Category: Faith

Heaven’s Table

Posted on by scott

8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8

Why Worry?

Amazing the ideas that come to our minds when we think of Hell.  When I was a freshman in High School there was this “joke” on the wall in the art room that was placed there by one of the students.  Unfortunately, it very well summarizes the philosophy of too many.  It was simply entitled, “Why Worry”.

Why Worry

There are only two things to worry about:
Either you are well or you are sick.

If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about.

But if you are sick, then there are only two things to worry about:
Either you will get well or you will die.

If you get well, there is nothing to worry about.
But if you die, then there are only two things to worry about:
Either you will go to heaven or hell.

If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.

But if you go to hell,
You’ll be so darn busy shaking hands with friends
You won’t have time to worry!

So why worry?

The world may consider this to be a clever joke, but it is no laughing matter.  We have no right to make light of something the Bible takes so seriously.  Sadly, as evidenced by this twisted philosophy, many people mock what the Bible records about Hell.  People like Ted Turner have gone on record as saying they cannot wait to die and go to Hell.  To people like him Hell will be one big party.  Unfortunately their idea of Hell must come from Satan, the father of lies, because the Bible never paints such a portrait of Hell.

Roll Call

When John has his vision of Heaven as recorded in the Book of Revelation, he records the above words about the lake of fire and the second death spoken by Him who is seated on the throne.  Argument could be made that either this is God the Father or Jesus, regardless, the speaker has more authority on the subject of Hell than anyone else.  Certainly, what He has to say doesn’t line up with the philosophy of the author of “Why Worry” or the likes of Ted Turner.

According to Revelation, Hell will be populated with the likes of the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars.  While I don’t believe this list was by any means meant to be exhaustive, it does give us a “flavor” of what the population of Hell will be like.  Certainly not people I would longingly anticipate shaking hands with and spending eternity with.  Nor would I want to party with these people if I was the partying type.  But I am not Ted Turner.

Jesus had strong words for the cowardly.  Those that denied Him before men He would in turn deny before the Father (Matt. 10:33).  The fate of the faithless was no better as Jesus warned in John 8:24.  Who wants to die in their sins?  Similarly, we could quote Bible verses about the detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, etc.   But the simple question is this:  if these people will forever be banned from the presence of God why would we think we would want to spend eternity with them?

Heaven’s Table

11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven – Matt. 8:11

When Jesus wanted to correct the Sadducees regarding the resurrection, which they did not believe in, He quoted Exodus chapter three verse six in which God tells Moses that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Since God is not the God of the dead but of the living, these Patriarchs, although physically deceased, must still be alive.  What a hope for the troubled Jews to know that someday they could fellowship at Heaven’s table with such “giants”.

But how about you?  We can cringe at the “worlds” mockery of Hell and the afterlife, but how real are the promises of Heaven to you?  Set aside the streets of gold and the beauty of Heaven for a moment.  Are you looking forward to the companionship that we as believers will have there?

In addition to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob we will be reclining with Moses, Daniel and Paul.  If that doesn’t get you excited how about Spurgeon, Moody and Taylor?  Okay, so we have never met these people, so let’s get personal.  How about your grandparents?  Maybe your father or mother?  Perhaps you have a sibling or a child waiting at Heaven’s table for you to join them.  We have all buried loved ones that we want to see again.

I am not interested in Hell’s roll call.  I want nothing to do with sorcerers, idolaters, liars or any others that Christ deems unworthy to enter His kingdom.  Give me the “society” of Heaven where we will forever enjoy the purest fellowship of the Redeemed, and most importantly, the fellowship of the Redeemer.

With Christ

23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. – Philippians 1:23

The great Apostle Paul, as gifted as he was, and as vital as he was to the church, had no unhealthy attachments to the world.  As much as Paul found joy and fulfillment in serving Christ here on earth, it could not compare with being in His presence in Heaven.  Hence his verdict that to be with Christ is far better.

I am excited that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be reclining at Heaven’s table.  It intrigues me to think of meeting the giants of the faith that we have read and heard about for years.  Imagine meeting people like Rahab, Ruth and Mary Magdalene.  The testimonies of the power and grace of God would never get old.  Just think of listening to the woman at the well as recorded in John chapter four or the woman caught in adultery as recorded in John chapter eight.  What a thrill it would be to hear them talk about their encounters with Jesus.  Do you take for granted your encounter with Him?

Forgive me for repeating myself, but I cringe when I hear people say that Heaven has become a better place once their loved ones have passed from this life and entered Heaven’s fold.  Heaven is Heaven because it is the perfect home of the Trinity.  The fact that our loved ones are now reclining at Heaven’s table doesn’t make it any better, it just makes this world’s hold on us weaker.  Which is how it should be.

Don’t Worry

Perhaps, like Paul, you are feeling hard pressed.  The pressures you feel may not be the same ones that Paul was experiencing but they are crushing you nonetheless.  Hold onto the Truth, don’t give into the world’s philosophies.  God loves you with a perfect love.  He is all powerful and He is sovereign.  His promises are eternal.

Nothing will ever separate you from His love, and He will work out all things for your good.  In the final analysis there is really only one thing to worry about: dying in your sins and having your portion in the lake of fire which is the second death.

But, if you have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, the abundant life is yours to experience and Heaven is your home.  There are many saints reclining there awaiting your arrival.  But most importantly, Jesus is there waiting for you with open arms.  His scars are His testimony that because of His love, ultimately His children have nothing to worry about.

Enjoy your time at the table.  It will never end.

27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. – Revelation 21:27

Hell

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9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might -2 Thessalonians 1:9

50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 13:50

Time

I’m not sure how long I have been here.  It could be a day, a week, or perhaps years since I was buried and then brought here.  But if I am going to spend all of eternity here what difference does it make how much time has elapsed since I arrived?  All I know is I want relief.

In life, I rejected the abundant living water that Christ offered (John 7:37).  Water that would forever satisfy my spiritual thirst (John 4:13).  Now like the rich man of Jesus’ parable, I long for a drop of water from the tip of Lazarus’ finger for a moments respite from my anguish (Luke 16:24).

My life on earth was truly a vapor as the Bible says.  Death came too quickly.  It always does.  If only I had the sense to redeem the short time I was allotted.  But like too many, I lived each day as if tomorrow was guaranteed.  Now I know that two of the few guarantees for mankind are death and eternity.

The most important question one can address in life is where he will spend eternity.  Oh, why didn’t I see that when my lungs still contained the breath of life?  Why did I chase temporal pleasures?

Passions

In life, I flattered myself with the notion that I made a lot of sacrifices in the name of morality.  In actuality, I was feeding the fire of my lusts and passions.  Just as my tongue will never experience the relief of a drop of water, neither will my passions be assuaged in Hell.

In my worldliness, how much time did I waste developing passions and desires for which there is no gratification in hell?  Did I not understand that the desires we build on earth will follow us to the grave?  No wonder we are told to set our minds (affections) on things above (Col 3:1-2).  But I didn’t heed the Truth.  Accordingly, eternal torment is my lot.  Instead of fulfillment, I will only know frustration.

Now I know why the Bible warns against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16).  Like the Proverb (30:16) says, a fire is never satisfied.  It always wants more to burn.  And such are the passions of men.

