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.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Friday, June 12, 2015
Whose Fault Is It? .............. Parables 286
September 25, 1991
Our oldest son used to have a black T-shirt with “SAN ANDREAS EARTHQUAKE COMPANY” written on the front and “IT’S NOT MY FAULT” written on the back. When my husband tells a story about people who refuse to take responsibility for work that are clearly theirs, we think of that shirt. The explanation for not getting the job done is almost always “It’s not my fault.”
Everyone protests, “It’s not my fault...” now and then. And many times it isn’t their fault. However, when it is, the results of refusing to accept responsibility can be just as disastrous as an earthquake.
Consider Adam and Eve when confronted in the garden. God, perhaps with the apple core or fruit pit in His hand says to Adam, “I thought I told you not to eat from that tree...” and Adam comes back with, “The woman You gave me, she gave me the fruit from the tree... it’s not my fault, check out Eve...” (Reread Genesis 3, he actually did say that!)
So God turns to Eve and asks about her disobedience to His command. She says, “The serpent deceived me, so it’s not my fault, check out that snake...”
God doesn’t bother to ask the serpent about his responsibility. He knows this snake is an embodiment of Satan. This critter is far from having any interest in God’s commands and has no intention of taking responsibility for leading Eve into sin. So instead of waiting for the snake’s “It’s not my fault,” the Lord curses him to a lifetime of crawling in the dust.
Then God promises Satan there would be: “enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel,” a prophecy referring to Jesus Christ who would eventually gain victory over this beguiling deceiver.
After that, God tells the two buck-passers the consequences of their irresponsible behavior. Women would face multiplied sorrow as mothers (all mothers can relate to that) and there would be conflict in marriage relationships (all marrieds can relate to that). The man is told that making a living would be tough because the earth was now cursed as a result of this sin. Adam would battle thorns and thistles from then on “because he heeded the voice of his wife...” Furthermore, spiritual (and eventually, physical) death would come upon them as they are now separated from God and banished from access to the Tree of Life.
Adam was responsible to make right decisions, not be governed by his wife’s wrong suggestion. Eve was responsible to evaluate what even snakes say to her and determine if her decision would fit into God’s will. Yet both of them blamed someone else for their choices.
Being responsible for what we do is not always easy. When someone gives me wrong directions, I want to blame them that I got lost. When someone hurts me, I want to blame them for my angry reaction. If I goof up, I too easily look for a scapegoat, not wanting to bear the burden of my own mistakes. However, my husband says workers who make good impressions on a construction site are those who go to a superior and say, “I did not get the job done properly but am willing to try again... what kind of help can I get?”
Did Adam ever say, “I disobeyed You God... I not only failed to stop my wife from sin but entered into it with her... I am guilty, help me do the right thing”? Or did Eve say, “I made a horrible mistake, I wanted something that You told me I should not have... please forgive me, change my wants...”? We don’t know for sure but the Bible does tell us an amazing thing: when we say, “It is my fault...please help me...” God does a wonderful thing: He forgives our mistakes and removes our guilt, producing freedom and new life. Taking responsibility is worth it.
Our oldest son used to have a black T-shirt with “SAN ANDREAS EARTHQUAKE COMPANY” written on the front and “IT’S NOT MY FAULT” written on the back. When my husband tells a story about people who refuse to take responsibility for work that are clearly theirs, we think of that shirt. The explanation for not getting the job done is almost always “It’s not my fault.”
Everyone protests, “It’s not my fault...” now and then. And many times it isn’t their fault. However, when it is, the results of refusing to accept responsibility can be just as disastrous as an earthquake.
Consider Adam and Eve when confronted in the garden. God, perhaps with the apple core or fruit pit in His hand says to Adam, “I thought I told you not to eat from that tree...” and Adam comes back with, “The woman You gave me, she gave me the fruit from the tree... it’s not my fault, check out Eve...” (Reread Genesis 3, he actually did say that!)
So God turns to Eve and asks about her disobedience to His command. She says, “The serpent deceived me, so it’s not my fault, check out that snake...”
