Isaiah 1:10-20
Have you ever gotten a bad stain on a favorite shirt, skirt, or tablecloth? You tried over and over again to get it out, using all sorts of various stain-removers and suggestions, however nothing worked. Perhaps the stain faded a bit, but you could still see the mark. Or perhaps you have a nice white shirt or dress that is no longer that bright white anymore, having become somewhat gray. In our message today from God’s Word we read what the prophet Isaiah said about the stains of sin that cover our soul, and the only possible way to remove them.
As our passage opens, Isaiah is bringing the people of Judah God’s Word. Many of the people were worshipping God in the Temple, bringing their sacrifices there, and celebrating the holy days and feast days. However, God was not happy with them (vs. 10-15). Isaiah preached to the people how God had enough of their burnt offerings, that their incense was making Him sick, and that He was weary of their worship. What was wrong? Why would God be speaking this way? God was unhappy with their sacrifices. He wanted sincere faith and devotion from the people, not just outward obedience and outward motions of worship. Even though the people brought their sacrifices and offerings, they were still unfaithful to God in their hearts. The outward signs meant nothing if in their hearts was no true faith.
Rituals mean nothing without true faith. What good is going to church on Sundays, singing in the choir, putting money in the offering, if we are still sinning Monday through Saturday? God wants us to love Him, trust Him, and turn from our sin. All of the sacrifices the people of Judah brought, and keeping of holy days in the Temple meant nothing to God if their hearts and lives were not truly given to Him. The same is true today. Our religious rituals are just empty acts, and mean nothing to God if we continue in sin. Isaiah then calls the people to repent of their sins, to put away their evil behavior, and to follow God and His ways (vs. 16-17).
Have you ever tried to talk sense to some people who were bent on their mistaken path and ideas? You debate and argue, but it does no good. Here in Scripture, God calls us to listen to His reasoning (vs. 18). He will argue His point with us, and being that He is God, and not us, His words and argument is the right one. His reasoning is that He does not want our vain worship unless our hearts are right with Him. It means nothing to Him. Yet God calls us, He invites us to come to Him. He invites us to accept forgiveness and eternal life from Him.
Once we turn our hearts and lives to God, and seek to follow His ways, what can we do with our sin-stained souls? Our sins have left stains that are bright red. They stick out like a deep red wine stain on a pure white tablecloth, and are much more difficult to get out than that. The red or scarlet color was describing a bright red dye that was obtained from the eggs of a small insect. Clothes that were dyed in this red dye had the color permanently fixed and set. This red color would not fade away after several washings. Sin is like that. Nothing can remove it but the Blood of Jesus. The Blood of Jesus will wash away any sin stain, and make it pure white again (Revelation 7:14).
God promises that when we are washed from our sins by the Blood of Jesus we will become as white as pure white snow. Have you ever walked outside right after a snowfall, before the snow becomes dirty from people, animals, and vehicles going through it? It is so white and bright that often you have to squint your eyes for a moment from the brightness of it. Several times in Scripture, God uses snow as a figure, a picture of how He will cleanse us from sin and make us whiter than the whitest snow (Psalm 51:7). God promises to cleanse us from sin and make us whiter than that!
We can never be cleansed unless we confess we are dirty. We can never be pure until we admit we are filthy. Once we do, though, then God can remove the stain of sin from our hearts. If we are willing, repentant, and obedient, God will forgive us and remove the sin stains. Only God can remove the sin that separates us from Him. He, alone, makes us as white as snow, cleansing us from guilt through Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus and accept His cleansing from sin.
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Friday, November 1, 2019
Two Prayers In The Temple
Luke 18:9-14
I think that it’s probably fair to say that most people do not like to listen to someone brag about themselves, going on and on about how good they are at this or that, and observe them verbally pat themselves on the back over and over. It is particularly annoying and unpleasant when this is accompanied by self-righteousness. We aren’t the only ones to dislike this type of behavior. In the parable that Jesus told in our Scripture passage today we see that God doesn’t think much of that either.