Why did I never learn that the flesh is never satisfied?  The harder I ran after my pursuits, the more elusive they became.  Now I know that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are just more of Satan’s means of keeping us preoccupied with ungodly things.

Torment

When I was granted the ability to retain my awareness until my burial, I thought I was being done a favor.  Now I recognize that it was just another way of the enemy of my soul to torment me.

He knew that the affection and the kind words that were being shown towards me would only serve as reminders of what I would forever be denied here in Hell.  Never again will I be able to show my love for those so dear to me or enjoy their fellowship.  Hell is no place for relationships.

The awful groaning and cries remind me that others are present, but the thick darkness denies me a sight of the sources.  I know this place is full of other sufferers like myself, but there is no company in this misery.  Despite the foolish caricatures painted about hell among the living, those that occupy it know it is no place for frivolity.  Certainly, it is not a place conducive to parties.

Don’t believe the Devil’s lies.  Hell is real.  The torment is unbearable.  Hope and joy do not abide here.  Nor will you ever find peace here.  Bodily anguish, agonized consciences, and frustrated passions do not produce such fruit.  If only I had recognized the seeds I was casting when I walked the earth.

Eyes

It is said that God is omnipresent.  I have been told that even here in the pit of Hell I cannot escape His presence.  But this is no consolation to me.  In fact, like the memories of my loved ones, it only serves as another form of torment.  In fact, it is the worst torment.

Like all of mankind, I was created to have an intimate relationship with my Creator.  My purpose was to bring Him glory.  Forever.  Instead, I am in Hell’s darkness, forever denied an opportunity to fellowship with my Creator.  To think that His loving eyes are upon me only brings me shame.  He sent His only Son to die for me and I died in unbelief.

I am without excuse.

My sins sent Jesus to the cross.  On the cross, Jesus bore my punishment.  His blood was shed to appease a Righteous God for my sins.  But placing my faith in Him sounded too simple.  Rather than placing my faith in the finished work of Christ, I chose to rely on my own works and good deeds.

Now I realize that God placed before me the choice between life and death (Deut. 30:19).  Because I did not embrace Christ, by default I chose death.  Instead of hearing God tell me, “Well done good and faithful servant”, I will forever suffer the shame of rejecting His love.  Whether His righteous gaze is actually on me in this place is irrelevant.  The shame that I feel is real.  And I will never escape it.

Plea

Don’t share my fate.  Stay away from this place.  Although my fate is set in stone, for you there is still hope.  I am not trying to “scare” you into salvation.  I believe love is a greater motivator than fear, and I am doing the most loving thing that I can; sharing truth with you.  Truth that has eternal consequences.

It is not a cruel man that warns others of impending danger, but a loving man.  Please heed my warning!!

Death and eternity are two guarantees.  And death will come quickly.  It always does.  Tomorrow may not be guaranteed, but your salvation can be.  Now is a favorable time, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).  Stop feeding your worldly passions and set your mind on things above.

It is time to place your treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19), beginning with your soul.  Place your faith in Christ, and Christ alone.  Don’t die in unbelief as I did.  I have just given you the warning I wish someone would have made more clear to me.  Trust me.  You would rather spend eternity in the presence of God and His saints with praise on your lips than experiencing the weeping and gnashing of teeth in the unbearable heat and loneliness of Hell.

Hell is real.  And only Jesus can keep you from it.

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

Summer is Ended

Posted on by scott

20 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended,
    and we are not saved.” – Jeremiah 8:20

Dirt

Today I was buried.  It is a day I was destined for since I took my first breath but never really thought of as something imminent.  Who wants to go through life thinking about death?

But here I lay.

It is an eerie thing to hear dirt being thrown on your own casket.  But I can hear it.  From the confines of my casket, it is muffled, but I can hear it none the less.  One tender handful at a time the dirt makes its six-foot drop, symbolic of the origin and destiny of every man.

As the dirt bounces off the casket I know my family and friends will disperse and the machinery will come in to finish filling in my grave.  Perhaps I will feel the earth shake as the backhoe finishes this somber task.  Seems like such an impersonal way to lay a person to rest.  But filling in a grave one handful at a time isn’t efficient.

My how I will miss holding those precious hands of my loved ones that are now committing my body back to the earth.  Perhaps they will drop a few flowers to adorn my casket before they leave.  I always had a preference for carnations but a few roses would suffice.

Light

Once my vault is enclosed and my grave is filled it will be time for me to “move on”.  Such was the agreement I made with the light that spoke to me before I took my last earthly breath.

It was such a comforting and understanding light that reassured me as my earthly life was closing.  God knows I needed it.

Knowing my fears, the light promised me I could retain my earthly awareness until my body was laid to rest and my grave completed.  After that, I was promised bliss.

Once I greedily accepted the few extra days I had to laugh at myself.  After all, while I had good health and so much to live for how many days had I foolishly “wasted”?  Oh well, I can’t relive the past, but what I have heard the past three days makes me wish for a do-over.

Voices

As my family was gathered around me for my “passing”, I was moved by the many kind words.  Not only were the words pleasant to my ears, but I was surprised by the humility and openness with which they were expressed.

Tears flowed with no shame.  Hugs were plentiful.  My family made sure that there was always someone on “duty” to hold my hands.  Love was shown with no reservation.

What it is about human pride, I had to wonder, that too often prevents us from expressing our love for others.  Seems ironic to me that too often we don’t truly show how much we love someone until they are unable to hear us or reciprocate our love.

I went through life not knowing the depth to which I was truly loved.  Why didn’t they say these kind words and shower me with such affections while I was alive and coherent?

Probably for the same reason I didn’t do so with them.

Pride is a powerful enemy.  If we were really granted a do-over would we be any better in our battle against it?  At least the light gave me the assurance that I would see my loved ones again in the afterlife.  Certainly, there we will do better at expressing our love!

Refuge

Well, the grave is filling up.  I can definitely “feel” the backhoe doing its job.  Soon I will be rewarded for my good works.  Rightly so.  I made a lot of sacrifices to live a good life.

Once I enter into eternal bliss I won’t regret all the good times and pleasures I had to forego to please God.  But some of my friends might be in for a surprise.  Some people sure do live with no restraint!!

There is no doubt that when God looks at my life He will be impressed with how much my good outweighed my bad.  Unquestionably, I have been a lot better of a person than many I know.  Some people say that is irrelevant, but the light assured me it was important to God.  And nobody ever spoke to me with the confidence that the light did.

Now I can say I am thankful I was raised a moral, or perhaps I could go so far as to say a religious person.  I make no claims of being perfect, but certainly, I am confident I am good enough to be accepted by a loving God.

Summer

Finally, I see the light approaching me again.  Good thing, I’m starting to get a little cold.  It is not quite as warm down here as it was under the lights in the funeral home.

As the light gets brighter I see my past.  All at once and in no specific order I have flashbacks of people I’ve known, places I’ve been, experiences shared and memories made.

Grandparents, Easter, beaches, pets, parents, Thanksgiving, lakes, graduations, siblings, Christmas, toys, children, waterfalls, weddings, grandchildren, New Years, campfires, friends, reunions, trees…

The rapidity of the scenes is overwhelming.  I feel like I’m buried with a strobe light.

Instantly it stops.

A cold wind is blowing.  All the leaves have fallen.  Another summer is ended.

It will be my last.

Unsaved

The dirt has been turned over.  Seeds have been sown.  The rains have germinated the seeds.  Now the harvest is past.