God doesn’t bother to ask the serpent about his responsibility. He knows this snake is an embodiment of Satan. This critter is far from having any interest in God’s commands and has no intention of taking responsibility for leading Eve into sin. So instead of waiting for the snake’s “It’s not my fault,” the Lord curses him to a lifetime of crawling in the dust.
Then God promises Satan there would be: “enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel,” a prophecy referring to Jesus Christ who would eventually gain victory over this beguiling deceiver.
After that, God tells the two buck-passers the consequences of their irresponsible behavior. Women would face multiplied sorrow as mothers (all mothers can relate to that) and there would be conflict in marriage relationships (all marrieds can relate to that). The man is told that making a living would be tough because the earth was now cursed as a result of this sin. Adam would battle thorns and thistles from then on “because he heeded the voice of his wife...” Furthermore, spiritual (and eventually, physical) death would come upon them as they are now separated from God and banished from access to the Tree of Life.
Adam was responsible to make right decisions, not be governed by his wife’s wrong suggestion. Eve was responsible to evaluate what even snakes say to her and determine if her decision would fit into God’s will. Yet both of them blamed someone else for their choices.
Being responsible for what we do is not always easy. When someone gives me wrong directions, I want to blame them that I got lost. When someone hurts me, I want to blame them for my angry reaction. If I goof up, I too easily look for a scapegoat, not wanting to bear the burden of my own mistakes. However, my husband says workers who make good impressions on a construction site are those who go to a superior and say, “I did not get the job done properly but am willing to try again... what kind of help can I get?”
Did Adam ever say, “I disobeyed You God... I not only failed to stop my wife from sin but entered into it with her... I am guilty, help me do the right thing”? Or did Eve say, “I made a horrible mistake, I wanted something that You told me I should not have... please forgive me, change my wants...”? We don’t know for sure but the Bible does tell us an amazing thing: when we say, “It is my fault...please help me...” God does a wonderful thing: He forgives our mistakes and removes our guilt, producing freedom and new life. Taking responsibility is worth it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
A ‘G’ Summer .............. Parables 285
September 18, 1991
Like an episode of Sesame Street, this past summer was hosted by the letter “G”. My husband and I set Goals for our lives and marriage, even reaching many of them because we experienced God’s Grace at work in our hearts. We became Grandparents again (naturally, it was a Girl). And I took on the challenges of learning Greek and Golf!
Those who know me well won’t be surprised about the Greek; academics are my bag. (G is “gamma” and it looks like a “y”). But seeing me packing a bag of a different sort, with irons, woods and tees in it, is a wonder. My children waver between disbelief and bewilderment. My husband, who always wanted to golf more and now has an excuse, is simply delighted, but he shakes his head and can’t figure this out. Why would his bookworm wife take up golf?
Maybe it was the notion that “multiple goals are fulfilling.” I read that somewhere and have always found it to be true, so I usually have several “irons in my fire” (only in this case, irons in my bag).
Maybe it was my mother’s example. All her life, she has had at least one “new” venture on the go, everything from photography to oil painting, raising quarter horses, quilting and invisible mending. Right now, at 75 years, she is taking organ lessons.
Maybe it is Psalm 37:4, which says: “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” My delight in the Lord has been growing. More and more I realize the wonders of what He has done for me, not only for eternity but bountiful blessings in my life right now. Consequently, as those blessings add more fuel to my delight, according to this psalm, He puts more desires in my heart. Could it be that one of them was to play golf?
What possible godly purpose could be served playing golf? Well, the first time out, Bob told me the biggest frustration about the game was that you could hit the ball well for a while, then, without any apparent reason, your whole game just falls apart. I responded, “Just like life, eh?” So, learning to respond to erratic results on the golf course could be good practice for the larger game.
Another reason is togetherness. We did many things with our children when they were small yet our own time-out was limited. Now the kids are adults and the two of us share few hobbies. This game is an opportunity to help each other develop a good swing and cheer for each other after making a long drive off the tee. Such mutual support carries over into the larger game too.
Thirdly, we are a twosome and golf clubs prefer foursomes. This can be an occasion to take our friends for a fun outing or meet new people. Chatting from one hole to the next or looking together for a ball lost in the rough is a wonderful way to get to know other folks.