As the parable begins, Jesus describes two men who went to the Temple to pray to God. These two couldn’t be more different from each other, as one was a Pharisee, a member of a party within the Jewish faith, known for their meticulous keeping of the Law and following rabbinic traditions. The other man was a tax collector. Tax collectors in Biblical times were hated and despised by most people, as they looked upon them as collaborators with the Romans, and because they often would take more money than the taxes called for, keeping that extra money themselves. On this day both the Pharisee and the tax collector came to the Temple at about the same time.
One would seem to be a devoutly religious man, wearing his Jewish prayer shawl. Everyone would bow to him out of religious respect, as Pharisees were usually highly revered in society. People in the neighborhood would also know the other man, as they had to go to him on a regular basis and pay their hated taxes for the Roman overlords to him. And many would know that he probably cheated them and became rich at their expense. Someone like him wasn’t likely to be a religious, devout man.
However, as Jesus described, on this day they both went into the temple. The Pharisee stood and started his prayer to God (vs. 11-12). What kind of a prayer was it this Pharisee made? Actually it was not much of a prayer, but rather a recitation of how good and religious he felt that he was. He wanted to make sure that God knew what a “good” man he was. By exalting his own works, the Pharisee showed that his entire hope lay in his not being as “bad” as others. He showed no sense of his own unworthiness and sin. He was puffed up with self-righteousness, which is a sin. Self-righteousness brings pride. People like this will frequently despise others, and they are closed to learning from God. The tax collector, on the other hand, showed true humility before God (vs. 13). He knew his sin, and was repentant. He had no hope except for the mercy of God.
This parable clearly teaches justification by faith, and not through works. If we could be justified in God’s sight through our works, then the Pharisee would be saved, as he had many “good works”. But all that those works of his did was to make him proud, something that God hates. All throughout the Gospels we read how Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their self-righteousness and religious pride, when their hearts were not truly right with God. All of their good, religious works were nothing in God’s eyes if their hearts were not right with Him. The tax collector had no good works. He was devoid of personal righteousness, but he was declared righteous before God because he came to God begging for His mercy. The tax collector showed repentant faith.
God showed the tax collector mercy (vs. 14). He went home with God’s imputed righteousness, and not the Pharisee. The Pharisee had not come to talk to God, but to talk about himself, about how he was not like other people. He did not come to thank or praise God. He went home just as he had come in - unrepentant and unforgiven. The tax collector had come to the Temple to talk to God, and to plead for His mercy, forgiveness, and love. He went home a changed man, justified and forgiven.
What is our attitude before God? Do we like to enumerate all of our “religious activities” in our mind, before others, and before God? Do we feel smug when we put in a big offering or when we carry our big Bible to and from church? Do we feel more highly about ourselves than those we consider “sinners”? The tax collector’s prayer is the one that God will hear, not the Pharisee’s.
I think that it’s probably fair to say that most people do not like to listen to someone brag about themselves, going on and on about how good they are at this or that, and observe them verbally pat themselves on the back over and over. It is particularly annoying and unpleasant when this is accompanied by self-righteousness. We aren’t the only ones to dislike this type of behavior. In the parable that Jesus told in our Scripture passage today we see that God doesn’t think much of that either.
As the parable begins, Jesus describes two men who went to the Temple to pray to God. These two couldn’t be more different from each other, as one was a Pharisee, a member of a party within the Jewish faith, known for their meticulous keeping of the Law and following rabbinic traditions. The other man was a tax collector. Tax collectors in Biblical times were hated and despised by most people, as they looked upon them as collaborators with the Romans, and because they often would take more money than the taxes called for, keeping that extra money themselves. On this day both the Pharisee and the tax collector came to the Temple at about the same time.
One would seem to be a devoutly religious man, wearing his Jewish prayer shawl. Everyone would bow to him out of religious respect, as Pharisees were usually highly revered in society. People in the neighborhood would also know the other man, as they had to go to him on a regular basis and pay their hated taxes for the Roman overlords to him. And many would know that he probably cheated them and became rich at their expense. Someone like him wasn’t likely to be a religious, devout man.
