Psalm 66
Promises. We all make them, and unfortunately many people break them. Children promise to clean their rooms after school. Husbands promise to mow the lawn after work, wives promise to sew the buttons on the suit. At the end of the day, even the week, the task is still left undone. Even more serious promises are often left unfulfilled. Vows are more solemn promises. We make vows on our wedding day to our spouses. We also often make vows to God, promising Him that we’ll do this or that, if only He will do what we so desperately wish. So often, though, as soon as we get what we want, we forget all about what we promised God.
Our psalmist today has not forgotten what the Lord God has done for him, nor has he forgotten what he has promised to the Lord. Today’s psalm is a song of tribute to God for all of His awesome works and deeds. He wants everyone to know and remember, and he publicly makes sure that he will fulfill to God what he has promised Him he would do.
The first half of this psalm is a recounting of many of the wonderful deeds the Lord has done for His people (vs. 1 - 9), particularly when He brought the people out of captivity in Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea on dry ground. He remembers that there were times when the people were going through some difficulties, some hard times, but God brought them through, as well (vs. 10 - 12). He pictures them being put through a refiners fire. Fire refines silver when it is being smelted. It removes all of the impurities. In the same way trials refine our character. It helps in bringing wisdom, in discerning truth and falsehood, and in disciplining us to do right. Verse 12 is reminiscent of Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to walk with us through the waters and fires, and we will not be harmed.
It is often in these difficult times that people make promises and vows to God. “Please help me get through this, and I promise that I will do such and such for you, God!” God takes vows and promises seriously. The keeping of promises is a sign of one’s character and integrity. When someone continues to make promises, and then fails in fulfilling them, we soon lose trust in them. God always keeps His promises to us. He is a God that we can trust to the uttermost. Our psalmist had made some vows to God when he was in some sort of trouble. God delivered him, and now he is fulfilling the promises that he made to Him (vs. 13-17). If we make God any promises, we should be people of our word, and be just as diligent in keeping those promises.
Our psalmist closes his psalm with a reminder that sometimes there are times when our prayers are not answered (vs. 18 - 20). He reminds us that if we have deliberate and unconfessed sin in our lives, God will not regard our prayers. Deliberate and unconfessed sin in a believers life puts up a barrier between that individual and the Lord. Just as a parent who punishes their child and “does not listen” to the child when they protest and throw tantrums, so God “does not listen” when we sin and then attempt to pray. Since as humans we will continue to sin after we have been saved, we must continue to confess. When we do sin, we must repent and avoid repeating it. Refusal to confess sins hinders our prayers.
Our psalmist has kept his prayer line unobstructed by deliberate and unconfessed sin. He has made sure that he keeps a repentant heart, so he knows God will hear his prayers (vs. 19-20). Our desire and aim should be the same. When we know that we are in a right relationship with the Lord, we can be assured that He does hear our prayers. As our psalmist has given the example, we should always continue to pray and to give thanks to the Lord (Colossians 4:2).
Monday, April 30, 2018
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Philip's Witness
Acts 8:26-40
Nestled into one chapter in the Book of Acts we have an account of some of the ministry of the Apostle Philip, and today we’ll take a look at how God used him in a special way. Just prior to our passage Philip and his companions were holding some very successful evangelistic meetings in Samaria, and many people were being saved (Acts 8:5-8). However, right in the middle of that work the Holy Spirit summoned Philip to another assignment He had for him, and that’s where our passage today picks up. Philip is immediately obedient, though he might have wondered why he was being directed to leave a successful ministry so suddenly. God had other plans, and He would keep the work going in Samaria without Philip.
God knew what He was doing, for on the road that Philip was lead to, there was a lost soul, a soul that was searching, but did not yet know Jesus. God knew that He could use Philip here as a witness, and let’s see how we, too, can be a witness for God by his example. First, Philip was available. When God needed Him for the work in Samaria, he was available for that. Now when God wanted him to reach the soul of this man traveling from Jerusalem back home to Africa, Philip was ready (vs. 26-28).
Secondly, Philip was obedient to being led by the Spirit. God instructed him to approach the man, an Ethiopian court official, who was riding in a chariot down the road (vs. 29-30). He didn’t argue with God, saying that this might be rather awkward, impolite, or embarrassing to just intrude like that. Sometimes the Lord needs us to step out of our comfort zone and do something for Him that we might not otherwise feel comfortable doing.
Thirdly, Philip used an appropriate opening to start a conversation with this gentleman. He heard this man reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, saw that the Ethiopian was already interested in spiritual matters since he was reading Scripture, so Philip asked if he understood what he was reading (vs. 30). When we wish to talk to people about the Lord and give them a salvation witness, particularly if they are not close friends or relatives, we need to pray that the Holy Spirit will open up a good opportunity for us.
A fourth point, and a particularly important one, is that Philip was tactful when he started to tell him about the Lord Jesus (vs. 31-35). He didn’t whack this man with his Bible, telling him that he’d better get saved right now or he’d burn in hell. No, Philip respectfully and thoughtfully started where he was in the Bible and explained to him how Jesus was a fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. This is important, as some people get very overzealous, get very pushy in their witnessing, and unfortunately turn people off and away from the Lord. Philip was kind, considerate, and sensitive, and the results paid off.
