similar yet multiplied. He will fulfil every desire of our hearts and give delight that will last forever. Our responsibility is to be ready, eager for Him to arrive, even telling others so they can share in the event and not be surprised when the labor pains begin.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Unfulfilled expectations .............. Parables 164
It happens every Christmas. The long box that you thought was a solar calculator turned out to be a purple metallic tie. That big package that looked like a new appliance? A lime green, flowered and gilt-edged vase.
Vacations sometimes fall short of grand hopes too. Our neighbors planned a short holiday to B.C. in their motor home. Two hours from home, everything changed. A truck plowed into the back of their RV and the expected vacation never happened.
Unfulfilled expectations cloud marriages. A new wife thinks Prince Charming will always be charming; and he never expects that first time he sees her hair in rollers. Often reality is far from amusing. Many times the “surprises” are accepted, things are worked out, and life goes on. Sad are the situations where these words, “this isn’t what I wanted...” signal rejection — all because of unfulfilled expectations.
Some of the people in first century Palestine also had high hopes. They looked for a Messiah. Hopefully He would deliver them from the tyranny of Rome.
When Jesus began His ministry, many thought this must be the One who would fulfill their dreams. He healed every sick person who came to Him. He fed them when they were hungry. He preached words of hope and comfort to their barren hearts. Surely Messiah had come, to not only fill their bellies and bless their hurts, but also set them free in their own land. Surely, this One would never allow them a day of sorrow or emptiness again. They jumped on the bandwagon, full of anticipation.
But a day came when Jesus addressed their expectations. He told them: “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but (work) for food that endures to eternal life, which the son of Man will give you...”
Sounds as if the free lunch isn’t going to be free after all, but undaunted, they asked, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” In other words, If the bread has a price tag, let us know what it is.
Jesus replied, “the work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent” Jesus went on to explain to them that He is the bread of life, the one who satisfies the deepest needs of the spirit. All who come to Him will never go hungry, all who the Father gives Him will never be driven away or lost but raised to everlasting life. He said, “I am the bread of life... If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world... The Spirit gives life... the words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life...” (see John, chapter 6).
And then, “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” Incredible! They wanted another kind of bread!
People still seem more concerned with this life’s comforts than what will happen after it is over. If Jesus can make their bed roses, He appeals. If not, He becomes the object of a sort of contemporary sour grapes attitude. If He won’t do what we want Him to do, who needs it?
Didn’t anyone catch what Jesus said he WOULD do? This passage alone promises at least three things: 1) Spiritual satisfaction — the deepest longings of the heart fully met. 2) Eternal life to all who believe. 3) Security, forever. Incredible that the people of that day turned away from such promises seemingly because a full pantry didn’t go along with them. I wonder if the reasons for rejecting Him today are any more logical?
Vacations sometimes fall short of grand hopes too. Our neighbors planned a short holiday to B.C. in their motor home. Two hours from home, everything changed. A truck plowed into the back of their RV and the expected vacation never happened.
Unfulfilled expectations cloud marriages. A new wife thinks Prince Charming will always be charming; and he never expects that first time he sees her hair in rollers. Often reality is far from amusing. Many times the “surprises” are accepted, things are worked out, and life goes on. Sad are the situations where these words, “this isn’t what I wanted...” signal rejection — all because of unfulfilled expectations.
Some of the people in first century Palestine also had high hopes. They looked for a Messiah. Hopefully He would deliver them from the tyranny of Rome.
When Jesus began His ministry, many thought this must be the One who would fulfill their dreams. He healed every sick person who came to Him. He fed them when they were hungry. He preached words of hope and comfort to their barren hearts. Surely Messiah had come, to not only fill their bellies and bless their hurts, but also set them free in their own land. Surely, this One would never allow them a day of sorrow or emptiness again. They jumped on the bandwagon, full of anticipation.
But a day came when Jesus addressed their expectations. He told them: “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but (work) for food that endures to eternal life, which the son of Man will give you...”
Sounds as if the free lunch isn’t going to be free after all, but undaunted, they asked, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” In other words, If the bread has a price tag, let us know what it is.
Jesus replied, “the work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent” Jesus went on to explain to them that He is the bread of life, the one who satisfies the deepest needs of the spirit. All who come to Him will never go hungry, all who the Father gives Him will never be driven away or lost but raised to everlasting life. He said, “I am the bread of life... If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world... The Spirit gives life... the words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life...” (see John, chapter 6).
And then, “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” Incredible! They wanted another kind of bread!
People still seem more concerned with this life’s comforts than what will happen after it is over. If Jesus can make their bed roses, He appeals. If not, He becomes the object of a sort of contemporary sour grapes attitude. If He won’t do what we want Him to do, who needs it?
Didn’t anyone catch what Jesus said he WOULD do? This passage alone promises at least three things: 1) Spiritual satisfaction — the deepest longings of the heart fully met. 2) Eternal life to all who believe. 3) Security, forever. Incredible that the people of that day turned away from such promises seemingly because a full pantry didn’t go along with them. I wonder if the reasons for rejecting Him today are any more logical?
Friday, February 28, 2014
Blind? or able to see? .................................. Parables 086
A dad brought home gifts for his two sons from a “rock hound” gathering somewhere in the United States. He had selected what appeared to be two ordinary items in a bin marked “Your choice - $5.00.” The newspaper article didn’t say whether he had an expert eye but it did say that the external appearance of the two rocks was deceiving. They turned out to be worth several thousand dollars each.
