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Intermission 1

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We interrupt the regularly scheduled blog to give our top (and only) writer a break. Why break after 26 posts? Wanted to do so after number 25 but 26 was half written. Didn’t want to leave Solomon with Fool for too long. Too much mirth isn’t good for anyone, even Solomon.  But thanks for asking.

As we catch our breath, it may be a good time for review.  Let’s start with the obvious.  Why a blog anyhow?

  1.  As I read I have a lot of ideas that I want to share.  In a sense, you could say I have a “fire in my bones”.  No, I am not equating myself to Jeremiah, but I think I know how he felt in wanting relief through sharing.
  2. My hope is that others may be encouraged and inspired by what they read here.  Assuming anyone is reading.
  3. If I can encourage others in the faith, God will be glorified.  Sounds like a win/win/win scenario to me.

What.  What I don’t want is for this blog to replace your own study.  I am certainly no Bible answer man.  Rather I would encourage everyone to read, read, read.

  1.  Read the Bible at least once a year.  It was God’s choice to inspire it in the first place (kind of eliminates excuses).
  2. In addition to the Bible, read “edifying” books.  There are a lot of great Christian authors and Christian Biographies.
  3. Read educational books.  Challenge yourself.  Read the “Classics”.  Read Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Dickens, etc.

How.  When reading/studying, I like to use the simple method taught by Precept Ministries (and others).

  1.  Observation:  What does the text say?
  2. Interpretation:  What does the text mean”
  3. Application:  So what?  What does the text mean to me?

Whenever you read, remember these few things:

  1.  Interrogate the text.  Ask questions.  Who, what, when, where, why & how?  Forces you to slow down and focus.  Practical things to do if you want to understand and retain.
  2. Context is King.  To best understand a passage you must keep it in its context.
  3. Learning is for a lifetime.

What’s next?  I have not devoted the time to categorize the posts as you can see.  I am thinking about a section for those with titles based on classics (A Tale of Two Mountains and Bleak House(s) thus far).  Titles such as Blown With The Wind, Lord of the Kings, War and Peace (With God), The Scarlet Debtor, Crimes and Punishment and others are in the works (i.e. I’m thinking about them).  I don’t mean to be flippant with God’s word, but I believe I can tastefully and respectfully illuminate certain passages in this manner.  Not sure if the other posts would be deemed Apologetic, Devotional, Inspirational, etc.  Open to suggestions.

Feel free to leave a comment, I have no other way of knowing whether anyone is reading.  If others aren’t being edified I don’t want to “waste” the time putting down my thoughts.  If you would like to know when a new post is added you can register your e-mail address.  Nobody besides me and my editor (sounds more professional doesn’t it?) have access to the e-mail list.

We will soon return to our regularly scheduled blog, whatever that may be. Return to your seats.  Intermission is over.

“If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.” – 2 Timothy 4:13

Paul was certainly a man of rare intellect, I encourage you to read “His” books.

Bleak House(s)

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“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind and the living will lay it to heart.  Sorrow is better than laughter for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.  The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.”  Ecclesiastes 7:2-4.

Solomon

My name is Solomon.  I live in the town Underthesun.  Life here is dull.  Never anything new.  Nothing seems to have any meaning.  In my boredom, I stepped out my front door looking for my friend Wisdom.  Curious to know what is new with him.  Hopeful he can help me find meaning in life here in Underthesun.  With my best pair of walking sandals on I headed down the street.