As I travel with the light, I begin to feel intense heat.  I wanted a little warmth but this is becoming more than I can bear.

As the heat increases the light begins to take on a different appearance and his reassuring voice becomes unnerving.  Never before have I seen anything so grotesque or heard a voice so grating.

Why the fire?  I didn’t expect to feel such pain!  Where are all of my loved ones?  How can there be such an intense fire and yet complete darkness?  Why are my memories accusing me and my mind tormenting me?  How long must I endure this?  This isn’t what the light promised me!

Is it possible I have been deceived and will have to suffer eternally for it?  I would have rather remained in the grave than be cast into hell.

If only I could go back and warn my loved ones.  Pointing them to a saving faith in Christ, the True Light, is the most loving thing a person can do.

Knowing what I know now, how can I make sure they are saved before the harvest is past and the summer is ended?

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13

14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. – 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Another Helper

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15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. – John 14:15-17

Going Home

The disciples were stunned.  Just three short years ago Jesus gave them the simple command, “follow me“.  And they did.  Many dropped their nets.  Matthew abandoned his tax booth.  All of them left their homes to follow Jesus, as Peter would remind Him (Luke 18:28).  When they left their homes they left their wives, children, parents, and siblings for the sake of the kingdom of God (Luke 18:29).  And now the same lips that uttered “follow me“, announce; “I am going away” (John 14:28).

Jesus was a radical.  His teachings were controversial.  The religious leaders were threatened by His presence.  They were jealous of Him.  To be associated with Him was dangerous.  But the disciples loved Him.  For three years they listened to His teachings.  For three years they were privy to His miracles.  For three years they sacrificed life’s comforts.  In exchange, they were rewarded intimacy with God.  Only a fool would be unwilling to make such an exchange.

I am not sure what the disciples understood of the kingdom of God at this juncture, but the thought of Jesus leaving them was a thunderbolt to them.  Hence Jesus’ words, “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1).  Jesus may be going home, but He isn’t completely leaving!

Preparing a Place

What must have gone through the minds of the disciples upon hearing the words of Jesus’ departure?  Besides the questions of how and why He might depart, there must have been many questions about their own futures.  Three years away from their work.  Three years away from their homes.  They gave up so much, but they gained so much more.  And now perhaps it would all be gone.

What would life look like without Jesus in the picture?  For the past three years, everything revolved around Him.  When the food was running out, He could multiply the crumbs.  When taxes were due, He could raise the money from the mouth of a fish.  When the sea threatened their lives, He calmed the sea.  Most importantly, when they were lost, He showed them the Way.  But apart from His death, it could never be opened.

So now it is time for Jesus to go home to the Father.  If Jesus is going home, it was only logical that His disciples did the same.  Was it not?

But before they had a chance to imagine their homecomings Jesus makes another promise.  Not only is He going home to the Father, He is also preparing a place for them!  And by extension, if He is going to prepare a place for them, He is going to come back and personally take them to their places He is preparing for them.  The sad news of Jesus’ departure was made more bearable by the promise of His return.

As difficult as their separation would be, it would not be permanent.  Christian “separation” never is.

Paraclete

Jesus not only comforts His disciples with the promise of His return, but He makes another astonishing promise.  When Jesus returns to the Father, He will ask the Father to send His disciples another Helper.  A paraclete (comforter, advocate).

Jesus’ return to the Father would “unleash” the Holy Spirit to indwell God’s children.  Contrary to their concerns of being “abandoned”, Jesus assures His disciples that they will not be orphaned.  On the contrary, the Holy Spirit will be with them forever (John 14:16).

Jesus goes on to tell His disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them and bring to remembrance the things that He Himself had taught them.  Part of the Holy Spirit’s role as Paraclete is to help God’s children discern and walk in the Truth.  Without the Truth, there is no foundation for fellowship with the Trinity.

Making Our Home

As staggering as the promise of the Holy Spirit may be, Jesus makes another profound statement.  The Holy Spirit is promised to those who love God and keep His commandments (John 14:15-16).  Jesus then goes on to say that if anyone loves Him and keeps His words, Jesus and the Father will come and make Their home in them.

If you look closely at these parallel statements, Jesus is not only equating Himself with the Father but is also saying that to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit is equivalent to being filled with all three members of the Trinity.  Those that love the Father, and Jesus, and keep their commandments/words will be filled with The Holy Spirit, The Father, and The Son.

While Jesus is preparing a place in Heaven for His disciples, the Trinity is making a home IN them (John 14:23).  The fellowship that the disciples had with Jesus was not going to be broken, it was simply going to be redefined.  Instead of having the physical Jesus in their presence, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was now going to live inside of them.

Until Finally Home

The disciples experienced the fellowship of Jesus for three years and it totally transformed them.  The fellowship was so real and so sweet to them and it “defined” them.  They gave up everything, including their lives for their Faith.  They “tasted” eternal life (John 17:3), and there was no turning back.  Things could never be the same, nor did they want them to be.  They “knew” Jesus, and He was now everything to them.  Can the same be said of us?

Do you love the Father?  Do you keep His commandments?  Do you love Jesus?  Do you keep His words?  If you are a child of God, do you understand what it means to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit?  Is this indwelling something we take for granted?  Are we even in touch with the Spirit or do we grieve Him?

Someday, like Jesus, we will finally be going home to the Father.  Until then, we will experience our share of earthly trials.  We will experience the pain of separation like the original disciples.  We will face our share of storms.  We will too often receive unwelcome news that will trouble us.  In the midst of these trying times, we hear Jesus say, “Let not your hearts be troubled.”

Never Alone

As Christians, we will never be alone.  Because Jesus sent “another helper” we can have unbroken fellowship with our Creator, Savior and Paraclete.

I don’t know what the world will throw at you today.  I don’t know what news will reach your ears.  Whether the skies are clear or if there is a storm on the horizon, we can be sure of one thing: we are indwelt with the Spirit of Truth, and He will be with us forever.

Enjoy the fellowship.  As sweet as it is it is only a foretaste!!

Saving Prophet Jonah

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9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” – Jonah 1:9

Unfriendly Fire

When we think of the Prophets of God, we think of men we hold in high esteem such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.  Men who boldly proclaimed God’s Word under trying circumstances.  Men who often preached unpopular messages which were met with vehemence and violence.  Because of their obedience to God’s calling we like to put these men up on a pedestal.  Although we don’t venerate them to the extent of worship, we “exalt” them for their faithfulness to God.

And then there is Jonah, in a class perhaps by himself.  While we respect all of his peers, we riddle Jonah with bullet holes, shooting him up every time we reference him.  From the theologians in the classroom to the preachers behind the pulpits to the casual pew warmer, Jonah is fair game.  He is an easy target.  I must confess, I have taken my shots at him as well.

While it is easy to focus on Jonah’s obvious weaknesses, it might be wise to glean from some of his strengths.  Looking at the Book of Jonah in it’s historical context while setting aside our preconceived ideas might help.  In other words, we should stop shooting and lay down our weapons for a while.  Or as Jesus would remind us,  “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone…” – John 8:7b

Jonah Background

We do not know a lot about Jonah outside of the Book that bears his name, which means “dove”.  The first verse of the Book of Jonah tells us that he was the son of Amittai and nothing more.  Rather, it immediately records the commission of Jonah to go to Nineveh and “call out against it”.