The old saying “You cannot judge a book by its cover” has been used to describe everything from human character to actual books. In this case, it was true of a stone. An uncut diamond is another example; its fire and brilliance do not appear to the untrained eye. Unless a person is able to look beyond what is actually visible, they will not see the value that is there.
Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet wrote about the external appearance of a servant of God. In the context, it is clearly a reference to Jesus Christ, who would not be born for several hundred years. Isaiah said, “...He has no form or comeliness (or splendor) and when we see Him, there is no beauty (or physical appearance) that we should desire Him.” (Is.53:2)
Jesus was apparently not what we would call a Hollywood type. His appearance did not attract people to Him. He was an ordinary man, at least in His external features, and because He was so ordinary, some “despised and rejected Him.” Perhaps their value system included that which is pleasing to the eye. Perhaps they were expecting their Savior to come in regal splendor and sparkling brilliance. Whatever they expected, they stumbled over what they saw, and then rejected Him.
Failure to look beyond mere externals for the value of a person is as foolish as a quick examination of a $50,000 rock and deciding to toss it into the $5.00-take-your-pick bin because it looked “ordinary.” Had the owner of those stones looked more closely, he would never have sold them so cheaply. Had the people of Jesus day looked beyond what they saw on the surface, they would have seen the brilliance of sinless perfection, the fire of a holy life. They would have realized that this ordinary man was also extra-ordinary, and they would have received Him. But He didn’t look good, so they tossed Him aside, without a second look.
Some people do that today. They somehow have false expectations about Jesus Christ and think that He will solve all their problems and make their life a bed of roses, but He doesn’t. Some suppose that He only welcomes “religious” people; but that is far from true.
Some see Him as too ordinary, without the power and brilliance they hope for and need. Their understanding of Him may come from paintings of a limp and even sickly form on a cross. Or they see a television and theater “Jesus” - weak, effeminate, dull, or boring, not even an uncut diamond but a plain, ordinary rock.
Some told the disciples, “We want to see Jesus...” but seeing Him with the physical eye did not guarantee that they realized His value. Everyone who saw Him, even His disciples, did not really know what they were seeing. As the Bible says, He certainly was “the stone that the builders rejected.” Just as a jeweler uses a special lens to enable his eyes to discern the value of a precious stone, God has a similar eyepiece for us. We need one because our sin blinds us to the true beauty of the Son of God. His eyepiece is the Word of God opened up by the power of the Holy Spirit, thus enabling us to have a good look at Jesus.
When we see His glory, we see that He shines far brighter than any diamond, His worth surpassing all that has value. Then we are willing to “sell all” and embrace this One as our own precious Lord and Savior.
The old saying “You cannot judge a book by its cover” has been used to describe everything from human character to actual books. In this case, it was true of a stone. An uncut diamond is another example; its fire and brilliance do not appear to the untrained eye. Unless a person is able to look beyond what is actually visible, they will not see the value that is there.
Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet wrote about the external appearance of a servant of God. In the context, it is clearly a reference to Jesus Christ, who would not be born for several hundred years. Isaiah said, “...He has no form or comeliness (or splendor) and when we see Him, there is no beauty (or physical appearance) that we should desire Him.” (Is.53:2)
Jesus was apparently not what we would call a Hollywood type. His appearance did not attract people to Him. He was an ordinary man, at least in His external features, and because He was so ordinary, some “despised and rejected Him.” Perhaps their value system included that which is pleasing to the eye. Perhaps they were expecting their Savior to come in regal splendor and sparkling brilliance. Whatever they expected, they stumbled over what they saw, and then rejected Him.
Failure to look beyond mere externals for the value of a person is as foolish as a quick examination of a $50,000 rock and deciding to toss it into the $5.00-take-your-pick bin because it looked “ordinary.” Had the owner of those stones looked more closely, he would never have sold them so cheaply. Had the people of Jesus day looked beyond what they saw on the surface, they would have seen the brilliance of sinless perfection, the fire of a holy life. They would have realized that this ordinary man was also extra-ordinary, and they would have received Him. But He didn’t look good, so they tossed Him aside, without a second look.
Some people do that today. They somehow have false expectations about Jesus Christ and think that He will solve all their problems and make their life a bed of roses, but He doesn’t. Some suppose that He only welcomes “religious” people; but that is far from true.
Some see Him as too ordinary, without the power and brilliance they hope for and need. Their understanding of Him may come from paintings of a limp and even sickly form on a cross. Or they see a television and theater “Jesus” - weak, effeminate, dull, or boring, not even an uncut diamond but a plain, ordinary rock.
Some told the disciples, “We want to see Jesus...” but seeing Him with the physical eye did not guarantee that they realized His value. Everyone who saw Him, even His disciples, did not really know what they were seeing. As the Bible says, He certainly was “the stone that the builders rejected.” Just as a jeweler uses a special lens to enable his eyes to discern the value of a precious stone, God has a similar eyepiece for us. We need one because our sin blinds us to the true beauty of the Son of God. His eyepiece is the Word of God opened up by the power of the Holy Spirit, thus enabling us to have a good look at Jesus.
When we see His glory, we see that He shines far brighter than any diamond, His worth surpassing all that has value. Then we are willing to “sell all” and embrace this One as our own precious Lord and Savior.
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