Next, Philip was also very specific when he was talking to this gentleman (vs. 35). He didn’t give some vague and generalized dialogue about various religions. No, he was quite specific and clear in his witness for Jesus, and how He was the Messiah. Though he was polite and courteous in his approach, Philip didn’t worry about being politically correct. His message was Jesus, and he would speak that, not something “flowery and feel-good”. Finally, when Philip had lead this Ethiopian court official to the Lord in salvation, he followed up by baptizing him (vs. 36-38).
As we have seen the example Philip set with his witnessing, he didn’t immediately jump right in, just to get another number to add to his “soul tally”. He was concerned about this gentleman, caring personally about him, and showed him courtesy and compassion. Philip also didn’t engage in an intellectual dialogue. That may be interesting and politically correct, but it does not lead someone to the Lord. If Philip had, when he left, the man would still be in the same condition - lost and on the way to hell. Philip opened the Bible, which is the only spiritual truth. Nor did he say that “I will let my life be a silent witness.” Jesus said to preach the Gospel, not be silent witnesses.
As we go about our life, daily seeking to serve the Lord, let’s be open and willing to be used, like Philip was, in bringing others to salvation in Jesus.
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I pray that you have enjoyed and benefited from these Bible meditations that I have written for this blog. I hope you will prayerfully consider donating as the Lord might lead you. This blog is not run through a large ministry with a wide funding base. I am an individual with limited financial resources. Thank you and God bless.
Nestled into one chapter in the Book of Acts we have an account of some of the ministry of the Apostle Philip, and today we’ll take a look at how God used him in a special way. Just prior to our passage Philip and his companions were holding some very successful evangelistic meetings in Samaria, and many people were being saved (Acts 8:5-8). However, right in the middle of that work the Holy Spirit summoned Philip to another assignment He had for him, and that’s where our passage today picks up. Philip is immediately obedient, though he might have wondered why he was being directed to leave a successful ministry so suddenly. God had other plans, and He would keep the work going in Samaria without Philip.
God knew what He was doing, for on the road that Philip was lead to, there was a lost soul, a soul that was searching, but did not yet know Jesus. God knew that He could use Philip here as a witness, and let’s see how we, too, can be a witness for God by his example. First, Philip was available. When God needed Him for the work in Samaria, he was available for that. Now when God wanted him to reach the soul of this man traveling from Jerusalem back home to Africa, Philip was ready (vs. 26-28).
Secondly, Philip was obedient to being led by the Spirit. God instructed him to approach the man, an Ethiopian court official, who was riding in a chariot down the road (vs. 29-30). He didn’t argue with God, saying that this might be rather awkward, impolite, or embarrassing to just intrude like that. Sometimes the Lord needs us to step out of our comfort zone and do something for Him that we might not otherwise feel comfortable doing.
Thirdly, Philip used an appropriate opening to start a conversation with this gentleman. He heard this man reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, saw that the Ethiopian was already interested in spiritual matters since he was reading Scripture, so Philip asked if he understood what he was reading (vs. 30). When we wish to talk to people about the Lord and give them a salvation witness, particularly if they are not close friends or relatives, we need to pray that the Holy Spirit will open up a good opportunity for us.
A fourth point, and a particularly important one, is that Philip was tactful when he started to tell him about the Lord Jesus (vs. 31-35). He didn’t whack this man with his Bible, telling him that he’d better get saved right now or he’d burn in hell. No, Philip respectfully and thoughtfully started where he was in the Bible and explained to him how Jesus was a fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. This is important, as some people get very overzealous, get very pushy in their witnessing, and unfortunately turn people off and away from the Lord. Philip was kind, considerate, and sensitive, and the results paid off.
Next, Philip was also very specific when he was talking to this gentleman (vs. 35). He didn’t give some vague and generalized dialogue about various religions. No, he was quite specific and clear in his witness for Jesus, and how He was the Messiah. Though he was polite and courteous in his approach, Philip didn’t worry about being politically correct. His message was Jesus, and he would speak that, not something “flowery and feel-good”. Finally, when Philip had lead this Ethiopian court official to the Lord in salvation, he followed up by baptizing him (vs. 36-38).
As we have seen the example Philip set with his witnessing, he didn’t immediately jump right in, just to get another number to add to his “soul tally”. He was concerned about this gentleman, caring personally about him, and showed him courtesy and compassion. Philip also didn’t engage in an intellectual dialogue. That may be interesting and politically correct, but it does not lead someone to the Lord. If Philip had, when he left, the man would still be in the same condition - lost and on the way to hell. Philip opened the Bible, which is the only spiritual truth. Nor did he say that “I will let my life be a silent witness.” Jesus said to preach the Gospel, not be silent witnesses.
As we go about our life, daily seeking to serve the Lord, let’s be open and willing to be used, like Philip was, in bringing others to salvation in Jesus.
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I pray that you have enjoyed and benefited from these Bible meditations that I have written for this blog. I hope you will prayerfully consider donating as the Lord might lead you. This blog is not run through a large ministry with a wide funding base. I am an individual with limited financial resources. Thank you and God bless.
Friday, April 27, 2018
The Good Shepherd
John 10:11-16
One of my favorite pictures of Jesus is of Him as the Good Shepherd, standing with a flock of sheep gathered around Him, and in His arms is a young lamb. Several times throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus makes statements declaring “I Am the …”. I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35); I am the Light of the World (John 8:12); I am the Door of the Sheep (John 10:7); I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25); I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6); and I am the True Vine (John 15:1). This one, though, is possibly the most beloved and comforting of those statements.
