Joy and Peace in the light of God’s face

Posted on by scott

4 Be angry (agitated), and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:4-8

Fear

I don’t know a word that more aptly describes the world in which we live today. An unseen threat in the form of a virus has not only claimed the lives of thousands of people, but has enveloped much of the world in a cloud of fear. A cloud so thick and ominous that the buzzwords of the day are quarantine and social distancing. It feels like hourly, if not more frequently, we are being updated with the casualties as they mount. We have been advised to take every precaution to keep the virus out of our homes, but keeping the cloud from casting it’s shadow over our hearts is an equally important battle. And perhaps more difficult.

Because of this unseen enemy, many families are living in isolation from one another. Senior citizens are passing the long days with no company or social interaction. Nursing homes are closed to visitors. Sick patients are turned away by overwhelmed Hospitals. Businesses are forced to close their doors and workers are forced to stay home and draw unemployment. Likewise, schools are closed and sports have been put on hold. If the boredom of it all won’t do us in, the constant negative news will certainly finish off our sanity (supposing we ever had any).

The Book of Ecclesiastes says “there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9), but this feels new to most of us. How do we respond in such a time? As quoted above, the Psalmist tells us to be “Raghaz”: to quiver, be moved with fear (tremble), but not to sin.

Ponder

Instead of allowing fear to dominate us and causing us to sin (in this particular case manifested in rage), the Psalmist (David) encourages us to ponder in our hearts as we lie in bed. When we are removed from the over stimulation of the world, we are to rest before the Lord and commune with, or speak to, our hearts. After being overwhelmed with the circumstances of the world and the inundation of information, much of which may not even be factual, we are to speak Truth into our hearts. Call it what you will: self communion, soliloquies, or meditation, but don’t underestimate it’s value.

All day long we are tempted by the world to panic. Our health is fragile. Our futures are uncertain. The bottom might fall out of the Market tomorrow. We could lose our jobs. We might lose our homes. A lifetime of toil and it’s reward could be wiped out in an instant. Yesterday I thought I was in control of my world, and then a pandemic strikes. We have been living a life of delusion. May we listen to David and allow our fear to shake us out of our complacency and bring us to our senses. Might we be still before the Lord and speak Truth to our hearts.

Light

David tells us we are to offer right sacrifices before the Lord. We are to come before Him in faith, with a proper view of His divine attributes and a proper motive. We are to come before His throne in humility, with broken and contrite hearts. As we come before him offering ourselves as a spiritual sacrifice, might we do so recognizing the depravity of our hearts and our utter dependency upon Him. As David admonishes us, we must put our trust in the Lord. To place it anywhere else is not only futile, it is foolish.

When things are darkest, the world cries out, “Who will show us any good?”, to which David replies, “Lift up the light of your face upon us O Lord”. This request reminds us of Aaron’s priestly prayer in Numbers chapter 6.

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

The world’s cry of desperation has already been answered.

Joy

David may have been a man after God’s own heart, but he wasn’t immune from heartbreak. As a young boy he may have defeated the Philistine enemy Goliath, but he was scorned by his brothers. Despite being the heir to the throne, the reigning King hunted him down like an animal and tried on numerous occasions to take his life. As a military leader he had no peers, but he couldn’t conquer the lust in his own heart. David buried an infant child and suffered the heartache of a rebellious adult child. But despite his circumstances, he knew experientially what is was like to bask in the joy of the Lord.

According to David, those around him could have their grain and wine in abundance, but it could not compare with his joy. Their grain will satisfy their appetites for a season, and their wine may bring them temporary “joy”, but neither will last like the joy God has placed in his heart. Worldly joys can never compare with Heavenly. Nor can life’s trials compare with the Gospel. Christ came to make our joy full. We just need to ask Him to fill our hearts with it (John 16:24).

The coronavirus is real, but in time it will pass. Not so the joy of the Lord. When heaven and earth have passed away, it will only be more real to us.

Peace

We began this section of scripture looking at fear, we end looking at peace. We may carry our burdens all day long, but we must not let them steal our joy or our peace. As we still ourselves before the Lord on our beds and speak Truth into our hearts, we begin to feel the embrace of the arms of the Lord. They have been holding us all along, but in our agitation and trembling we did no feel them. No longer.

I am not going to minimize the threat around us. The cloud is real and it indeed casts a dark shadow over us, but it is nothing the light of the face of the Lord cannot penetrate. And it will. History proves it.

The darkness over the void earth was no match for the voice of God. “Let there be light.”

The darkness over Egypt gave way to the Exodus. In the form of a pillar of light God would lead his children out of darkness and into the promised land.

A dark Bethlehem sky gave way to a bright Star, announcing the birth of a Savior. The light of Heaven was born in a dark world. Purity penetrated sin.

The darkness over Calvary was merely a prelude to the Resurrection. Friday’s dark grave would give way to the light of Sunday’s rising sun.

We may live in a dark world, but like David, we can lie down and sleep in peace. Because the fact of the matter is, God makes us dwell in safety. As children of God our eternity is secure. Ultimately, what can men (or viruses) do to us?

There is truly nothing new under the sun. Until Christ returns or the Lord calls you home, may you faithfully ponder Truth in your heart!!

Application

May I close by recommending an abbreviated outline from Jonathon Edward’s sermon entitled Christian Happiness?

  1. Our bad things will turn out for good (Romans 8:28)
  2. Our good things can never be taken away from us (Psalm 4:6-7)
  3. The best things are yet to come (1 Cor 2:9)

As you rest your head in the safety of God’s hand tonight, might you ponder these basic Truths. In the midst of the storm, sleep tight. The tempest is no match for your Savior.

God, Eternity, and Coronavirus

Posted on by scott

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
    or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; – Isaiah 59:1

Pandemic

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a pandemic is defined as:

an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population : a pandemic outbreak of a disease

I am not sure what qualifies as a “high proportion” of the population, but apparently the coronavirus disease has already affected enough of the worlds population to qualify as a pandemic. At least in the estimation of those with the authority to declare so.

While I can respect taking precautionary measures to protect the health and lives of the general public, I am more than a little concerned about creating a secondary threat perhaps more dangerous than the coronavirus pandemic itself.

Panic

Is anybody concerned about the panic we are instilling in our children? What are we teaching them about how to handle a crisis?

In his first Inaugural Address, with the American economy in a recession and sandwiched between two World Wars, President Franklin Roosevelt spoke these famous words:

“So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

Note that the President did not minimize the seriousness of the situation in which our country was in, but rather he reminded the American people that there was no place for fear if the country was going to move forward. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, he expected the American people to advance with courage. What would FDR say if he saw our response to coronavirus?

Unfortunately, instead of trying to promote the virtue of courage, our age seems more inclined to incite fear and then prey on it. Fear and division seem to be higher priorities than courage and co-operation.

Politics

To preserve my sanity (if I ever had any), I stopped watching News Broadcasts and reading Newspapers years ago. Unfortunately, when I retrieve my email from Yahoo, I am exposed to their headlines. Lately, they have “enlightened” me to the fact that coronavirus will be the downfall of President Trump. And I thought all the hype was to protect us from a deadly disease! Is it possible that this is more of an unmasking of dirty politics?

After two and and half years of all of the Russian collusion hype that was followed up with bogus Impeachment hearings, now we are told that President Trump is to blame for the health of the world? If the coronavirus is a threat to my health, inform me with facts, don’t waste my time with op eds disguised as news.

Is the coronavirus a real threat to society or is it another crisis to use for political gain? If the virus is as deadly as the media is saying, now is a time for unity not political pettiness. If you don’t like the President’s address, tear up his speech in the privacy of your own home, not before the eyes of a watching world. If the media wants to protect us, warn us about the dangers of a United States Senator physically threatening two Supreme Court Justices by name. Better yet, demand the resignation of said Senator.

