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Daniel’s Humble Prayer

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3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. – Daniel 9:3

Jerusalem & Daniel

In the last devotion we looked at the personification of Jerusalem during the exile.  Sitting in loneliness like a widow as a consequence of her unfaithfulness.  Her desperate plight was an illustration of Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Today I want to look at the prayer of Daniel as it relates to Jerusalem’s restoration.  Daniel’s prayer is a good illustration of James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Good Bye Jerusalem

Daniel was no stranger to the plight of Jerusalem.  As a young man of probably thirteen or fourteen years of age, he was carried away from Jerusalem as one of the captives taken to Babylon.  He was a well educated member of the royal family of Judah.  While Jerusalem was being plundered, Daniel’s world was being shattered.  At an age when most boy’s are concerned with a changing voice, acne and girls, Daniel is marched off to a foreign land with a power hungry king.  But Daniel constantly portrays a conviction that he totally agrees with the meaning of his name, “God is my judge.”

Faithful In Babylon

Throughout the book of Daniel, we see his faithfulness to his God.  Daniel would not compromise his diet and eat the kings food which had most likely been sacrificed to pagan gods.  Just as he would not defile himself with king Nebuchadnezzar’s food, he would not defile himself with king Belshazzar’s wealth.  He declined the gifts the king tried to give him for interpreting the writing on the wall.

When king Darius issued a decree that no prayers could be offered to any other god or man besides himself for thirty days, Daniel defied Darius and stayed true to Yahweh.  Despite the fact that the Temple sacrifices were no longer being made, Daniel continued to pray three times a day, in correlation with the Temple sacrifice schedule, just as he always had.  Although roughly eighty years old at the time, Daniel would rather face the lions than sin against his God.

Consistently Faithful

From a young man carried away from his home, to an old man faithfully serving in a prominent position in the most powerful country in the world, Daniel was a consistently faithful model.  His God was so great that he was not intimidated by the likes of kings Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar or Darius.  His reputation was so impeccable that his peers could not find a fault in his service to the king or his character.  As an incredible testimony to Daniel, the only way they could “get him” was to attack his commitment to God.  Unless you think I am exaggerating the integrity of Daniel, look what God inspired the prophet Ezekiel to write.

12 And the word of the Lord came to me: 13 “Son of man, when a land sins against me by acting faithlessly, and I stretch out my hand against it and break its supply of bread and send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and beast, 14 even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness, declares the Lord God. – Ezekiel 14:12-14

Daniel Convicted

The righteousness of Daniel may not have stayed the hand of God, preventing it from punishing faithless Jerusalem, but Daniel remained faithful to the will of God.  While reading the writings of his contemporary Jeremiah, Daniel was convicted.  Stimulated by Jeremiah’s declaration that the Exile will last seventy years, Daniel turns to God with a prayer of confession.  As we see in today’s verse, Daniel turned his face to God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas of mercy with sackcloth and ashes.  Pause to take that all in for a second.

Taken away from his home as a gifted young man with so much potential.  Tested again and again by powerful foreign kings.  Faithful in his service to those in authority for decades without compromising his faith or his witness.  Thrown to the lions in his advanced age.  Despite his positions of leadership he was never too busy to bend his knees in prayer.  Approaching the end of his life his fire is still burning and his passion for Jerusalem is very much alive.  Although God has promised to restore Jerusalem, He has chosen a difficult medium; repentance.  Despite his outwardly untarnished appearance, Daniel knows his heart.  Like all men, he too is a sinner.  To his knees he goes one more time.

Daniel’s Humble Prayer

Think about the humility of Daniel.  If I had endured what he did and witnessed the things that he did, Jeremiah’s prophesy of a return to Jerusalem probably would have caused me to jump and shout for joy, even as an eighty year old man.  Not Daniel.  Instead of celebrating, Daniel is sacrificing.  When this righteous servant of God seeks God’s face he does so with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.  Content with feasting on God’s Word as revealed to Jeremiah, he denies himself earthly food.  Not only does Daniel deny himself physical nourishment, he also denies himself comfort as he exchanges his clothes for sackcloth.  As a final act of self abasement, Daniel proceeds to cover himself with ashes.

While Jerusalem is sitting lonely because of her sins, Daniel is standing tall on his knees before the face of God.

Daniel.  A giant of the Faith.  A Prophet of God.  A recipient of heavenly visions.  An interpreter of dreams.  A man of great political power.

Daniel.  A sinner in great remorse with no delusions of who he is before a perfect God.

Daniel.  A willing vessel passionate about being used by God to carry out His will for Jerusalem and the nations.

Wrestling with God in humility may not be as “glamorous” as surviving a lion’s den, but Daniel’s humble prayer of repentance may be his greatest “legacy”.

How different things might be if we would seek the face of God with the humility of Daniel!!