We are told in Scriptures that Jonah was a prophet and servant in Israel during the reign of the evil King Jeroboam II, who reigned between 792-753 B.C..  Despite the wickedness of Jeroboam II, he did restore the borders of Israel because of the faithful ministry of Jonah.  In addition we are told he was from Gath-hepher, a small border town in Israel that is also referred to in Joshua chapter 19.

24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin. 25 He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. – 2 Kings 14:24-25

Nineveh Background

We know from the Book of Genesis, that Nineveh was founded by the mighty hunter Nimrod shortly after the flood.

 9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.” 10 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh… – Genesis 10:9-11a

Nineveh was the capital of Assyria and rose to power around 900 B.C., which in time would become the bitter enemy of Israel and begin a systematic process of conquering them.  The Assyrians were known to be extremely cruel and brutal with a reputation for skinning alive their enemies.  Perhaps this is what the Prophet Nahum was alluding to when he compared the Assyrians with lions tearing and feeding on the nations (Nahum 2:11-13).

Pick Your Poison

Imagine you are driving down a road with your child riding along.  As you are driving an oncoming car intentionally swerves at you.  While avoiding the oncoming car your vehicle rolls and your child is thrown out.  Able to exit your car under your own strength you see that the other vehicle has hit a tree.  Not pleasant I know but bear with me.

The first person to arrive on the scene of the accident happens to be a doctor.  Your injuries are not life threatening but after looking at your child and the person that ran you off the road, the doctor determines that neither will live without his immediate attention.  Who do you want the doctor to save, your child or your “enemy”?

I think this gives us a glimpse of Jonah’s decision process.  God’s judgment is looming over Nineveh.  If Jonah takes God’s warning to them and they repent, His beloved Israel may be destroyed by Assyria.  If he runs and Nineveh is not warned and therefore destroyed, his people may be saved.

I am not condoning disobeying God, but in fairness we might want to think twice before we shoot at Jonah for fleeing in the opposite direction of Nineveh.  The thought of seeing my loved one skinned alive might tend to be a powerful motivator.

Throw Me

While the ship that Jonah had boarded for Tarshish was being storm tossed, Jonah slept.  In contrast to Jonah, the mariners on board feared for their lives.  They were in a state of panic trying to appease their gods in hopes that the storm might subside.  While their gods were helpless, Jonah’s God revealed to them through lots, that Jonah himself was the cause of their “evil”.

When the mariners questioned Jonah as to his identity, he gave the response quoted above.  Specifically, he is a Hebrew who worships the True God who is sovereign over sea and land.  While the others on board feared for their lives, Jonah bravely told them to throw him into the troubled waters.  He was willing to die if necessary to save them.  He was willing to die to save his fellow Hebrews.  But he isn’t the only person in the Bible who loves his people so much.  Remember Paul’s shocking words?

3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. – Romans 9:3

Perhaps we don’t understand Jonah because we don’t love so deeply and so selflessly.  Such a love could certainly influence our behavior.

Save Me

Once inside the belly of the fish, Jonah learned a valuable lesson, no one can escape the presence of the Lord.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me. – Psalm 139:7-10

Jonah’s attempt to save his people was foiled by his Sovereign God.  Humbled, Jonah offered a beautiful prayer of deliverance to his omnipresent God.

“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,

    and he answered me;
out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
    and you heard my voice.
3 For you cast me into the deep,
    into the heart of the seas,
    and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and your billows
    passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away
    from your sight;
yet I shall again look
    upon your holy temple.’
5 The waters closed in over me to take my life;
    the deep surrounded me;
weeds were wrapped about my head
6     at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land
    whose bars closed upon me forever;
yet you brought up my life from the pit,
    O Lord my God.
7 When my life was fainting away,
    I remembered the Lord,
and my prayer came to you,
    into your holy temple.
8 Those who pay regard to vain idols
    forsake their hope of steadfast love.
9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving
    will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
    Salvation belongs to the Lord!” – Jonah 2:2-9

Jonah’s prayer for deliverance was answered.  Not only was Jonah’s life spared, but God gave him a second opportunity to take His Word of warning to Nineveh.  Although still torn by his patriotic love of Israel, Jonah obeyed.

A Jealous Love

Although unhappy about his task, Jonah walked among his enemies and warned them of God’s judgment.  Amazingly, these cruel people repented; en masse.  Much to Jonahs disappointment, but not to his surprise.

I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. – Jonah 4:2

The wrath of God against Nineveh would be stayed, and the threat of Assyria’s wrath against Israel would remain.  Jonah’s reaction, as I have mentioned is well documented, and often ridiculed.

Jonah was angry.  He was an unwilling tool wielded by a merciful God.  But as we learn from Habakkuk, God sometimes uses the most unlikely tools to carry out His will and reach His people.  Jonah and Paul are not the only ones harboring a jealous love.  As Habakkuk learned, God is willing to use a wicked people to “discipline” His chosen.  Despite Josiah’s efforts, Judah was still desperately wicked.  Unwilling to repent more than superficially, God warns Habakkuk that He is going to use the Babylonians to punish them.  God’s love for His children is so great that He cannot allow them to continue living in wickedness.

Jonah knew that God was merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…  Jonah was heartbroken, because despite numerous prophets and and years of warnings, his people remained heard hearted and obstinate.  Unwilling to repent.  Their unresponsiveness to the pleas of God’s love and mercy would be shamed by the repentance of their heathen enemies.  And Jonah was an “accomplice”.

Unlimited Mercy

Like you and I, Jonah was far from perfect.  But despite his weaknesses, there are lessons we can learn from him.  More importantly, there are lessons we can learn from his experience with our sovereign God.  Our God who can extend His mercy to our loved ones and our enemies without exhausting His supply!

Despite his lip service to and experience with the mercy of God, he was ignorant of it’s infinite depth.  He wanted God’s mercy for himself and his people but not his enemies.  Because of his love for his people and his desire for their preservation he wanted to “limit” the mercy of God.  A danger Christ warned us about.

The mistake that Jonah made was also made by the older brother in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son.  When the father extended his mercy to the returning prodigal, his older brother was indignant.  Why lavish such love on someone like him?

Jesus taught a similar lesson in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard.  Although hired at different times of the day, each of the workers were paid the same amount.  Those that toiled the longest begrudged the owner for his generosity.  Despite receiving what they agreed to, they were upset with the employer for what he paid the other workers.  Like Jonah, they wanted to “limit” his mercy.  Which will never happen.

Jonah called out to the Lord in his distress, and in his abounding mercy God saved him.  Just like you and I.

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” – Romans 9:15

Finish Well

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10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica…Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. – 2 Timothy 2:10a & 11b.

Race Time

Talk about a humbling experience.  I have been following a running schedule to prepare for a half-marathon to be run over Labor Day weekend.  Per my schedule I was to run a 5k race this weekend.  So, I decided to run a road race before church yesterday morning.

Having done this (running races) a few times I thought I was well prepared.  My “racing” outfit was laid out the night before.  I was careful about what I ate the day prior to the race and made sure I was in bed at a decent time to allow for sufficient sleep.  When you’re old and slow such routines become more important.