House of Feasting

The sun was rather hot so I stopped at the House of Feasting for a drink.  I pulled up a stool and asked for a water. Not sure what was so funny but the “gentleman” next to me started to laugh.  I asked him his name.  “Fool” was his reply.  “I’m looking for Wisdom, do you know him?”  “Never met him, not here anyhow,” and then he laughed again.  Never realized I was so funny.  “Do you come here often?” I asked Fool.  “Often as I can.”  More laughing.  “Have a family?” “Yup.”  “Do you ever bring them here?”  Laughter.  Now my curiosity was getting the better of me.  “What’s so funny?”  Nothing.  “Oh.”  “What brings you here?”  “HaHa, I want to get away.”  “From what?”  “Everything.”  Once again Fool laughed.   “Have any hobbies?”  “Nope.”  “Read?”  “Nope.”  “What do you do when you are not here?”  “T.V.”  “What do you do for a living?”  “Die.”  “Die?”  “Yup, work at Godless Die Shop.”  “Don’t believe I ever heard of it, been in business long?”  “The Atheist family has owned it for years.”  “Good family?”  “Take care of their own.”  “Benefits?”  “None.”  Again Fool laughed.  Then we were distracted by a line of cars driving by the window.  “What is that all about?” I asked Fool.  “Going to the House of Mourning”.  “For?”  “Mr. Living passed away.”  “Mr. Living?”  “Yes.” “Which one?”  “Dr. Sober Living.”  Did you know him?”  “No, never wanted to meet him.”  “An aversion to doctors in general?”  “No, just Sober in particular.”  “Might have done you some good.”  “What’s that?”  “Oh nothing, just thinking out loud.”  Although I was not close to Mr. Living, I knew him to be a good man.  He and Wisdom were close.  Hearing of his passing was a dose of reality.  I looked at my glass and I looked at Fool.  Like the crowd around me, both were empty.  It was definitely time to go.  I offered to pay for Fool’s drinks.  Thought it was the least I could do.  I was shocked by the cost. A couple of concoctions called Superficial and Denial, not sure how Fool can afford to drink them. Oh well, I’m off to the House of Mourning.  Despite the name, this House seems rather bleak.

House of Mourning

The walk to the House of Mourning gave me time to think.  What is it that attracts someone like Fool to the House of Feasting?  How can he afford to frequent there? Why had he never met my friend Wisdom there?  How much Superficial and Denial do they serve?  And how about Fool?  Why did he say he never wanted to meet Sober?  Why did he laugh at everything?  What kind of family life did he have?  Between the House of Feasting and television, how much time did he interact with his family?  The only thing I knew for sure is when I left the House of Feasting, I did so with less money and more confusion.  Poor Fool!

I found my chain of questions quickly broken by the House of Mourning.  In proximity, it is not so far from the House of Feasting.  I entered rather hesitantly.  It can be intimidating entering such a place.  What would I say to the family?  Before I could find an excuse to walk back out I was approached by a young man with a smile on his face and his right hand extended.  “Dr. Living’s son I presume?”  said I.  Taking grip of my right hand he replied, “Yes.  Grateful Living is the name.  Thank you for coming and paying your respects.”  “Don’t mention it.  Sorry about your loss.”  “Thank you for saying so, but as Father would often repeat, to die is gain.”  Gain?  “Grateful, were you close to your father?”  “Oh yes, he always made sure he had time for all of us.  Would you like to meet the family?”  “Sure.”  Grateful then introduced me to his mother Grace and his siblings.  They were gathered around my friend Wisdom.  After we embraced, we listened earnestly as they reminisced about Sober.  With tears in their eyes and Peace in their hearts, they took turns sharing.  Seems Sober was quite a God fearing man.  Apparently, my friend Wisdom had something to do with that.  Years ago, Wisdom introduced Sober to his favorite drink, Repentance.  Dr. Living always said it made him feel like a new man.  Claimed it was bitter to swallow but filled him with joy. The best medicine he ever had.  Suddenly, I was feeling thirsty again. “Do you suppose I could have a glass?”  I asked.  “Certainly, said all of the Living family.”  And then Grace offered me a glass.  With sorrow, I put the glass to my lips.  With joy, I set it down.  I finally felt fulfilled. I found Wisdom, my thirst was quenched, it was time to leave the House of Mourning.

The walk from the House of Mourning gave me time to reflect.  Someday my body will be at a House of Mourning. The Living will come and pay their respects.  Tears will be shed there.  Memories will be shared there.  Wisdom will still be there.  But I won’t really be there.  I will be Feasting at the House Jesus has prepared for me.  Better shed the tears now.  In Heaven, there is no House of Mourning.