Unfortunately, the attacks seem to be one sided.

Prayer

A few weeks ago, Vice President Mike Pence fell under criticism by many of his political opponents when a picture was released showing the coronavirus task force over which he was appointed, taking time to pray in the White House. With such a daunting task before them how could they waste time in prayer? He was accused of being delusional for praying to a non existent god for assistance. The fact that the task force went before God in prayer showed they were incompetent and unprepared. After all, as one skeptic pointed out, no scientific meeting ever begins with prayer. Which makes me wonder, who is really unprepared and incompetent?

Pandemics have come and gone. I highly doubt that coronavirus will be the end of the world. That doesn’t mean I don’t think we should take precautions and use “common” sense, but I know that ultimately, coronavirus is not the pandemic we should be worried about. Because of the true pandemic, sin, all of us are destined to die from one cause or another.

Coronavirus may be stealing all of today’s news headlines and creating a panic, but the real news to be shared is Good News. Or as the Bible refers to it, the Gospel. We don’t need politically motivated “fake news”, we need Truth. Biblical Truth!!

Instead of shaking in fear, perhaps we could learn from the Chinese Christians. Despite years of abuse and torture, they went to the aid of the early coronavirus victims handing out face masks and Gospel Tracts. Many of their former antagonists, including police officers, were won over by their boldness and compassion. They looked at the coronavirus from an eternal perspective rather than a temporal one. The eternal destiny of a soul is so much more important the the short lived “tent” that contains it.

Because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin and death entered into our world. Born into Adam’s sin, all of us are destined for death, coronavirus or not. Sorry FDR, but there is one thing we should fear, dying in our sins and spending an eternity separated form our Creator. But despite what his opponents say, we could learn a lesson from Vice President Mike Pence. We can humble ourselves before God in prayer and admit our utter helplessness without Him. After all, that is why Jesus went to the cross and died in our place.

Providence

I don’t know how much longer we will be inundated with coronavirus hype. Nor do I know the effects it will have on our society and economy, intentional or not. But despite my frustrations and misgivings of a lost and fallen world, I know that ultimately my faith is in a sovereign God whose hand is not shortened nor are His ears dulled. He will always hear us in perfect love and save us with His omnipotent power. If only we will approach Him in humility.

When the world around us seems to be falling apart, He is always the fortress we can run to and the rock we can stand on (Prov. 18:10). He will be on His throne long after coronavirus (and the next pandemic) is gone and forgotten.

Since I began with a dictionary definition of pandemic, I would like to close with a definition of Providence from the Heidelberg Catechism (Question 27). For the record, this Catechism was written in 1563. That year the Bubonic Plague hit London, killing one third to one half of the population while reaching 1000 deaths per week.

Question: What do you understand by the providence of God?

Answer: The almighty, everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were, by his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth with all creatures and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things come not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.

I’m glad some of our leaders still emphasize prayer over panic.

Taking Mountains

Posted on by scott

12 “Now therefore give me this mountain” – Joshua 14:12

Promises

Despite his advanced age, Caleb was firmly holding onto God’s promise. Forty-five years had passed since he was promised this mountain and now it was time to cash in. With a generation of “doubters” buried in the desert behind him it was time to scale the mountain before him.

When the other ten spies trembled at the fear of man, Caleb and Joshua maintained their faith in God and His Word. As a reward for their faith, they were allowed to enter the promised land while their contemporaries slowly died off after forty years of desert wandering.

Forty-five years is a long time to wait for anything. It gives the enemy plenty of time to plant seeds of doubt. Day after day of desert wandering. Your feet are trodding sand but you are treading water. In your mind you hear the promise of God, with your eyes you see the consequences of doubt. Death.

Doubt is a cruel disease. It destroys us emotionally and spiritually before we ever take our last breath. Beware of the enemy when he whispers in your ear, “Did God really say?”. Caleb didn’t succumb. Those giants in the land were real, but they were no match for God on His throne.

Here stands an eighty-five year old man with an enemy infested mountain before him. “Giants” none the less. Probability says he can’t take the mountain. Caleb’s faith in God’s promise assures him he can and will. “Give me this mountain”.

Namesake

When our only son was born we named him Caleb after this great man of faith from the Bible. Born with Down Syndrome we knew our Caleb would have his own mountains to overcome. Some more real than others.

After blessing us with three daughters, I was hopeful that someday God would bless us with a son. Perhaps like most men, I wanted a son to raise and share certain experiences with. Someone who shared more of my likes and interests. Looking back I was probably guilty of wanting a new me. Or at least someone I could “live” through vicariously.

When the midwife delivered Caleb and announced that we had our first son I was thrilled. Finally!! A few moments later when she told us he had Down Syndrome I was devastated. Dreams and plans that had been building up for years were instantly wiped out. Like the unbelieving Israelites, they were buried in the desert.

Limitations

Caleb is now fifteen. As I have written about previously, he has blessed us more than we could have ever imagined. His unconditional love and childlike faith in Jesus are precious because of their rarity. In His eyes there is nothing Jesus can’t do. And he often reminds us of this.

Although he firmly believes that there is nothing Jesus can’t do, Caleb certainly has his limitations. Despite being fifteen, his vocabulary is very limited. Although he comprehends much of what is going on around him, he definitely has a different way of “processing” information.

Although Caleb often seems to be a “celebrity” in most circles, he doesn’t possess what we would call social skills. He doesn’t always understand what is deemed proper or improper. Thankfully, our family and friends are very gracious with him (and us).

Invitations

A couple of months ago I was invited by a co-worker, Archie, to come out and join him on a deer hunt and shoot his new gun. Thinking that the gun would be something my youngest daughter Rachel would be most likely to use I asked if she could join us on the hunt. However, since her work schedule conflicted with the invitation, I wondered if Caleb might be able to join us.

Archie was gracious in saying yes. As a matter of fact he was so confident in this hunt that he guaranteed me I would harvest a deer and so would Caleb. In fairness to Archie I felt that I should remind him that Caleb has Down Syndrome, to which he replied, “That’s ok, we will get him a deer”.

As I lay in bed that night entertaining the prospect of my special needs son harvesting his first deer I was overcome with emotions. With tears welling in my eyes I wondered if it was possible that one of the dreams I entertained for my son would come true. As an avid deer hunter I had taken Caleb on some hunts before, but only as a spectator. I wasn’t comfortable placing a weapon in his hands. To me it was a mountain that was impossible for him to take. Or so I thought.

It would become apparent that I wasn’t the only one who saw this as a challenge. Little did I know that I would never touch the gun I was invited to shoot!!!

Wandering

We arrived at Archie’s early in the morning. By 6:30 a.m. we were sitting in his blind awaiting first light. With the space heater keeping us warm and the iPod keeping us entertained it was now up to the deer to “cooperate”. With deer coming into the field in front of us before the sun even broke the horizon, things were looking promises. However, before light broke they wandered back into the woods.

When the sun finally made it’s appearance, Archie decided to begin instructing Caleb, preparing for the big moment. Pointing the unloaded gun out the window, he began with the basics. Since Caleb had never even held a gun, he had to instruct him where to put his thumb and where the trigger was. He showed him how to look down the scope and aim with the cross hairs. Then he progressed to having him aim and dry fire at different objects. From there he had him look down the scope and follow a doe that eventually stepped out of the woods for a brief moment.