Since I was unfamiliar with the course I made sure I arrived at the race sight early.  Although I had no misconceptions about winning the race I thought I should briefly review a copy of the course just because.  Unfortunately, either the copy machine was spilling toner or the aerial view was taken at night.  Even if I was wearing my glasses the map would have been difficult to read.  But I got the gist of the course.  It was a simple out and back.  Run out to a half way point and turn around.  How hard could that be?

Head Start?

The 5k race I was running was not the only race at this venue.  A half an hour before the start of the 5k race, a half-marathon began.  We would use the same start and finish line which is common.  Since I had arrived early I decided to watch the start of the first race and scan the runners for familiar faces.  Those that I have met and created bonds with through previous races.

As I approached the Start/Finish line I was carrying my bib number for the second race.  Innocently, one of the spectators mistook me for an entrant in the half-marathon.  Since the race was about to begin and the participants were already “toeing” the line this spectator asked if I was giving the rest of the field a head start.  Naturally, I informed the mistaken spectator that I would be running the second race.  But little did I know his question would be somewhat prophetic.

Whoops

Before the start of the race, we were informed that there would be no pace bike.  Again, even though I knew I wouldn’t be leading the pack, the thought of no “guide” made me a little uneasy.  But lead bike or not, the race started without a hitch.  Little did I know I was minutes away from my humbling experience.

With about a little over a quarter of a mile left in the race, I found myself in third place.  Which says more about the field than my talent, but at my age I was looking forward to a top three finish.  The finish of the race was in front of a school.  As I was running on the backside of the school a course guide instructed me that up ahead the half-marathoners were to make a right turn and the 5k runners were to go straight.  Unfortunately, at the end of the road, straight wasn’t an option.  I had to choose between left or right.  Which was really a choice between right or wrong.

Unfortunately I made two very quick and very wrong assumptions.  Number one, obviously the guide would know the course better than me.  Number two, although going straight wasn’t an option, the guide would not have made a distinction between the participants of the two races if everybody was to make the same turn.  Hence when she said straight, she must have meant left.

Wrong Way Demas

How could a person work alongside the Apostle Paul and then desert him for the love of the world?  As we see in today’s text, that is exactly what Demas did.  When Paul penned Colossians (4:14)  and Philemon (v. 24), Demas was listed as a fellow worker.  Now, shortly before his execution, Paul is lamenting to his protege the fact that Demas has left the course.  He has taken a wrong turn.

Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae, was written roughly five years prior to his letter to Timothy.  At that time Paul was imprisoned just as he was when he wrote to Timothy.  Demas knew the importance of faithfully running the race.  He certainly knew the risks and rewards.  What went wrong?

A Costly Affair

Paul doesn’t articulate or expand on what happened with Demas.  He simply tells us that he was in love with the present world.  Did he look to make financial gain from the wealthy city of Thessalonica?  After the difficulties of “church” work did he crave the comfort and excitement a cultured city?  Was he looking for something else Thessalonica could offer or was he just seeking safety?

Regardless of the specifics, one thing is very clear.  The charge Paul was making against Demas was very serious.

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – 1 John 2:15-17

Separate Ways

After lamenting being deserted by Demas, Paul asks for Mark who he deems to be useful to his ministry.  This is ironic following his charge against Demas for deserting him, because as Luke records in Acts chapter 13, Mark was once guilty of doing the same thing.  In the midst of missionary campaign with Paul, Barnabas, and their companions, Mark left them at Pamphylia to return to Jerusalem.

Like Demas, we are not sure why Mark left Paul.  But we do know Paul was greatly upset.  As Luke records in Act chapter 15, when Paul and Barnabas decide to visit their church plants they have a sharp disagreement.  Barnabas wants to include Mark on the trip, whereas Paul does not.  He was stung once by Mark and didn’t want to be stung again.

The disagreement was so strong that Paul and Barnabas separated, with Paul now traveling with Silas and Barnabas traveling with Mark.

Welcome Back Mark

In time, Mark would prove his faithfulness, and God would bless the work of both sets of men.  Thankfully, despite their disagreements and disillusionment, they continued serving God.

Paul must have been proud as he penned these words about Mark.  But not only Paul.  Luke, who recorded the unpleasant history between Mark and Paul was with Paul as he wrote this letter to Timothy.  I am sure this reconciliation was a balm for the heart of this faithful physician.

And how about Barnabas?  When Paul was adamant that Mark had burned all bridges, Barnabas was willing to build a new one, even at the expense of opposing and offending the spiritual giant Paul.

“Get Mark…he is very useful to me.”

Finish Well

When I realized the error I had made I once again was faced with two options.  I could drop out of the race and avoid embarrassment, or I could turn around and finish what I had started.

To say I was not happy would be an understatement.  Although it wasn’t technically a head start, despite my training and race preparation, I am not talented enough to spot the field such an advantage.  A top three finish and a respectable time were now out of the question.  But such is life.  Mistakes happen.  But as we learn from Mark, there is always hope.

After Demas started well, he finished poorly.  At least from the last that is recorded of him.  To the contrary, Mark finished well after starting poorly.  Me, on the other hand; after I started well…well I finished.

Things will not always go our way.  Many if not most things that we confront are out of our control.  But stay the course.  Beware of the love of the world and keep your eyes on Christ.  As long as we follow Christ we will be in the Father’s will.  As long as we remain in the Father’s will we will never get lost.  

Jesus is the way (John 14:6), and there is no other.

If you are going to run a race, it is always comforting to have a guide.  

The One

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18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John,19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” – Luke 7:18-19

Foretold Cousins

If you want to ruin a revealing party, invite an angel of God.  Before conception even occurs, they arrive with the news of birth.  When they announce the forthcoming birth, they also supply a name for the baby.  At least that is what occurred in the case of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Imagine the joy of Elizabeth.  In her old age, she would miraculously give birth to John.  Imagine the shock of Mary.  Although a young virgin, she would give birth to Jesus.  Both John and Jesus would be “filled” with the Spirit of God before their birth.  Both would have their futures ordained for them.  John would “make ready”.  Jesus “will reign”.  Forever.

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” – Luke 1:16-17

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” – Luke 1:30-33

Making Ready

John first “experienced” the presence of Jesus when they were both in the womb of their respective mothers.  When Mary went to visit Elizabeth, the yet unborn John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:45).  The Holy Spirit enabled John to experience joy in the presence of His Savior before these special cousins were even born.

In life, John the Baptist faithfully and boldly fulfilled his calling, turning hard Jewish hearts to the Lord their God.  John was a voice in the wilderness, preaching a message of repentance in the spirit and power of Elijah.  Those that heeded his message he would baptize.  Those that remained hardened he rebuked.  The road was rough, but John knew it was his task to make it level before his cousin arrived.

When Jesus’ time had come, John had the privilege of baptizing Him with heaven smiling down on them.  The Father was pleased and the angels were witnessing the fulfillment of their announcements.  “Ready” was about to give way to “reign”.

With Jesus’ ministry under way, it was time for John to decrease while Jesus increased.  The joy that John first experienced in the presence of Jesus as an unborn would now be made full.  The road was prepared.  The Bridegroom had arrived.

John’s Question

As the miracles and teachings of Jesus dominated the local scene, John humbly walked off the stage.  His time in the spotlight was over.  John had no misconceptions about competing with Jesus.  The stakes were too high.