Last but not least, golfing is a celebration of life. At least it can be when I lay aside my frustration and any consuming desire to get rid of that persistent hook or slice. God’s gifts of creation, one another’s company, physical exercise, fresh air and sunshine are all ours to enjoy. So seldom do most of us stop and take the time to do just that.
So with Greek and Golf and a new Grandchild, summer 1991 in Moose Jaw has had lots of “G’s. God even added a few more: Green Grass (from abundant rain here too!), Gales (those Saskatchewan winds kept the mosquitoes away) and Get-aways (to Germany and other places). I could go on but bear with me for just a few more.... God has also blessed us with Generous Grace, which makes us feel Great, Glad, even Giggly, and certainly Grateful!
Like an episode of Sesame Street, this past summer was hosted by the letter “G”. My husband and I set Goals for our lives and marriage, even reaching many of them because we experienced God’s Grace at work in our hearts. We became Grandparents again (naturally, it was a Girl). And I took on the challenges of learning Greek and Golf!
Those who know me well won’t be surprised about the Greek; academics are my bag. (G is “gamma” and it looks like a “y”). But seeing me packing a bag of a different sort, with irons, woods and tees in it, is a wonder. My children waver between disbelief and bewilderment. My husband, who always wanted to golf more and now has an excuse, is simply delighted, but he shakes his head and can’t figure this out. Why would his bookworm wife take up golf?
Maybe it was the notion that “multiple goals are fulfilling.” I read that somewhere and have always found it to be true, so I usually have several “irons in my fire” (only in this case, irons in my bag).
Maybe it was my mother’s example. All her life, she has had at least one “new” venture on the go, everything from photography to oil painting, raising quarter horses, quilting and invisible mending. Right now, at 75 years, she is taking organ lessons.
Maybe it is Psalm 37:4, which says: “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” My delight in the Lord has been growing. More and more I realize the wonders of what He has done for me, not only for eternity but bountiful blessings in my life right now. Consequently, as those blessings add more fuel to my delight, according to this psalm, He puts more desires in my heart. Could it be that one of them was to play golf?
What possible godly purpose could be served playing golf? Well, the first time out, Bob told me the biggest frustration about the game was that you could hit the ball well for a while, then, without any apparent reason, your whole game just falls apart. I responded, “Just like life, eh?” So, learning to respond to erratic results on the golf course could be good practice for the larger game.
Another reason is togetherness. We did many things with our children when they were small yet our own time-out was limited. Now the kids are adults and the two of us share few hobbies. This game is an opportunity to help each other develop a good swing and cheer for each other after making a long drive off the tee. Such mutual support carries over into the larger game too.
Thirdly, we are a twosome and golf clubs prefer foursomes. This can be an occasion to take our friends for a fun outing or meet new people. Chatting from one hole to the next or looking together for a ball lost in the rough is a wonderful way to get to know other folks.
Last but not least, golfing is a celebration of life. At least it can be when I lay aside my frustration and any consuming desire to get rid of that persistent hook or slice. God’s gifts of creation, one another’s company, physical exercise, fresh air and sunshine are all ours to enjoy. So seldom do most of us stop and take the time to do just that.
So with Greek and Golf and a new Grandchild, summer 1991 in Moose Jaw has had lots of “G’s. God even added a few more: Green Grass (from abundant rain here too!), Gales (those Saskatchewan winds kept the mosquitoes away) and Get-aways (to Germany and other places). I could go on but bear with me for just a few more.... God has also blessed us with Generous Grace, which makes us feel Great, Glad, even Giggly, and certainly Grateful!
Monday, June 8, 2015
At your Peak? .............. Parables 284
September 11, 1991
All summer one of my friends kept telling me I was “really blossoming.” Far from seeing myself as a rose or even a daisy, I decide to look up the word “blossom,” remembering that even stink weeds can do that.
According to Webster, “blossoming” is a peak period or stage of development. It is when something (usually a flowering plant) comes into the mature state that it was intended to reach. My friend, however, used this metaphor to describe a spiritual peak. Comparing the flowers in my garden with God’s design for my life helped me to praise Him for her observation.
