Come, Worship, and Listen

Psalm 95

Many of us have had someone tell us that they have both good news and bad news to tell us.  Sometimes they will ask us which we want to hear first, the good news or the bad news.  Our psalm for today contains both some good news in the form of praise to the Lord, and then some bad news in the form of a warning to us from the Lord.  Let’s take a look at what God’s Word says to us today.

Psalm 95 can be divided into two very distinct parts.  The first part, verses 1-7a are a joyful and reverent call to worship the Lord.  The second part, verses 7b-11 is a solemn warning from the Lord for us to not harden our hearts against Him.

As we begin our look at the psalm, we are called to come and worship the Lord God, singing with joy, thanksgiving, and praise to Him (vs. 1-2), for He is the Rock of our salvation.  Yahweh is not an actual rock, of course, but He is like a rock.  A large rock is secure, and not likely to move, and similarly God is an unshakeable foundation for us.  One can find shelter from a storm behind a large rock, and also safety from attack.  God is our source of strength, refuge, and shelter in times of trouble.  He is constant, dependable, and will never fail.

We are called to actively direct our worship to the Lord, not to ourselves or to our emotions.  Joyful worship should not be irreverent, nor entertainment-driven, but instead be God-centered.  We are called to shout joyfully to the Lord.  This should not be done chaotically, but instead when we come into the Lord’s presence we should prepare our hearts to bring sincere and genuine praise rooted in truth.  Worship should not be casual.  It is holy and should be done with a reverent heart.

As we continue, we see that we should worship the Lord because of who He is (vs. 3-5).   He is great, far greater and above any of the false, so-called pagan gods.  He is the Creator of all, from the depths of the sea to the highest of mountains on dry land.  Yahweh is sovereign.  Everything belongs to Him for He created it all, and He rules over all.  God’s creation should stir our hearts with awe to praise and trust Him.

The next couple of verses call upon us to reverently submit to the Lord (vs. 6-7a).  Worship involves humility, which here is shown by bowing and kneeling before Yahweh.  This is a physical act, but it is more importantly a reverent heart attitude before Him.  True worship is not merely emotional expression.  It is submission to God’s authority.  We should bow our will, not just our knees.

Throughout Scripture God is frequently referred to as our Shepherd, and here in Psalm 95 we see one such reference (vs. 7a).  He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep.  This is covenant language, as He cares, guides, protects, and disciplines us, just as a shepherd does his sheep.  This is imagery that foreshadows the Lord Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16).

Now we come to the solemn warning from God to not harden our hearts against Him (vs. 7b-11).  This sudden shift is intentional, as worship without obedience is hypocrisy.  The rebellion, the trial in the wilderness that is referenced here, is the event that took place at Meribah and Massah in Exodus 17:1-7, where the people complained against God because of lack of water, where they had no faith in God or His goodness.  The Israelites tested God there, and refused to believe His promises.  God was grieved with that generation, and because of their unbelief, they were kept from entering into His “rest”, into the Promised Land.

This warning applies to us believers today, as we read in Hebrews 3:7 - 4:11.  Hardening of one’s heart is a progressive spiritual danger.  It doesn’t usually happen overnight, but happens gradually as we lose our spirit of thankfulness, trust, and faith in God.  The Lord takes unbelief seriously, even among His children.

An important word in our Scripture is the word “today”.  We need to respond to God’s Word today, not someday.  Don’t put off turning to the Lord for another day, because that day may never come.  We are never guaranteed tomorrow.  We must also make a concerted effort to guard against complaining, being spiritually apathetic, and delaying our obedience to the Lord.  Don’t harden your heart.  Instead, keep a soft heart, for a soft heart is a worshiping heart.

Is The Lord Among Us Or Not?

Exodus 17:1-7

Oh, how quickly we humans are to forget things!  I am not referring to anyone who might have some type of dementia.  That would be a legitimate excuse to forget some things that occurred just a few weeks earlier.  However, when folks with otherwise no memory problems conveniently forget some fantastic events and blessings in their lives, even becoming ill-tempered and ornery when similar situations arise, that is a problem.  Today’s Old Testament Scripture recounts just such an occurrence.  Let’s see what we can learn from God’s Word.

As our Scripture begins, the people of Israel had arrived at a place called Rephidim.  God had done a lot in their lives in the last few weeks.  First, He parted the waters of the Red Sea for them to cross and escape from Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14:10-31).  Then a few days later He turned the bitter waters at Marah sweet so they could drink (Exodus 15:22-25).  Then, a few days after that, God miraculously provided manna and quail for the people to eat (Exodus 16:11-15).  God was visibly, miraculously, and consistently providing for the people, yet in our Scripture today, just another few days later in Exodus 17, the people had forgotten and were full of unbelief, and were testing God.

In chapter 17, the Israelites were in the deserts of Rephidim and they were running low on water and were thirsty (vs. 1).  As they traveled towards the Promised Land, God had been leading them by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.  It was no accident that they had arrived there, a place with no water, as it was the Lord who had led them there.  God often leads His people into situations where their faith must be exercised.  A Christian can be in the center of God’s will and still face hardships.  Obedience to the Lord does not always exempt us from facing trials.

When the people found no water there, rather than remembering all of the times God had previously provided for them, instead they were angry with Moses (vs. 2).  They quarreled against him, angrily complaining and striving with him.  They blamed Moses for this situation, demanding water, and not trusting God.  The people even went so far as to accuse Moses of bringing them to this place to kill them! (vs. 3).  They had so conveniently forgotten when God sent the plagues in Egypt, how not one of those fell on them, along with the deliverance at the Red Sea, and the manna they were still receiving.  How often when we face a dilemma in our path do we likewise forget all that the Lord has previously done for us, and start complaining, whining, and become filled with fear and worry?

So what did Moses do when the people started ganging up on him?  He did what the Israelites should have done at the beginning.  He turned to the Lord in prayer (vs. 4).  Moses cried out to Him, as the crowd was beyond angry and he rightly feared for his life.  The Lord then told him to go before the crowd, along with some of the elders, and to bring his rod.  He was to stand before a large rock and to strike that rock with his rod, and water would come forth (vs. 5-6).  God told Moses that He would be standing there with him before that rock.

This is a typology of the Lord Jesus, the Smitten Rock.  The Apostle Paul explicitly identified the rock as Jesus (I Corinthians 10:4).  The rock is Jesus Christ, the rod is the judgment of God.  Moses striking the rock is a picture of God pouring His wrath against sin upon Jesus while on the cross.  The water that came forth from the rock is a picture of the life-giving Holy Spirit and salvation that comes from Christ.  All spiritual life flows from the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Israel’s sin is summarized in one question “Is the Lord among us or not?” (vs. 7).  This was not a request for reassurance.  Instead it was a rebellious accusation.  They denied God’s presence despite overwhelming evidence.  They wanted proof of His presence on their terms, which is the opposite of faith.