After removing himself from the stage, John was cast into prison.  His bold preaching had made him enemies.  Enemies in positions of power.  Enemies who wielded Caesar’s sword.  Enemies who were subject to lust, anger and violence.  Enemies who wanted to silence his voice and end his ministry.

Time in prison afforded John time to reflect.  As he pondered the works of Jesus something seemed to be missing.  Vengeance.  Where was the wrath John warned of (Luke 3:7)?  Where was the axe (Luke 3:9)?  Where were the winnowing fork and the unquenchable fire (Luke 3:17)?  With death’s shadow darkening his cell a doubt took root.  Was his work in vain? Was his cousin Jesus The One?

So John sent his messengers to Jesus with the all important question.

 ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” – Luke 7:20b

Jesus’ Answer

The response of Jesus to John’s doubt was simple and assuring.  Tell John what you have seen.  Tell John what you have heard.  Do my actions not line up with prophecy?  Turn from the prison’s shadow John and ponder My works in the proper light.  Sin will be judged in time, but but first there must be a time of healing and teaching.

Undoubtedly, John had heard of the raising of the widow’s dead son in Nairn.  Certainly he was aware of the blind having their sight restored and the deaf their hearing.  How could he not know of the lepers whom Jesus healed?  Combine these miracles with the teachings of Jesus and consider the Prophet Isaiah and his predictions of the suffering servant.

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
    and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. – Isaiah 35:5-6

    The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to bring good news to the poor – Isaiah 61:1

Seeing Clearly

The acts of Jesus are consistent with prophecy.  A day of punishment and destruction will come.  But it must wait for the second coming of Jesus.  Be patient John.  See clearly.  Don’t interpret the present through the lens of the future.  Jesus’ white horse and the armies of heaven will be ready for battle, but now is not the time.

Rest assured John.  Your life has been well spent.  You did not clear the way for a fraud.  The religious leaders may not clearly see Jesus.  But rest assured He is no impostor.  He is the promised Messiah.  He is the Lamb of God just as you introduced him at His baptism.  He is The One who will reign forever, just as the angel foretold.

The One

Today, we would refer to John as a “man’s man”.  John called the religious leaders (sadducees and pharisees) of his day a brood of vipers.  He rebuked Herod for unlawfully taking his brother’s wife.  He boldly warned his peers of their need to repent.  He selflessly devoted his life to the service of God, pleading with the disobedient children of Israel.  But despite his life of boldness, John entertained doubt.  At least momentarily.

With his work behind him and his end before him, John came to a crisis.  What if Jesus isn’t the One after all?  Have I wasted my time?  Will I die with regrets?  Have I failed my people and my God?  Should we have been looking for someone else to put our faith in?  Not at all John.  Jesus is the promised Messiah, and no life lived for him is wasted.

One Life

No angel announced our births.  At least not mine.  No angel told my parents what to name me.  At least not that they have ever related to me.  My birth wasn’t miraculous.  No angels appeared in the sky when I was born.  I’m guessing the same is true of you.  But angelic fanfare or not, one thing is true.  Our lives are important to God, in whose image we are created and for whose glory we are to live.

At the end of the day, we are all living for someone.  Most for self.  But not so for John.  While John’s ministry as a forerunner was unique, we can glean from his passion and take encouragement from his service.  Like John, we have the power of the Holy Spirit.  Like John, we can point others to the Savior.

After all, Jesus is The One, and He will come back in wrath and judgment.  Until then, lets make sure we are not wasting our lives.  Let’s devote ourselves to Christ’s kingdom.  He is going to reign over it forever.  Is there a better way to invest our lives?  When death casts it’s shadow over me I don’t want to be haunted by any doubts.

Jesus is The One.  Surrender your life to Him.  All of it.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. – 1 Corinthian 15:58

Healing Wings

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2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. – Malachi 4:2

Malachi’s Task

Like many of his predecessors, Malachi had the unenviable task of rebuking and warning God’s chosen people.  Jeremiah had recorded the deep sorrow of the Jewish people when they were taken captive and removed from their homeland.  Daniel could not conceal his excitement when he realized the impending return of his people after years of captivity.  The Prophets Ezra and Nehemiah record the return of many Jews from Babylon captivity back to Jerusalem.  One would hope that years of exile would “reform” God’s people, but such was not the case.  As Nehemiah concludes his writing he gives us a list of final reforms he had to make because the Priests and people were not living in accordance with God’s commands (Nehemiah 13).  I am not sure how long Nehemiah’s reforms had any impact, but thirty years later Malachi shows us Israel’s propensity for wandering from God.

Despising God’s Name

Despite God’s love for Israel (Malachi 1:2), the love has not been reciprocated.  Rather than the fear and honor He deserves as Father and Master, God charges the Priests with despising His name.  Specifically, Malachi rebukes the Priests for offering polluted sacrifices on the altar (1:6-2:9).  The Priests were offering animals that God had specifically forbidden.  Instead of exalting God’s name, the Priests were guilty of profaning it by polluting the Lord’s table (1:12).  To the Priests, serving in the Temple has become a burden they don’t want to bear.  The sacrifices they offer are a reflection of the condition of their hearts.

Unfaithful

As Father and Master, God charged the Priests with despising His name.  As Father and Creator, He charges the people with being unfaithful (2:10-16).  By putting aside their Jewish wives and marrying foreign women, the people have been unfaithful to their covenant.  God had specifically forbidden intermarrying with foreigners warning them of the dangers of mixing with them and being tempted to worship their gods.  Sadly, Malachi is now rebuking them for breaking their commitments.

Where is God?

Malachi further condemns the people for wearying God with their words.  They are guilty of attributing good to those who do evil.  Although they commit their sins in the presence of God, they doubt His presence asking,“Where is the God of justice” (2:17)?  Malachi warns that a messenger is coming to prepare the way of the Lord.  When the Lord draws near for judgment (3:5), who will be able to doubt His presence?

Robbing God

What is the worth of a God who is not present?  If God is not our Father, Master, and Creator why would we offer Him our best?  Such is the charge of Malachi.  The Prophet of God continues his rebuke by charging the people with turning aside from God’s statutes and failing to keep them (3:7).  In addition, he says they are also guilty of robbing God (3:8).  Like the Priests who were sacrificing “second-hand” animals, the people were not showing respect to God with the tithes and offerings He commanded and deserved.  Instead of giving back to God with gratitude for His blessings, they are stingy.  God challenges the people to give saying that His storehouses are full of blessings (3:10), but their greed is not the key to open them.  So the blessings are withheld.  Instead of recognizing their guilt, the people complain that it is vain to serve God (3:14).

Denial

With each charge brought against them, God’s people deny the charges or imply ignorance.  ‘How have we despised your name?’ (1:6), ‘How have we polluted you?’ (1:7),“How have we wearied him?” (2:17), “Where is the God of justice?” (2:17), ‘How shall we return?’ (3:7), Will man rob God?…‘How have we robbed you?’ (3:8), ‘How have we spoken against you?’ (3:14).  This list condemns not only God’s chosen people but all of mankind.  God showers men with His love, but too often we fail Him.  The most telling question His people asked was the first Malachi recorded:

2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” – (1:2)

Healing Needed

Malachi, as he concludes the Old Testament writings, exposes a sad truth.  Throughout history, God has revealed His grace to His people.  He has chosen them.  He has multiplied them.  He has given them a land.  He has given them Prophets.  He has given them leaders.  He has given them His Word.  And He has accompanied them.  Sadly, over and over again the people have “failed” Him.  Malachi’s rebukes are not an exception, they are an exclamation; reformation doesn’t work.  Transformation is necessary.  We cannot save ourselves, we need a Sun of righteousness with healing in His wings.  Who would know that it would be more than four hundred years after Malachi penned his inspired Words that the Sun of righteousness would rise?