As Archie would ask Caleb questions to ascertain his understanding, Caleb would always say yes. I was convinced that he was merely doing this to be polite as he probably wasn’t really comprehending everything Archie was teaching him. Knowing Caleb much better than Archie, I suppose I perceived the mountain in front of us much larger than Archie did. Although I had my doubts, I wanted to stay positive. If Caleb was going to take this mountain, his “guide” had to believe in him. If I was going along for the ride, I didn’t want to plant any seeds of doubt. But as it approached 10:00 a.m. and the deer were not “cooperating”, I began to feel like we were wandering in the desert just biding our time. Perhaps this was only a pipe dream from the beginning.

Taken!

For most of the morning, we had watched numerous deer about 400 yards in front of us that we hoped would make their way to us. To know avail. We knew that soon we would have to go in and admit defeat. If something was going to happen, it would have to happen fast. And it did.

Looking out the window behind us Archie saw deer moving through the woods. Suddenly there were three deer crossing a clearing within fifty yards of us. As quickly as we could we opened the window behind us and spun our chairs around. Curiously, the three deer stopped in the cleared path and looked at us. Apparently they had never seen the three stooges doing the Curly Shuffle. A few more steps and they would have been in the woods and out of our sight.

Archie quickly threw me the sand bag (gun rest) to place on the ledge as he was handing Caleb the gun. As I was placing Caleb’s ear protection on him Archie turned off the safety and told Caleb to aim at the front doe and when he was ready to go ahead and shoot. And shoot he did.

For three and one half hours I watched Archie instruct Caleb. During that time we wavered between hope and doubt. When all looked hopeless and despair was about to claim victory (at least for this morning), everything changed in the blink of an eye. Caleb placed the scope on the doe that Archie told him to. When he was ready, he squeezed the trigger just as Archie instructed him. And when he did, the doe dropped straight down.

With disbelief on our faces Archie and I looked at one another behind Caleb, and Archie simply muttered, “We did it!”

Mountains

A lot of people harvest deer. A lot of people harvest a lot of deer. But obviously this is not about deer hunting. This is about mountains and faith. And for me, this was a major rebuke.

As I was forwarding a picture of Caleb and his deer to his siblings, I was overcome with emotion. With tears in my eyes (yes, tears of fulfillment are sweeter than tears of anticipation) I gave Archie a hug and thanked him. Although he was our “guide” for the morning, I don’t think he realized at the time how big of a mountain had just been taken. A mountain that was just put into perspective for me and my family.

I don’t know what mountains you face in your life, but we all have them. Those obstacles that just seem too big to be overcome. Perhaps it is a relationship that is going nowhere (but backwards). Maybe it is an addiction that you just can’t seem to get victory over. Maybe it is a disability that you allow to “define” you more than God ever intended it to.

The mountain in front of you may be real. The giants that occupy it are always intimidating. But God is still on His throne. And He still rewards faith.

If only we all had the faith of Caleb, “Now therefore, give me this mountain”!

Hugs

Posted on by scott

2 (encourage) older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. – 1 Timothy 5:2

Niece

Little “Miss” Haddie made her way down the aisle, I am sure, much like she rehearsed. Upon reaching the arbor, it was now time to make a right pivot and take her place on Grandma’s lap in anticipation of the entrance of the bride (Lauren). Funny how things don’t always go according to plan, especially when young children are involved. And sometimes, thankfully so.

As Haddie began to make her move towards her seat as instructed, you could see in her face an internal struggle overcome her. Her mind told her to do as she was told. Her heart told her to give her uncle Trent, the “lonely” person standing under the arbor, a hug before she took her seat. Her little heart won this battle. Just as quickly as she began her right pivot she made an about face and hugged Trent’s leg.

While I will not downplay the importance of following instructions, I was glad to see this young niece follow her heart and hug her uncle. The act was so spontaneous that Trent did not even have time enough to react and reciprocate her hug. With his eyes raised in anticipation of the eventual entrance of his bride, all he could do was place his hand on her head in recognition of her gesture of love before she was gone.

The innocence of her gesture touched my heart, as I am sure it did to everyone who witnessed it. Here was a little girl not caught up in the enormity of the moment. She entertained no ideas about posturing before an audience. Quite simply, out of her love and fondness for her uncle she wanted to express her feelings for him. Plain and simple.

As I witnessed this hug I regretted not having my phone for a quick picture. But as I reflected on it I was certain that is was one moment from the wedding that would be etched in my mind. Little did I know it was a sign of things to come.

Cousin

After the meal, I was sitting with my back to the wall and watching the dance floor. On the near side of the dance floor I saw Trent hugging a young lady whose back was turned towards me. Usually there is nothing unusual about seeing a new bride and groom hugging their guests, but as I watched this embrace it was apparent that there was a special bond between my nephew and this young woman. I wondered what the history was. However I didn’t have to wonder for long.

As they separated and the young woman turned around I realized it was my oldest daughter. Just a few minutes prior she was sitting at my side as we enjoyed the wedding meal!! When did she leave the table? Just as Haddie’s hug ” with” Trent touched my heart, seeing my daughter hug her cousin brought tears to my eyes.

Not only did Trent and my daughter Courtney grow up as cousins close in age, but they grew up as neighbors across the street from each other. During their “formative” childhood years they often played together as very close friends. They spent a lot of time together making snow forts, swinging in our back yard and jumping on Trent’s trampoline among numerous other childhood activities.

Here I watched the the two cousins, the new groom and the young mother of four, celebrating the present and embracing the past. What memories were flashing through their minds? The future will continue to take them down trails that they will blaze with others, but for one shared moment they were saying thanks for the past. As a proud father and uncle I am thankful for the memories I have of their shared childhoods and the privilege of seeing their embrace that testifies of the time tested love they still share for one another.

Mom

After she was ushered down the aisle, it was mom’s (Cathy’s) turn to hug Trent. As she embraced her son before taking her seat, she was able to hold back the tears. The same can’t be said for the family members sitting behind me. Despite Cathy’s dry eyes, the mothers in attendance new the emotions that were prevalent in her mind and heart. Emotions that may have been compounded as she was giving away her “baby”.

Despite the false bravado and big talk I witnessed in Trent as a little boy (an inherent trait shared by most boys), there was always a special place in his heart for his mother. When young Trent needed to be “patched” up or picked up, he knew he could look to his mother to be there for her little warrior. And although she had no inherent fondness for the likes of toads and snakes, Cathy learned to tolerate such treasures as her youngest child brought them home.

As hunting and fishing began to “dominate” his time and attention, Cathy always supported Trent. When he played high school football she not only attended every game but became a student of the sport, learning not only each position on the field but understanding the responsibilities of the different positions. Like the toads and snakes of days gone by, football had no inherent importance to Cathy. But it became important to her because it was to her sons.

I have written before about the special love of a mother. A love so selfless that it is probably the closest thing we will see to the love of Christ on this side of Heaven. To witness Cathy embrace Trent on this special day was just another privilege. As we get older, such signs of affection take on more meaning to us.

Great-Aunt

Although I am not much of a dancer (yes that is an understatement), one of my favorite dances to watch is the one that starts with all of the married couples on the dance floor and ends with just one couple remaining. As the dance progresses, couples are dismissed based on years of marriage until you are left with the couple married the longest. On this particular night, the honor belonged to Jim & Mary Ann Rademacher who have been married for more than fifty-one years.

While this particular dance may be a tribute to longevity, it can also be a picture of life. What begins as a crowded floor all too soon gives way to open space. What happened to the crowd we were just bumping into? The children grow up and move away. Loved ones pass on. As the sister of Trent’s maternal grandmother who passed away “too young”, Mary Ann knows this all to well.

Being the “senior” couple at the wedding, I am sure there are a lot of truths Jim and Mary Ann could have shared with Trent & Lauren. Certainly, they can testify that every day we have to “dance” with our loved ones is a blessing. They know the importance of family. They appreciate the simple things in life. They know the strong bond of love.