Moses believed the Lord’s Word, obeyed Him, and struck the rock, and the water poured forth.  However, Israel would not consistently follow Moses’ example of faith (Hebrews 4:2).  Our life can be like an arid desert.  God, though, can quench our spiritual thirst.  When by faith we believe the promises of God’s Word, we can experience rivers of living water and grace for our daily needs.

Looking back over this Scripture, we can learn several things.  One, ending up at Rephidim was not a mistake.  Sometimes God will lead His people into trials.  Another lesson is that forgetfulness fuels unbelief.  We need to rehearse God’s faithfulness and remember His past mercies.  Complaining is a form of unbelief.  Grumbling is not a small sin.  It is a lack of faith in God’s love and His character. However, God’s grace will exceed our failures.  Israel deserved God’s judgment, but instead, He gave water. His grace triumphed.

There is Only One Way to Heaven

John 3:1-17

Today’s Scripture passage from this week’s Lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer contains one of the most well-known verses, and familiar passages of the Bible.  In this Scripture we read of the necessity of the new birth, the nature of saving faith, and the heart of God in sending His Son for our salvation.

As we begin, we read that a man named Nicodemus came to see Jesus one evening (vs. 1-2).  Nicodemus was a devout Pharisee who meticulously followed the Old Testament Law and religious rituals.  He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the Jewish religious and legal court, which held some power under Roman occupation.  Nicodemus had heard Jesus preach and teach on several occasions, seen some of the miracles, and was interested in learning more, but because his peers within the Pharisees and Sanhedrin, he was afraid to do this publicly, so he came to Jesus at night.

Jesus welcomed Nicodemus and the two conversed.  However, Jesus made it clear right from the start that religious knowledge, moral living, and even respect for Himself was not the same as salvation.  People today, as well as back then, often think they are the same.  They believe that if they go to church, have a passing knowledge of the Bible or other religious writings, live a good moral life, and even hold Jesus in the highest regard, that this will get them to heaven.  As Jesus clearly states in our Scripture today, that is not the case!

Jesus doesn’t waste any time discussing nonessentials.  He comes right to the point immediately, and tells Nicodemus that he must be born again.  He needs salvation if he wants to see the Kingdom of God, to go to heaven (vs. 3).  Nicodemus misunderstood Jesus, thinking that He was somehow talking about physical birth, and how that could be at all possible (vs. 4).  Jesus was not talking about physical birth, but spiritual birth, one produced by the Holy Spirit (vs. 5-6).  He clearly stated that this is necessary for every person, regardless of their religious background.  It was necessary then, and it is necessary today.  People are not born again, or saved, because of who or what they are.  It doesn’t matter what religion one’s parents are, or how devoutly they practice any religious rituals.  One must be born again to get to heaven (vs. 7).

Being “born of water and the Spirit” (vs. 5), is not baptismal regeneration.  One is not born again because they have been baptized.  Any number of heinous criminals and dictators were baptized as babies, and they most probably were not saved.  Water refers to the cleansing work of the Word of God, as we read in Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Ephesians 5:26.  The Spirit refers to the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.  Being born again, or saved, is a supernatural act of God, not achieved by human effort.  When we are born again, we become children of the living God, and rightful heirs to every good thing that He has to offer.

Despite being a religious leader and teacher, Nicodemus still did not understand, and Jesus gently rebuked him (vs. 9-10).  The Old Testament had already promised a new heart and Spirit in those verses from Ezekiel mentioned above, but Nicodemus had missed the meaning of God’s promise.  Jesus then shifted from the new birth to the basis of salvation - that of His own person and work (vs. 13-15).  The Lord used as a reference the picture of when God sent fiery serpents as judgment on the Israelites, and the cure was to look at the image of a serpent Moses put on a pole (Numbers 21:4-9).  Israel was dying from these serpent bites, and God provided only one remedy - to look at the lifted-up serpent.  Those who looked lived.  This was an example of what Jesus would accomplish when He died on the cross.  The people couldn’t use whatever cure they wanted to make up.  They had to use God’s cure.  It is the same with salvation.  We can’t decide what sounds good by today’s modern standards.  We are only saved by God’s way.  Salvation is by faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone.

Next comes one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, verses 16 and 17.  This is not a vague sentiment, but a purposeful, sacrificial love towards undeserving sinners.  God gave, not merely sent, His only begotten Son to die for sinners.  And no matter who you are, if you believe and put your faith in Jesus, you will receive eternal life.  The Gospel is rooted in God’s love, accomplished through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and received by faith.

The Bible, and Jesus Himself, say that He is the only way of salvation (I John 5:11-12; John 14:6).  If you want to get to heaven, Jesus is the only One who can take you there.  We can trust God, because He has given us exactly what we need most - salvation.  He did not do this because He owed us anything, or because of any inherent good within us.  God saved us for one reason, and that is because of His all-surpassing love.

Works Versus Faith

Romans 4:1-17

Have you ever gotten a flyer in the mail saying to come by a store or showroom and receive a free gift.  Since often these things are not exactly as they seem, we might wonder if there is some catch.  Will we have to make a purchase, or sign up for some subscription, or watch some presentation in order to get the “free gift”, or are they being honest, and no purchase is necessary.  Just show up and get your gift.  People have wondered about that regarding salvation.  Is it really just believe and one is saved, or do we have to do all sorts of works in order to be saved?  All too often various groups have tried to teach that there are certain things one must do in order to be saved.  However, in our Scripture today we will see exactly what God has said in His Word about this matter.

As we open our Scripture, Paul gives us the example of the Patriarch Abraham for us to look at.  He is the most revered figure in Jewish history, and Paul uses him as an example to prove that faith, and not works, has always been God’s way of salvation, for if Abraham was justified by faith, then no one can claim salvation by keeping the Mosaic Law or any other type of works.

If Abraham, or any of us for that matter, were justified by our works, then we could boast about that (vs. 1-3).  One could brag that they went to church every time the doors were open, never missing a single time.  Another could brag about how much money they gave in the offering.  And another could brag how they never broke a single commandment in the Bible.  However, we cannot boast before God.  Abraham, our spiritual father, believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6).  The word “accounted” in verse 3 in Greek is “logizomai”, and is an accounting term.  God credits righteousness to the believer’s account.  Justification is a legal declaration, not a reward.