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief grief produces death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10

“Dead, your Majesty.  Dead, my lords and gentlemen.  Dead, Right Reverends and Wrong Reverends of every order.  Dead, men and women, born with Heavenly compassions in your hearts.  And dying around us every day.” Charles Dickens –Bleak House.

The Righteous Shall Live By His Faith

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“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” – Habakkuk 2:4b

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'” – Romans 1:17

“Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'” – Galatians 3:11

“But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” – Hebrews 10:38

Repetition is a great teaching tool as we all know.  Repetition is good for the young to develop healthy habits.  Contrary, it is often necessary for the elderly because of forgetfulness.  Many of us need it because we are “thick’ headed.  All of us need it because we are hard-hearted.  When God repeats something four times, we better take notice.

Behold.  Take notice.  How does He want us to see?  Clearly.  Why?  Listen to part of Habakkuk’s complaint.  “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.  So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (1:3-4).  A good illustration of the clay questioning the Potter.  Habakkuk is concerned about iniquity, the righteous and justice.  Why is God idle?  Doesn’t God see?  Not like man does.  God’s response:  You haven’t seen anything yet.  Habakkuk was looking at the immediate, God sees the eternal.  Habakkuk was looking at the external, God the internal.  “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

But.  What is it we are to see clearly?  The contrast between the proud and the righteous.  Habakkuk was confused that God could use a wicked nation like Babylon for His divine purposes.  How can a wicked people be used to “punish” a more righteous people? Doesn’t seem fair!  God’s response is quoted above.  The soul of Babylonia is proud, puffed up, “it is not upright within him, BUT the righteous shall live by his faith”.  Listen Habakkuk.  Don’t worry.  Don’t complain.  Don’t question.  Believe.  The proud will be punished in due time, the righteous will live.  Forever.  Stay humble.

The Righteous

If repetition is helpful for memorization, exposition is critical for understanding.  As this truth, “The righteous shall live by faith” is repeated in scriptures, it’s components are explained.  When it comes to defining justification and what it means to be righteous, the Book of Romans is unequaled.  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith…the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe…Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness..since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”  You get the picture.

Shall Live

While in the Book of Romans Paul expounds on how we are made righteous, in Galatians he encourages us to live out our faith.  How?  Freely.  In Romans, Paul says he is “not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”  Different story in Galatians.  They were being taught a false “gospel”.  One from man, not from God.  One that would enslave not liberate.  The false teachers were promoting the law which condemns.  Hence Paul’s rebuttal, “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘the righteous shall live by faith.'”  Paul’s advice, live free in Christ.  “But now that faith has come we are no longer under a guardian for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”  “For freedom Christ has set you free.”  “You were called to freedom, brothers.”  “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’.”  “Walk by the Spirit.”  “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”  “The one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

By Faith

The last repetition of the words first penned by Habakkuk is found in Hebrews.  After stating that “the righteous one shall live by faith”, the author proceeds down the Hall of Faith.  Before he does, however, he gives us a definition of faith.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Throughout Hebrews chapter eleven, many are commended for their acts of faith.  From believing to obeying, from offering to refusing.  The acts may be different, but the epitaph was the same, “These all died in faith.”  Quite a testimony.  Quite a lesson.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..” – Hebrews 12:1-2a

Jesus makes us righteous.  Jesus empowers us with the Spirit.  Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith.

The righteous shall live by HIS faith.  Definitely a Truth worth repeating.

Walking Through the Valley

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“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4

Walking through the valley.

Familiar words to Christians and non-Christians.  Words we often hear at a funeral.  Henceforth, we associate these words with death and trials.  But don’t we walk through the valley every day?  Therefore, shouldn’t we be comforted by these words on a daily basis?

The literal thought is walking through a dark valley.  Sounds like every man’s journey since the Fall.  Because of their disobedience, God banned Adam and Eve from the Garden.  To prevent any attempt of return, God placed a barrier in the form of cherubim and a flaming sword.  With the Garden of Eden at their backs, our spiritual parents began their walk in the valley of darkness.   Walking with God in the Garden one day, driven out of the Garden by God the next.  Conversing with God one day, curses the next.  A heavy price to pay for wanting to be like God.  Such is the cost of the pride of man.