As the night drew on and weather conditions worsened the crowd began to disperse. Despite the prospect of dangerous road conditions, I heard Mary Ann “inform” Jim that she could not leave without hugging Trent. She “had” to hug him!! As little “Miss” Haddie reminded us, there is no time like the present to get that hug!

Father

I realize that seeing people hug at a wedding is nothing new. Happens all the time. But around the time of Trent’s wedding I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker who claims she is positive that once our loved ones go to the grave any signs of affection are ended. We will never again see their faces. Never again will we hear them say they love us. And no, we will never again embrace them.

I, however, am confident of just the opposite.

Our Heavenly Father created us as relational beings, not only capable of, but dependent upon love and interaction with one another. By God’s design, Adam was not complete without Eve. He needed a fellow human to love and be loved by. We all do.

On multiple occasions, Paul commands the early church to greet one another with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16, 1 Cor. 16:20 & 2 Cor. 13;12). I realize that such an expression may make us uncomfortable in our culture, but the truth remains: affection is critical. It is an expression of love. Of course, as we are reminded in the passage quoted above it needs to be done in purity. But as the four ladies reminded me at the wedding, we need to express our love. Our Father always does.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20

As nice as earthly hugs may be, they won’t compare to those that await us on the other side of the grave.

Rejoice Before The Lord

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7 And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the Lord your God has blessed you. – Deuteronomy 12:7

Thanksgiving

Today we celebrate another Thanksgiving. In the comfort of our homes we will sit with family and friends and feast. To the tune of 4500 calories per person according to one report. I don’t know how accurate the study may or may not be but most of us will eat more than we need to.

As the day passes and the conversations carry on many of us will be entertained by an early sampling of Christmas music. Certainly, some will sit in front of the television and enjoy a movie and others will allow the NFL game to give them their annual indigestion (you know who you are Lion’s fans).

For many, the day will consist of board games or card games. In between the days activities, I am confident there will be a lot of time spent on our cell phones and laptops. The day just wouldn’t be complete without checking in on the Joneses.

But before you retire and your head hits the pillow…

Rejoice

In the passage quoted above, God commands the Children of Israel, “You SHALL rejoice.”

Why?

After Israel spent 430 years of slavery in Egypt, God personally intervened on behalf of His chosen people. Helpless to escape from the bonds that held them, God sent Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh. Once Pharaoh’s heart was stubbornly hardened, God sent a destroyer to break him.

On the eve of their exodus, the Israelites marked their doorposts with the blood of sacrificed lambs to prevent the destroyer from entering. When it was time for their departure, God would lead them by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.

Destination Promised Land.

“There” you shall eat before the Lord. We may not be in the Promised Land, but wherever we are we should rejoice. Most of us will spend Thanksgiving in a comfortable home protected from the elements. We will be safe and comfortable and cozy. Our present homes may not be perfect, but we should be thankful for them.

While we are at it we should rejoice for our future homes. While we were held in bondage to sin, the blood of the Lamb was applied to the doorposts of our sin hardened hearts and the destroyer can no longer touch us. Rejoice in your future home!

You and Yours

As God commands the Children of Israel to rejoice, the command applies to them both individually and corporately, “you and your households”. God wants us to express our thankfulness before others. God’s blessings upon us our visible to others, our praise should be “shared” as well.

As you sit down to “eat before the Lord” take a good look at the faces around the table. They are just a sampling of the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you. Grandparents, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, unrelated friends, etc. How many relationships have molded you into the person you are today?

Thank God for the people He has brought into your life. Rejoice with those you spend time with. Thank those who have invested in you and encouraged you. There is no guarantee that some of those chairs might not be empty next year.

Someday we will stand before the throne of God rejoicing with people from every tribe and tongue. This Thanksgiving may you recognize the blessings of “you and yours.”

Undertake

Why should I thank God for what I have done? How many times have you heard this or a similar question? Yet God tells us to rejoice in all that “we” undertake. After all, without God, what could we do?

Who gives us life? Who gives us health? Where does the breathe in our lungs come from? How about the heat of the sun? The food we eat? The water we drink? Why do we deceive ourselves? The only reason “we” can “do” anything is because of the grace of God. The only reason “we” exist is because of the grace of God.

Take time to thank God for your health. Thank Him for your employment. Thank Him for your talents and abilities. Reflect on all you have accomplished and thank Him for enabling you to do so. God not only enables us to labor, but then He blesses our labor. Isn’t that what that feast before you represents?

Rejoice in all that you undertake. It is a constant reminder of the grace of God.

Blessings

As you eat before the Lord this Thanksgiving, consuming your 4500 calories, don’t forget to thank God for His unlimited blessings. He has blessed you beyond measure and desires and deserves your praises.

As Proverbs 10:22 reminds us, it is the blessings of the Lord that makes us rich. Maybe not always in the material realm, but certainly in the spiritual. Richer than we can ever realize. Certainly rich enough to rejoice forever.

We might be wise to turn off the football game for a few minutes (spoiler alert: the Lions are going to lose) and listen to Matt Redman’s song 10000 Reasons (Bless The Lord). If his heart can find 10000 reasons to sing about the goodness of God, certainly our hearts can find 10000 reasons to rejoice in His blessings. And no, you can’t count each calorie as one reason.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

10000 Reasons

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

The sun comes up
It’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

You’re rich in love
And You’re slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
Bless You Lord

And on that day
When my strength is failing
The end draws near
And my time has come
Still my soul will
Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years
And then forevermore
Forevermore

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
Yes I’ll worship Your Holy name
I’ll worship Your Holy name

Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
Jesus I will worship Your Holy name
Worship Your Holy name

The Lion Has Roared

Posted on by scott

8 The lion has roared;
    who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken;
    who can but prophesy?” – Amos 3:8

Seeking to Devour

Satan is a great enemy that Peter likens to a roaring lion prowling around looking for someone to devour. Accordingly, Peter warns us to be sober minded and watchful (1 Peter 5:7-9). Whether he masquerades as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14), enters Eden as a crafty serpent (Genesis 3:1), or roars like a lion, Satan is indeed a very real threat to mankind.

Since enticing Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in rebellion against the Word of God, Satan has been using any means to “devour” the children of God. For those who love “light” and all that is associated with it, Satan is willing to capitalize on our attraction by deceiving us with ‘angelic’ attributes such as goodness, truthfulness and love. If we are not sober minded, he will draw us in with his string of faux pearls. If we bite, he will use them to choke us.

By likening Satan to a roaring lion seeking to devour us, Peter pulls off the enemy’s angelic mask that he so often hides behind. Quite contrary to an angel of light, Satan is rather darkness personified. If he can’t have our souls, he wants to destroy our lives. As he roams the earth he stealthily looks for the vulnerable to devour. Like a preying big cat in a spiritual jungle, Satan is looking for the weak and suffering, newborns, those who may be isolated and separated from the flock. and the unprepared and unsuspecting.

Like a proud lion, Satan will roar to proclaim his territory and intimidate his enemies. But like a lion, he waits until after he has feasted before he roars. Beware! He quietly lies in hiding ready to pounce.

Warning

“Did God really say…?” That is how Satan planted the first seed of doubt and he has been doing it ever since Eden.

Why would a loving God allow suffering? If you were truly a Christian would you still be struggling with sin and doubt? If God is so powerful why can’t He stop catastrophes and death? Is the blood of Christ really sufficient for your salvation? Is Heaven real or is a cold grave our final resting place?

Our hearts may be desperately wicked but our minds can often be our own worst enemies. When Satan roars too often we tremble. When we do, Truth can become blurry. Our joy can give way to fear. Questions replace our confidence. Instead of serving we isolate ourselves. Our souls may be secure, but our effectiveness is diminished. Be sober and watchful!