As we continue, Paul contrasted two systems - those of works versus faith (vs. 4-5).  They are mutually exclusive.  Works are wages that are owed to you.  You worked for them.  Whereas faith is the righteousness credited to the ungodly without their having to work for it.  God justifies the ungodly, not the morally impressive.  This is the heart of the Gospel, that God saves sinners, not the self-righteous.

Paul then goes on to quote Psalm 32:1-2 where he states that God will forgive the sins of those who come to Him, and not impute, or put them on the account of that person.  Justification has two sides.  On the negative side, God removes the guilt of the sinner.  On the positive side, He imputes or credits the righteousness of Jesus to them.

In the days of the very early Church, there were some who went around teaching that one could not be genuinely saved unless they kept the Mosaic Law, particularly they stressed that of being circumcised.  Paul very clearly answers that argument by referring to when Abraham was justified, and that it was before he was circumcised by several years (vs. 9-12).  The ritual of circumcision was described in Genesis 17.  Abraham believed God and was justified by faith in Genesis 15, which is before chapter 17.  Circumcision did not contribute to his salvation, and we see that rituals cannot save.  Abraham is the father of all who believe - circumcised or not.  There is no religious ceremony, whether it is baptism, communion, or any other, that can justify us.  We should be baptized and receive communion, but they do not save us.

God made a promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 17:4-6; Genesis 22:17).  This promise was not by keeping the Law of Moses, which was given over 400 years later.  This promise was given through the righteousness of faith that Abraham had.  If we had to keep the law, whether the Mosaic Law or any list of works that some denominations say we should keep, in order to be saved, then faith is void and God’s promises would be meaningless.  The Law reveals sin, but it cannot remove it.

Paul concludes that the promise is by faith, by grace, and it is certain (vs. 16-17).  If salvation depended on human performance, no one could be certain.  How would we know if we had done enough works?  Would it be one a day, ten a day?  However, because it depends on God’s grace, the promise is secure for both Jewish and Gentile believers.

So as we see through our Scripture today, justification is by faith alone.  Salvation has always been by grace through faith.  It has never been by works, rituals, or keeping the Mosaic Law.  Abraham was justified by faith apart from any works, and all who believe, whether Jewish or Gentile, are saved the same way.

Who to Trust in Uncertain Times

Psalm 33:12-22

All throughout history there has been fighting between people.  We see it between two individuals, between gangs and clans, all the way up to nations.  It has been said that since the beginning of recorded history there has not been any one period of time where there hasn’t been some type of fighting somewhere on earth.  If there was peace in one portion of the world, there was always some type of fighting going on somewhere else, even if it wasn’t officially declared a war.  Though many of us have never experienced a war of any level, some of you may have, and we can all imagine how terrifying and devastating it would be.  Who are you trusting at that time?  Your political leaders?  Your military generals, and the strength of your army?  Your underground bunker, or financial resources in order to make an escape?  Our Scripture today, from the second half of Psalm 33, directs us in whom we should trust when the world is blowing up around us.

As our Scripture opens, the author lets us know that those who trust in the Lord are blessed (vs. 12).  He speaks of the largest possible group, a nation, that if they trust in Yahweh, including following and obeying His Word, they will be blessed.  Perhaps there might have been some time in the past where possibly a nation, the majority of its people, trusted and followed Jesus, but I don’t think that is the case anywhere today. True national blessing is tied to acknowledging and honoring Yahweh as God.  Blessing is not rooted in political strength but in a relationship with God.  His people are His possession - chosen, loved, and protected.

As we read on, we are told that God sees and knows all (vs. 13-15).  He sees all - nothing is hidden from Him.  He also understands all, knowing every heart.  And He is the Creator and Judge of all.  Nations will rise and fall, but God alone rules.  This should be both comforting and convicting for us, as He knows our motives, our fears, and desires perfectly.  God knows where each of His children are, and what help they need.

Next we read something that everyone should take note of, and that is that no king is saved by his army, and that their military horse or their strength cannot deliver them (vs. 16-17).  No political leader, whether king, president, or prime minister, and the people of their nations, should trust in the size of their armies, nor in military weapons and equipment.  The psalmist reminds us that we are not delivered by any of that, whether it was a historic war horse or today’s most technically equipped fighter jets.  None of that can guarantee a victory.  Strength without God is vain, empty, powerless, and deceptive.  God resists the proud, those who trust in their own power, as the Apostle James tells us (James 4:6).

Our focus now shifts from the nations in general to the faithful remnant.  God has watchful care for those who fear Him (vs. 18-19).  God’s eye is on those who fear Him, who have reverence, and obey and trust His Word.  He will deliver them from death, and sustain them during famine.  This is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but of God’s faithful presence and preservation.  God’s care is personal, intentional, and is rooted in His covenant love.

So, if we shouldn’t put our trust in military leaders, armies, or equipment, who or what should we trust in to protect us in times of war and danger?  Who or what will protect us?  Our psalmist says that the Lord is our help and shield (vs. 20).  In ancient times a shield was necessary against swords and arrows.  Though today’s weapons are far more sophisticated and deadly, He still protects His children and those who trust in His Holy Name (vs. 21-22).

As this portion of Psalm 33 teaches us, God is sovereign.  He rules over nations and individuals.  Trusting in our national or personal strength apart from God is worthless.  In times of war and danger we should remember that God watches over and sustains the people who have put their trust in Him.  His mercy is the foundation of our hope.

In closing, as believers we need to remember to trust in God, rather than the resources of anyone or anything else.  God sees our heart, and He knows where we are, what is happening around us, and what we need.  The people of the world need to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, and that true blessings come from Him.  When circumstances feel uncertain, wait on the Lord, for He alone is our help and shield.

A Journey by Faith

Genesis 12:1-8

When some people travel, they like to be free, with little planning, just enjoying wherever the road takes them.  That’s not me!  Whenever I travel anywhere, I always like to have my route and destination completely mapped out ahead of time.  Back in the days when using paper maps was common, I studied them carefully, noting which roads to take, and each and every turn I had to make.  Nowadays I check the map online while my daughter, my faithful navigator, puts everything into her GPS on her phone which will tell me where to make my turns.  I don’t know if I would have done so well with what the Lord called Abram (later known as Abraham) to do.  Let’s take a look at what He called Abram to do.

As our Scripture opens, we read of God calling Abram to leave his extended family and the home that he had in the city of Haran.  Right prior to our passage, in the last few verses of chapter 11, we read that Abram’s elderly father had taken the whole extended family out of Ur of the Chaldees and moved northwest to Haran.  Ur was an ancient Sumerian city-state in Mesopotamia (present day Iraq) near the mouth of the Euphrates River and the Persian Gulf. This was a very pagan culture, which worshipped the moon as its chief deity.  Haran was an ancient city in Upper Mesopotamia (present day Turkey), also along the Euphrates River, about 650 miles northwest of Ur.  After living in Haran for a number of years, God called Abram to pack up his belongings, take his wife, and leave (vs. 1).  God did not tell him where he was going to, just that He would show him the land He would give to his descendants.