The shadow of death.

Since sin has entered into the world, the world has been characterized by darkness and death.  The tempter, Satan, is now referred to as the god of this world, and he wants us to live in fear.  Such is the shadow cast by sin.  We never know what awaits us in the shadows.  We never know what dangers are lurking in the darkness.  The fear of the unknown is a constant companion in the darkness.  But we have a greater companion.

You are with me.  

Adam and Eve could not re-enter the Garden, so God joins us in the valley.  In the darkness, the Light of the world is our ever present help.  We take comfort in His rod and staff.  Jesus is not only our companion, He is our protector.  There is nothing hiding in the shadows that He can’t protect us from.  We will fear no evil because of the Cross.  No shepherd ever wielded a more potent rod.

Even though.

The walk in the valley is inevitable.  Such is the consequence of being a descendant of Adam and Eve.  Walking alone is optional.  Jesus only accompanies His own.  He is only a Shepherd to His Sheep.  He doesn’t want you to walk through the valley of darkness alone fearing evil.  He laid down His life so you won’t have to.  A heavy price to pay for becoming a man.  Such is the cost of the humility of God.

Via Dolorosa.  The way of grief.  The valley of darkness Jesus walked carrying the cross.  The Via Dolorosa begins near the Lions Gate and ends at Golgotha.  Others have walked the way of grief, only Jesus did it for others.  Betrayed.  Abandoned.  Jesus walked the valley alone with sin’s shadow pressing down on Him in the form of a cross.  Not His cross, but ours.  The Shepherd walked the way to make a way.  He walked the valley to lay down His life for us.  He walked the way of grief alone, so we wouldn’t have to walk through the valley alone.  Jesus is more than qualified to guide us through the valley.  He has not only “blazed” the trail through the valley of darkness, He has also passed through the heavens.  For others that walked the way of grief, the journey ended at Golgotha, but not for Jesus.  If His walk ended at the cross, we would have no comfort in the valley.  Instead, our confidence is at the right hand of the Father.

“Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” – Hebrews 4:14

Jesus escorts us through the valley because He wants us to arrive home safely.  Some day, the darkness of the valley will give way to the light of Heaven.  Instead of a barrier of cherubim and a flaming sword, we will be welcomed by the angels and open arms. As you walk through the valley, don’t fear the shadows, enjoy the light. Some day you will be overwhelmed by its brightness.  Jesus is walking by your side in the valley of darkness so you can stand before the face of God in Heaven.  Jesus walked the way of grief, so we can live in perfect Joy.

“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him.  They will see His face..” – Revelation 22:3-4a

Heaven has a way of keeping the valley in perspective.

I will fear no evil, for YOU are with me.  Always.  A Truth we can take comfort in every step of every day.

The Dangers of Bread Crumbs and Gentle Winds

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“Here is our bread. It was still warm when we took it from our houses as our food for the journey on the day we set out to come to you, but now, behold, it is dry and crumbly.” – Joshua 9:12

“So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.  And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.” – Joshua 9:14-15

“Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.” – Acts 27:13

“But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land.  And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along….When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.” – Acts 27:14-15, 20

Beware

How subtle Satan can be.  Pick up and examine a few bread crumbs one minute, sign a dangerous covenant the next.  Feel a gentle wind against your face one day, face a life-threatening tempest the next.  If you have seen one bread crumb, you’ve seen them all.  If you have sailed long enough you know how to read the weather.  Right?  Wrong.  Satan is most dangerous when we are most comfortable and complacent.  The more we think we know, the more we need to know.  The best way to avoid that snake in the grass is to shine the light of God’s word.  Don’t be too quick to pick up that pen or anchor.