Unlike most other domesticated animals, sheep need more attentive care, and the shepherd needs to watch over them more carefully. The shepherd and his sheep develop a strong and close bond. Here in our passage Jesus stated that He is that Good Shepherd (vs. 11). One of the reasons that He is a good shepherd is that He will lay down His life for His sheep. Who are God’s sheep? Everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior. Jesus loves His sheep so much that He died for them (vs. 11, 15). A good and caring shepherd will sometimes find it necessary to put his safety at risk while out in the fields caring for the sheep. However, not that many would actually sacrifice their life for them. Jesus, though, actually did.
Jesus then continues on in this discourse to contrast Himself, the Good Shepherd, with others who have been assigned to look after the Father’s sheep. They are the hirelings, hired hands, or under-shepherds (vs. 12 - 13). These hired hands were appointed and employed to look after the sheep, but unfortunately they didn’t care for them. As Jesus stated, those uncaring hirelings saw the wolf coming and fled, leaving the sheep to be caught and killed.
Centuries earlier God spoke through His prophet, Ezekiel, against the hired shepherds who failed in their duty to watch over and protect His sheep (Ezekiel 34:1-10). The wolf is symbolic of the devil, who is always on the prowl looking for people, for victims, he can snatch. It is the hired shepherd’s job to watch over and protect the sheep under his care, keeping them safe from the wolf. God has assigned pastors and other religious leaders to watch over His people. Too many of them are lax in their duties, and their people are at risk of attack from the enemy of their soul. They are more concerned for themselves and do not care about God’s sheep. False teachers and leaders do not have the commitment to the sheep that the Good Shepherd does. For them this is only a job and money-making opportunity.
One sign of the bond between a shepherd and his flock is that he knows each sheep, and they know him and can recognize and respond to his voice. Jesus knows His sheep, those who have called upon His Name for salvation (vs. 14). We are not some anonymous head in the masses. Jesus knows and loves each and every one of us personally. Our Shepherd wants us to know Him closely and intimately, as well. How can we do that? The best way is by getting into His Word, the Bible. The closer we get to our Shepherd through prayer and Bible study, the safer we are from any false shepherds and wolves.
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, who were Jewish believers. He proceeds to tell them that He has “other sheep” which must be brought into the fold (vs. 16). These are the Gentiles, who are not yet believers. God has always intended that Gentiles hear His message of salvation and be included as His children. Jesus clearly states that He is also their Shepherd. He loves and cares for them, as well, and we are to be one flock.
Jesus willingly gave His life for us, His sheep, so we can trust that He will not keep back from us anything that will benefit us. He knows all of our problems, and He cares for us. He is our Good Shepherd.
One of my favorite pictures of Jesus is of Him as the Good Shepherd, standing with a flock of sheep gathered around Him, and in His arms is a young lamb. Several times throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus makes statements declaring “I Am the …”. I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35); I am the Light of the World (John 8:12); I am the Door of the Sheep (John 10:7); I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25); I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6); and I am the True Vine (John 15:1). This one, though, is possibly the most beloved and comforting of those statements.
Unlike most other domesticated animals, sheep need more attentive care, and the shepherd needs to watch over them more carefully. The shepherd and his sheep develop a strong and close bond. Here in our passage Jesus stated that He is that Good Shepherd (vs. 11). One of the reasons that He is a good shepherd is that He will lay down His life for His sheep. Who are God’s sheep? Everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior. Jesus loves His sheep so much that He died for them (vs. 11, 15). A good and caring shepherd will sometimes find it necessary to put his safety at risk while out in the fields caring for the sheep. However, not that many would actually sacrifice their life for them. Jesus, though, actually did.
Jesus then continues on in this discourse to contrast Himself, the Good Shepherd, with others who have been assigned to look after the Father’s sheep. They are the hirelings, hired hands, or under-shepherds (vs. 12 - 13). These hired hands were appointed and employed to look after the sheep, but unfortunately they didn’t care for them. As Jesus stated, those uncaring hirelings saw the wolf coming and fled, leaving the sheep to be caught and killed.
Centuries earlier God spoke through His prophet, Ezekiel, against the hired shepherds who failed in their duty to watch over and protect His sheep (Ezekiel 34:1-10). The wolf is symbolic of the devil, who is always on the prowl looking for people, for victims, he can snatch. It is the hired shepherd’s job to watch over and protect the sheep under his care, keeping them safe from the wolf. God has assigned pastors and other religious leaders to watch over His people. Too many of them are lax in their duties, and their people are at risk of attack from the enemy of their soul. They are more concerned for themselves and do not care about God’s sheep. False teachers and leaders do not have the commitment to the sheep that the Good Shepherd does. For them this is only a job and money-making opportunity.
One sign of the bond between a shepherd and his flock is that he knows each sheep, and they know him and can recognize and respond to his voice. Jesus knows His sheep, those who have called upon His Name for salvation (vs. 14). We are not some anonymous head in the masses. Jesus knows and loves each and every one of us personally. Our Shepherd wants us to know Him closely and intimately, as well. How can we do that? The best way is by getting into His Word, the Bible. The closer we get to our Shepherd through prayer and Bible study, the safer we are from any false shepherds and wolves.