God commanded Abram to “get out” (vs. 1).  This phrase was not a request or a suggestion.  It was a command.  Go!  Now!  Get up and move!  Abram, at age 75, was told to leave everything that he knew - his land, any business he may have had, his relatives, and his home, and he was obedient.  There were three layers of separation that Abram was called to make - from his country and the familiar culture of Ur and Haran, from his relatives and his family ties, and from his house, his earthly security.  God uprooted him from idolatry and set him apart for His purposes.  Separation unto God always involves separation from something else.

In verses 2 and 3 we read God’s promises to Abram, which form the core of the Abrahamic Covenant.  God promised to make him a great nation, which implies physical descendants which he currently had none of.  God promised to bless him and make his name great.  This was fulfilled both historically and spiritually.  Abram would be a blessing by becoming a channel of God’s grace.  God promised to protect him and his seed, and through him the world would be blessed, which was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus (Galatians 3:8, 16).  These promises are literal, unconditional, and everlasting.

Abram immediately obeyed the Lord (vs. 4-5).  He obeyed without knowing the destination (Hebrews 11:8).  God told him very little of where he was going, any description of the land, or how long it would take to get there.  He just told Abram to go, and his obedience was credited to him as faith.  Abram did not delay, and he left the comfort and security he had known, choosing faith and trust in God instead, solely relying on His Word.

Abram journeyed south of Haran, down to Shechem, which was in the hill country of Canaan (vs. 6-7).  This location was about 35 miles north of where Jerusalem would later be, a journey of about 45o miles from Haran.  Abram stopped at the plains of Moreh, where there were terebinth trees, a place associated with pagan Canaanite worship.  Here God repeats His promises to Abram, and the patriarch builds an altar to the Lord.

Worship was Abram’s first act in the promised land.  In faith he responded to God’s promise with worship, not in reliance upon himself.  Abram journeyed a bit further south, to a spot between Bethel and Ai, just west of the Jordan River, where he built another altar to God (vs. 8).  Not only were these altars that he built for his worship, but they were also public testimonies to the Canaanites, a witness to the one true God, Yahweh.

Abram was now living as a pilgrim (Hebrews 11:9-10), moving through the land God promised, but not yet possessing it.  His life is a pattern of faith, obedience, worship, and witness.  Obedience to God often requires us leaving our comfort zones.  It may disrupt our routines, our relationships, or our plans.  Faith trusts God’s promises, even when fulfillment seems distant, like it did for Abram.  And like Abram, worship should always be our first response throughout our life, bearing public testimony to God’s Name.  Remember, God’s promises are sure, even when circumstances seem contrary.

Stand on God's Word

Matthew 4:1-11

As humans, we all face temptations every day.  This included our Lord Jesus Christ while on earth, for though He was fully God, He was also fully man.  Satan delights when we give in to temptation and sin, and he would have loved to have seen Jesus give in to temptation, for then He would not have been sinless and able to redeem us.  In our Scripture today we will look at one specific time in particular when Satan came against Jesus with several temptations.  Let’s see how Jesus responded, and came out victorious.

As our Scripture opens, Jesus had just been baptized, and publicly identified as the beloved Son of God, and had been anointed by the Holy Spirit for His earthly ministry.  He was then led by the Spirit into the wilderness.  This was not by accident.  Temptation, in itself, is not a sin.  It is only when we fail and give in does the sin come.  This would be a demonstration of Jesus’ perfect obedience to the Father.

Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, and was fasting and praying during that time (vs. 2).  By the end of that time He was naturally hungry, and Satan used that as an opportunity to attack.  Satan will often strike when we are physically or emotionally depleted.  He came to Jesus, tempting Him to change some of the stones into bread (vs. 3).  This temptation was to use divine power independently of the Father’s will.  Satan suggested a shortcut, to satisfy a legitimate need in an illegitimate way.

The Savior responded by coming against His adversary with Scripture (vs. 4).  He didn’t use His own power or wit.  Jesus confronted the devil with God’s Word, and only God’s Word.  He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3.  Obedience to God is more important than physical satisfaction.

Satan wasn’t going to give up, so he came at Jesus with another temptation (vs. 5-6).  Since Jesus had used the Bible, Satan tried to also use it in this temptation (Psalm 91:11-12).  He tempted Jesus to throw Himself from the Temple and command angels to catch Him.  However, he misused Scripture, trying to force God’s hand, demanding miraculous proof.  That is the sin of presumption, testing God rather than trusting Him.  Jesus responded again with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16.  Scripture interprets Scripture.  One verse never contradicts another.

Satan often uses half-truths instead of outright lies.  He likes promoting just enough truth about God to appear Biblical, while denying the power of the Gospel to save and transform.  We see this frequently done by false teachers and preachers.  They like to twist Bible verses around and quoting it to suit their ungodly teachings, but never using the Scripture to teach salvation.  Faith does not manipulate God or His Word, but rather submits to Him.

The devil tried a third time with a temptation of offering the kingdoms of the world to Jesus (vs. 8-9).  Jesus will ultimately receive all the kingdoms of the earth, but Satan promised to give them to Him right then, without the cross, but only if He would worship him.  Again, Jesus responded with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20.   This is the temptation of compromise: gain without suffering, glory without obedience.  The devil flashes newer, bigger, and seemingly better things of this world in front of us, trying to lure us into thinking we must have it, which leads to the worship of the god of this world, who is Satan (II Corinthians 4:4).  Worship belongs to God alone - no compromise, no negotiation.  Christ’s authority is absolute.  When Satan left, angels came to minister to Jesus (vs. 11).  God’s provision comes in God’s time.

Why was Jesus tempted?  By being tempted, He showed us that He was human, like us.  And by overcoming temptation, Jesus showed His ability to carry out His Father’s will.  Through His perfect obedience, Jesus will rescue us from the devil.  Jesus’ rejection of the devil’s temptations also provides us the perfect model for enduring temptations, which is using God’s Word against the devil.

Satan hates the Bible, which is why he tries so hard to destroy it.  He was repelled by the Word of God as he tempted Jesus.  It is our sword against him (Ephesians 6:17).  We can’t simply wave our Bible in the air, hoping to scare the devil away, and we can never defeat him in our own strength.  If we try he will surely give us a beat down.  To effectively defeat his lies, we need a good working knowledge of God’s Word, so that we can fight deception with truth, whatever the situation may be.  Stand firmly upon God’s written Word, as our Lord did when the devil tempted Him to yield to his deception.