Bread Crumbs

“When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you….and when the Lord your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction.  You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.” – Deuteronomy 7:18

Nothing subtle there.  God was concerned about the possibility of the pagan nations corrupting His chosen people.  No intermarrying, no interacting.  Obey God and eliminate the potential of falling into idolatry.  Israel was chosen to be a holy people serving a Holy God.  Their Holy God made a covenant with them, they didn’t need to make one with an idolatrous people.  But they were fooled by mere bread crumbs and disobeyed God’s clear command.

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.  The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession, out of all the earth….Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations.” – Deuteronomy 7:6,9

Gentle Winds

Let’s move on from the crumbs to the wind.  Like the Israelites, the crew of the boat also had a Divine warning.  Their cargo included God’s chosen instrument, the Apostle Paul.  Like Israel, Paul was chosen by God to be a witness.  Always a good idea to listen to God’s spokesmen!!  But with a temporary break in the weather they decided to raise the sail instead of heeding Paul’s advice.  The ship would be wrecked in a storm as Paul warned.

“‘Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, but also of our lives.’  But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than what Paul said.” – Acts 27:10-11

How dangerous can bread crumbs and gentle winds be?  Very if Satan is hiding behind them.  The nation of Israel was “poisoned” by bread crumbs.  A gentle wind ended in a shipwreck.  Be careful of being overconfident. Be careful of presumption.  Don’t be too rash.  Don’t let your senses be your final authority.  Not sure, ask counsel of the Lord. Think you are sure, definitely ask counsel of the Lord.  Satan will always play off our pride.  God will always reward our humility. Breadcrumbs and gentle winds come in many shapes and forms.  Don’t presume.  Pray.

“For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.” – 1 Samuel 15:23

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Like Clay in the Potter’s Hand

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The Potter’s House

Today we are going to walk with Jeremiah down to the potter’s house. Words alone are not sufficient, so God has asked us to go to the potter’s house and observe him.  “There I will let you hear my words” (Jeremiah 18:2).  So to the potter’s house we walk to hear with our eyes.  Hopefully, Jeremiah can stop weeping long enough to hear clearly.

When we arrive at the potter’s house we find him working at his wheel.  As the wheel turns the clay, his hands are busily shaping it into a vessel.  He restricts the strength in his hands to so as to not destroy his creation.  However, the vessel he was shaping was spoiled, so he began to make another vessel, “as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Our eyes have seen what was necessary for our ears to be able to hear want God wanted to communicate, so God spoke to Jeremiah.

“Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done?  declares the Lord.  Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” –  Jeremiah 18:5-6

God’s Sovereignty

God proceeded to tell Jeremiah of His ability to “pluck up and break down and destroy” any nation or kingdom. Rather intimidating.  But such is the sovereignty of God.  As Creator, God has control over His creation, hence the imagery of the potter and the clay.  As God’s creation, you and I are in the same position as the house of Israel; like clay in the potter’s hand.

Jeremiah had a strong understanding of God’s sovereignty.  Before he was even born God appointed him a prophet.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:5.  The Sovereign Potter formed Jeremiah to be a mighty prophet.

God’s Love

Like Jeremiah, God has a plan for you.  Your existence is by design, not chance.  “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).  God is turning you on the wheel and shaping you like clay in His hands.  But we don’t need to be intimidated by His sovereignty, it is balanced by His perfect love.  This too, Jeremiah was acquainted with.

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Doubt the Love of God?  Perhaps you need to take more walks in God’s word.  Perhaps with John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved.  It is helpful to hear God’s word through the eyes of others.  That is why God appointed them to declare His word.

As God turns you on the wheel, submit to His authority.  His plans are perfect, so humble yourself to His sovereignty.  As He shapes you in His hands, look closely.  The wounds in His palms are all the proof you need of His love for you.  Our sovereign God can take dust from the ground, breath life into it, and transform it into the image of Christ.  What hands would you rather be in?

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8

A Tale of Two Mountains

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A Mountain View

Been looking for a place to settle down and retire.  I decided I would like to do so with a mountain view.  Came across a pamphlet that caught my attention.  The title was short enough.  Hebrews.  Not sure who wrote it.  But the author had a couple of advertisements for mountain resorts that might fit the bill.  Doesn’t hurt to check out my options does it?