First of all, “blossoming,” whether according to Webster or a biblical definition, is not something I can do myself. If I am indeed at a “peak,” it is the result of God’s abundant grace, grace that is available to everyone. In fact, with God’s grace, spiritual growth and blossoming are an amazing phenomena.
His work of producing “blossoming” people is much like the work of a flower gardener. The gardener clears the soil; God prepares the heart. The gardener plants the seeds; God plants the gospel. The gardener waters with a hose; God uses His Word. In the plant world, the gardener takes a geranium out of the basement and into the light where new shoots displace the old. In the spiritual world, God transplants a sinner out of the realm of darkness into the kingdom of His Son where his old life “passes away” and new life begins. So in both plants and people, when new life sprouts God causes it.
The Master Gardener also uses various methods to nurture His “plants.” He weeds by clearing away sinful thoughts and actions. He prunes by chopping off unfruitful habits. He waters with His Word and provides lots of Son-shine. He also hardens young plants through gentle exposure to trials. (My mother always claimed petunias bloom better if hit with a rake now and then!)
Of course, each “plant” must cooperate with these provisions for growth. Rebellious plants are called weeds and rebellious Christians (I speak from experience) cannot produce blossoms.
Although my new life from God began years ago, my friend is convinced this is my season for prolific blossoming. She points out how God placed me in a fertile place - Bible college - and how He has surrounded me with the strong supporting growth of a vibrant congregation in the church we attend and over 800 encouraging students and teachers. Besides that, He is producing some outstanding blooms at home in the life of my husband. All that growth stimulates my own.
However, as far as comfort goes, life is not “all roses.” Since the best blossoms are produced in a “clean” environment, the Lord has been doing some weeding and pruning, digging into my heart and finding some deep rooted false values I didn’t know I had. Jesus said, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
Of course His big hoe hurts but He promised “Behold, I will do a new thing...” For me, that new thing meant not only a move into a special environment and tender nourishment but some severe trials to “toughen” my faith along with some painful pruning and deep weeding.
My friend is too kind to say that I’m a “late-bloomer” but thank God that is better than no blooms at all. And I am not always sure if my life will come up roses, or if all those weeds are out, but I do know this: As my face turns towards His Sonshine and my roots go deeper into Him, I am deeply grateful I’ve been transplanted into the garden of the Lord.
All summer one of my friends kept telling me I was “really blossoming.” Far from seeing myself as a rose or even a daisy, I decide to look up the word “blossom,” remembering that even stink weeds can do that.
According to Webster, “blossoming” is a peak period or stage of development. It is when something (usually a flowering plant) comes into the mature state that it was intended to reach. My friend, however, used this metaphor to describe a spiritual peak. Comparing the flowers in my garden with God’s design for my life helped me to praise Him for her observation.
First of all, “blossoming,” whether according to Webster or a biblical definition, is not something I can do myself. If I am indeed at a “peak,” it is the result of God’s abundant grace, grace that is available to everyone. In fact, with God’s grace, spiritual growth and blossoming are an amazing phenomena.
His work of producing “blossoming” people is much like the work of a flower gardener. The gardener clears the soil; God prepares the heart. The gardener plants the seeds; God plants the gospel. The gardener waters with a hose; God uses His Word. In the plant world, the gardener takes a geranium out of the basement and into the light where new shoots displace the old. In the spiritual world, God transplants a sinner out of the realm of darkness into the kingdom of His Son where his old life “passes away” and new life begins. So in both plants and people, when new life sprouts God causes it.
The Master Gardener also uses various methods to nurture His “plants.” He weeds by clearing away sinful thoughts and actions. He prunes by chopping off unfruitful habits. He waters with His Word and provides lots of Son-shine. He also hardens young plants through gentle exposure to trials. (My mother always claimed petunias bloom better if hit with a rake now and then!)
Of course, each “plant” must cooperate with these provisions for growth. Rebellious plants are called weeds and rebellious Christians (I speak from experience) cannot produce blossoms.
Although my new life from God began years ago, my friend is convinced this is my season for prolific blossoming. She points out how God placed me in a fertile place - Bible college - and how He has surrounded me with the strong supporting growth of a vibrant congregation in the church we attend and over 800 encouraging students and teachers. Besides that, He is producing some outstanding blooms at home in the life of my husband. All that growth stimulates my own.