One Brought Death, One Brought Life

Romans 5:12-21

If you look back on your life, can you see where one decision or one act of yours changed the whole trajectory of your life, maybe for good, or maybe for worse?  Perhaps that one thing you did also affected not only your life, but the life of someone else, or perhaps several people.  It might also have affected your family, maybe for several generations to come.  In our Scripture today we will see how one person’s single decision to do something affected not just himself, but everyone from that time forward.  Let’s look at what God’s Word can teach us from St. Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.

In this Scripture passage from Romans Paul explains why salvation must be by grace, and why the Lord Jesus’ work is fully sufficient.  We will see that Adam’s sin brought death, condemnation, and ruin to mankind, but Christ’s obedience brings righteousness, justification, and life.  His work does not merely undo Adam’s fall, it surpasses it.

As Paul begins, we learn that sin entered into the world through our first father, Adam, and death was the direct result of sin (vs. 12).  This death is both a physical and spiritual death.  Since each one of us is a descendant of Adam, not only will we each one day physically die, we have all inherited original sin, and are sinners ourselves.

Both sin and death reigned even when there was no written law to break (vs. 13-14).  People do not die just because they personally violate the Mosaic Law.  They die because they are from Adam’s race, and his guilt is imputed to them.  Adam was a type, or figure of Him who was to come, which is speaking of the Lord Jesus.  He is a type of Christ, not in character, but in function.  Both act as representative heads whose actions affect all who belong to them.

As we see, Adam’s offense brought death to all.  However, Jesus’ grace brings life (vs. 15).  Paul emphasizes here that Christ’s work is not merely equal to Adam’s fall.  It is much superior, as the apostle tells us that the Savior’s work was “much more”!  His obedience overwhelmed Adam’s disobedience.  We also read that God’s gift by His grace “abounded to many”.  I am thankful that the “many” includes me, and that God's love has transferred me into the territory of His marvelous, infinite, matchless grace! No matter what life may bring, nothing can remove us from the realm of God’s grace.

When we read the account of Adam’s sin in Genesis, we see that it took just one act of disobedience to bring sin and condemnation into the world (vs. 16).  Likewise, Jesus’ one act of obedience to God, specifically His death on the cross, brings justification.  Justification is not earned. It is a gift, based on His obedience, not ours.  Adam’s sin caused death to reign, but Jesus’ righteousness causes those who believe in Him to reign (vs. 17).  This includes victory over sin’s dominion, a restored relationship with God, and eternal life.

Paul repeats that it was just one man’s one offense that brought sin and judgment upon all mankind (vs. 18).  We might wonder why that is so.  When we look in nature we see examples - just one tiny microscopic spore of a fungus can multiply and grow to millions of times larger, infecting a much larger area.  One tiny speck of mold in a tiny corner of a loaf of bread, and very soon the whole loaf is moldy.  One speck on one orange in a bag of oranges, and soon the whole bag has gone bad.  One tiny growth of mold within the walls of a house, if left alone, very soon the whole house has mold.  One single act of disobedience by Adam and sin grew so all people are sinners and stand condemned before God.  However, the good news is that the one act of sinless Jesus provides eternal life to all who accept Him as Savior (vs. 19).

As we close this Scripture passage we see that grace is not threatened by sin (vs. 20-21).  It is not limited by sin.  Grace overflows beyond sin’s reach.  Sin reigned in death, but now grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life for those who come to Jesus in faith.  You don’t have to earn God’s favor.  It is Jesus’ obedience, not yours, that secures your salvation.  If you have accepted Him as Savior then sin is no longer your master, death is no longer your terror, and condemnation is no longer your destiny.  God’s grace is stronger than your failures.

Have Mercy on Me

Psalm 51

We’ve all sinned, done some things that were against God’s commands, things that grieved Him.  Did you ever try to cover up a sin that you knew was terribly wrong, or pretend that it never happened?  Our psalm for this week was written about just such an event, and the repentance, cleansing, and restoration that followed.

The superscription for this psalm gives us the context, as King David wrote this after having been confronted by the prophet Nathan following having committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of David’s elite soldiers (I Samuel 11 - 12:15).  When they found out that she was pregnant, David ordered his general, Joab, to put Uriah in the thickest part of the battle, and then retreat, essentially ordering his execution.  So David committed two grave sins - adultery and murder.  Then David married Bathsheba, and acted for over a year as if nothing had happened.  However, God knew, and when David was not repenting on his own, He sent Nathan to confront him.

The king could have had Nathan killed for daring to confront his sin, but David knew he had done wickedly in the sight of God, and immediately repented and cried out to God for forgiveness (vs. 1-2).  He knew that he could not fix this, and he cried for God’s mercy, which is undeserved. Forgiveness is grounded in who God is, not who we are.

David made a full confession of his sins (vs. 3-4).  He didn’t try to hide it any longer, make excuses, or give a partial confession.  He was aware of the gravity of his sin, and took responsibility.  He also acknowledged that his offense was against God.  Whenever we sin, our sins are against God and His holiness.  This does not deny the harm done to others.  Rather, it recognizes that all sin is ultimately rebellion against God.

He confessed not only his acts of sin, but also that he, like all of us, had a sinful nature (vs. 5-6).  God desires that we are truthful to both Him and ourselves.  The Lord wants integrity, not outward religiosity.

Our psalm continues with a picture of sacrificial imagery (vs. 7).  Hyssop was a plant used to sprinkle water and the blood of sacrifice, which is an image of cleansing.  David was asking for cleansing through atonement. Even though I really dislike winter and snow, snow can be a picture of our forgiveness.  Jesus provided a way for us to be cleansed of our sins, and our hearts to be made whiter than snow.  Only He can cleanse the sinner, and He does so thoroughly.  There is only one way to deal with our sin problem, and that is the Precious Blood of Jesus.

In verse 10 David prayed that God would “Create in me a clean heart.”  The word “create” in Hebrew is “bara”, which is the same verb used in Genesis 1 when God created the heavens and the earth.  David was asking for a divine act of re-creation.  He wanted God to make him into a new man.  David prayed that God not cast him away, nor take His Holy Spirit from him (vs. 11).  This was not about losing his salvation, as we cannot lose our salvation.  This was about losing the empowering presence of God for service, such as what happened with the previous king, Saul.

David prayed that the joy of the Lord that he once felt would return (vs. 12).  Sometimes we struggle with self-forgiveness because we find it difficult to accept God’s forgiveness.  Guilt can be so strong that it overshadows God’s gift of forgiveness.  Often our personal disappointment prevents us from forgiving ourselves, especially when we see the results of our sin.  However, David knew that when God forgives, we are truly forgiven, and we can move on in our life by further service to Him (vs. 13).