Satan is an enemy that never sleeps. He is constantly on the prowl, roaming the earth seeking someone to devour. We are wise to heed Peter’s warning. Especially if we know we are vulnerable.

Staking Territory

I have to believe that after the crucifixion of Christ, Satan unleashed a terrible roar. Christ, His great enemy, was hanging dead on a cross. Certainly, Satan was the mighty lion on the jungle of earth. With Christ seemingly out of the picture, who would challenge his dominance?

After Jesus, it was Stephen and James who were soon executed for their faith. As each Christian was added to the roll of martyrdom, the enemy of the church shook his mane and roared. His appetite has been insatiable ever since Cain spilled the blood of Abel.

We can’t undo the bite of the forbidden fruit. It is too late for Cain to rule over the sin that was crouching at the door. With the cherubim and the flashing flaming sword blocking the entrance, we can’t go back to the Garden of Eden. Sin and death are now a part of Satan’s jungle. He is going to roar as long as he can keep us living in fear. But as loud as he may be, he is merely a paper lion on a leash who will soon be extinct.

Fear

As intimidating as Satan may be, in the final analysis, he is not THE Lion we need to fear. Before Peter likened Satan to a roaring lion, the Old Testament prophet Amos told us that the true Lion, God, has roared. Unlike Satan, God’s power is unlimited and His reign is everlasting.

Yes, we are to respect the power and influence of Satan. To ignore his threat would be foolishness. But we need to keep his influence in perspective as Christ reminded us.

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:28

Satan works through sinful men in threatening fashions. The lips of religious Jewish leaders shouted for the death of Christ and the hands of Roman soldiers nailed Him to a cross. A Jewish mob stoned Stephen to death and Herod’s sword made James a martyr also. Indeed, the history of the Church is filled with much suffering, but as Christ reminds us, the enemies tether only reaches so far.

Roars

When Jesus drank from the bitter cup, He knew what awaited Him on the other side of the cross. As Stephen was stoned to death, he saw His Savior standing at the right hand of God, and he had the assurance that he would soon join Him. Similarly, James had the confidence that although Herod’s sword could take his life, it could not touch his soul. That belonged to his Savior. Let Satan roar.

Feed the Christian to the wild beasts. Use them as human torches to light your parties. Burn them at the stake as dissenters. Behead them as infidels. Go ahead and kill their bodies. You may spill the blood of a Christian in a variety of methods, and you may silence his voice, but you can never stop his testimony.

Satan roars to intimidate, God roars to motivate. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we have the Truth. We have a testimony. Satan roars to strike fear into our hearts so we will remain silent. God has roared to shake us out of our apathy so we will speak up!

Prophesy

We started this journey by looking at Jesus’ struggle in the Garden of Gethsamane (http://helpmewithmyunbelief.com/2019/09/16/a-bitter-cup/). The cup was imminent and his anguish was intense. We proceeded to look at the failing of His most intimate friends as they slept while Jesus prayed (http://helpmewithmyunbelief.com/2019/10/03/garden-sleepers/) Despite their weak flesh, Jesus loved them unconditionally. Enough to drink the bitter cup to its dregs. Next, we looked at the contents of the frightful cup, the awful wrath of God (http://helpmewithmyunbelief.com/2019/10/09/behold-the-storm/). A wrath so violent that only God in the flesh could endure it. These studies have reminded us of the reality of the intense spiritual battle around us. A battle between two roaring lions each staking their claims.

The garden of Eden was real, and so was the fall. As a consequence, sin and death are undeniable realities. Unless Christ returns first, the grave awaits all of us. As Christians, the question becomes how will we redeem the time that we have before we are taken home. We know we are eternal beings. We also know we are surrounded by numerous people who are still in darkness under the domain of the enemy. Their souls destined for an eternity separated from their Creator. Christ loved us enough to take the wrath of God on our behalf. What are we willing to do for the lost? They desperately need to hear of the awful wrath of God that awaits them if they don’t repent and accept His grace.

Armed with the Truth, we have a choice to make; which lion are we going to listen to? Both are roaring.

“Did God really say…?”

It’s time to expose the false lion and end his masquerade!

The Lord God has spoken;
    who can but prophesy?” – Amos 3:8b

Behold the Storm

Posted on by scott

23 Behold the storm of the Lord!
    Wrath has gone forth,
a whirling tempest;
    it will burst upon the head of the wicked.
24 The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back
     until he has executed and accomplished
     the intentions of his mind.
In the latter days you will understand this. – Jeremiah 30:23-24

Wrath

Are there many topics more unpopular today than the wrath of God? We would expect those that deny the existence of God and the depravity of man to scoff at such an idea, but what about the so called church? How many buildings are filled every Sunday with desperate people who are being fed two “facts” from the pulpit; God is love and you are inherently good? Obviously the first is only part of the Truth and the second is blatantly false.

It may be easy to draw a crowd by telling people what they want to hear, however, in actuality, it is more loving to tell them what they need to hear. Mankind has a terrible “disease” called sin. The “disease” has a terrible consequence if not cured. Therefore, they need to be told of the “storm of the Lord”, as Jeremiah referred to the wrath of God. The heavens are not nearly as clear and calm as many would have us believe. A storm awaits. As Jeremiah has stated, “a whirling tempest will burst upon the head of the wicked”.

Appealing or not, the wrath of God must not be denied or ignored. As Paul reminds us, it is dangerous to suppress the Truth. Any Truth. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18).

Flood

If anyone was familiar with the storm of the Lord, it was certainly Noah. When we think of the flood we picture the ark and the animals and the mercy that was extended to Noah and his family. But what impact did the flood have on Noah?

Day after day the storm of the Lord literally burst upon the heads of the wicked. Noah must have heard their pleas for help as they were overtaken by the flood waters. Their rooftops would only provide a refuge for so long. In desperation they must have climbed trees or ascended mountains to escape the deluge of God’s wrath. But to no avail. The rains of wrath would cover every inch of the earth and drown all life outside the ark.

As Noah looked out and saw the horizon covered with floating corpses and carcasses he must have reflected on the words of God.

5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”  11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. – Genesis 6:5-7, 11-13

Fire

When the storm of the Lord descends, it doesn’t always do so in the form of flood waters. As Lot can attest. While the “whirling tempest” was descending, Lot and his family were being escorted to safety by angels. Once outside of Sodom, God’s wrath was unleashed on Sodom and Gomorrah in the form of burning sulfur raining down from Heaven.

Like Noah before him, no one could convince Lot that the wrath of God isn’t real. The morning after his escape, a dense smoke was rising from what was his hometown just the day before. All of his friends and neighbors were turned to ashes by the wrath of God. All of his possessions were consumed by the rain of sulfur. To make matters worse, his wife was turned to a pillar of salt for her disobedience.

As the stench of death rose to the mountain where Lot had found refuge, perhaps he reflected on the words of God.

“The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me… “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.” – Genesis 18:20-21, Genesis 19:12-13

Lies

We do an injustice to God and to ourselves when we pit the God of the Old Testament against the God of the New Testament. He is One and the same and He never changes. And as the early Church could testify, His wrath wasn’t confined to the events of the Old Testament era.

After Pentecost, the Church was growing in size very rapidly as the apostles were testifying of the resurrection of Christ (Acts 4:33). In order to meet the needs of the new converts, many people were selling their goods and bringing the proceeds to the apostles for them to distribute. As Luke records, “great grace was upon them all”.

But there was a sober reminder in the midst of this “feel good” account. Just after Joseph (Barnabas) sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostle’s feet, a couple named Ananias and Sapphira decided to follow suit. Except for one important detail. They lied about the proceeds. As Peter confronted Ananias with his sin, God immediately struck him dead and his body was carried out. Shortly after, his wife copied his sin and she too was immediately struck dead by God.