How Lonely Sits the City

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1 How lonely sits the city
    that was full of people!
How like a widow has she become,
    she who was great among the nations!
She who was a princess among the provinces
    has become a slave. – Lamentations 1:1

The Unfaithful Bride

“How lonely sits the city.”  So writes Jeremiah.  What a sobering personification.  Jerusalem, destined for such greatness.  Jerusalem, desolate because of sinfulness.  The city on a hill is now sitting in the dumps.  She who was once full of people is now stripped by her enemies.  Her people have been exiled to foreign lands.  Laughter has given way to longing.  Greatness has given way to groaning.  Power has given way to persecution.  The proud bride is now an abandoned widow.  The princess has become a slave.  Her once full streets are now desolate.  Pride came before a fall.  “How lonely sits the city.”

It wasn’t meant to be this way.  God found Israel along the road.  He cleaned her.  He nurtured her.  He showered her with His love.  She spurned Him.  As sad as the illustration sounds, Jerusalem is not a helpless widow.  She drove her husband away.  She wasn’t a faithful wife, but faithless.  Time and again God would lavish His love on Israel, only to see Israel reject Him.  When Moses was on Mount Sinai too long the people made a golden calf.  When the desert (not dessert) menu wasn’t to their liking, they wanted to go back to the leeks and onions of Egypt.  The people who cried for deliverance from slavery begged for liberation from the monotony of manna.  Instead of submitting to the rule of God, they wanted to be ruled by a king.  Instead of pointing the nations to their Salvation, Israel slept with them.  The bride God intended to be pure was defiled.  The apple of God’s eye was spoiled.  “How like a widow she has become.”

Jerusalem not only boasted of the Temple of God, but it also throned mighty kings such as David and Solomon.  During the reign of these kings, Jerusalem was on top of the world.  King David subjected their enemies.  Solomon reigned in wisdom and peace.  During their reigns, Israel collected tributes from the nations they ruled over.  The might of David and wisdom of Solomon were world renown.  All that was gained under their rule was undone by foolishness and unfaithfulness.  Her king was deported and the ruler became the ruled.  “She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave.”

The Faithful Groom

“God is love.”  So John writes in his first epistle.  So we like to remind ourselves and one another.  We like to talk about love.  We desire and need to be loved.  We like to quote the love chapter, First Corinthians chapter thirteen, “Love is patient. love is kind, etc.”  We like to quote John 3:16, “For God so loved the world…”  We like to be the object of affection.  We enjoy being lavished with love.  That is why Jeremiah’s description of Jerusalem is so sobering.  “How lonely sits the city.”

What God has done for Israel, He has done for you.  When you were dead in your sins He cleansed you with the blood of Christ.  He covered you with the robe of Christ’s righteousness.  He filled you with the life of His Holy Spirit.  He liberated you from slavery and made you an heir.  He continually lavishes you with His love.  Do you reciprocate His love or do you spurn Him?

The picture Jeremiah portrays of Jerusalem sitting alone touches our hearts.  We envision an elderly widow perhaps sitting in the corner of a room lost in her thoughts.  Thoughts of what used to be.  Her husband embracing her when he walked through the door after a hard day’s work.  Her children chasing each other around the yard and through the house.   The neighbors stopping in and making memories by passing the time with her.  The walls are still there.  The memories are still there.  The sights and sounds are still vivid.  But the joy of life is gone.  Reminiscing won’t bring them back.  Once chance is all there is.  Unless…

Another Chance

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

As I stated above, Israel was not a helpless victim of time or circumstances, but rather was responsible for their predicament because of the choices they made.  The sins of the people precipitated the loneliness of the city.  The personification of Jerusalem is a rebuke to Israel, but the people would come back.  The walls and the Temple would be rebuilt.  More importantly, the life would come back.  Voices and laughter would again fill the homes and the streets.  Tears of sorrow would be replaced by tears of joy.  Not because the bride deserved it, but because of the mercy of the faithful groom.  One that will never break his word to His bride or Himself.

59 “For thus says the Lord God: I will deal with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant,60 yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant. 61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you take your sisters, both your elder and your younger, and I give them to you as daughters, but not on account of the covenant with you. 62 I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, 63 that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I atone for you for all that you have done, declares the Lord God.” – Ezekiel 16:59-63

God is Faithful.  God is love.  He desires and deserves to have these attributes reciprocated not spurned.  Israel’s rebuke is a good reminder for us.  The lonely city grieved the heart of a Faithful “groom”.  A groom who first loved us so we could love.  One who atoned us so that we would.

A Broken and Contrite Heart

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17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. – Psalm 51:17

A Broken Heart

Have you ever honestly asked yourself, “What does a broken heart look like?”  I am not talking about the teenager who is in the dumps because the love of their life (however they define that) broke up with them after two weeks of dating.  Nor am I talking about the widow who just buried the love of her life after sixty years of marriage as sad as that is.  We will all experience difficulties.  We will all bury loved ones.  As much as these things will pain our hearts and make us grieve and leave us heart broken, they are not the same as being broken hearted.  This type of grief is a natural emotional reaction to external circumstances.  When we are heart broken, we often see ourselves as victims of circumstances.  Not so the person with the broken heart.