However, as Jesus described, on this day they both went into the temple. The Pharisee stood and started his prayer to God (vs. 11-12). What kind of a prayer was it this Pharisee made? Actually it was not much of a prayer, but rather a recitation of how good and religious he felt that he was. He wanted to make sure that God knew what a “good” man he was. By exalting his own works, the Pharisee showed that his entire hope lay in his not being as “bad” as others. He showed no sense of his own unworthiness and sin. He was puffed up with self-righteousness, which is a sin. Self-righteousness brings pride. People like this will frequently despise others, and they are closed to learning from God. The tax collector, on the other hand, showed true humility before God (vs. 13). He knew his sin, and was repentant. He had no hope except for the mercy of God.
This parable clearly teaches justification by faith, and not through works. If we could be justified in God’s sight through our works, then the Pharisee would be saved, as he had many “good works”. But all that those works of his did was to make him proud, something that God hates. All throughout the Gospels we read how Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their self-righteousness and religious pride, when their hearts were not truly right with God. All of their good, religious works were nothing in God’s eyes if their hearts were not right with Him. The tax collector had no good works. He was devoid of personal righteousness, but he was declared righteous before God because he came to God begging for His mercy. The tax collector showed repentant faith.
God showed the tax collector mercy (vs. 14). He went home with God’s imputed righteousness, and not the Pharisee. The Pharisee had not come to talk to God, but to talk about himself, about how he was not like other people. He did not come to thank or praise God. He went home just as he had come in - unrepentant and unforgiven. The tax collector had come to the Temple to talk to God, and to plead for His mercy, forgiveness, and love. He went home a changed man, justified and forgiven.
What is our attitude before God? Do we like to enumerate all of our “religious activities” in our mind, before others, and before God? Do we feel smug when we put in a big offering or when we carry our big Bible to and from church? Do we feel more highly about ourselves than those we consider “sinners”? The tax collector’s prayer is the one that God will hear, not the Pharisee’s.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Finish The Race Well
II Timothy 4:6-18
The words “abandoned” and “forsaken” are two of the most depressing and dismal words in the English language. No one wants to feel abandoned or forsaken, especially if they are going through a very difficult time. This was the condition that the Apostle Paul found himself at the time of our Scripture passage today. Yet, was he completely forsaken? Let’s look to our study for today.
At the time that Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy he was in prison for preaching the Gospel. This wasn’t the first time that he had been imprisoned. Previous imprisonments had been generally like house arrest, where he was fairly comfortable, and could receive guests. However now, this imprisonment was in a damp, cold dungeon. Paul faced further trials for preaching about Jesus, and later would be executed. When someone faces a trial like this, it is a comfort to see supporters there, and know that others are on your side. Paul had to go through this alone.
Was Paul depressed and discouraged because of this? The tone of the closing of this letter was not one of self-pity or despair. Paul could face death confidently as he knew he had faithfully carried out his calling (vs. 6-7). No matter how difficult his fight was, he kept going. He compared his life since becoming a Christian to that of a race. Life can be like a difficult race. Sometimes we’re exhausted, we have no more strength. It is then that we have to focus on the finish line and not quit. That is what Paul was doing now. No matter what he had been through, including stonings, beatings, imprisonment, he never gave up doing what God had called him to, and that was to preach the Gospel. We, too, should run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). To finish our race well, we need to keep a strong grip on Jesus, standing firm in Him (Philippians 4:1). Paul never lost his faith. He was wholeheartedly committed to Jesus, and believed His promises. Jesus would take him through the challenges, and lead him safely home.
Paul looked forward to seeing Jesus and being with Him for eternity. He also looked forward to the crowns he would get, one of them being the crown of righteousness (vs. 8). The crown of righteousness will be awarded to those who live each day loving and anticipating Jesus’ imminent return, and to those who conduct their earthly lives with eternity’s values in view. All believers have an inheritance, and it is waiting in heaven for us. There is a place reserved just for you, and no one else will have your spot.
As Paul continues in our passage, he relates how everyone has left him. Some left to escape imprisonment and go minister to churches in other areas, such as Crescens, Titus, and Tychicus (vs. 10-12). Others, like Demas and Alexander abandoned him or tried to cause him more harm (vs. 10, 14). Though friends and family may leave us, Jesus will never abandon us! (vs. 16-17). He is faithful and will never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Let’s look at two of the names mentioned here - Demas and Mark. Early in Paul’s ministry, on his first missionary journey with Barnabas, Mark had joined them. Mark was a young man then. He grew fearful and left the mission trip, which upset Paul. Now he was more mature, and Paul knew he was a faithful and useful soldier for Christ (vs. 11). Mark started weak but finished strong. The other, Demas, had once been a co-worker with Paul (Philemon 1:24; Colossians 4:14). Now, though, he forsook Paul for the love of this world’s pleasures. He started strong, but finished weak.