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, who were Jewish believers. He proceeds to tell them that He has “other sheep” which must be brought into the fold (vs. 16). These are the Gentiles, who are not yet believers. God has always intended that Gentiles hear His message of salvation and be included as His children. Jesus clearly states that He is also their Shepherd. He loves and cares for them, as well, and we are to be one flock.
Jesus willingly gave His life for us, His sheep, so we can trust that He will not keep back from us anything that will benefit us. He knows all of our problems, and He cares for us. He is our Good Shepherd.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Barnabas - The Encourager
Acts 4:23-37
Our reading from Acts today begins with the Apostles Peter and John being let go after having been taken into custody by the Jewish religious leaders and authorities for preaching the Gospel and healing a crippled man. The two returned to the other believers who immediately gathered together for prayer. They saw this as fulfilling prophecy, that rulers and those in authority had opposed Jesus, and now were opposing them and the message of the Gospel they were proclaiming (vs. 23-28). When the believers prayed they first praised God, then they prayed specific prayers for their need. Praise then requests. They prayed for boldness to proclaim the Gospel (vs. 29-31). Boldness comes from the Holy Spirit. We need boldness and strength to witness effectively.
I would like to focus now on an often overlooked disciple - Barnabas. He is first mentioned here in Scripture in verse 36. His first name was Joses or Joseph. He was soon given the nickname of Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement”. What a wonderful thing to be known for - an encourager! Everyone needs encouragement at some time or another in their life, and what a blessing we can be to people if we are there to give that uplifting word and reassuring arm around the shoulder to bolster them on. Let’s look at some examples where Barnabas was an encouragement to others.
Some time after our meeting Barnabas here, he was of great encouragement to the newly converted Paul (Acts 9:26-28). Before he became a believer, Paul (at that time known as Saul) was a devout Jew, a Pharisee, and violently opposed the early church. He hunted down Christians, turning them over to the religious authorities, casting his vote to have them put to death. He was present at the martyrdom of Stephen. All that changed when Jesus appeared to him in a vision on the road to Damascus where he was going to hunt down more Christians. After this conversion most of the early church were afraid to believe that this feared opponent was now a believer and hesitated to meet with him. Barnabas, however, was willing to risk his life and reputation to meet with the newly converted Paul, and he convinced others that his conversion was legitimate. He encouraged Paul, who was probably nervous and afraid, too, at what might happen. Barnabas was an encourager and help at this crucial time.
Later Barnabas went with Paul on his first missionary journey, and they took along a young man named John Mark. While on this missionary trip John Mark dropped out and returned back home (Acts 13:13). This was possibly due to his young age and immaturity, along with some fear and nerves, as we read all throughout Acts that Paul’s missionary journeys were not easy-going trips, and faced a lot of opposition and danger. Later John Mark wished to join Paul and Barnabas on their second missionary trip. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance. but Paul wouldn’t allow it because of his defection earlier. That must have been a stinging blow to John Mark, and actually split up the team of Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas didn’t give up on the young man, but was, again, an encourager to him. So much so that later in Paul’s ministry, he gives testimony as to how much of a help John Mark was to his work (II Timothy 4:11).
We all need to be an encourager to others, especially to those in the faith. Everyone has a burden they are carrying, and often need someone to come along side and help carry it. If Barnabas had not been there, the early church may have never welcomed Paul into their fellowship. What would have happened then? If Barnabas hadn’t been there to encourage John Mark, he may have dropped out of the ministry and never written his Gospel. The encouragement you give to someone may be just as vital. Be an encourager today!
Our reading from Acts today begins with the Apostles Peter and John being let go after having been taken into custody by the Jewish religious leaders and authorities for preaching the Gospel and healing a crippled man. The two returned to the other believers who immediately gathered together for prayer. They saw this as fulfilling prophecy, that rulers and those in authority had opposed Jesus, and now were opposing them and the message of the Gospel they were proclaiming (vs. 23-28). When the believers prayed they first praised God, then they prayed specific prayers for their need. Praise then requests. They prayed for boldness to proclaim the Gospel (vs. 29-31). Boldness comes from the Holy Spirit. We need boldness and strength to witness effectively.
I would like to focus now on an often overlooked disciple - Barnabas. He is first mentioned here in Scripture in verse 36. His first name was Joses or Joseph. He was soon given the nickname of Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement”. What a wonderful thing to be known for - an encourager! Everyone needs encouragement at some time or another in their life, and what a blessing we can be to people if we are there to give that uplifting word and reassuring arm around the shoulder to bolster them on. Let’s look at some examples where Barnabas was an encouragement to others.
Some time after our meeting Barnabas here, he was of great encouragement to the newly converted Paul (Acts 9:26-28). Before he became a believer, Paul (at that time known as Saul) was a devout Jew, a Pharisee, and violently opposed the early church. He hunted down Christians, turning them over to the religious authorities, casting his vote to have them put to death. He was present at the martyrdom of Stephen. All that changed when Jesus appeared to him in a vision on the road to Damascus where he was going to hunt down more Christians. After this conversion most of the early church were afraid to believe that this feared opponent was now a believer and hesitated to meet with him. Barnabas, however, was willing to risk his life and reputation to meet with the newly converted Paul, and he convinced others that his conversion was legitimate. He encouraged Paul, who was probably nervous and afraid, too, at what might happen. Barnabas was an encourager and help at this crucial time.