However, as far as comfort goes, life is not “all roses.” Since the best blossoms are produced in a “clean” environment, the Lord has been doing some weeding and pruning, digging into my heart and finding some deep rooted false values I didn’t know I had. Jesus said, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
Of course His big hoe hurts but He promised “Behold, I will do a new thing...” For me, that new thing meant not only a move into a special environment and tender nourishment but some severe trials to “toughen” my faith along with some painful pruning and deep weeding.
My friend is too kind to say that I’m a “late-bloomer” but thank God that is better than no blooms at all. And I am not always sure if my life will come up roses, or if all those weeds are out, but I do know this: As my face turns towards His Sonshine and my roots go deeper into Him, I am deeply grateful I’ve been transplanted into the garden of the Lord.
Friday, June 5, 2015
It’s okay to be sad .............. Parables 283
September 4, 1991
The American constitution and even television commercials declare we have the “right” to be happy. In fact, the pursuit of happiness occupies a major portion of the typical North American’s life, so much so that when someone is sad, someone else usually insists they “Cheer up.”
Imagine the reaction if a sad person responded to encouragement with: “NO! I have every right to be sad. In fact, being sad is good for me...” Would we put him in a strait jacket?
The truth is, some sorrow has a valuable place in our lives. There is “a time to weep and a time to laugh... (Ecclesiastes 3:4) and sorrow is sometimes appropriate. The Bible says to “... mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15) and Jesus Himself even experienced that kind of sorrow. Certainly anyone who jokes and laughs at a funeral is out of place.
Beyond being an expression of human grief, the Bible says sorrow has spiritual value: “Sorrow is better than laughter, because by it the heart is made better” (Ecclesiastes 7:3). This means a kind of sorrow that feels grief over sin, and thus our attitude toward sinning is changed.
Jesus referred to this heart-changing sorrow when He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The Bible explains this “mourning” as a sadness for one’s own sin: “Now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended... Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: ...earnestness, ...eagerness to clear yourselves, ...indignation, ...alarm, ...longing, ...concern, ...readiness to see justice done...” (2 Corinthians 7).
Again, this kind of sorrow is the grief some people feel when they have sinned against God. It is so important to God that He says if we don’t feel that way about our sin, we should make an effort to do so: “Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom...” (James 4:9).
One reason this kind of sorrow is so important is that grief over sin is the only way to ultimate joy. When Jesus said that mourners will be comforted, He was not talking about ordinary grief over a death in the family (Many who grieve are not comforted) but preaching a sermon about the characteristics of those who will be children of God. He said they will be “poor in spirit,” not having what it takes to please God, mourning over their sin, submissive to Him, and having a hunger and thirst for a godly righteousness which they realize they do not have (Matthew 5,6,7). The Greek word Jesus used for “mourn” signifies the greatest grief imaginable, an utter sense of loss and sorrow because the mourner has realized his utter bankruptcy. He cannot please God... but it is that person who will be comforted, by forgiveness now and a heavenly reward eventually.
What if a person rejects that kind of sorrow? What if they insist they are okay; sin is not an issue to get dejected about; they have a right to be happy and life is here and now only, a party to be lived?
First, nothing happens to their heart. It stays in the same condition as described by Jeremiah: “deceitful and desperately wicked.” Secondly, they never receive the comfort of forgiveness. They will be separated forever from the love God offered through the sacrifice of His Son. Thirdly, a heavenly reward is out of the question. Eternal condemnation is the only other option.
So the next time someone says “Cheer up,” try this: “No, my sorrow is helping me to think about the way I live, change my ways and stop doing all the things that are not good for me...!”
The American constitution and even television commercials declare we have the “right” to be happy. In fact, the pursuit of happiness occupies a major portion of the typical North American’s life, so much so that when someone is sad, someone else usually insists they “Cheer up.”
Imagine the reaction if a sad person responded to encouragement with: “NO! I have every right to be sad. In fact, being sad is good for me...” Would we put him in a strait jacket?