Sun of Righteousness

Malachi, like so many of the Prophets before him, paints a dark picture.  With each dip of his brush, he brings up black paint to cover the canvas.  While it is not pretty to look at, it is an exact representation of the heart of man.  Desperately wicked and totally depraved.  Like the Israelites, we deny the portrait the Bible paints of us.  “Use white paint”, we scream.  Men are inherently good not evil.  But as Malachi reminds us, history fleshes out the Truth.  Apart from God, we are helpless.  Apart from God, we are hopeless.  But after holding up the black portrait, Malachi gives us hope.  Look to the horizon, the Sun is going to rise, and He will bring light to darkness.  His righteousness will transform the canvas.  He has healing in His wings.

Healing

Who doesn’t need healing?  We are surrounded by so much pain and sorrow.  Cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, etc. are more than prevalent, they are epidemic.  We are all affected by them directly or indirectly.  In addition to these, we have mental health issues, addictions, and handicaps of various natures impacting our lives.  We hear of healing and we think of a cure or remedy for these calamities, but our hope is much greater.  As real and as troubling as these things are, they do not represent our greatest need.  Rather they are symptoms of the one disease that plagues every man.  Sin.  When Malachi writes that the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings, he is obviously talking about spiritual healing.  A healing to remedy the symptoms he has diagnosed previously.

In His Wings

We measure time based on the birth of Christ.  His birth divides history in half (B.C. & A.D.)  The followers of Christ have completely transformed the world acting as salt and light and sharing His love.  The wings of Christ have not only changed the course of history, they expand over all of eternity.  Nothing escapes their shadow.  Nothing escapes their reach.  For those who “fear His name”, they represent healing.

When Jesus walked the earth, He raised the dead, healed the lame and gave sight to the blind.  One day as He was passing through the crowd he felt His power go out from Him.  Questioning the crowd, a lady came trembling at His feet.  She had an infirmity for twelve years and had spent all of her money on doctors.  To no avail.  Now she was not only suffering from her infirmity, but she was financially broke.  Like all of us, she was completely desperate.  She desired to be healed but her money and her fellow man were unable to bring her a cure.  She was without help or hope; until she touched the fringe of Jesus’ robe.

I Have Loved You

When she touched his robe, the suffering lady was immediately healed.  Not only of her physical infirmity, but more importantly of her spiritual.  Jesus commends her for her faith and tells her to go in peace.  She has been made whole.  So it is with His children.  When we put our faith in the Sun of righteousness, He heals us with His righteousness.  The black canvas is covered by his crimson blood and is now made as white as snow.  Christ has come with healing in His wings.  A healing that saves us from sin and its consequences.  When Jesus carries us over the river of death there will be no more symptoms of sin.  Cancer, dementia, and diabetes will have to stay on the other shore along with all of the addictions and diseases.  There will be no sin in heaven.  There will be no denial either.  The reach of sin cannot compare with the reach of Christ’s healing wings.  The wings that will wipe away our tears once and for all.

2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. 

May we never question how!

Not so Fast

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3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
    Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ – Isaiah 58:3

Fast

Quite a few years ago I had to do a medical fast.  For at least a week every meal, including breakfast, consisted of the same soup.  With each passing day this bland broth became more difficult to stomach.  But I had no choice.  It was the soup or nothing.  With the first few days of fasting I craved fudged striped shortbread cookies; I ended my fast with scrambled eggs and green beans.  Amazing how things change as you experience hunger pangs.  I’m talking more about perspective than diet.  Too often our minds live in a fudged striped shortbread world when they belong in a scrambled eggs and green beans one.  If only we could maintain a proper perspective.

Not So

In today’s passage from Isaiah, we hear the Israelite’s lamenting that God is ignoring their fast.  They complain that despite their humility, God is not cognizant of their self-denial.  But God sees much more clearly than the complaining Israelites do.  While they profess humility, God charges them with arrogance and presumption.

The charges God brings against the “fasting” Israelites are quite condemning.  While they claim to be denying themselves, God says that they are in actuality seeking their own pleasure.  At the same time they are oppressing all of their workers.  Humble?

In addition, they are guilty of “fighting and quarreling and hitting with a wicked fist”.  Does this sound like humility?  Not to God.  He tells the Israelites that this behavior will not make their voices heard.  At least not by Him.

God then tells the Israelites that no amount of show can cover such an attitude.  He warns them that bowing their heads like a reed and spreading sackcloth and ashes under them will not make their actions acceptable.  This is no fast!

Humble Beginnings

In Leviticus chapter 16 God decrees the Day of Atonement.  It is a day in which the Israelites are to afflict (deny) themselves and do no work.  It is a special day to meditate on the seriousness of one’s sins and, by way of contrast, the greatness of God in making a way of atonement for them.  When the Day of Atonement was initially decreed, I don’t think the seriousness of sin would have been easily overlooked.  Certainly not by Aaron.

Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu, had put incense in their censers and offered “unauthorized” fire before the Lord.  They tried to approach God in a manner contrary to His command and were immediately consumed from a fire that came out of the presence of the Lord.  Upon the death of his two son, Moses reminded Aaron of the words of God.

“‘Among those who approach me
    I will be proved holy;
in the sight of all the people
    I will be honored.’” – Leviticus 10:3

Specific Instructions

Now, as He decrees the Day of Atonement, God gives very specific instructions in regards to how the anointed and consecrated priest is to enter the Holy Place behind the veil.  Great caution was to be taken by the priest as he came before the mercy seat over which the presence of God was manifested in a cloud.  God specified to Aaron what he was to wear, the fact that he was to bathe, what and how he was to sacrifice, etc.

Further, included in what Aaron was to offer on the Day of Atonement were instructions on what he was to put into the censer.  I am sure that as he received these instructions his heart was heavy as he was reminded of the death of his two sons who offered the unauthorized fire before the Lord.  Aaron must have been greatly humbled as he was reminded of the sins of his sons.  Precisely the effect the Day of Atonement was to have on the Israelites.

Fast Lessons

I am all for discipline.  I certainly recommend the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, meditation, etc.  But I believe we can learn a lesson from Isaiah chapter fifty-eight in which God condemns the Israelites for their hypocritical fasting.  I believe it is in many ways an Old Testament parallel of Matthew chapter 23 in which Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.  What good was their tithes of mint, dill and cumin when they were neglecting the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faithfulness.  Unfortunately, tithing dill is much easier than showing mercy.  But as I mentioned earlier, we often have a difficult time with perspective.  To our shame we need to be reminded that justice, mercy and faithfulness are “weightier” matters than mint, dill and cumin.

Whereas Jesus shamed the pharisees for making a mockery of tithing, Isaiah shamed the Israelites for making a mockery of fasting.  Read Isaiah chapter fifty-eight and look at how God describes the fast He would choose.  Instead of false humility evidenced by a bowed head and the spreading of sackcloth and ashes, God desires that His people deprive themselves for the benefit of the needy.  They are to do such things as “loose the bonds of wickedness”, “share their bread with the hungry”, “bring the homeless poor into their homes”, “cover the naked”, etc. (vs. 6 & 7).