Humbled

We live in an age of incredible pride.  With our chests sticking out and our heads held high and our fists raised towards heaven we demand our rights.  The world owes us and we are going to make sure we get what we have coming to us.  It is not a matter of what we have earned, but instead it is a matter of entitlement.  This is what I too often see.  This is why I ask the question, “What does a broken heart look like?”  We are so busy scanning the horizon to make sure we don’t miss out on what we want, that we don’t take the time to look deep within ourselves to recognize what we are missing.  In this regard I am afraid that most of us are more like Lot than Abraham.  When it came time for them to separate, in his pride, Lot lifted up his eyes and chose the land that appealed to him.  Abraham, by contrast, in his humility had his eyes lifted up by God and God chose for him.  Like Abraham’s, a broken and contrite heart is humble.

Repentant

When David penned the fifty-first Psalm, he was broken hearted.  He had terribly sinned against God.  He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed.  If that wasn’t bad enough, he tried to cover up his sins.  Never works.  God used Nathan to call David out, and David was forced to confront his sin.  He did not make excuses.  He did not make denials.  Nor did he blame anyone else.  He admitted his guilt, and sought out forgiveness from God. Look at David’s plea.  This is no insincere confession.  These are the words of a man who is devastated.  David is crushed by the weight of his sin.  His sins are a stench to God and he knows it.  A broken and contrite heart is greatly sobered by the guilt of sin and is repentant.

3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

9 Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.

Sacrifice

Along with a broken spirit, David says a broken and contrite heart is the sacrifice of God.  Through David’s writing, God is contrasting the sacrifice He will delight in with one He will not.

16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

I am sure as David penned these words his mind went back to his predecessor, King Saul.  Saul had been instructed to completely wipe out the Amalekites but did not obey.  Instead he spared King Agag and the best of the livestock.  When confronted with his disobedience, Saul justified his actions by saying he wanted to save these spoils to sacrifice to God.  God wasn’t impressed.

22 Samuel said,

“Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has also rejected you from being king.” – 1 Samuel 15:22-23

Obedient

God doesn’t want our sacrifice if He doesn’t have our heart.  He doesn’t need our money.  God doesn’t need our talents.  He wants US and our obedience.  He despised the sacrifice of Saul and his rationalizations.  What God wants is our hearts, broken and contrite.  A broken and contrite heart fears God and is obedient to His Word.

The world will never exalt the broken hearted, but God will.  While the proud raise their fists heavenward demanding their rights, may we humbly confess our wrongs.  While the proud vehemently fight for what they want, might we humbly thank God He doesn’t give us what we deserve.  While the proud are making excuses for their behavior, might we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness.  While the proud are selfishly scanning the horizon for more worldly possessions, might we have the wisdom to look inside ourselves and purge the world from our hearts.

Prepared

What does a broken heart look like?  It is a heart that is prepared for the presence and power of God.  It is the heart God looks for.  It is the heart God favors.  May he find such a heart in you and I!!

 66 Thus says the Lord:
“Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me,
    and what is the place of my rest?
2 All these things my hand has made,
    and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
    he who is humble and contrite in spirit
    and trembles at my word. – Isaiah 66:1-2

15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
    who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
    and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
    and to revive the heart of the contrite. – Isaiah 57:15

Crying for Mercy

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51 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin! – Psalm 51:1-2

Campfires and Fights

It is difficult to always be right!  Especially when you are young.  And small for your age.  And don’t know when to keep your opinion to yourself (i.e. keep your mouth shut!).  I learned this lesson the hard way as a teenager.  I had gone on a weekend camp out with a Boy Scout group.  The weekend was packed with memorable events such as ghost stories, dipping water straight from the creek for hot chocolate over the campfire (the solid particles can’t be dangerous if they’ve been boiled right?) and a midnight walk through a cemetery.  These were the highlights, along with one of the guys falling into the creek in the middle of the night during a storm after leaving the cemetery.  I can still hear him crying for help in the creek bottom as the lightning flashed around us.  Good times!

The low-light was the tussle I got into.  One of the scouts who was a couple of years older than I did something I took offense to.  I knew he was antagonizing me because of the size difference between us, but I also knew that might doesn’t make right.  Rather than turning the other cheek and letting him embarrass me, I decided to embarrass myself and take the bait.  I foolishly accepted his challenge.  Gotta love teenage boys!

Say “Uncle”

I remember vividly, lying on my back with this bully on my chest.  As he tapped his finger into my sternum he kept telling me to say “uncle.”  My pride would not let me.  With a ring of boys around us I could feel my face turning flush and the tears coming into my eyes.  But I wasn’t going to budge.  Literally.  I was willing to lay there with him on my chest tapping on my sternum until his bony finger came out of my back.  I knew I was right and there was no way I was going to cry for mercy.  This was a matter of principle, not comfort.  Some things are worth fighting for regardless of the cost.  The other boys thought I was crazy.  The leader thought I was spunky.  When he knew I had no fight left, he separated us.  For what it was worth, the other boy proved he was tougher.  I walked away strengthened in my conviction to never quit.  Definitely gotta love teenage boys!!

A Time to Cry for Mercy

I am no longer a teenager.  That ship sailed out long ago.  I’ve come to accept that I am not always right.  However, that ship was a little slower in sailing out.  More importantly, I learned that there is a time to cry for mercy.  There is a time to quit.  A time of desperation when we need to realize we are fighting a losing battle.  A time we let our pride give way to humility.  Of course, I am talking about the spiritual realm.  I’m talking about being in the wrong.  I’m talking about living in SIN.