When Paul stood before the Roman tribunal and received the death sentence, he was all alone. Everyone had deserted him. Yet he stood faithful to Jesus. He was ready for death, as he firmly believed in the resurrection and eternal life. Sometimes the Lord will remove everyone and everything we depend on to teach us to trust Him more. We learn that when all else fails, the Lord will not fail us. He stands by us. We can always rely on Jesus.
When our life is ended, will others be able to say of us that we finished the race well, and kept the faith? God is greater than anything we will ever have to face, as Paul could testify. Let’s give our struggles to God, and run the race with joy.
The words “abandoned” and “forsaken” are two of the most depressing and dismal words in the English language. No one wants to feel abandoned or forsaken, especially if they are going through a very difficult time. This was the condition that the Apostle Paul found himself at the time of our Scripture passage today. Yet, was he completely forsaken? Let’s look to our study for today.
At the time that Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy he was in prison for preaching the Gospel. This wasn’t the first time that he had been imprisoned. Previous imprisonments had been generally like house arrest, where he was fairly comfortable, and could receive guests. However now, this imprisonment was in a damp, cold dungeon. Paul faced further trials for preaching about Jesus, and later would be executed. When someone faces a trial like this, it is a comfort to see supporters there, and know that others are on your side. Paul had to go through this alone.
Was Paul depressed and discouraged because of this? The tone of the closing of this letter was not one of self-pity or despair. Paul could face death confidently as he knew he had faithfully carried out his calling (vs. 6-7). No matter how difficult his fight was, he kept going. He compared his life since becoming a Christian to that of a race. Life can be like a difficult race. Sometimes we’re exhausted, we have no more strength. It is then that we have to focus on the finish line and not quit. That is what Paul was doing now. No matter what he had been through, including stonings, beatings, imprisonment, he never gave up doing what God had called him to, and that was to preach the Gospel. We, too, should run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). To finish our race well, we need to keep a strong grip on Jesus, standing firm in Him (Philippians 4:1). Paul never lost his faith. He was wholeheartedly committed to Jesus, and believed His promises. Jesus would take him through the challenges, and lead him safely home.
Paul looked forward to seeing Jesus and being with Him for eternity. He also looked forward to the crowns he would get, one of them being the crown of righteousness (vs. 8). The crown of righteousness will be awarded to those who live each day loving and anticipating Jesus’ imminent return, and to those who conduct their earthly lives with eternity’s values in view. All believers have an inheritance, and it is waiting in heaven for us. There is a place reserved just for you, and no one else will have your spot.
As Paul continues in our passage, he relates how everyone has left him. Some left to escape imprisonment and go minister to churches in other areas, such as Crescens, Titus, and Tychicus (vs. 10-12). Others, like Demas and Alexander abandoned him or tried to cause him more harm (vs. 10, 14). Though friends and family may leave us, Jesus will never abandon us! (vs. 16-17). He is faithful and will never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Let’s look at two of the names mentioned here - Demas and Mark. Early in Paul’s ministry, on his first missionary journey with Barnabas, Mark had joined them. Mark was a young man then. He grew fearful and left the mission trip, which upset Paul. Now he was more mature, and Paul knew he was a faithful and useful soldier for Christ (vs. 11). Mark started weak but finished strong. The other, Demas, had once been a co-worker with Paul (Philemon 1:24; Colossians 4:14). Now, though, he forsook Paul for the love of this world’s pleasures. He started strong, but finished weak.
When Paul stood before the Roman tribunal and received the death sentence, he was all alone. Everyone had deserted him. Yet he stood faithful to Jesus. He was ready for death, as he firmly believed in the resurrection and eternal life. Sometimes the Lord will remove everyone and everything we depend on to teach us to trust Him more. We learn that when all else fails, the Lord will not fail us. He stands by us. We can always rely on Jesus.