Rituals alone cannot fix sin (vs. 16-17).  God wants heart-level repentance rather than just an outward show.  Repentance involves full confession, and a true confession will acknowledge our guilt.  It involves recognizing that the sin was against God, even though other people may be hurt, as well.  When we repent, we take full responsibility for our sin.  There can be no blaming others or making excuses with God.  It is not complete without full honesty.  Repentance means changing one's mind about sin.

It was at David’s lowest point that he had a revelation of God’s love and mercy.  God does not abandon us in our times of crisis, for He has promised to save us, even in our darkest time.  Psalm 51 is a gift to every believer who has ever failed, which is all of us.  It shows that no sin is too deep for God’s mercy, and no heart is too broken for God to restore.  David’s darkest moment became the occasion for one of Scripture’s brightest testimonies of grace.

The Worst Decision

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

You put a child in a room with lots of nice toys which you tell him that he can play with, but you instruct him that he is not to play with this one thing which is off to the side.  You tell him to leave that one alone.  There is a good chance that the child will eventually make his way over to that one thing that he was told to leave alone and will check it out.  Why, when he has a room of nice toys, does he want to play with the one he’s told to leave alone?  Why is it when we are told not to do something, that we get an overwhelming desire to do that one thing?  That has been the case since our first parents, Adam and Eve.  In today’s Old Testament Scripture we will take a look at the tragic day when they could not leave alone the one thing they were told to not eat.

As we begin, we read that God placed the man that He had created, Adam, into the Garden of Eden, which he was to tend and take care of (vs. 15-17).  The Lord then instructed Adam that he could eat from every tree in the garden except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  He was warned that if he did eat from that he would die. The command was simple, clear, and rooted in God’s goodness.  He gave abundant freedom, but one prohibition, and the consequence was certain.

We then jump over to the beginning verses of chapter 3 of Genesis where we first meet the serpent (vs. 1).  The serpent was used as Satan’s instrument in tempting Eve.  In the last book of the Bible, the serpent is specifically identified as Satan (Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:2).  Eve’s first mistake was that she wandered near the Tree of Knowledge.  God hadn’t prohibited getting near it, but when He forbids something, it is best to stay far away to avoid temptation.  However, Eve had ventured near.  The serpent’s first tactic in tempting was to sow doubt, so he asks her if God really said what He said.  The serpent wanted to raise doubts about God’s good intentions.  Satan always attacks God’s Word, having people question its accuracy before he leads them to deny it.  The doubt that Satan plants are the seedbed of disobedience.  Every temptation begins with a challenge to God’s authority, His goodness, or His clarity.

As soon as the serpent began to talk with Eve, she would have been wise to turn and run the other way, but instead she stayed and talked with him, listening to him try to cast doubt on God’s Word (vs. 2-3).  Eve answered his question, however her answer was only partially accurate.  She repeated God’s command, but she added “nor shall you touch it”, which actually the Lord had not said.  She also omitted the word “surely” when speaking of dying.  It is wrong to either add to or subtract from God’s Word.

Satan next went for direct denial of God’s Word and deception (vs. 4-5).  He boldly told her the lie that she would not die, calling God a liar.  Instead, Satan promised her that her eyes would be opened, and she would be like God.  He implied that God was withholding something good from them.  His temptation appealed to their pride, autonomy, and self-exaltation.  This is the essence of sin - the desire to be independent of God, and to define good and evil or oneself.

Next followed the most devastating act in human history - when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit (vs. 6).  This temptation was threefold.  She saw that the fruit was good for food, which is lust of the flesh.  She saw that it was pleasant to the eyes, which is lust of the eyes.  And that it would make one wise, which is the pride of life (I John 2:16).  Eve ate and then Adam followed after her.  She was deceived, but Adam was not deceived.  He sinned willfully (I Timothy 2:14).  His sin is the one through which death entered the world, plunging the human race into sin (Romans 5:12).  Their act of disobedience stemmed directly from the temptation to mistrust God’s loving relationship.

Then followed immediate consequences (vs. 7).  Their eyes were indeed opened, but not as promised.  They gained experiential knowledge of evil, but not divine wisdom.  Though physical death wasn’t immediate, it began its process.  However, spiritual death was immediate, which leads to eternal death, apart from salvation through the Lord Jesus.  Their innocence was lost and shame entered. The two made a feeble attempt to cover themselves with fig leaves, which symbolizes human attempts to deal with sin.  However it was insufficient, temporary, and inadequate.  God would later replace their coverings with animal skins, which is a foreshadowing of the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ.

We have to wonder why Adam and Eve would trust the serpent who they didn’t know, and not trust the Lord God who they did know.  The Lord would meet with them and walk with them every evening, yet they took the word of that serpent, Satan, who they had just encountered.  Man had every reason to trust and obey his loving Father, yet he sinned at the first opportunity and disobeyed, breaking the one rule.  However, God showed His love, as He immediately began to redeem mankind from sin.

What is Truly Important

Philippians 3:7-14

Have you gotten a trophy or two in your lifetime, perhaps for some sport,  or maybe a blue ribbon for some achievement?  Maybe hanging on your wall are diplomas, showing your academic achievements.  They may not be an Academy Award, a Nobel prize, or an Olympic medal, but we’re still proud of our achievements.  What would you think of someone who would throw all of their awards away?  That would be a shock!  The world would look at them as odd, to say the least.  In our Scripture today we look at someone who had achieved a lot in his past, but now considered it all trash.  There was now only one thing important in his life, and he was pursuing that with a zeal that outmatched any from his past.  Let’s take a look.

As you might have guessed, the person we are looking at today is the Apostle Paul.  In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul wanted to stress to the new believers what is really important in their Christian walk.  As Paul traveled around Greece and Asia Minor winning souls to Christ and establishing churches, there were others who would come shortly after, telling the new converts that they needed to fully follow the Old Testament Mosaic Law in order to be accepted by God.  In various verses in his epistles, Paul stressed how that was not true.  One did not need to keep the Law to be accepted by God.  Immediately prior to today’s passage, Paul listed his impressive religious credentials.  If anyone could claim righteousness by the Law, it was him.  However, Paul learned, and now taught, that works do not save us.  True righteousness is found only in Jesus, and that the Christian life is a forward-pressing pursuit of knowing Him more deeply.

As Paul shared, everything that he once trusted in - his Jewish heritage, meticulous law-keeping, his reputation, they were now worthless compared to Christ (vs. 7-8).  This was a complete reorientation of what matters for salvation.  Salvation requires abandoning confidence in our self-righteousness.  We can be a member of our church since birth, been tithing since our first paycheck, be a deacon, teach Sunday School, etc., but none of these can save us.  Salvation requires abandoning confidence in any works.  Even good things become “loss” if they keep us from Jesus.