Sinai

The first mountain was one named Sinai.  The locals affectionately refer to it as the “Law”.  Seems to be popular enough.  Found the description rather curious, however.  Actually somewhat foreboding.  First of all, it can be touched, but if you touch it you will be killed.  Interesting.  So it exists, it just isn’t approachable.  Sounds a little chaotic also.  All this stuff about a blazing fire and darkness; gloom and a tempest.  A loud trumpet and a scary voice.  Scary enough to make those that hear it beg that it speaks no more.

Out of curiosity, I decided to call the manager.  Some man called Moses. As we spoke, he sounded as if he was trembling with fear. “Why”, I asked, “do people come to Mount Sinai?”  “Tradition, for one.  People have been coming to the ‘Law’ for years.  Tough to break traditions.  Have a lot of Pharisees here.”  he replied.  Pharisees?  Fair enough.  “Any other reasons?”  “Popularity I guess.  It’s the ‘in’ thing.  People like following the crowd.  If it’s good enough for everyone else…  You understand.”  Although I didn’t, I played along.  “Sounds like herd mentality to me.  Might be handy to have a shepherd on staff.  But what about the amenities?”  “People don’t seem to care as long as they are with friends.  Or so they say.”  Personally, I thought it sounded like strike two.  “Any other reasons?”  And then I heard a sigh from Moses.  In an almost embarrassed response, he said “pride”.  “Pride?”  “Yes.  At the ‘Law’ we insist our residents work.  No freeloaders.  Here one must earn their keep.”  “One last question.  Is it easy to get to Mount Sinai?”  “Yes, the path is nice and broad.”  “Safe?”  “Have to talk to Abel about that.”  “Abel?”  “Long Story.”  “Is he available?”  “No.  He’s dead.”   “Ok.  thank you for your time.”  “Got plenty to kill.  Hope I was of some help.”  Nice man that Moses.  Not sure about Mt. Sinai though.  Something about darkness, fear, and death that just isn’t appealing to me.  Besides, had this eerie feeling that the blood of this Abel guy was telling me to stay away.

Zion

Now for that other mountain.  Mount Zion.  Affectionately referred to as “Grace.”  According to my brochure, it is the city of the living God and the heavenly Jerusalem. Sounds big.  Also home to innumerable angels in festal gathering.  Must be big. Interesting.  In addition to the angels, there is the assembly of the firstborn.  If that isn’t confusing enough, spirits live there as well.  Spirits of the righteous made perfect. Definitely time for another phone call.

So I dialed the number to Mount Zion.  Some guy named John the Baptist answered.  “Hello,”  I said.  “Are you the manager?”  “No, just a cousin.  I do the prep work for Jesus.”  “Jesus?”  “Yes.  He bought this place.”  “Is it as nice as the brochure says?”  “Actually, words don’t do it justice.”  “Must have cost Jesus a lot?”  “His life.”  “Huh?” “Long story.  Would you like to talk to Him?”  “But you said He was dead.”  “He was.”  “And now He is there?”  “Yes, and all of His followers.”  “Are they nice?”  “Perfect(ed).”  “John, do you have a sense of humor?  You’re not serious?”  “Always.”  Hmm.  “Brochure doesn’t give a price.  What does it cost to stay there?”  “Free.”  “John, you are funny.  Nothing is free.”  “This is.”  “How can that be?”  “Jesus paid for it.”  “Sounds too good to be true.”  “That’s what everyone says.”  “All inclusive?”  “You will never go hungry or thirsty.”  “How’s the food?”  “Locusts and wild honey are out of this world.”  “Music?”  “Angelic!”  “Wow.  Why wouldn’t everyone want to come?”  “Pride.”  “Pride?”  “Many would rather work than accept the gift of Jesus.”  “Sad.  One last question.  Is it easy to get to?”  “Actually the road is narrow, but Jesus will meet you and escort you.  Would you like to speak with Him or the Father?”  “Can I?”  “They are waiting to hear from you.”  “Later.  Thank you for your time.”  “You’re welcome.  Got plenty to redeem.”  Something about light, joy, and love that just appeals to me.  Besides, had this overwhelming feeling that the blood of Jesus was beckoning me to approach Mt. Zion.  Time for a decision.