With the wrapped bodies of the deceased couple laying side by side, the young Church was gripped with fear (Acts 5:11). To them the wrath of God was just as real as His grace.

Reality

God’s Word tells us that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). As sinners we are under condemnation (John 3:18) awaiting the wages of death that our sins have earned (Romans 6:23). The wrath of God and eternal punishment away from Christ (Matthew 25:46).

Paul’s warning should keep us sober. “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:5). Do we really believe we can ignore the wrath of God?

Could Noah ignore the reality of the wrath of God with so much death floating on the flood waters? Could Lot ignore the wrath of God with the stench of death mingled with the smoke arising from Sodom and Gomorrah? With the corpses of Ananias and Sapphira laying side by side the early Church certainly had a healthy reminder of God’s retribution. It is hard to ignore dead people laying at your feet.

Love

What do we do to the heart of Jesus when we ignore or downplay the wrath of God? To Jesus, the wrath of God was so awful that it caused Him to sweat drops of blood as He anticipated drinking the cup. But if we were to be spared the wrath of God, drink it He must.

No, Jesus could not ignore the wrath of God. His struggle in Gethsemane illustrates just how fearful the reality of it is. Accordingly, His struggle in Gethsemane should heighten our understanding and awareness. Our sins are much more grievous and offensive to God than we will ever comprehend. Likewise, Christ’s love for us is much greater than we will ever realize.

Jesus could not ignore the wrath of God in the Garden of Gethsemane with the bitter cup before His face. Nor could He ignore the wrath of God as He hung on the cross with spiritually dead “corpses” covering the earth and the stench of sin filling the air.

Do we have the right to ignore the wrath of God? Only if we want to diminish His love.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain!
For me, who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me? – Charles Wesley

Garden Sleepers

Posted on by scott

43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. – Matthew 26:43

Sleeping Beauties

Few things in life touch our hearts like the face of a sleeping child. Especially if the child is yours. Whether it is a baby wrapped up in a crib or a toddler sprawled out for a nap on the couch, there is something about their “angelic” faces that just melt us.

Perhaps, as we look into their sleeping faces, we ponder their futures and the potential inside of them. With all of life before them and seemingly unlimited opportunities, who knows what they might do and become? Hopefully, they will clear the hurdles we never could!

Perhaps, as we look into their sleeping faces, we reflect on our own pasts. Certainly their youth, and energy, remind us that we are not getting any younger. Life passes so quickly and it only picks up speed as it does so. If only we could convince the young to take time to smell the flowers. Unfortunately, it is often a lesson learned too late!

Perhaps, as we look into their sleeping faces, we just let God tug on our heart strings with love. Love that melts and overflows our hearts. Love that transcends words and can only be expressed by the simple smile on our faces as we behold our “sleeping beauties” God has blessed us with.

Watchmen

As we looked at previously (http://helpmewithmyunbelief.com/2019/09/16/a-bitter-cup/), when Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of His betrayal, He allowed His three most intimate disciples to enter with Him. Then, Jesus placed these three on watch (Matthew 26:38) as He went further into the Garden alone. During His time of greatest need, Jesus wanted His dearest friends to stay awake with Him. And pray.

Jesus did not ask His disciples to act as His sentries. He didn’t need any. Being omniscient, Jesus knew the danger that was approaching, and accordingly could never be taken off guard. Hence, Jesus’ concern was not that His disciples watch for outsiders, but rather the temptation that lies within. It is a truth we all must learn. Our greatest enemy isn’t without, but within.

As their eyelids are closing in sleep, danger is closing in. Judas is approaching with a kiss of betrayal on his lips and Jesus’ bitter enemies on his heels. Although intimidating in appearance with their torches and weapons, none of these were a threat to Jesus. In fact He was in the Garden to keep His divine appointment with them. However, Jesus was concerned about the threat they would present to His “watchmen”. It is a concern Jesus has always had for those He loves.

41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. – Matthew 26:41

Weak Flesh

Three disciples, three admonitions, three failures. Such was their night in the Garden. Like the other disciples, Peter, James and John were at the end of a long day and an emotionally charged week. Their emotions must have been threadbare after the events of the week which included the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the cleansing of the Temple, controversies with the religious leaders and finally the just celebrated Passover. It is no surprise they are exhausted. And Jesus knew the tempter would prey on their condition.

Before Jesus chose Peter, James and John to follow Him, Satan tempted Jesus to avoid the cup and follow him. Satan came to Jesus in the wilderness after Jesus had fasted for forty days. Satan thought he would find Jesus weak and vulnerable after such a fast. He hoped to prey on His weak flesh. But Jesus didn’t just fast for forty days. He prayed. Satan knows when we are most vulnerable. And so should we.

The night is late. Their flesh is weak. And Satan is lurking in the dark waiting to crush them. Yet, despite Jesus’ three warnings to be alert, His dearest friends would fall asleep three times.

For Jesus, the scent of the bitter cup is in the air. The Father is about to “crush” the Son. Jesus is in anguish as He anticipates the terrible wrath of God which He is about to endure. Why must He go through with this? Look no further than the faces of His sleeping friends. Sure they have failed Him, but His love has never been conditional. Knowing He will soon die for them, Jesus makes allowance for their failure.

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

Peter

Bold, defiant Peter couldn’t fend off sleep. Not on this night. He rashly told Christ he would go with Him even into death, but here he is during Jesus’ great hour of agony to date; sleeping.

Three short years prior, the ever confident Peter left his fishing boat to follow Christ. Little could he know where Christ would lead him. Jesus was going to shape him into a pillar of the church. But first Satan was going to sift him (Luke 22:31). Temptation was coming. Peter was sleeping. But Jesus was praying. Denial and abandonment were in Peter’s future, but Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail (Luke 22:32).

What passed through the tormented mind of Jesus as He beheld Peter’s face? Did Jesus shed a tear over Peter knowing what would unfold in the upcoming hours for His self confident disciple?

James & John

Next to Peter, asleep in the Garden, lie the Sons of Thunder, James and John. Known for their fiery temperaments they wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village for it’s lack of “hospitality” (Luke 9:54). In their pride they wanted the seats of honor in Christ’s kingdom and claimed they could drink from His cup. However, Christ knew their flesh was weak and that their own “cup” was coming. As Jesus beheld the face of James, He saw His impending fate. Herod’s sword would soon make him a martyr.

And how was the heart of Jesus moved when He cast His gaze upon the face of His beloved disciple John? Did He see John faithfully standing at the foot of the cross? Perhaps He envisioned John taking care of His mother Mary in His absence. Although John would outlive the rest of the disciples, he would certainly face his share of temptations and trials, including being exiled to the island of Patmos in his old age.

A storm is quickly approaching, but Christ’s “children” are fast asleep.

No one but Christ could understand the magnitude of the wrath of God. No one but Christ could truly grasp the weakness of flesh of men. Only Jesus could love the weak flesh enough to submit to the will of the Father and drink the cup of wrath to the dregs.

More Sleepers

The Garden was a place of struggles. For the fatigued disciples it was a struggle between their willing spirits and their weak flesh. On this night, the weak flesh won out. For Jesus, it was a struggle over the cup. The time to drink from it had arrived and it’s contents were potent. More so than we could ever begin to comprehend.

In the Garden of Eden, we fell with Adam. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we failed with the disciples. Sleeping when we should be watching. But when Christ looks into our faces, He understands our weak flesh. In fact, He chose the cup and the cross not in spite of our weakness but because of it. Only Deity could endure the wrath of God.