Scripture teaches us that the righteousness that will save us is not earned, not inherited, and not achieved, but it is imputed by God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 9).  This is the heart of justification.  Our assurance rests not in performance, but in Christ’s finished work.  What is important is knowing Jesus Christ, having a deepening relationship with Him, and knowing the power of His resurrection (vs. 10), which is the same power that enables holy living.  Also the fellowship of His sufferings, which will draw us closer to Him.  Paul said that his greatest desire was for the final resurrection (vs. 11), which should also be our ultimate hope and destination.

As the Apostle continued, he knew that he was still growing as a believer (vs. 12).  Christians are a work in progress.  We should be growing in Christ, seeking to draw closer to Jesus, and be more and more obedient to His commands, even though sometimes we fall short.  No one, even the most brilliant of saints, ever gets to a point of spiritual perfection.  Paul knew, though, that he was safe and secure, just like a child in their parent’s hand, because Jesus had a hold of him.

Paul made the conscious decision that he would refuse to be controlled by the past (vs. 13).  He refused to rest on past achievements or be paralyzed by past failures.  With God’s forgiveness, we can leave our past mistakes behind, and live for today.  If He doesn’t remember our forgiven sin, then why should we? (Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 1:18).  Yesterday’s victories do not guarantee today’s faithfulness, nor does yesterday’s failures disqualify today’s obedience.

The Christian life is not static.  Jesus has taken hold of us, and now we run, not to earn His love, but because we already have it.  The finish line is ahead, and the prize is Jesus, Himself.  Paul made it a point to press forward, to strain with all of his effort, to make it to the finish line and receive his eternal reward (vs. 13-14).  We need to follow the path that Jesus laid out for us, and not get side-tracked.  We should have a single aim - to complete the course, whatever challenges it presents.  As Hebrews 12:1-2 says, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, as He guides us to the finish line.

Prayer and Fasting

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

We are now beginning the season of Lent, a period of forty days before Easter where Christians take part in solemn observances of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and often adding special acts of service or other religious practices.  As I am writing this on Ash Wednesday, I swapped our usual Gospel reading from later in the week to today, as it focuses on giving alms, prayer, and fasting, two common practices during Lent. In today’s Scripture Jesus contrasts true righteousness with the empty religiosity of the Pharisees, and calls His followers to sincere, God-centered righteousness.

In Jesus’ day, many of the Pharisees liked to perform their acts of spiritual observance, such as giving alms, praying, and fasting, out in the open.  They would often do this with great show, so that others would see.  They hoped that others would notice and be impressed with how religious and godly they seemed to be.  Unfortunately we still see this today with people in church congregations who try to impress others with their “godly” practices.  Jesus warns His disciples about this subtle spiritual trap (vs. 1).  He isn’t telling us that we should never do any good works publicly, however we should not be doing them for the public’s applause.  We should be doing them for the right reasons - so that others will glorify God.  If our goal is human praise, human praise is all we will get.

Scripture shows that the people who seek out public applause for their spiritual acts are hypocrites, as they are pretending to be something they are not.  God values quiet, humble generosity with our alms giving (vs. 2-4).  We should be giving in ways that only God needs to know about.  Jesus wants us to give from a heart that seeks only His approval, not those around us.  The less attention we draw to ourselves, the more glory goes to God.

Jesus continues by speaking about our prayer life (vs. 5-6).  Generally, most of our prayer should be done in private.  That is not to say that there is anything wrong with praying with our Christian brothers and sisters.  Corporate prayer with family and in church is good.  However, again, Jesus is speaking against making our prayers a performance in order to be admired.  Our prayers should not be man-centered, but instead be God-centered.  Our private prayer life reveals our true walk with God.

Next we jump down to verses 16-18 where Jesus talks about fasting.  The Pharisees were frequent fasters, and they would let everyone know they were doing that by their appearance and actions.  Jesus told His followers that was the wrong way.  We should not be making ourselves look miserable so others will admire our devotion.  Instead Jesus said that we should look and act our normal way when fasting.  It should be between ourselves and God, so we don’t need to be telling others that we’re fasting, either.  Spiritual disciplines are not props for public admiration.

Fasting does not serve to change God’s mind.  Nor should it be a way to try to manipulate His will, or think that it will speed up His answer.  Instead, fasting helps us focus our attention on God alone, so that we listen and worship wholeheartedly.  When fasting, we are better able to fix our eyes on Jesus, and hear Him clearly.  Also, fasting can be carried out in several ways.  Frequently it is going without food or certain types of food.  We can also fast by eliminating some activities, or giving up that extra hour of sleep, in order to seek the Lord during that time.  The intent of any fast is to pray without disturbance so we can focus fully on the Lord.

Jesus finishes this lesson with teaching us where our true treasures should be (vs. 19-21).  There are two kinds of treasure.  One is earthly treasure, which is temporary, vulnerable, and corruptible.  Then there is heavenly treasure, which is eternal, secure, and incorruptible.  Our heart will follow where we have made our investments.  Heavenly treasures can include our acts of obedience, our sacrificial giving, the God-honoring service we do, and especially the souls that we have won for Jesus.

Remember, God is always watching.  Whether our work is on a public stage or done in the quietness of our homes, God sees it.  And when we do things with a heart to serve Him, He rewards us with His pleasure.  However, when we work with impure motives, or just to gain other’s approval, that will be our only reward.  We secure God’s approval in the secret places, when no one else knows what we have done.  One word of approval from God is worth more than a million from the world.

A Life Ordered by God's Word

Psalm 119:1-16

Our psalm selection for this week comes from a rather special and unique psalm.  Psalm 119 holds a special position in the Bible, as it is both the longest psalm in the Book of Psalms, and is also the longest chapter in the Bible, containing 176 verses.  In all but about five or six of these verses there is a synonym for God’s law, using words such as: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, ordinances, word, and ways. Psalm 119 is one of nine acrostic psalms.  The psalm is divided into segments of eight verses, each one beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  Let’s take a look at the first two segments of this beautiful psalm which praises God’s Word.

The first segment of eight verses speak of how one is blessed by God when they order their life by God’s Word.  To be blessed is to be highly favored by God (vs. 1).  To be “undefiled in the way” refers to their manner of life.  They don’t have sinless perfection, as none but the Lord Jesus led such a life, but they try to live their life with integrity.  God’s Word governs their whole pattern of life.  Such a person is truly blessed by God.