Maybe the “grand openings” will help you decide.

“And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses.  And about three thousand men of the people fell (died).” – Exodus 32:28

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” – Acts 2:41

Sounds familiar.  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…It was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness..”  (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death blessing and curse.  Therefore choose life..” – Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

If you would like to read the brochure before you choose, see Hebrews 12:18-29.

He is Risen

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“If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.” – Isaiah 7:9b

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain.  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas then to the twelve.” – 1 Cor. 15:1-6

“Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.  We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.  For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.  But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” – 1 Cor. 15:12-20

“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for He has risen as He said.  Come see the place where He lays.'” – Matthew 28:56

He has risen

All of Christianity stands on this truth.  As Paul says, if Christ has not been raised our faith is in vain.  He goes on to say that if we have no hope of an afterlife, Christians are of all people most to be pitied.

But our faith is not in vain.  It is based on facts.  Jesus lived.  Jesus died.  Jesus was buried.  Jesus rose from the grave.  Each of these historical events had eyewitnesses, as well as the bodily ascension of Jesus.

The resurrection is not only historical fact, it is unique to Christianity.  Christians alone worship a resurrected Savior. Christ wasn’t just a good moral teacher.  He didn’t simply impart wisdom to His followers.  Nor did He merely live an “upright” life as an example for other.  No.  Jesus was God in the flesh.  He lived a perfect life fulfilling the Law.  He bore our sins on the cross, paying a penalty we deserved.  He rose from the grave, defeating Satan and death.

Jesus has risen.  Because He has, we will too.  If we are believers.

Grief with Hope

In 2000, we buried my wife’s dear mother.  A woman who had a “firm faith”.  In 2010, we buried an infant daughter.  Obviously, in both instances, we grieved, but not as those who have no hope.  Instead, we practice the wise counsel of Paul.  We take encouragement in the truth of the resurrection.

“But we do not want you to be uninformed brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep…Therefore encourage one another with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14,18

As he is teaching about the resurrection, Paul makes this interesting statement, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals'” (1 Cor. 15:33).

Firm in Faith

Literally, what Paul is saying is avoid false teachers.  In the context, he is specifically warning against being exposed to those who deny a literal resurrection.  The doctrine of the resurrection is foundational.  Paul would echo the words of Isaiah quoted above.

“If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.”

We need to take Jesus at His word.  “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22).

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!

Christ has risen!  He has risen indeed!!

The Sign of Jonah

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“Jesus replied, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.'” – Matthew 12:39

Sign of Jonah

The sign of Jonah?  Why Jonah?  If my name were to be forever connected with a prophet, numerous would come to mind before Jonah.  How about Moses?  Ten plagues in “rapid fire” succession until the Israelites were freed.  Parting the Red Sea and crossing over on dry ground.  How about Elijah?  Called down fire from Heaven on Mount Carmel in the “battle” with Baals’ prophets.  Rode a chariot of fire by a whirlwind up to Heaven.  Elisha?  Restored a dead boy back to life.  Restored Naaman from his leprosy.  Daniel? Bravely prayed to the True God despite the edict not to, and then survived the lion’s den.  Isaiah was a prophet of great vision(s) who even saw the Lord seated on His throne.   While many proclaimed God’s Truths with great boldness, Jeremiah did it with great compassion.  But Jonah?  Let’s quickly survey what is recorded about him and compare to Christ.

Reaction to Word

The word of the Lord came to Jonah and told him to go to Ninevah and preach.  Jonah disobeyed and fled toward Tarshish, taking the first boat out.