On the Garden floor the blood of Jesus’ sweat is blending with the evening dew. As the gentle breeze stirs in the Garden the scent of the bitter cup wafts through the olive grove. In the darkness is shrouded an olive press reminding Jesus of His imminent death. In the faces of His dearest friends is a reflection of lost humanity and the motivation for His decision ( 1 Timothy 1:15).

Love & Death

On His face in the Garden, Jesus knew He had just two options; drink from the cup or let the cup pass. To drink from the cup meant to endure the Father’s wrath and to experience a “break” in fellowship with the Father as He turned His face away from the Sin Bearer. This was the true punishment that troubled Jesus.

To pass the cup meant leaving sinful man to drink from it and endure the awful wrath of God. Without the intervention of Christ, no man could be saved from God’s wrath. No one knows this better than Jesus. But even the terrible and imposing cup could not make Christ abandon us!

I have gone through great length to try to emphasize the magnitude of the awesome wrath of God for one reason; to illuminate the overwhelming love of Jesus. Faced with the choice of perishing under the Father’s wrath or allowing His “friends” to perish, Jesus chose the former. Certainly, His anguish was great. Under the weight of the “press”, it produced sweat of blood. But Jesus’ love was greater. For His sleeping, weak fleshed friends, He would go to the cross.

With a heart overflowing with love for His Father and His “children”, Jesus emptied the cup. Certainly, as we behold the faces of our sleeping children, our hearts are filled with a multitude of emotions. Thankfully, the most powerful is unconditional love.

A Bitter Cup

Posted on by scott

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” – Matthew 26:42

Torment

Do you find it difficult to read the account of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as His soul is so tormented? From the outside, it appears that perhaps for the first time in His life, Jesus may be experiencing some trepidation. For instance, as He entered the Garden with Peter, James and John, Jesus asked them to remain and stay awake with Him because His soul was very sorrowful, even to death. What was the cause of such soul rending sorrow?

After leaving His inner circle at their “post”, Jesus proceeded a little further into the Garden alone. Without any support from His dearest friends, Jesus fell on His face and poured out His heart to His Father. In His great anguish Jesus prayed that if it was possible, the cup that was soon to touch His lips might instead pass. But Jesus knew this wasn’t possible. Accordingly, He prayed that the Father’s will would be done. For Jesus, this was always priority number one.

Even though Jesus knew He would “acquiesce” to the will of the Father, His anguish was so great that Luke records an angel was sent from Heaven to strengthen Him. Yet even with the support of the angel, His prayers became even more intense. So much so that, “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44b). Such intense anguish as He pleaded with the Father to have the cup pass seems so far removed from the nature of Jesus as we see recorded in the rest of Scriptures. Hence we have to ask ourselves about the contents of the cup that struck such “terror” into the heart of Jesus.

Nature

One day, Jesus got into a boat with His disciples. As their boat was sailing across the lake, Jesus decided to take a nap. However, while He was sleeping, a storm came up. But not just any storm, rather a storm so severe that even the seasoned fishermen on board feared for their lives. In their minds, they were at the mercy of nature.

In their frightened condition, the disciples decided to awake Jesus and warn Him of their impending death. But Jesus did not share in the fear of His disciples. Rather, Jesus calmly rebuked the raging wind and waves and immediately they became calm. And after rebuking the wind and the waves, Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith (see Luke 8:22-26).

What power does nature have over the Son of God? Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Not only can He calm the wind and waves, but if He chose to do so He could even make the rocks cry out His praise (Luke 19:40). In fact, as Psalm ninety-six tells us, the heavens will be glad, the earth will rejoice, the seas will roar, the fields will exalt and the trees will sing for joy before the Lord. Certainly, there is nothing in nature that could possibly put any semblance of trepidation into the breast of Jesus.

Man

I am not sure that there is any polite way of calling a person or family psychotic, but from all appearances, I think it is safe the say that the Herod family may have been worthy of the diagnosis. After the birth of Jesus, it was Herod the Great who ordered the slaughter of the innocent babies in Bethlehem in attempt to eliminate Jesus. Unfortunately, Herod’s insecurity knew no bounds. Later in life, he would kill his wife, her mother, and three sons. Apparently he saw everyone as a potential threat to his throne.

Not to be outdone by his father, Herod Archelaus began his reign by ordering the extermination of three thousand prominent citizens. Later, when Jesus began His ministry, it was Herod Antipas who was ruling. It was this Herod who beheaded John the Baptist, but Jesus wasn’t intimidated. Rather, when Jesus was warned to flee because Herod Antipas also wanted to kill Him, Jesus calmly dismissed the threat and referred to Herod as a fox. Jesus explained that His Father’s work had to be done and would not be interrupted by the likes of a madman like Herod.

The Herod family certainly had a violent reputation. As rulers they wielded great political authority. But when Jesus called Herod a fox He was putting things in perspective. Jesus wasn’t implying that Herod was sly or crafty, but rather he was calling him inept. In comparison to a little fox like Herod, Jesus was a lion. What right does a fox have to threaten a lion? The Herod lineage may have struck fear into everyone under their jurisdiction, but to Jesus they were merely insignificant posers. Jesus had no more fear of any political madman than He did of the Roman soldiers or religious leaders of the day. No man, sane or psycho, could ever make Jesus sweat. Much less sweat like drops of blood.

Satan

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil. And, for forty days Jesus fasted while the devil tried to trip Him up. But Jesus was filled with the Spirit and the Word of God. Despite his best efforts, the devil was no match for Jesus. Jesus is so far above the devil that even forty days without food could not “level” the battle field. Nothing ever will.

When the serpent was cursed for deceiving Eve, he was warned that the woman’s offspring would bruise his head, while he would only bruise His heal. Consequently, we see the superiority of Jesus over the devil displayed all throughout the pages of Scripture. Whenever Jesus encounters someone under demon possession, the demons are cast out by a mere command. In fact, the demons recognize and tremble at the authority of Jesus.

With Christ and His word as her firm foundation, the gates of Hell can never prevail against the Church. Satan may be a formidable foe, but Christ has always been the “stronger man” (Mark 3:27). Therefore, although the devil may roar and strike terror into the hearts of men, he has no ability to intimidate Jesus.

Sufferings & Martyrs

As we have seen, as Jesus walked this earth it appeared that there was absolutely nothing that could intimidate Him or strike fear into Him. With His face set (like flint) to go to Jerusalem, knowing that His execution awaited Him, it also appeared that nothing could make Him waver in His obedience to His Father’s will. So again, we have to ask ourselves, why such a struggle in the Garden? Why does He pray that the cup may pass? What is the cause for the great sorrow and anguish of soul? What could cause Him to pray so intensely that He sweat drops of blood?

We have to realize that Jesus did not fear the betrayal of Judas. Nor did He fear the Roman soldiers that were quickly approaching. In fact He could have called a legion of angels if He had chosen to do so. Likewise, Jesus was not afraid of any of the authority figures, political or religious, that would take part in His mock trial.

Certainly, the physical abuse, the scourging and the crown of thorns would be painful beyond description, but even these did not cause even a hint of fear in Him. Nor do I believe even the cruel cross or cold nails themselves, could cause our Savior to fear. In fact, history is replete with martyrs, none of which could have possibly had more boldness than Jesus, who have faced various forms of execution with a song on their lips. But their lips would never drink from the bitter cup.

The Cup

The cup that awaited Jesus, consisted of one ingredient and only one ingredient. And nobody knew its content better than Jesus did. The cup that caused our Savior to be so sorrowful and troubled; the cup that caused Jesus to sorrow to the point of death; the cup that caused Jesus so much anguish that He needed an angel to strengthen Him; was filled with the wrath of God. And Jesus knew He had to drink this cup to the dregs.