When our life is ended, will others be able to say of us that we finished the race well, and kept the faith? God is greater than anything we will ever have to face, as Paul could testify. Let’s give our struggles to God, and run the race with joy.
Monday, October 28, 2019
A Doorkeeper In God's House
Psalm 84
Many people have a favorite place that they like to go to get away from it all. For some it might be a special vacation spot by the ocean, or maybe in the mountains. Others might just like to go off to a favorite room in their house or quiet spot on their property. In our psalm for this week we read of the favorite spot that the author had. Let’s look into this passage of Scripture and see if we might also agree with him.
Today’s psalm was written by one of the Sons of Korah, who were descendants of Levi. They had the positions of gatekeepers and musicians in the Temple. As we read, we see that he longed to get away from the bustling world to meet with God (vs. 1, 4). Near to the tabernacle of God was his favorite spot, where he could rest, be at peace, and meditate. He was a faithful believer, and he had an intense desire to worship Yahweh (vs. 2). He even had a bit of envy for the birds which were able to fly away from the bustle of the world and draw near to God (vs. 3).
As we continue on in our psalm we see that God blesses those who fully depend on Him. When life gets to be too much, and our strength is weak, where do we turn? God wishes for us to turn to Him, and depend upon His strength (vs. 5). When we want to escape from the troubles of life, our psalmist invites us to take a pilgrimage to God. We don’t have to necessarily make an actual, physical pilgrimage to some holy spot. It could just be some time where we seek some time with God in our heart (vs. 5), whether a day, an hour, or just a few moments.
We all go through some difficult times in life. Our psalmist calls them going through the Valley of Baca (vs. 6). “Baca” was a word that means “weeping”. The Valley of Baca would symbolize times of struggling and tears. We’ve all had those times, times when we are in a valley of tears. The psalmist doesn’t want us to stay there, though. We are to pass through it on our journey to meet with God. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. This can be an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness. As we go through our Valley of Baca, make sure we are heading towards God, and not away from Him. Don’t let the time of weeping and struggle turn you away from the Savior.
Of all the special places that our psalmist could think of to go and be at, the one he desired above all else was to be in the house of God (vs. 10). There are people who pride themselves on their grand houses, their vacation homes,whatever their riches can get them. However, thinking of all of these, the psalmist says he would rather spend one day with God than a thousand with these others, even with their grand places. He would rather be a doorkeeper, in a humble place of service with God, than in an exalted position of power or fame in the world without Him. Where else can we experience day to day blessings than in the presence of God? Where else can we find meaning and purpose in life, or feel completely secure? That’s where we should desire to be above anywhere else.
As our psalmist comes to the conclusion of his psalm, he reminds us that God is our shield (vs. 9, 11). A shield protects us from the attacks of the enemy. Jesus is our shield against Satan’s attacks. If we turn to Him, He will shield us when the enemy plots his greatest onslaught against us. God promises to be a sun for us, as well, shining His light upon us, giving us grace and glory (vs. 11). The sun brings light and life to the world. God brings light and life to those who trust Him (John 8:12). As the sun exposes darkness, God’s glory and presence exposes sin (I Corinthians 4:5).
God’s promise to provide has a condition - it is given to “those who walk uprightly” (vs. 11). If God isn’t meeting our needs as we think He should, either He may have a different plan, or something in our life may be a hindrance. It may be sin or our desires may be off. God doesn’t promise to give us everything we want, but He will not withhold what is for our good. God’s presence should be our greatest joy. It will help us to grow in strength, grace and glory.
Many people have a favorite place that they like to go to get away from it all. For some it might be a special vacation spot by the ocean, or maybe in the mountains. Others might just like to go off to a favorite room in their house or quiet spot on their property. In our psalm for this week we read of the favorite spot that the author had. Let’s look into this passage of Scripture and see if we might also agree with him.
Today’s psalm was written by one of the Sons of Korah, who were descendants of Levi. They had the positions of gatekeepers and musicians in the Temple. As we read, we see that he longed to get away from the bustling world to meet with God (vs. 1, 4). Near to the tabernacle of God was his favorite spot, where he could rest, be at peace, and meditate. He was a faithful believer, and he had an intense desire to worship Yahweh (vs. 2). He even had a bit of envy for the birds which were able to fly away from the bustle of the world and draw near to God (vs. 3).