Later Barnabas went with Paul on his first missionary journey, and they took along a young man named John Mark. While on this missionary trip John Mark dropped out and returned back home (Acts 13:13). This was possibly due to his young age and immaturity, along with some fear and nerves, as we read all throughout Acts that Paul’s missionary journeys were not easy-going trips, and faced a lot of opposition and danger. Later John Mark wished to join Paul and Barnabas on their second missionary trip. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance. but Paul wouldn’t allow it because of his defection earlier. That must have been a stinging blow to John Mark, and actually split up the team of Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas didn’t give up on the young man, but was, again, an encourager to him. So much so that later in Paul’s ministry, he gives testimony as to how much of a help John Mark was to his work (II Timothy 4:11).
We all need to be an encourager to others, especially to those in the faith. Everyone has a burden they are carrying, and often need someone to come along side and help carry it. If Barnabas had not been there, the early church may have never welcomed Paul into their fellowship. What would have happened then? If Barnabas hadn’t been there to encourage John Mark, he may have dropped out of the ministry and never written his Gospel. The encouragement you give to someone may be just as vital. Be an encourager today!
Monday, April 23, 2018
Sheep Of The Flawless God
Psalm 100
Our psalm for today is possibly one of the most upbeat and positive psalms in the Bible. Look at some of the words throughout this passage, and see if you agree - joyful, gladness, singing, thanksgiving, praise, thankful, bless, good, mercy, truth. All of that in a short psalm of only five verses. It is certainly not a psalm for any whiners.
There are always days when our troubles surround us, and life doesn’t look very pleasant or chipper. No one is immune to problems, and that would include this psalmist. How could he manage to stay so upbeat? The message that he gives us is to give the Lord praise and thanksgiving. A sure cure for the blues is to be grateful and thankful to the Lord for all that He has done for us, and to give Him praise.
When we come into the presence of the Lord, whether it is in group worship at church, or it is in our own private prayer and devotions, it should be with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts (vs. 2, 4). We should start each day with praise. God wants to hear our praises and our singing to Him. I know that isn’t always easy. I have a collection of hymn books, and I go through one hymn each day with my morning prayer and Bible time. As the psalmist said in Psalm 118:24 - “This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Thanksgiving is what opens the door to God’s throne room (vs. 4). That is what will bring God’s glory into our life.
We see a lot of ungratefulness going around today. So many people have an entitlement attitude, thinking they are owed a good life and pleasant things. When they are given a blessing in their life, they are not thankful, thinking it is only their due. Being ungrateful is not only selfish and a sin, it is contrary to Scripture. Paul states that being unthankful or ungrateful is one of the signs of the last days (II Timothy 3:1-5).
Our psalmist also emphasises here that God is a good God (vs. 5). His love for us who are His blood-bought children, goes on forever. God is absolutely perfect and holy. All God does is just and right. This cannot be said of the false gods of the heathen. First, they don’t really exist. However, in the way their devotees would portray them they were not good or loving to those who worshipped them. They were often fickle, harsh, and cruel, and had to be appeased with sacrifices, sometimes including human sacrifices. They often are portrayed as having the vices humans are prone to, only in gigantic proportions. Rarely are they portrayed as having true love and compassion on mankind.
Contrariwise, Yahweh, the Lord God, is a good God. All that He does is good. There is no spot or wrong or evil in Him. Even when He must give discipline to us when we go astray, it is not done to crush us. Rather it is to restore the broken relationship. He has love and mercy upon His creation, so much so that He sent His only Son to die for the sins of man. And His truth, which is contained in the Scriptures, will never end.
My final observation from Psalm 100 is taken from verse 3. The psalmist here speaks a reminder to people to keep a proper perspective in their lives between God and themselves. This is a good admonition today, as well, since arrogance is so common. Our psalmist reminds us that God is the Creator, and we are His creation. God is our God, our Father, and we are His children. He is the Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Too often people seem to get that reversed, thinking they are in charge, and can walk up to God and tell Him what to do. Yes, God is a good and loving Creator, Father, and Shepherd, and He loves us. All the same, though, He is in charge, He is God, not us. We are not the center of the universe. Everything is not all about us, but rather, it is all about Him.
Our psalm for today is possibly one of the most upbeat and positive psalms in the Bible. Look at some of the words throughout this passage, and see if you agree - joyful, gladness, singing, thanksgiving, praise, thankful, bless, good, mercy, truth. All of that in a short psalm of only five verses. It is certainly not a psalm for any whiners.
There are always days when our troubles surround us, and life doesn’t look very pleasant or chipper. No one is immune to problems, and that would include this psalmist. How could he manage to stay so upbeat? The message that he gives us is to give the Lord praise and thanksgiving. A sure cure for the blues is to be grateful and thankful to the Lord for all that He has done for us, and to give Him praise.
When we come into the presence of the Lord, whether it is in group worship at church, or it is in our own private prayer and devotions, it should be with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts (vs. 2, 4). We should start each day with praise. God wants to hear our praises and our singing to Him. I know that isn’t always easy. I have a collection of hymn books, and I go through one hymn each day with my morning prayer and Bible time. As the psalmist said in Psalm 118:24 - “This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Thanksgiving is what opens the door to God’s throne room (vs. 4). That is what will bring God’s glory into our life.