Sin is an enemy we cannot defeat.  The greater our pride, the more dangerous it becomes.  If we try to fight it in our human strength it will knock us down every time.  If we try to hide it, it will expose us as a fraud.  The longer we wrestle with it in our own strength the greater will be our shame and embarrassment.  We need to get out from under sin as soon as possible.  King David wasn’t strong enough to conquer it alone and neither are we.  We need to learn from David and cry out to God for mercy.  It is our only hope.  This is no teenage tussle.  Crying for mercy isn’t a sign of weakness.  It is evidence of wisdom.

The Weight of Sin

The weight of sin can be unbearable.  Like a bully sitting on our chest, it makes it hard for us to catch our breath.  With its bony finger, it brings pain to our hearts.  It plays games with our minds and torments our souls.  Sin turns our camp outs into tussles and our joy into mourning.  It destroys relationships and breaks up families.  How long are we willing to embarrass ourselves and entertain it?  Quit taking the bait.  Give it up.  Look into the mirror of God’s Word.  See the filth?  Seek forgiveness and repeat after David.

51 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

God’s Mercy

When it comes to sin we are out of our league.  We cannot conquer it with good works.  We cannot overcome it with church membership.  Our friends and families can’t save us nor can our wealth.  When it comes to being saved from our sins we have only one option:  God’s mercy.  Thankfully, He offers it to us.  According to his steadfast love.  The love that sent His Son to fight on our behalf.  There is a bloodstained cross on Calvary that proves some things are worth fighting for regardless of the cost.

God in His abundant mercy wants to blot out your transgressions and wash you thoroughly from your iniquity and cleanse you from your sin.  Let Him.

The Bible teaches us that sin is always wrong and God is always right.  It is much wiser to cry to God for mercy than to let sin hold us down.  Humbling ourselves is not always easy, nor is it always comfortable.  But at least one teenage conviction I have to remain true to.  Principles take priority over comfort.

‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ – Luke 18:13

Knowing Our Trangressions

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3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me. – Psalm 51:3

Sin Struggles

In many respects, Psalm 51 is bittersweet.  While we can rejoice in the penitent nature of David, we are saddened by the sin and cover-up that preceded it.  How could this happen to King David, the man after God’s own heart?  The man hand-picked by God to rule over His people and inspired to write many of the Psalms.  Despite his position, David struggled with sin.   Just like us.  Furthermore, he struggled with denial.  Just like us.

Feeding Lust

Some have argued that if David was at war with his army he would not have fallen into sin with Bathsheba.  That may be true, but I believe it misses an important fact.  David wasn’t looking for Bathsheba, he was taking a walk on his roof.  The problem was David’s reaction to the inadvertent sight of Bathsheba bathing.  Instead of turning around and walking away he fed his lust.  Not only was Bathsheba beautiful, she was married.  But David wanted her regardless.  This is not the side of David we see revealed in the 51st Psalm.  However, this is the side of David too many of us can relate to.  This is where we could all learn a lesson from Job.

Job Lessons

“I have made a covenant with my eyes;
    how then could I gaze at a virgin? – Job 31:1

Am I endorsing battling sin with human effort?  Not at all.  I am encouraging all of us to learn from Job the importance of not underestimating our depravity.  Or, if you prefer, to not overestimate our spirituality.  David may have been referred to as a man after God’s own heart, but look at the description of Job.

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. – Job 1:1

8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” – Job 1:8

Twice we are told that Job was blameless and upright.  He feared God and turned away from evil.  This is not Job’s evaluation of himself.  These are the words of God.  Pretty impressive.  Job not only had a healthy fear of God, but he also had a realistic view of his own depravity.

God’s Desire

I don’t believe any of us will be perfect this side of heaven, but with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, we have a great ally in our battle with sin.  However, we need to be reminded of our weaknesses and limitations.  God has made an unbreakable covenant with us, is it too much to ask that we might reciprocate and like Job, “make a covenant with our eyes?”  After all, He wants us to be blameless and upright.  He desires for us to fear Him and turn away from evil.  Before we will turn away from evil, we must admit our inclination towards sin and develop a Godlike abhorrence of it.  Only then will we resolve to “mortify” it as Paul encouraged us.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. – Romans 8:13

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.  – Colossians 3:5-10

Sin Lessons

We may be redeemed by the blood of Christ, but we live in a fallen world.  We still struggle with the flesh.  We would be wise to learn from David’s sin and subsequent repentance.  Look at these words of David:

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me. – Psalm 51:5

David wrote this Psalm after Nathan confronted him with his sin.  In his brokenness, David confesses his depravity.  He was brought forth in iniquity.  In sin his mother conceived him.  Every aspect of his life was affected by sin.  And so is ours.  Despite what our society tells us men are not basically good.  To the contrary, we are born with a sin nature and an inclination towards evil.

Beware of Bathsheba!