Jesus was God in the flesh. As such, He had no sinful human weaknesses. He did, however, have a perfect understanding of the stench of sin and the perfect Holiness of God. Likewise, Jesus knew perfectly the justice and righteousness of God and the consequences of mankind’s sins against Him. Although the wrath of God is not a popular subject matter today, it is a critical Truth we must heed. How can we understand the love, grace and mercy of God if we ignore His wrath?

Take a long hard look at Jesus in the Garden on His face before His Father. Listen to Him praying in anguish that the cup may pass if possible, yet submitting to the Father’s will. Watch as the angel descends from heaven to support Christ in the midst of His anguish. The hearts that beat within us must indeed be stone if we are not moved by the sorrow and anguish of our Savior. How can we read about Jesus in the Garden and not have a great fear and respect for the wrath of God?

Our salvation came at a great price to Jesus. On the cross, God unleashed the torrent of His awful wrath. The cup may have been bitter. It’s contents were certainly potent. But the cup did not pass. The will of God was carried out. Christ drunk it to the dregs, and then when they were swallowed shouted, “It is finished.”

No, we can never begin to understand the love, mercy and grace of God until we seriously consider the wrath of God. The wrath that Christ bore for you and me.

Homes, Future & Present

Posted on by scott

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? – John 14:2

23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” – John 14:23

Future Home

When Jesus wanted to comfort His disciples in the midst of their present distress, He promised them future bliss. Although He may be going away, some day they would be reunited with Him in His Father’s house. Until then, Jesus assured them, He would personally be preparing a place for them. A home beyond human comprehension.

As we looked at in our last study (http://helpmewithmyunbelief.com/2019/09/06/my-fathers-house/), our homes are where we feel safe and secure. It is where we are loved. Because we are not perfect, neither will our earthly homes be. But if Godly, they can and should whet our appetites for our Heavenly homes.

Who doesn’t yearn for perfect rest (Hebrews 4:1)? Who doesn’t desire complete safety (Matthew 6:20) )? Certainly, we all want to experience unspeakable joy (John 16:22)! In Heaven, the table will always be full of guests (Matthew 8:11), but sin and death and the tears that accompany them will be banished. Accordingly, the love will be perfect and the fellowship will be endless.

We will never have to leave our Father’s heavenly home.

Itinerant Teacher

The Bible is silent on the home life of Jesus as He was growing up, but we do know that during His three years of ministry He traveled from place to place as He taught. In fact, when a scribe once approached Jesus about following Him, Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Was the wealthy scribe really willing to become “homeless” to follow Jesus?

The creatures Jesus created could boast of what Jesus could not; a place to lay their heads. Whenever they chose, the foxes could return to their dens and the birds to their nests, but Jesus was dependent upon those He ministered to for a place to stay (Luke 10:6-8).

My guess is that the scribe, much like the rich young man (Matthew 19:16-22), decided that the cost of following Jesus was too steep. But Jesus wanted him to wisely count the cost. No one knows what this means better than Jesus.

Leaving All

Before He became a babe in Bethlehem’s manger, Jesus voluntarily left Heaven’s throne. When He did so, He allowed His glory to be veiled by human flesh and blood. For the sake of lost humanity, God the Son left home.

When He called His disciples, Jesus gave a brief but difficult invitation. “Follow me.” And unlike the rich young man, Peter and the other disciples accepted the invitation. In so doing, they left everything behind (Matthew 19:27).

Were Peter and the other disciples rash in their decision to follow this itinerant teacher? What would cause them to leave their families and livelihoods to follow this homeless man? Were they running from their problems, or following a hope?

Whatever their motivation, they must have considered the potential reward to be greater than the perceived risk.

Risks & Rewards

It is ironic to think about. Jesus left His heavenly home to come to earth. He was raised by a carpenter, and yet the King of the universe was functionally homeless. By choice.

Although reared to construct with His hands, Jesus left Heaven to work with hearts. His followers and His enemies alike, often failed to recognize the plane on which He worked. While they were watching the physical, He was at work in the spiritual.

To have given up “everything” to follow a homeless teacher may have seemed like a bit of a risk, but could the disciples ever have imagined what was in store for them? For three years they fellowshipped with God in the flesh. For three years God was transforming their hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.

Heaven on Earth

When we are at the graveside of our loved ones, it is common to hear the words from John chapter fourteen read as a source of comfort for those of us left behind. What a blessed promise to be reminded that our deceased loved ones have now entered into their eternal homes. Like the disciples when they first heard the words from the lips of Jesus, our hearts can rest in the Truth that a home in Heaven awaits us.

But as comforting as the truth of our heavenly homes is, John chapter fourteen, using the exact same word, makes the promise of a present home. A home that the blessed Trinity is occupying today. For those that love Jesus, He promises that He and the Father will come to make their home with them (John 14:23). Today!!

Just as it is impossible to comprehend the condescension of Jesus leaving His heavenly throne to come to earth (Philippians 2:6-8), so is it impossible to comprehend the condescension of the Trinity to take up residence in the human “heart”. But that is exactly what Jesus promises those that love Him!

Heart Work

The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9). As Jeremiah goes on to say, our plight is so dire and our ignorance is so great that we don’t understand just how desperate we truly our. Like a strong man, Satan has our hearts bound which chains we could never break.

To use the parable of Jesus as recorded in Luke chapter eleven, Satan is not only a strong man, but he is also fully armed. In his estimation, our hearts are safely in his possession. But the enemy of our souls underestimated the Savior of our souls. Jesus may have left Heaven’s throne, but He brought Heaven’s power to earth with Him. As God in the flesh He overpowers Satan and plunders his armor, liberating His children from Satan’s grip. But He isn’t done.

After telling the parable of the strong man and the stronger man, Jesus tells the parable of the evil spirit who leaves home in search of another. Unable to find another home, the evil spirit returns and finds his former home swept and put in order. But unoccupied. Hence the evil spirit gathers seven other spirits more wicked than himself and together they take up residence in the house.

Thankfully, Jesus is in the business of transformation, not reformation. When HE as the stronger man casts Satan out, He takes up residency so Satan can never return.

Loving Jesus

Undoubtedly, the promise that our hearts can become Heaven on earth is a precious promise, but it is not guaranteed. If you look at Jesus’ words you will see that His promise is conditional. Before the Trinity will make a home in your “heart”, you must first love Jesus.

Unfortunately, our society has perverted concepts of what love looks like. However, if we look at the teaching of Jesus subsequent to His promise, it appears that the love Jesus has in mind embodies embracing Him and abiding in Him.

Like the original disciples, are we willing to follow Jesus regardless of the risks, real or perceived? Are we willing to humble ourselves confessing that our hearts are desperately sick and therefore embracing Christ as Lord in our contrition? If we will allow Him to guide us on a daily basis through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will indeed find that the rewards are greater than the risks.

Temples

Some day, we will reside in our Heavenly homes that Jesus is preparing for us personally. This Truth is certainly staggering. But by the grace of God we don’t have to wait until we cross the river of death to enjoy the fellowship of the Trinity. As John recorded, the Triune God has made our hearts their home until we take possession of our future home.

Forgiven Saint, never take for granted the blessings of God. Your formerly desperate heart, bound by the prince of darkness, has been redeemed by your Savior who took on the nature of a servant. He has washed you white as snow and turned stone to flesh. The perfect material for building a worthy temple.

With the Spirit indwelling you, you are now “sacred”. As the Temple of God, the Trinity can be worshiped and honored in your body every second of every day BEFORE you enter your home in Heaven (1 Cor. 6:19-20). The curtain is gone. Communion with God isn’t just a future hope, it is a present reality.

Oh what blessed promises are ours because God loves us, and we choose to reciprocate the love. It is truly beyond comprehension.