We see a lot of ungratefulness going around today. So many people have an entitlement attitude, thinking they are owed a good life and pleasant things. When they are given a blessing in their life, they are not thankful, thinking it is only their due. Being ungrateful is not only selfish and a sin, it is contrary to Scripture. Paul states that being unthankful or ungrateful is one of the signs of the last days (II Timothy 3:1-5).
Our psalmist also emphasises here that God is a good God (vs. 5). His love for us who are His blood-bought children, goes on forever. God is absolutely perfect and holy. All God does is just and right. This cannot be said of the false gods of the heathen. First, they don’t really exist. However, in the way their devotees would portray them they were not good or loving to those who worshipped them. They were often fickle, harsh, and cruel, and had to be appeased with sacrifices, sometimes including human sacrifices. They often are portrayed as having the vices humans are prone to, only in gigantic proportions. Rarely are they portrayed as having true love and compassion on mankind.
Contrariwise, Yahweh, the Lord God, is a good God. All that He does is good. There is no spot or wrong or evil in Him. Even when He must give discipline to us when we go astray, it is not done to crush us. Rather it is to restore the broken relationship. He has love and mercy upon His creation, so much so that He sent His only Son to die for the sins of man. And His truth, which is contained in the Scriptures, will never end.
My final observation from Psalm 100 is taken from verse 3. The psalmist here speaks a reminder to people to keep a proper perspective in their lives between God and themselves. This is a good admonition today, as well, since arrogance is so common. Our psalmist reminds us that God is the Creator, and we are His creation. God is our God, our Father, and we are His children. He is the Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Too often people seem to get that reversed, thinking they are in charge, and can walk up to God and tell Him what to do. Yes, God is a good and loving Creator, Father, and Shepherd, and He loves us. All the same, though, He is in charge, He is God, not us. We are not the center of the universe. Everything is not all about us, but rather, it is all about Him.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Pick Your Shepherd Wisely
Ezekiel 34:1-10
When we hire someone to watch over and care for our children or pets we expect them to do a good job and care for those entrusted to them. We don’t want to come back and find the caregiver has spent all their time with their nose in a smartphone, or our pet not fed or walked, and we especially don’t expect them to do any harm to our children or animals. If we’ve hired tutors for our children we want them to teach the truth, not nonsense. Similarly, God had placed spiritual shepherds to guide His flock, His people, who were teach them the truth, to watch over them spiritually, to guide and keep them close to Him. Instead, they failed terribly in this task. Our passage today from the prophet Ezekiel, is God’s response to these irresponsible and false shepherds.
In Old Testament times, the shepherds were the religious and spiritual leaders such as the priests and prophets who were to lead the people in worship and teach them the Word of God and His truth. Their kings were also supposed to be a godly example and lead in following God’s Word. Instead, what was happening? As God said through His prophet, the shepherds who were supposed to be caring for His people, were instead caring only for themselves (vs. 2-4). They were fleecing the flock. Instead of caring for the people in their flock they cared only for making a profit off of them.
Not only had these shepherds turned their duties into one of primarily making a financial gain, they were leading the flock down the wrong paths. The priests, prophets and Levites were not instructing the people in the Scriptures (vs 5-6). As a result, the people were now prone to follow after the false gods of the surrounding countries. When a shepherd fails to watch over the sheep, they will wander away from the safe fields, and are prone to fall into danger. They can find poisonous food to eat and get sick. They can fall into rivers and drown, fall off of rocky cliffs, and especially fall victim to predatory animals. It’s the shepherd’s duty to watch over them, feed them good and wholesome food, and keep them safe from danger. The religious leaders in the Old Testament times were miserably failing in this duty, and God was pronouncing judgment (vs. 7-10) .
Unfortunately this isn’t just something that happened ages ago in Old Testament times. We see the same thing in many so-called religious leaders today. We have people who have set themselves up as spiritual leaders, as shepherds of God’s people who are doing the same thing as their Old Testament counterparts. God’s judgment will fall on them, as well.
What is the first duty of a shepherd? It should be to feed the flock under his care, feed them good and nourishing food. Likewise, a spiritual shepherd or pastor should be feeding his flock the food that God gave him to give the sheep, namely straight from the Word of God, the Bible, and not false, or even heretical, doctrines and teachings. How many shepherds today are neglecting to give their sheep God’s Word, and instead are allowing them to feed in fields with food that is not good, often dangerous and poisonous?
A shepherd is supposed to care for their sheep, not take advantage of them. There are so many pastors today who are primarily or even only concerned with making money off of their flock, whether it is in a church or on TV. Instead, their concern should be in caring for the people under their care, and being sure they are instructed solely in the Word of God.
Another primary concern for shepherds is to keep them safe from predatory animals, especially the lurking wolves. How many spiritual shepherds or pastors today are allowing their sheep to become victims to the wolves of false teaching, cults, and unbiblical, false religions? They are allowing the sheep under their care to be torn to pieces by these ravening wolves. In some cases these shepherds who claim to follow God are actually handing the sheep over to these wolves, leading them directly into their jaws.