God grant us the honesty to admit our depravity.  We never know when Bathsheba will bathe on the rooftop, but we know eventually she will.  I don’t know what your specific struggles are but I do know this: Bathsheba will be attractive, Bathsheba will be enticing, Bathsheba will force you to make a decision.  You will not be a victim.  To the contrary, you will be responsible for your decision.  You may make the wrong choice like David and find yourself trying to cover up for your sins and suffering long term consequences.  Or you may be like Job and turn away from evil, putting to death the deeds of the body.  Either way, I am convinced that your decision will be greatly influenced by your fear of God and your Biblical understanding of your depravity.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things,
    and desperately sick;
    who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9

God’s Indestructible Word (Part 5)

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22 It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the firepot before him. 23 As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the firepot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the firepot.  – Jeremiah 36:22-23

Feeding The Fire

We will end our look at the indestructible nature of God’s Word where we began, by the fire of Jehoiakim.  With his knife and firepot, Jehoiakim thought he could destroy God’s Word.  When he looked into the fire and saw the ashes, he probably assumed he had accomplished his task.  He could not have been more wrong.  It is Jehoiakim who is long gone.  His fire burned out long ago, but the Word of God keeps spreading.  The original scroll Jeremiah dictated may have been turned to ashes, but God’s message through Jeremiah will endure forever as part of God’s living Word: the Bible.  Although Jehoiakim died long ago, the arrogance he exemplified has often been repeated.  Too often.

Diocletian

After the resurrection of Christ, Christianity spread like wildfire in the Roman empire filling a spiritual void that paganism could not.  Just as the religious leaders of the day had seen Christ as a threat necessary to destroy, the Roman ruler Valerius Diocletian saw Christianity as a threat to the security of his empire.  Accordingly, Diocletian issued an edict to destroy Christians and their Bibles.  Perhaps with a smugness not unlike Jehoiakim centuries before, Diocletian built a monument over a burned Bible with these words, Extincto momene Christianorum (the name of Christian is extinguished).  Although he forbid the assembly of Christians and burned down their churches, Diocletian’s claim of having extinguished Christianity was premature.  Twenty years after building his monument over a burned Bible, Diocletian was dead and the new Emperor, Constantine, commissioned fifty copies of the Bible to be prepared at government expense.

Voltaire

I am not sure why, but the enemies of the Bible seem to have a penchant for burning it.  When Voltaire was at the peak of his influence, France rejected the Scriptures.  To prove their triumph over the “bondage” of the Scriptures, the French tied a copy of the Bible to the tail of a donkey, and dragged it through the streets to the city dump, where it was ceremoniously burned.  What did their liberation from the Bible do for France?  Since that time, the government of France has fallen thirty-five times.  Voltaire was the champion of Rationalism.  He was a philosopher and an author.  As a deist, his writings were filled with hatred towards the Bible.   Voltaire was famous.  He was influential.  But he was an infidel.  In short, he was not the man you would want to shape your culture.  Like Diocletian centuries before, Voltaire also overestimated his success in destroying the Bible and wiping out Christianity.  In his vanity he proclaimed, “In less than a hundred years the Bible will be discarded and Christianity swept from the earth.”  Like Diocletian, Voltaire was wrong.  In fact fifty years after his death the Geneva Bible Society purchased his house and used his printing press to publish Bibles throughout Europe.  One hundred years after his death, an ancient copy of a Codex (manuscript of Bible) sold for $500,000.00.  That same day a copy of Voltaire’s writing sold for eleven cents in Paris.  Two hundred years after his death, the Bible continues to be the best selling book, while Voltaire’s writings are “in the dump”.

Thomas Paine

Despite the lack of success, the enemies of the Bible continue to attack it.  Thomas Paine, an American influenced by Voltaire and French deism, would write The Age of Reason, a passionate attack against the Bible.  He was succeeded by the politician, Robert Ingersoll who was a highly sought after agnostic lecturer.  He was paid very well to “tear apart” the Bible in his lectures.  In his opinion, the teachings of Darwin would destroy the Bible.  Paine and Ingersoll are both dead and the Bible still stands.

Still Standing

Obviously there are many more examples we could share but the conclusion is the same.  The Bible has been attacked by men with political power.  It has been attacked by philosophers.  It has been attacked from within, men claiming to be religious.  It has stood up to higher criticism.  It has withstood the Enlightenment.  It has withstood Rationalism.  It will withstand every -ism the world continues to throw at it.  It’s enemies will pass away and most of their names will pass into oblivion.  Their flesh will wither.  Their glory will fall.  Some day this earth will be burned, but the Word of God will remain.  What are you doing with it?

24 for “All flesh is like grass
    and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
    and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you. – 1 Peter 1:24-25

The Anvil — God’s Word

LAST EVE I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,

And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;

Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor

Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

” How many anvils have you had, ” said I,

” To wear and batter all these hammers so? ”

” Just one, ” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,

” The anvil wears the hammers out, you know. ”

And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,

For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;

Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed — the hammers gone.

By John Clifford.