The truth is, some sorrow has a valuable place in our lives. There is “a time to weep and a time to laugh... (Ecclesiastes 3:4) and sorrow is sometimes appropriate. The Bible says to “... mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15) and Jesus Himself even experienced that kind of sorrow. Certainly anyone who jokes and laughs at a funeral is out of place.
Beyond being an expression of human grief, the Bible says sorrow has spiritual value: “Sorrow is better than laughter, because by it the heart is made better” (Ecclesiastes 7:3). This means a kind of sorrow that feels grief over sin, and thus our attitude toward sinning is changed.
Jesus referred to this heart-changing sorrow when He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The Bible explains this “mourning” as a sadness for one’s own sin: “Now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended... Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: ...earnestness, ...eagerness to clear yourselves, ...indignation, ...alarm, ...longing, ...concern, ...readiness to see justice done...” (2 Corinthians 7).
Again, this kind of sorrow is the grief some people feel when they have sinned against God. It is so important to God that He says if we don’t feel that way about our sin, we should make an effort to do so: “Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom...” (James 4:9).
One reason this kind of sorrow is so important is that grief over sin is the only way to ultimate joy. When Jesus said that mourners will be comforted, He was not talking about ordinary grief over a death in the family (Many who grieve are not comforted) but preaching a sermon about the characteristics of those who will be children of God. He said they will be “poor in spirit,” not having what it takes to please God, mourning over their sin, submissive to Him, and having a hunger and thirst for a godly righteousness which they realize they do not have (Matthew 5,6,7). The Greek word Jesus used for “mourn” signifies the greatest grief imaginable, an utter sense of loss and sorrow because the mourner has realized his utter bankruptcy. He cannot please God... but it is that person who will be comforted, by forgiveness now and a heavenly reward eventually.
What if a person rejects that kind of sorrow? What if they insist they are okay; sin is not an issue to get dejected about; they have a right to be happy and life is here and now only, a party to be lived?
First, nothing happens to their heart. It stays in the same condition as described by Jeremiah: “deceitful and desperately wicked.” Secondly, they never receive the comfort of forgiveness. They will be separated forever from the love God offered through the sacrifice of His Son. Thirdly, a heavenly reward is out of the question. Eternal condemnation is the only other option.
So the next time someone says “Cheer up,” try this: “No, my sorrow is helping me to think about the way I live, change my ways and stop doing all the things that are not good for me...!”
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Why did the chicken break the law? .............. Parables 282
August 28, 1991
Did you know it was once illegal in Toronto to wear a felt hat in a steam bath? It is also illegal for chickens to cross the road in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and for a man from Pictou to kiss any woman on Sunday, including his wife. In Canada, it is illegal to send a telegram threatening a bird or to enter an airplane while it is in flight.
Silly, pointless laws are probably never enforced; they just make good fillers in a joke book. However, not all laws are silly and most fulfil definite purposes. In our justice system, many laws come directly from Scripture, rooted in the laws of God which were planned by Him with the good of man in mind. Consider Psalm 19:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” Souls who do not know Jesus Christ are separated from God in a state God calls “dead in sin.” God wants life for each one, so through His perfect laws, sinners become aware of their need for revival and aware of what to believe so they can receive new life from God.
“The (laws) of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Proverbs says wisdom begins by fearing the Lord and departing from evil. The wisdom found in the trustworthy laws of God clearly explain what is good and what is evil so even the most naive, uncomplicated person can learn how to follow the former and avoid the latter, and become wise.
“The (laws) of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.” Sometimes we become downcast over the mess in the world and perhaps the chaos in our own life. We may wonder if there is anything anyone can possibly be happy about yet when the despair of life makes our hearts heavy, God promises His law will give joy, even a joy that our trials cannot overwhelm.
“The (laws) of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Darkness is a metaphor for moral and spiritual confusion. Surely we live in a time where both prevail. We need light for our turbulent national situation. We need light for personal dimness of vision. God says light comes from focusing on His radiant laws and turning to Jesus Christ, the Author of both light and life. In Him, we can see clearly and avoid confusion.