What does God say? He is against them and will pronounce judgment on them (vs. 9-10). We do have some advantages over literal sheep, who have no choice but to remain with whatever shepherd they have. If we see that our spiritual shepherd or pastor is not feeding us from the Word of God, or is leading us towards the wolves, we need to find one who is faithful to the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus.
When we hire someone to watch over and care for our children or pets we expect them to do a good job and care for those entrusted to them. We don’t want to come back and find the caregiver has spent all their time with their nose in a smartphone, or our pet not fed or walked, and we especially don’t expect them to do any harm to our children or animals. If we’ve hired tutors for our children we want them to teach the truth, not nonsense. Similarly, God had placed spiritual shepherds to guide His flock, His people, who were teach them the truth, to watch over them spiritually, to guide and keep them close to Him. Instead, they failed terribly in this task. Our passage today from the prophet Ezekiel, is God’s response to these irresponsible and false shepherds.
In Old Testament times, the shepherds were the religious and spiritual leaders such as the priests and prophets who were to lead the people in worship and teach them the Word of God and His truth. Their kings were also supposed to be a godly example and lead in following God’s Word. Instead, what was happening? As God said through His prophet, the shepherds who were supposed to be caring for His people, were instead caring only for themselves (vs. 2-4). They were fleecing the flock. Instead of caring for the people in their flock they cared only for making a profit off of them.
Not only had these shepherds turned their duties into one of primarily making a financial gain, they were leading the flock down the wrong paths. The priests, prophets and Levites were not instructing the people in the Scriptures (vs 5-6). As a result, the people were now prone to follow after the false gods of the surrounding countries. When a shepherd fails to watch over the sheep, they will wander away from the safe fields, and are prone to fall into danger. They can find poisonous food to eat and get sick. They can fall into rivers and drown, fall off of rocky cliffs, and especially fall victim to predatory animals. It’s the shepherd’s duty to watch over them, feed them good and wholesome food, and keep them safe from danger. The religious leaders in the Old Testament times were miserably failing in this duty, and God was pronouncing judgment (vs. 7-10) .
Unfortunately this isn’t just something that happened ages ago in Old Testament times. We see the same thing in many so-called religious leaders today. We have people who have set themselves up as spiritual leaders, as shepherds of God’s people who are doing the same thing as their Old Testament counterparts. God’s judgment will fall on them, as well.
What is the first duty of a shepherd? It should be to feed the flock under his care, feed them good and nourishing food. Likewise, a spiritual shepherd or pastor should be feeding his flock the food that God gave him to give the sheep, namely straight from the Word of God, the Bible, and not false, or even heretical, doctrines and teachings. How many shepherds today are neglecting to give their sheep God’s Word, and instead are allowing them to feed in fields with food that is not good, often dangerous and poisonous?
A shepherd is supposed to care for their sheep, not take advantage of them. There are so many pastors today who are primarily or even only concerned with making money off of their flock, whether it is in a church or on TV. Instead, their concern should be in caring for the people under their care, and being sure they are instructed solely in the Word of God.
Another primary concern for shepherds is to keep them safe from predatory animals, especially the lurking wolves. How many spiritual shepherds or pastors today are allowing their sheep to become victims to the wolves of false teaching, cults, and unbiblical, false religions? They are allowing the sheep under their care to be torn to pieces by these ravening wolves. In some cases these shepherds who claim to follow God are actually handing the sheep over to these wolves, leading them directly into their jaws.
What does God say? He is against them and will pronounce judgment on them (vs. 9-10). We do have some advantages over literal sheep, who have no choice but to remain with whatever shepherd they have. If we see that our spiritual shepherd or pastor is not feeding us from the Word of God, or is leading us towards the wolves, we need to find one who is faithful to the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Not A Ghost
Luke 24:36-48
Have you ever thought that you saw a ghost? For most of you, probably not. I’ve never seen one. In our Gospel reading today we see that some of the disciples thought that this was what they were seeing when Jesus appeared to them following His resurrection. Let’s look at our passage and see how their doubts turned to faith that the Savior had risen from the dead.
The disciples all knew beyond any doubt that Jesus had died. The apostle John had been there at the foot of the cross and had seen Him die. Several of the women disciples were there, as well. Joseph of Arimathea and the women had buried Him, so there was plenty of proof that Jesus had died. Now, all of a sudden, several days later, various of their group were saying that they had seen Him. Though Jesus had repeatedly throughout His ministry told the disciples that, after He was put to death, He would rise again, they still didn’t comprehend that. In their clouded minds what else could this be but a ghost? Suddenly He appears in a closed room, and suddenly He disappears! It must be a ghost, they thought.
Jesus had risen from the dead, and if His followers needed extra encouragement to help their faith, then He would provide that. He came to His disciples and gave them His blessing of peace (vs. 36). Seeing that they were afraid that He was a spirit or ghost, Jesus sought to calm their fears and give their faltering faith some evidence (vs. 37 - 42). He called the disciples over, offering to let them touch Him. No one can touch a ghost. Ghosts do not have solid bodies. No one can go up to a ghost and grab ahold of it. Jesus had His followers come up and feel and handle His body to prove that He was not just a spirit. He had risen from the dead, and was now alive in an actual body. As further proof, Jesus asked them for some food, which He proceeded to eat in front of them (vs. 41 - 43). Ghosts don’t sit down at the dinner table and eat a meal with anyone! Jesus, however, did just that.