God’s Indestructible Word (Part 4)

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49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” – John 11:49-50

Public Enemy Number One

It is amazing the extremes we will go to and the justifications we will fabricate to take drastic actions.  Lazarus had lain dead in his tomb for four days.  Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, gives the command, “Lazarus, come out”, and Lazarus walks out in his grave clothes.  Not exactly an everyday occurrence.  Everyone is astonished.  Most of the friends of the family believe in Jesus.  Some, however, went and reported the miracle to the Pharisees.  Instead of asking how the works of Jesus might fulfill prophecies, they are concerned with their future comfort.  God was in their midst and they were afraid of Caesar.  The conclusion?  Kill God to appease Caesar.

Public Enemy Number Two

As we have already looked at, Jesus conquered death and ascended into heaven, yet His absence did not satisfy His enemies.  Even before He went to the cross, they were gunning for victim number two.  Lazarus.  Satan is opposed not only to the Trinity but also their works and Word.  The fact that Lazarus was walking around after having lain dead in the grave for four days put a big bulls-eye on him.  The words of Caiaphas, “It is better for you that one man should die for the people…”  were quickly edited.

10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. – John 12:10-11

Never Satisfied

First Jesus.  Then Lazarus.  Where does it end?  When does it end?  It doesn’t.  Not until Jesus comes back.  The animosity of Satan towards God is mirrored by that of sinners towards saints.  Christ’s blood may have satisfied the Father, but not the father of lies.  He wants more.  After Jesus was crucified, Stephen was stoned to death.  Then James was beheaded.  In time, many of the Apostles would be executed for their faith.  Philip was crucified.  Matthew was killed with a halberd (an axe like weapon).  James, the brother of Jesus was beaten to death.  Matthias was beheaded.  Andrew was crucified.  Mark was torn to pieces.  Peter was crucified upside down.  Jude, Bartholomew and Thomas were also martyred.  After much suffering for Christ, Paul was eventually beheaded in Rome.  Eventually, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy and Simon were also martyred for their faith.

Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, “Enough”: – Proverbs 30:15b

If I could, I would like to add Satan to the list of things never satisfied.  He will never say enough.  The death of Jesus and the disciples did not satisfy him.   During the Roman empire, thousands of Christians were killed for their faith.  Some saints were tossed to wild beasts, others were burned at the stake.  Some were covered with the skins of beasts and torn by dogs, others were decapitated.  Many were nailed to crosses.  Some were used as human torches.  Many were tortured.  Many were imprisoned.  The means of execution and forms of tortures were numerous.  Unfortunately, they did not end with the fall of the Roman empire.

Church Seeds

Between 2005 and 2015, 900,00 Christians were martyred.  Ninety thousand Christians a year being killed for their faith in this day and age?  Aren’t we supposed to be more intelligent than our predecessors?  Aren’t we supposed to be more civilized?  How can this be possible?  Satan will never be satisfied.  He will never say enough.  Paul said, “the gospel is the power of God for salvation.”  Jesus said, “Follow me.”  The Bible warns, and history confirms, following Jesus comes at a cost.  Satan will stop at nothing to prevent the gospel from spreading.  Jesus was well aware of this truth.  He expects His followers to count the cost, and then compare the cost to the reward.  Despite Satan’s efforts, the gospel will keep spreading.  The deaths of the saints were not in vain.  The Word of God that they lived and died for is indestructible.  And because they were faithful to it I am confident they entered into the joy of the Lord hearing, “Well done good and faith servant.”

20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” – John 15:20-21

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” – Matthew 16:34-26

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” – Tertullian

God’s Indestructible Word (Part 3)

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54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. – Acts 7:54-60

Stephen

Most of us are probably familiar with the account of Stephen.  We attribute to Stephen the designation of  being the first Christian martyr.  However, as we continue our study of the indestructible nature of the Word of God, I would like to take a closer look at Stephen’s death.  Accordingly, let’s back up to Acts chapter six.
2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Satan

Look at what is happening here.  Verse one of Acts chapter six tells us that the church is growing (the disciples were increasing in number).  The Word of God is being preached and it is bearing fruit.  Satan, doesn’t like this, hence, a dispute begins within the church.  Sound familiar?  The disciples see through Satan’s scheme and appoint elders to handle the dispute so that they can devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.  Wise men.

Among those picked to “serve tables” is Stephen.  Nothing against serving tables, but Stephen appears to have a special anointing and a special gift.  He is a gifted speaker and a bold man.  A great combination in any age.  As Stephen is preaching some scholars take exception to his teaching, but they are unable to refute Stephen as he is speaking with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  The devil hates the Truth and so do his minions.  So they engage in the age old tactic of character assassination.  If you can’t refute the Truth, resort to lies.  There is nothing new under the sun!

Seized

Those that could not debate Stephen instead resorted to instigating the ignorant.  They spread the lie that Stephen was speaking blasphemy against Moses and God.  The people gave into their emotions and never engaged the gears of logic.  It appears it was another example of, “My mind is made up, don’t confuse me with the facts.”  Then the scribes and the elders got caught up in the emotional fervor and Stephen was seized and brought before the council; officially know as the Sanhedrin.  The religious court of the day.  One would hope that as Stephen stood before these rational men, whose job it was to listen objectively to facts, he would get a fair hearing  (assuming for a moment that their handling of Jesus was an aberration).  But he did not.