Our unknown psalmist continues by declaring that God’s blessing is upon the one that not only keeps God’s testimonies, but also seeks Him with their whole heart (vs. 2).  They guard their life and heart, holding fast onto His Word.  They seek after God, having no divided loyalties between Him and the world.  The psalmist repeats that such a person will not commit iniquity or sin, but follow God’s ways (vs. 3).  Again, this is not referring to sinless perfection, but a consistent pattern of seeking to live a righteous life by following God’s ways, revealed in Scripture.  His Word should be what shapes our behavior, not our personal preferences.

God’s commands in His Word are binding, clear, and authoritative (vs. 4).  They are not an option, nor are we to pick and choose what we want to obey or not obey.  A faithful believer will diligently, carefully, and intentionally seek to follow them.  He will cry out to God, seeking His help to obey His Word (vs. 5).  We all know that even when we desire to faithfully follow God, we will occasionally fall, so we pray for His help. On the other hand, when we become lax in our obedience to the Lord, we should be filled with shame (vs. 6).  This includes just partial obedience.  Partial obedience is in truth, disobedience.  The psalmist continues to praise the Lord and resolve to obey Him (vs. 7-8).

The second segment of eight verses highlight the cleansing and transforming power of God’s Word and Law.  It begins with a question that every young person must answer, and that is how to keep oneself clean from the stain of sin in their life (vs. 9).  The psalmist answers this question for us.  Becoming clean from the stain of sin does not happen by self-help, but by taking heed, by careful obedience to God’s Word.  The Bible is sufficient for our moral purity.

The psalmist recognized his own tendency to drift away from committed devotion, so he prayed to seek Him with his whole heart (vs. 10). We need to spend time reading and meditating on Scripture, and most importantly, obeying it.  Spiritual vigilance is necessary to live a life pleasing to God.

One way to keep ourselves close to the Lord is by hiding His Word in our heart (vs. 11).  To do that we need to be reading, meditating, and even memorizing Scripture each day.  Memorization is an important weapon against sin.  When we memorize God’s Word, it is planted into our hearts. That way we can be prepared for temptation, as it becomes our spiritual sword. Even if we stray from Him, those words will play over and over in our mind.  His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:10-11).  Also, there may come a time when we cannot have a Bible with us.  However, if we have Scripture passages memorized, those verses will always be with us.

As we jump down to verse 14, we see that our psalmist values his Bible more than material wealth.  Given a choice between his Bible or great riches, he would choose his Bible.  Would you?  Many people dream of getting rich.  That is why places like Las Vegas exist.  What if we were more excited about following the Lord’s Word than about winning millions of dollars?  True riches belong to those who walk with Jesus.  True joy is found in God’s Word, not in material prosperity.

The psalmist closes by saying that his delight is God’s Word, and promises not to forget it (vs. 16).  To avoid forgetting something one needs to keep it forefront in one’s mind.  To not forget certain Bible verses, we need to keep repeating them over and over again.

Do you want to be blessed in your life?  I’m sure we all do.  God’s blessing is tied to obeying His Word.  Let’s follow this psalmist’s example with wholehearted devotion and submission to Scripture, and by meditation and memorization so that we can live a life of blessing, peace, and joy.

Are We Hypocrites?

Isaiah 58:1-12

No one really likes being called a hypocrite.  People outside of the church often use that as an excuse as to why they won’t attend.  They say that the church is filled with hypocrites.  Often then, some people in the church will get offended or become even more self-righteous.  And they certainly don’t like it if a fellow church member calls another a hypocrite.  However, what if it is the Lord God who is calling us hypocrites?  In our Scripture passage today, as we approach Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent later this week, we read from the prophet Isaiah when the Lord called out His people for their hypocrisy.

Many of the people of Judah during Isaiah’s day were very outwardly religious.  They kept all of the religious holy days and festivals.  They fasted when they should, and brought all of the required sacrifices to the Temple.  They prayed at the appointed times.  If someone were to observe them they would conclude that they were very religious.  However, most of them were just outwardly religious, but inwardly they were rebellious.  Despite their rituals, their hearts were far from God.

God gave Isaiah a message, and that was to proclaim to the people of Judah their sins (vs. 1).  The prophet does so without softening his message.  All of their religious activity was hypocrisy, masking a deep rebellion.  God told Isaiah to confront His people with the truth without any coddling or flattery.  He takes hypocrisy seriously, both back then and today.  From all outward appearance they seemed devoted to God, following His ways (vs. 2).  However, it was all external.  Their obedience to Him was only superficial.

The people couldn’t understand - they fasted and prayed, yet it seemed that God took no notice and didn’t see (vs. 3).  Their prayers seemed to go unanswered.  How often do we feel the same way?  We pray, we fast, we go through any number of religious rituals, and then get angry at God.  The problem was not with God, but with them.  Isaiah proceeded to tell them that they weren’t fasting in order to get closer to God and hear from Him.  They fasted while exploiting their workers, and while they were fighting among themselves (vs. 3-4).  Their fasting was self-centered, not God centered.  How about with us?  When we fast and pray, do we continue in our sinful ways, hoping that God will be proud of our fasting and answer our prayers?  Religious rituals cannot co-exist with unrighteous living.

The people were in the habit of making a big, outward show of their religiosity, such as wearing sackcloth and ashes so everyone knew they were fasting (vs. 5).  Though we don’t usually do that, we have our own ways of trying to appear pious.  However, God rejects ritual without righteousness.  All God saw was a hypocritical show of religiosity instead of true repentance.  True worship requires a heart aligned with God’s Word, not empty ceremony.  What God wants is that we show love, compassion, and caring for others in their needs, a practical righteousness flowing from a transformed heart (vs. 6-7).  True devotion to God always expresses itself in love, justice, and mercy.

When the people start truly practicing righteousness and following His ways, God’s blessings will follow.  His light and health will follow, and He will be our Rear Guard against our enemies (vs. 8).  He will be there with us and take care of us.  These blessings would come to the people when they started obeying His Word and caring for others (vs. 9-12).  God delights to answer prayer when His people walk in integrity.  Obedience brings a flourishing in our relationship with the Lord, and an outpouring of His blessings.

God promises to guide us continually (vs. 11).  Not a human, or even an angel, but the Lord.  We can notice the word “will”.  This makes it certain.  God will not forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  He also promised to guide us continually.  We are not led sometimes.  We have a perpetual Guide.

As we look back over this passage of Scripture, we learn that God rejects worship that is merely external.  True faith produces obedience, compassion, and holiness.  God is not impressed by ritual, but by righteousness that reflects His character.  We need to show Him genuine devotion, with compassion for others and integrity in our actions.  When we do, God promises to continually guide our ways.