This was important, not only to boost the faith of the early disciples, but to serve as proof for later times when heresies would arise, which would say that Jesus had not actually, bodily risen from the dead. Part of John’s first letter addressed just such a heresy. There were also heresies that came which said that Jesus’ resurrection was only figurative, a spiritual resurrection, not an actual, literal bodily resurrection. This heresy is still around today where its followers say that Jesus didn’t physically arise from the dead, but that His spirit is “alive” in His followers, and that this is a type of resurrection. They say that is the only resurrection that happened. It is similar to how we might say that the “spirit” of some great political leader like John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King is still “alive” through people who carry on their message, or that of some great musician or artist’s spirit is still “alive” through his work. The proof that Jesus gave His disciples, by allowing them to touch and handle His body, and by eating food in front of them, was solid evidence that He was alive again, and the disciples used this evidence to put to silence those who put forth contrary arguments.
Following His providing evidence that He was physically alive again, Jesus opened the minds of the disciples so that they could understand the Scriptures, particularly passages that spoke of Him (vs. 44 - 45). Before we are saved, often the Bible seems very confusing, and we don’t understand a lot of it. After we come to faith in Jesus, though, His Holy Spirit indwells us, and many Scripture passages that previously made no sense start to become clearer. This doesn’t happen all at once, and frequently requires study with competent Bible teachers. Jesus gave the disciples here a clearer understanding of Scripture, and there was a specific purpose for this. Not only would their understanding of the Bible be a strength, comfort, and encouragement for them, but they had a commission from Jesus to go out and be witnesses for Him (vs. 46 - 48).
We have the truth that Jesus has, indeed, risen from the dead. Salvation from sin is available for everyone who will accept Him as their Savior. We are to go forth and spread that message. As the last verse in our passage says, we are His witnesses.
Have you ever thought that you saw a ghost? For most of you, probably not. I’ve never seen one. In our Gospel reading today we see that some of the disciples thought that this was what they were seeing when Jesus appeared to them following His resurrection. Let’s look at our passage and see how their doubts turned to faith that the Savior had risen from the dead.
The disciples all knew beyond any doubt that Jesus had died. The apostle John had been there at the foot of the cross and had seen Him die. Several of the women disciples were there, as well. Joseph of Arimathea and the women had buried Him, so there was plenty of proof that Jesus had died. Now, all of a sudden, several days later, various of their group were saying that they had seen Him. Though Jesus had repeatedly throughout His ministry told the disciples that, after He was put to death, He would rise again, they still didn’t comprehend that. In their clouded minds what else could this be but a ghost? Suddenly He appears in a closed room, and suddenly He disappears! It must be a ghost, they thought.
Jesus had risen from the dead, and if His followers needed extra encouragement to help their faith, then He would provide that. He came to His disciples and gave them His blessing of peace (vs. 36). Seeing that they were afraid that He was a spirit or ghost, Jesus sought to calm their fears and give their faltering faith some evidence (vs. 37 - 42). He called the disciples over, offering to let them touch Him. No one can touch a ghost. Ghosts do not have solid bodies. No one can go up to a ghost and grab ahold of it. Jesus had His followers come up and feel and handle His body to prove that He was not just a spirit. He had risen from the dead, and was now alive in an actual body. As further proof, Jesus asked them for some food, which He proceeded to eat in front of them (vs. 41 - 43). Ghosts don’t sit down at the dinner table and eat a meal with anyone! Jesus, however, did just that.
This was important, not only to boost the faith of the early disciples, but to serve as proof for later times when heresies would arise, which would say that Jesus had not actually, bodily risen from the dead. Part of John’s first letter addressed just such a heresy. There were also heresies that came which said that Jesus’ resurrection was only figurative, a spiritual resurrection, not an actual, literal bodily resurrection. This heresy is still around today where its followers say that Jesus didn’t physically arise from the dead, but that His spirit is “alive” in His followers, and that this is a type of resurrection. They say that is the only resurrection that happened. It is similar to how we might say that the “spirit” of some great political leader like John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King is still “alive” through people who carry on their message, or that of some great musician or artist’s spirit is still “alive” through his work. The proof that Jesus gave His disciples, by allowing them to touch and handle His body, and by eating food in front of them, was solid evidence that He was alive again, and the disciples used this evidence to put to silence those who put forth contrary arguments.
Following His providing evidence that He was physically alive again, Jesus opened the minds of the disciples so that they could understand the Scriptures, particularly passages that spoke of Him (vs. 44 - 45). Before we are saved, often the Bible seems very confusing, and we don’t understand a lot of it. After we come to faith in Jesus, though, His Holy Spirit indwells us, and many Scripture passages that previously made no sense start to become clearer. This doesn’t happen all at once, and frequently requires study with competent Bible teachers. Jesus gave the disciples here a clearer understanding of Scripture, and there was a specific purpose for this. Not only would their understanding of the Bible be a strength, comfort, and encouragement for them, but they had a commission from Jesus to go out and be witnesses for Him (vs. 46 - 48).
We have the truth that Jesus has, indeed, risen from the dead. Salvation from sin is available for everyone who will accept Him as their Savior. We are to go forth and spread that message. As the last verse in our passage says, we are His witnesses.
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