As we continue on in our psalm we see that God blesses those who fully depend on Him. When life gets to be too much, and our strength is weak, where do we turn? God wishes for us to turn to Him, and depend upon His strength (vs. 5). When we want to escape from the troubles of life, our psalmist invites us to take a pilgrimage to God. We don’t have to necessarily make an actual, physical pilgrimage to some holy spot. It could just be some time where we seek some time with God in our heart (vs. 5), whether a day, an hour, or just a few moments.
We all go through some difficult times in life. Our psalmist calls them going through the Valley of Baca (vs. 6). “Baca” was a word that means “weeping”. The Valley of Baca would symbolize times of struggling and tears. We’ve all had those times, times when we are in a valley of tears. The psalmist doesn’t want us to stay there, though. We are to pass through it on our journey to meet with God. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through barren places in our lives. This can be an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness. As we go through our Valley of Baca, make sure we are heading towards God, and not away from Him. Don’t let the time of weeping and struggle turn you away from the Savior.
Of all the special places that our psalmist could think of to go and be at, the one he desired above all else was to be in the house of God (vs. 10). There are people who pride themselves on their grand houses, their vacation homes,whatever their riches can get them. However, thinking of all of these, the psalmist says he would rather spend one day with God than a thousand with these others, even with their grand places. He would rather be a doorkeeper, in a humble place of service with God, than in an exalted position of power or fame in the world without Him. Where else can we experience day to day blessings than in the presence of God? Where else can we find meaning and purpose in life, or feel completely secure? That’s where we should desire to be above anywhere else.
As our psalmist comes to the conclusion of his psalm, he reminds us that God is our shield (vs. 9, 11). A shield protects us from the attacks of the enemy. Jesus is our shield against Satan’s attacks. If we turn to Him, He will shield us when the enemy plots his greatest onslaught against us. God promises to be a sun for us, as well, shining His light upon us, giving us grace and glory (vs. 11). The sun brings light and life to the world. God brings light and life to those who trust Him (John 8:12). As the sun exposes darkness, God’s glory and presence exposes sin (I Corinthians 4:5).
God’s promise to provide has a condition - it is given to “those who walk uprightly” (vs. 11). If God isn’t meeting our needs as we think He should, either He may have a different plan, or something in our life may be a hindrance. It may be sin or our desires may be off. God doesn’t promise to give us everything we want, but He will not withhold what is for our good. God’s presence should be our greatest joy. It will help us to grow in strength, grace and glory.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Following The True Message
Jeremiah 14:7-22
Everybody likes to hear positive and happy things. It is sure preferable than hearing bad news. However, what if the positive things that you hear is not true? What if the bad news you hear is correct, but the positive report is false, is a lie? Sometimes if you hear the true bad news, you can act upon it, and do something about it so that it might turn out better. If you are believing a false positive report, though, thinking everything is just fine, you are deceived, and you might fall unexpectedly into something really bad, all because you didn’t know the truth. In today’s Scripture passage from the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah, the prophet warns the people of Judah about a situation like this.
As one reads and studies the Old Testament, we see how the people of Israel and Judah repeatedly turned away from the worship of Yahweh, and instead followed after the false gods of the pagan people around them. There were occasional, brief times when they would heed the prophets who sought to call them back to Yahweh, only to later to turn again to the pagan idols. God had always promised that if the Israelites truly obeyed and followed Him and His Word, He would bless them. They did not keep their part, but they still expected God to keep His part.
As our passage opens, the prophet Jeremiah is confessing the sins of the nation (vs. 7-9). He asks God to have mercy on the people for the sake of His own reputation. Jeremiah prays that God not be indifferent, like a stranger or an overnight guest might be. The people would not repent or change their ways, and God could not turn a blind eye to their sinfulness and pagan worship. He responds that He must judge the people for their persistent and chronic sinfulness (vs. 10-12). God tells Jeremiah to not bother to pray for them, since they will not turn from their wicked ways.