Jesus is the Living Word.  Although He was God in the flesh, He always did the will of His Father.  Despite His impending death, He set His face towards Jerusalem and the cross.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” -Philippians 2:4-8

Relation to Storm

On the way to Tarshish, there was a great storm.  While the crew panicked, Jonah slept.  To appease God, Jonah was thrown overboard.

Crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples were caught in a storm.  While His disciple’s panicked, Jesus slept.  When the disciples woke Jesus, He stopped the storm with a word, proving His deity.

“And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’  And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace!  Be still!’  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?'” – Mark 4:38b-41

Three Days

Once thrown overboard, God sent a great fish to swallow Jonah.  Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish. From the depth of Sheol, Jonah prayed to God, and the fish vomited Jonah out.

While Jesus was “hidden” for three days in the grave, He went to Hades and ripped off the gates, setting the captives free.  When the three days were over, the stone was rolled away so the world could see Jesus was raised.

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison..” – 1 Peter 3:18-19

“When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.  (In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?  He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)” – Ephesians 4:8-10

After being spit out of the great fish, Jonah went to Ninevah and preached.  Ninevah repented and temporarily turned to God.

After Jesus rose from the dead, He empowered the church with the Holy spirit and forever changed the world and Heaven.

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'”. – Revelation 7:9-10

God’s Response

Finally, God responded to each of them.  Jonah was rebuked for his selfishness.  Jesus was exalted for His selflessness.

“And what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might, that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” – Ephesians 1:19-23

The sign of Jonah?  For three days Jonah was in the belly of a fish, helplessly praying for liberation.  For three days Jesus was in the “belly” of the earth, liberating the helpless.  An evil generation asks for a sign.  A desperate people need a Savior.  Thank God Jesus is both.

“But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.” – Psalm 49:15

“For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” – Psalm 86:13

“What man can live and never see death?  Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?” – Psalm 89:48

Darkness

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“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.  And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.  And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.  And God saw that the light was good.  And God separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night.” – Genesis 1:1-5a

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.’  So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.  They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.” –  Exodus 10:21-23

“‘And on that day’, declares the Lord God, ‘I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.'” – Amos 8:9

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed.  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” – Luke 23:44-45

A Darkness to be Felt

“Let there be light.”  The first recorded words of God.  “And God saw that the light was good.”  The first recorded “judgment” of God.  “And God separated the light from the darkness.”  The first recorded division of God.  On the first day of creation, God spoke light into existence, proclaimed it good, and separated it from darkness. Before the second day of creation, the spiritual “battle lines” were drawn. Before the sun, moon, and stars were created, there was a source of light.   Before man was created, there was a spiritual epitaph; “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.”  Sounds like a darkness to be felt.

Since the fall of Adam and Eve, men are spiritually born in such a darkness.  Like the Israelites in Egypt, they are held in bondage to their sin.  But a spiritual exodus is possible.  A Redemer is promised.  But first, there must be judgment.  In the Book of Exodus, the plague of darkness preceded the final plague, the death of every firstborn in Egypt.  The blood of the Passover lamb was the only means of escape from the judgment of the Lord.  For a world in spiritual darkness, Jesus is the Passover Lamb and the Light of the world.

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”. – John 1:29

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” –  John 8:12

Like the plagues in Exodus, darkness preceded Jesus’s death.  As the light of the world hung on the cross, the sun’s light failed.  The sun couldn’t penetrate the darkness of our sins.  Definitely, a darkness to be felt, especially by Jesus.  As the Perfect Father turns His face from our sins Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46)?

A Light to Live In

“It is finished.”  When the light of the world was extinguished on the cross, the sun shone once again.  What did it reveal?  What happened during the three hours of darkness?  Just listen.

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.  This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:13-14

What a statement.  During three hours of darkness, your sins were being nailed to the cross with Jesus.  Leave them there and enjoy living in the Light.  Christ endured the darkness so that you could!  Leave it to the Light of the world to “redeem” darkness.  Leave it to the Lamb of God to write us a new “epitaph”.

“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him.  They will see His face, and His name will be written on their foreheads.  And night will be no more.  They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” – Revelation 22:3-5.