So What?

How easy it is to be serious about “religion” and miss what is most important.  While the Israelites and the Pharisees may have been sincere about their fasting and their tithing, their actions were met not with Divine pleasure but Divine disgust.  They misunderstood the heart of God.  His heart that wants to be loved and worshiped for His greatness in making a way of atonement for us.

The Israelites complained that God was ignoring their fast.  God responded by showing them that they weren’t truly fasting.  To them fasting had become a tool of manipulation.  If only they would deprive themselves, God would owe them; much like putting money into a vending machine.  This is not only far from the humility God wanted displayed when He instituted fasting; it is paganism.  It is idolatry; worshiping our desires instead of conceding to God’s.

God doesn’t need our tithes.  He certainly doesn’t want the false fasting condemned in Isaiah chapter fifty-eight.  Why do we think we need to manipulate God for gifts when He has given us everything in Christ?

Fragrant Incense

Nadab and Abihu were killed because of the unauthorized fired they brought before God in their censers.  The Israelites and Pharisees were condemned for putting religion and ritual before relationship(s).  I realize that we will not be condemned because we are covered by the blood of Christ, but I can’t help but wonder how much of our “religion” is nothing more than a stench before the face of God.

I am thankful that we live in an age of grace, but the real question is this:  Does the grace of God flow out of us and onto those around us?  After all, isn’t that why the Israelites and Pharisees were being condemned?  God’s concern is with relationships and not formal religion.  As Christians we have experienced the grace and mercy of God and are expected to extend the same to others.  God not only tells us such in Isaiah chapter fifty-eight, but Jesus tells us the same in Matthew chapter twenty-five, shortly after He condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.

We need the spiritual disciplines.  We need to pray, fast, meditate, serve, etc. in true humility.  We need to remember the purpose of the Day of Atonement; reflecting on our sins and God’s infinite grace.  When we practice the spiritual disciplines may we do so not to manipulate God but to be conformed to the image of Christ.  When His nature is so much a part of ours that it overflows from us in the form of sincere love and service for our fellow man, especially those that are weaker than us, our sacrifice will be a pleasing aroma to God.  Such is worship, the most important Christian discipline.

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 2:15-17

Casting Our Burdens

Posted on by scott

 

22 Cast your burden on the Lord,
    and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
    the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22

Burdens

Burdens.  Who doesn’t have them?  Who likes to carry them?  It seems like the older we get the more we accumulate.  The more we accumulate the older they make us feel.  They fatigue our backs and weary our souls.  They remind us of our limitations.  They magnify our weaknesses.  They remind us of our dependency, which is why God gives them to us.

Have you ever thought of your burdens as a test from God?  Not to test our strength or our resolve but our faith.  God already knows our weaknesses and limitations.  God doesn’t give us burdens to see if we can carry them, rather He wants to know if we can let go of them.

Are we willing to surrender our burdens to God?

Cast

The word translated cast can either mean to throw violently or cast softly.  In this context, it is the latter.  However, whether we are throwing a stone or casting seeds, one thing is consistent.  Releasing.  Letting go.  It is easier said than done.

Why do we cling to our burdens?  Why are they so hard to let go of?  Perhaps it is pride.  No one can handle my burden as I can.  Perhaps it is lack of faith.  We say we are going to hand them over to God but we do so with a tether.  If God can’t quickly take care of them we’re pulling them back.  Maybe it is immaturity.  Infected with a martyr complex we’ve become addicted to complaining and dependent upon sympathy.  But we need relief, not sympathy.

Regardless of our motivation for holding on, the solution is the same.  We need to cast not clutch.  We need to recognize that although we are limited, God is not.  That is why He tells us to cast our burdens on Him.

Sustainment

It is often said that God will not give us more than we can handle, but that is not true.  In fact, He will always give us more than we can handle.  Alone.  God has made us dependent upon Him.  When we cast our burdens upon Him it is He that will sustain us.

The word translated sustain (kuwl) literally means “to measure” or “calculate“.  The picture is one of a vessel being “sized up”.  What can it hold or contain?  God knows our needs.  He knows our “duties and trials”.  God is going to give the measure of strength and grace sufficient for the task.  We can rest assured that the Potter knows, and is sufficient to meet, the needs of his earthen vessels.

Reinforcement

Although the literal meaning of sustain (kuwl) is “to measure“, it suggests much more.  While it is true that God knows our limitations, it is also true that He shares His unlimited nature with us.  As part of His sustenance, God acts as a “nurse” towards us.  This goes beyond the comfort a contemporary nurse may bring a patient.  This is more like the tenderness and solace a mother shows to her infant child.  We can take our burdens to God knowing that His love is most intimate.

In addition to the tenderness associated with our sustainment, nourishment is also implied.  God not only comforts us but He feeds us spiritual manna from Heaven.  God will strengthen us with the Bread of Life.  When we are faint and weak God will empower us and give us new vitality.

But God doesn’t stop with comforting and nourishing us.  Not by a long shot.  When we need Him most He lifts us up and carries us.  He gets on His knees and looks us in the face.  Our emotions betray us.  We cannot hide the stress.  He sees the strain in our veins.  He sees the desire to quit in our eyes.  He does more than sympathize with our tears.  He gives us relief.  He supports us.  Is there a greater picture of condescension than the Creator of the universe bearing our burdens?  Such is what Christ did when He carried our cross.

Unmoveable

Life’s burdens may seem overwhelming at times.  We may become discouraged and question how we can carry on.  But God has promised to sustain us.  He has also promised He will never permit us to be moved.  Whatever trials may come our way, we will ultimately be safe.  Burdens may bend our backs and test the limits of our hearts but they will not touch our souls.

Storms may rage and the tempest may cause our branches to dance, but our roots remain unmoved, anchored to the promises of God.  He will sustain you and He will never permit you to be moved.  When we cast our burdens on God our roots will grow deeper.

Do you trust His promises or are you blinded by your burdens?

Casting Gifts

What are our burdens?  In the Hebrew, the word translated burden literally means “gift, that which is given, that which is allotted.”  It is important to recognize that the burdens that come our way are not by chance.  They are not determined by fate.  Instead, they are measured out by God and providently and lovingly laid upon us.  You are not a victim.  Don’t be blinded by your burdens.   Don’t carry them anxiously, hand them over to God in humility.

Let go of your burdens.  Take them to your Father in prayer.  Be specific.  Pour out your heart.  The load is too much for you to bear.  By design.

After you have poured out your prayers, rest on God’s promises.  God cannot fail.  Don’t worry about the swaying branches, the roots are secure.  No storm will move the cross.  Your soul is eternally secured.  The Holy Spirit is your guarantee and Christ is your anchor.

Be patient.  No farmer retrieves his seeds after he has cast them into the wind.  In faith, he gives the soil and the elements time to produce a harvest.  God’s timing may not be ours, but it is perfect.  Cast your burdens and leave them with God.

Seek the face of God.  When our burdens seem overwhelming His image keeps things in perspective.  If you don’t know where to begin looking, run to the cross.  Jesus is not only the exact representation of our loving Father, He has already born our greatest burden.  After He carried it for us He was nailed to it.

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 1 Corinthians 12:9-10