Sanhedrin

The crime Stephen committed was preaching Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 6:14).  As Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin, his face “was like the face of an angel”.  When questioned by the high priest, Stephen resumed his “crime”.  Stephen not only preached to the council, he boldly brought charges against them as representatives of the Jewish people.  They were guilty of being stiff necked.  They killed the prophets of God.  They killed the Messiah.  They were entrusted with the law and did not keep it.  Convicted by the Word of God they did the only logical thing; they became enraged and ground their teeth.  As Stephen looked Heavenward and saw Jesus, the members of the Sanhedrin cried out covered their ears and rushed at him.  The Truth was painful to listen to.  It had to be stopped.  Stephen had to be eliminated.

Stones

Full of Satan’s venom, the council cast Stephen out of the city in order to stone him.  As they were picking up their stones, the witnesses were laying their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.  Once again, God was at least one step ahead of Satan.  As the stones were being hurled at him, Stephen submitted his soul to God and prayed for the forgiveness of those who sought his death.

God’s Word can not be destroyed.  God’s Word will not return void.

Saul

After Stephen uttered his prayer of forgiveness, he passed into the presence of God.  Stephen was martyred, but God’s Word was not destroyed.  Those that witnessed Stephen’s death would return to the feet of Saul and pick up their garments.  Saul, on the other hand, would in time pick up Stephen’s “mantel”.  The same Holy Spirit that indwelled Stephen would indwell the mighty Apostle Paul.  The same Truth that Stephen proclaimed, Paul would carry to the gentiles.  The Jerusalem stones may have covered Stephen’s body and silenced his voice, but they could not stop the Living Word of God.

“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” – Acts 9:15

God’s Indestructible Word (Part 2)

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15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
    and you shall bruise his heel.” – Genesis 3:15

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
    weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
    she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” – Matthew 2:16-18

A Throne for One

Satan once “resided” in the presence of God enjoying all the beauty of Heaven and the fellowship of the divine.  He was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.”  He was perhaps the highest angel.  But despite his position, Satan was not content.  Rather, he was full of pride.  Instead of singing, “Holy, holy, holy” like the Seraphim before the throne of God, he wanted to replace God on the throne.  But Satan would quickly learn that God will share His glory with no one or nothing; including His “highest” creation.  Satan’s desire to be exalted to the throne of God resulted in God casting him out of heaven.  Satan has been “at war” with God ever since.

We have been looking at Satan’s attempt to discredit and destroy the Word of God.  Beginning in the Garden where he preyed on the pride of Adam and Eve with the temptation to be like God, Satan has been relentless in his attacks.  Just as he was cast out of Heaven, Satan was cast out of the Garden.  But before he was, God warned him that the woman’s offspring would crush his head.  If Satan has waged an all-out war against God’s written Word, how much more violently would he try to destroy the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ?

Herod’s Decree

The passage quoted above from Matthew’s gospel clearly answers the question.  Feeling threatened by the birth of the Christ child, Herod made a decree to have the young male children in Bethlehem killed with the intention of eliminating Jesus.  But God is always more than one step ahead of Satan.  Rather than being killed by Herod, Jesus was kept safely in Egypt until Herod died.  But Herod was just one pawn in the hands of Satan.

Beloved Son

When Jesus was baptized by John, the heavens opened up and the Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove and rested on Him.  From Heaven God proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).  After being publicly anointed and blessed by the Father, Jesus went into the desert where He was tempted by the enemy.  In the desert, the battle was heating up.  Jesus was fasting.  His flesh was “weakening”.  Satan would not waste this opportunity to destroy the incarnate Word.  No pawns would be used in this battle.  Satan would come personally to confront Jesus.  If Jesus took on flesh and blood to redeem man, Satan would attack the humanity of Jesus to destroy Him.  Just as he used their pride against Adam and Eve, Satan would try the same tactic with Jesus.

It is Written

“Command this stone to become bread.”  The lust of the flesh.  Doesn’t that fruit look tasty?  It will open your eyes.  Unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus did not bite.  Instead, the incarnate Word quoted the Word of God.  “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone.”

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here.”  The pride of life.  Flaunt your position.  Use your powers.  Prove yourself.  Jesus did not jump.  Again He quoted Scripture, “Again, it is written,  ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

“All these I will give to you, if you will fall down and worship me.”  The lust of the eyes.  Take the easy way out.  Don’t pick up that cross.  The cup will be bitter.  Who can blame you for avoiding the suffering?  Jesus would not bend a knee.  The road to glory would include a cup and a cross.  All glory belongs to God.  “It is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.“

“Command this stone.”  “It is written.”  “Throw yourself down”  “It is written.”  “Worship me.”  “It is written.”  “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Satan’s Weapons

Herod’s sword could not destroy the incarnate Word, and neither could Satan’s temptations. But Satan would employ other tactics and other weapons.  He would turn to the “church” and the government.  Institutions ordained by God.  Institutions so many look to for “salvation”.  Scary thought.  Even more frightening is the fact that he would also use the disciples.  Men hand picked by Jesus Himself.  All would converge in another Garden of God’s choosing.  The Second Adam, the incarnate Word, was prepared.