“The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.” Some of man’s laws come and go because they become obsolete, no longer serving justice. But God’s laws are always sure and to the point, addressing the need for righteousness no matter the era or culture.
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” Some law may be called precious but God’s law is also sweet, even like honey, a pure food, easily digested and pleasant. His laws are bitter only to those who rebel against Him.
“By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” The laws of God remind us that God is concerned about the way we live. Those who break His laws will suffer the consequences but He promises a reward for those who keep them.
Some people think freedom means being able to do as one pleases but clearly love and restraint of selfish desires give a greater freedom to everyone. That is why Jesus summed up the law of God in two laws: “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.” If we obeyed this dual law of love, we would be better off for it. Not only that, all other laws would be automatically included... maybe even those silly ones that protect chickens from crossing the road...
Did you know it was once illegal in Toronto to wear a felt hat in a steam bath? It is also illegal for chickens to cross the road in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and for a man from Pictou to kiss any woman on Sunday, including his wife. In Canada, it is illegal to send a telegram threatening a bird or to enter an airplane while it is in flight.
Silly, pointless laws are probably never enforced; they just make good fillers in a joke book. However, not all laws are silly and most fulfil definite purposes. In our justice system, many laws come directly from Scripture, rooted in the laws of God which were planned by Him with the good of man in mind. Consider Psalm 19:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” Souls who do not know Jesus Christ are separated from God in a state God calls “dead in sin.” God wants life for each one, so through His perfect laws, sinners become aware of their need for revival and aware of what to believe so they can receive new life from God.
“The (laws) of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Proverbs says wisdom begins by fearing the Lord and departing from evil. The wisdom found in the trustworthy laws of God clearly explain what is good and what is evil so even the most naive, uncomplicated person can learn how to follow the former and avoid the latter, and become wise.
“The (laws) of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.” Sometimes we become downcast over the mess in the world and perhaps the chaos in our own life. We may wonder if there is anything anyone can possibly be happy about yet when the despair of life makes our hearts heavy, God promises His law will give joy, even a joy that our trials cannot overwhelm.
“The (laws) of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Darkness is a metaphor for moral and spiritual confusion. Surely we live in a time where both prevail. We need light for our turbulent national situation. We need light for personal dimness of vision. God says light comes from focusing on His radiant laws and turning to Jesus Christ, the Author of both light and life. In Him, we can see clearly and avoid confusion.
“The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.” Some of man’s laws come and go because they become obsolete, no longer serving justice. But God’s laws are always sure and to the point, addressing the need for righteousness no matter the era or culture.
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” Some law may be called precious but God’s law is also sweet, even like honey, a pure food, easily digested and pleasant. His laws are bitter only to those who rebel against Him.
“By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” The laws of God remind us that God is concerned about the way we live. Those who break His laws will suffer the consequences but He promises a reward for those who keep them.
Some people think freedom means being able to do as one pleases but clearly love and restraint of selfish desires give a greater freedom to everyone. That is why Jesus summed up the law of God in two laws: “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.” If we obeyed this dual law of love, we would be better off for it. Not only that, all other laws would be automatically included... maybe even those silly ones that protect chickens from crossing the road...
Monday, June 1, 2015
False teaching .............. Parables 281
August 21, 1991
An assistant professor of Religious Studies at a major denominational college made the following statement: “Most people who have taken at least a college-level course in religion know that the Christian Gospels are a combination of historical fact and pious imagination.”
In other words, he is saying that the records we have of the life of Christ are partly accurate and partly fiction and anyone who hasn’t been to college has simply not been clued in.
While the college I attend teaches sound doctrine, I’ve realized that not everyone who gives instruction in “religion” teaches what the Bible plainly says. Many do not even treat God’s Word as a reliable document. For example, outside of my evangelical professors, there are theists, poly-theists and neo-orthodox circles. Each is further broken down into smaller sects and isms, each having a twist in their teaching from what the Bible says.
However, most people don’t care. The common philosophy is whatever anyone wants to believe about “religion” is right for them; there is no such thing as objective truth; it should never be a point of contention.
Jesus Christ did not agree. He said, “I am the way, I am the truth... and no one comes to God except through me.” He repeatedly warned about false teachers who deny the objective truth He came to reveal.
The Apostle Peter said it too: “There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up...”
Thus the Bible has been mocked, even by people who teach “religion.” They say it is only a book by ordinary men, a collection of fables and myths that has no bearing on anyone’s life today. They think the disciples just WANTED to believe Jesus rose from the dead or could perform miracles so they made up those Bible stores and combined them with what actually happened.
Oddly enough, those who say these things do just that themselves. They make up their own version of who God is, what He says and what He has done, or each makes up his own gods and then they teach about the god of their own imagination, not the God revealed in the Bible and in the person of Christ.
Even some who accept the Bible as a “religious book,” insist no mere human could do the things Jesus did, therefore concluding the Bible stories must be in error. Others may concede Jesus is divine but cannot believe any writing could remain accurate after being copied and recopied for over 2000 years, so again, the stories about Him cannot be true.
However, the Bible says God is not mocked. Because He is God, He is more than able to do anything man thinks is impossible, such as reveal Himself in a Man or preserve His truth in a book. Besides, He is not unaware of those who deny Him. He plans one day to call to account those who make up their own version of Him. On that day, they will not only be forced to acknowledge their error but will have no choice but to acknowledge Christ: since “every knee will bow and every tongue WILL confess Christ as Lord.”
All need to heed those who recorded God’s Word. They warned of the dangers of dismissing Scripture as the words of mere men. They made it clear that the Bible is not a myth. After all, if they made it up, why not make up something that is not so demanding? Why not a god and a book that never corrects sinners, never rebukes rebellion and does not promise judgment on those who make up their own version?
An assistant professor of Religious Studies at a major denominational college made the following statement: “Most people who have taken at least a college-level course in religion know that the Christian Gospels are a combination of historical fact and pious imagination.”
In other words, he is saying that the records we have of the life of Christ are partly accurate and partly fiction and anyone who hasn’t been to college has simply not been clued in.
While the college I attend teaches sound doctrine, I’ve realized that not everyone who gives instruction in “religion” teaches what the Bible plainly says. Many do not even treat God’s Word as a reliable document. For example, outside of my evangelical professors, there are theists, poly-theists and neo-orthodox circles. Each is further broken down into smaller sects and isms, each having a twist in their teaching from what the Bible says.
However, most people don’t care. The common philosophy is whatever anyone wants to believe about “religion” is right for them; there is no such thing as objective truth; it should never be a point of contention.
Jesus Christ did not agree. He said, “I am the way, I am the truth... and no one comes to God except through me.” He repeatedly warned about false teachers who deny the objective truth He came to reveal.
The Apostle Peter said it too: “There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up...”
Thus the Bible has been mocked, even by people who teach “religion.” They say it is only a book by ordinary men, a collection of fables and myths that has no bearing on anyone’s life today. They think the disciples just WANTED to believe Jesus rose from the dead or could perform miracles so they made up those Bible stores and combined them with what actually happened.
Oddly enough, those who say these things do just that themselves. They make up their own version of who God is, what He says and what He has done, or each makes up his own gods and then they teach about the god of their own imagination, not the God revealed in the Bible and in the person of Christ.
Even some who accept the Bible as a “religious book,” insist no mere human could do the things Jesus did, therefore concluding the Bible stories must be in error. Others may concede Jesus is divine but cannot believe any writing could remain accurate after being copied and recopied for over 2000 years, so again, the stories about Him cannot be true.
However, the Bible says God is not mocked. Because He is God, He is more than able to do anything man thinks is impossible, such as reveal Himself in a Man or preserve His truth in a book. Besides, He is not unaware of those who deny Him. He plans one day to call to account those who make up their own version of Him. On that day, they will not only be forced to acknowledge their error but will have no choice but to acknowledge Christ: since “every knee will bow and every tongue WILL confess Christ as Lord.”
All need to heed those who recorded God’s Word. They warned of the dangers of dismissing Scripture as the words of mere men. They made it clear that the Bible is not a myth. After all, if they made it up, why not make up something that is not so demanding? Why not a god and a book that never corrects sinners, never rebukes rebellion and does not promise judgment on those who make up their own version?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)