While the Pharisees were scheming and Judas was betraying, the disciples were sleeping.  When humanity was at its worst, Jesus was praying.  God is always at least one step ahead of Satan.

Empty Tomb

Satan unleashed the jealousy of the Pharisees and the cruelty of Rome.  Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss and most of the other disciple scattered.  Pilate waffled and the crowd shouted.  The guilty Barabbas was released and the innocent Jesus was condemned.   Jesus drank from the cup and carried the cross.  His hands and feet were nailed and his side was pierced.  His blood flowed and His breath expired.  It is finished.  Not quite.

For a while, it appeared that the Roman cross accomplished what the Roman sword had failed to do thirty-three years earlier…  Until the empty tomb on the third day.  The stone was rolled away to show the world: God’s Word is indestructible!!  Far from being destroyed, it was about the spread like never before.

35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” – Matthew 24:35

God’s Indestructible Word

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27 Now after the king had burned the scroll with the words that Baruch wrote at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 28 “Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned. – Jeremiah 36:27-28                                         

God’s Word

The Word of God brought creation into existence.  It brought light and order to an earth that was “without form” and it brought life where there was “void.”  The inherent goodness of the Creator was reflected in His creation.  But God wasn’t done.  His objective was not creation, but fellowship.  God not only formed and breathed life into Adam, but He also spoke with him.  His words to Adam were simple.  This you may eat, and this you may not.  Adam apparently did not understand the significance of God’s words.  But the enemy did.  It has been his objective to destroy God’s creation since his fall.  What better way to do it than the destruction of God’s Word?

Broken Trust

In the Garden of Eden, Satan brought into question the integrity of God’s Word.  Did God really say?  Yes! God really said, “you shall not.”  And He meant it.  Satan may have succeeded in getting Adam and Eve to disobey God’s Word, but His Word was not destroyed.  Not at all.  When put to the test, God’s Word was validated.  Disobedience led to death just as God said it would.  While Adam and Eve were being “escorted” out of the Garden and Satan was slithering on his belly, God’s Word stood true.

Smashed Tablets

When Moses came down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments, he heard the singing of the people.  When he saw the golden calf and the people dancing, his “anger burned hot” and he threw down the tablets at the foot of the mountain and smashed them.  Moses was “delayed” on Mount Sinai.  The people wanted a god to lead them.  Satan suggested an idol.  The people listened and fashioned one.  And then they danced.  Satan had gotten God’s children to violate the very first commandment God had written on the tablets.  The fact that Moses smashed the tablets is ironic.  Satan perhaps thought he had destroyed God’s Word.  But he didn’t.  After God disciplined the Israelites for their disobedience, He rewrote the Ten Commandments.

34 The Lord said to Moses, “Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. – Exodus 34:1

Burnt Scrolls

If smashing God’s Word won’t destroy it, perhaps cutting and burning it will.  At least that it was Jehoiakim seems to think as we read in today’s passage.  He didn’t like what God had to say so he threw the scroll into the fire.  As if burning the Word of God can stop the will of God.  Doesn’t work.  Jehoiakim’s fire wasn’t the end of God’s Word.  In actuality, Jehoiakim was merely fanning the flames.  Men really should be careful when “playing” with fire.  As if burning the scroll wasn’t enough, Jehoiakim wanted to silence God’s spokesmen, Jeremiah and Baruch, but God had other plans.  God not only protected Jeremiah and Baruch, he also replaced the scroll that was burned.

27 Now after the king had burned the scroll with the words that Baruch wrote at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 28 “Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned. – Jeremiah 36:27-28

Indestructible!!

God’s Word is indestructible.  The prophecies regarding Jehoiakim and Judah came true.  Burning the scroll did not prevent God from carrying out His plan.  But the enemy is persistent.  History is replete with attacks on God’s Word and His messengers.  With sin rampant in the hearts of men, Satan has no shortage of accomplices.

In 175 BC, the Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanes, ordered the Jews to destroy their Scriptures and worship the Greek gods.  This was no idle threat.  Antiochus Epiphanes was an evil and violent man.  Some of his contemporaries referred to him as Epimanes (“the mad one”), the Jews referred to him as harasha (“the wicked”).  He ordered the tearing and burning of any Scriptures his officials found.  Those possessing Scriptures were sentenced to death.  Later, he would lead an all out assault against the Jews.  Over a three day period of time he ordered the slaughter of forty thousand Jews with another forty thousand being sold into slavery.  As he was raging against the Jews God struck him down.

A “madman” may wreak havoc with God’s people, but God’s Word is indestructible.  While Antiochus Epiphanes is buried in infamy, God’s Word remains.  While Satan was working through King Antiochus Epiphanes, God raised up Judas Maccabaeus to lead a revolt and “save” the Scriptures.  Furthermore, the revolt won independence for the Jewish nation and resulted in the re-dedication of the Holy Temple.  Today the Jews still celebrate this event at Hanukkah.  Like Jehoiakim before him, Antiochus wasn’t destroying God’s Word, he was fanning the flames.

Far from being extinguished, the Word of God was about to take on flesh and blood.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8