In the meantime, there were many preachers who told the people what they wanted to hear (vs. 14-18). They preached false messages to them, telling the people that God would not bring any judgment on them. Nobody wanted to hear Jeremiah’s message of repentance and God’s holiness, righteousness, and judgment. They preferred a message that God loves them, they were okay, and everything is fine.
We find the same thing today. People flock to a preacher that only preach messages that make their congregations feel good about themselves and say nothing about sin and their need to repent. They don’t want to face their sinfulness. They prefer to believe that God is only love and completely okay with them, that there is no need for repentance, ignoring His pure holiness and righteousness, and coming judgment. They prefer a preacher that gives messages that have as much spiritual nutrition as cotton candy does. Their messages taste good, feel good, but are in reality a bunch of fluffy nothing. The people of Judah in Jeremiah’s time, and many today, have followed and listened to false prophets, who told them what they wanted to hear, and did not follow God’s Word. God warned that these false prophets and those who follow them will be judged.
When people’s backs are up against a wall, often they will cry to God, but they do not repent of their sins or truly turn to Him. God rejects their pleas because they only want a quick rescue, not a change in their lives. Jeremiah warned the people of coming judgment if they did not truly repent and faithfully return to God. The false prophets said everything was fine and God would never judge them. The people condemned Jeremiah and accepted the false preachers. They even persecuted Jeremiah, and he was put in prison. However, what happened? Jeremiah’s message was correct. The country was overrun by the Babylonians, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people taken into captivity.
Jeremiah’s message was bad news. The false prophets seemed positive, but their message was not true. Had the people taken the bad news like a nasty tasting but needed medicine, they would have been better off. There are times we need to heed the more difficult and unpleasant messages from God’s Word, such as sin and repentance. Let’s follow all of God’s Word.
Everybody likes to hear positive and happy things. It is sure preferable than hearing bad news. However, what if the positive things that you hear is not true? What if the bad news you hear is correct, but the positive report is false, is a lie? Sometimes if you hear the true bad news, you can act upon it, and do something about it so that it might turn out better. If you are believing a false positive report, though, thinking everything is just fine, you are deceived, and you might fall unexpectedly into something really bad, all because you didn’t know the truth. In today’s Scripture passage from the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah, the prophet warns the people of Judah about a situation like this.
As one reads and studies the Old Testament, we see how the people of Israel and Judah repeatedly turned away from the worship of Yahweh, and instead followed after the false gods of the pagan people around them. There were occasional, brief times when they would heed the prophets who sought to call them back to Yahweh, only to later to turn again to the pagan idols. God had always promised that if the Israelites truly obeyed and followed Him and His Word, He would bless them. They did not keep their part, but they still expected God to keep His part.
As our passage opens, the prophet Jeremiah is confessing the sins of the nation (vs. 7-9). He asks God to have mercy on the people for the sake of His own reputation. Jeremiah prays that God not be indifferent, like a stranger or an overnight guest might be. The people would not repent or change their ways, and God could not turn a blind eye to their sinfulness and pagan worship. He responds that He must judge the people for their persistent and chronic sinfulness (vs. 10-12). God tells Jeremiah to not bother to pray for them, since they will not turn from their wicked ways.
In the meantime, there were many preachers who told the people what they wanted to hear (vs. 14-18). They preached false messages to them, telling the people that God would not bring any judgment on them. Nobody wanted to hear Jeremiah’s message of repentance and God’s holiness, righteousness, and judgment. They preferred a message that God loves them, they were okay, and everything is fine.
We find the same thing today. People flock to a preacher that only preach messages that make their congregations feel good about themselves and say nothing about sin and their need to repent. They don’t want to face their sinfulness. They prefer to believe that God is only love and completely okay with them, that there is no need for repentance, ignoring His pure holiness and righteousness, and coming judgment. They prefer a preacher that gives messages that have as much spiritual nutrition as cotton candy does. Their messages taste good, feel good, but are in reality a bunch of fluffy nothing. The people of Judah in Jeremiah’s time, and many today, have followed and listened to false prophets, who told them what they wanted to hear, and did not follow God’s Word. God warned that these false prophets and those who follow them will be judged.
When people’s backs are up against a wall, often they will cry to God, but they do not repent of their sins or truly turn to Him. God rejects their pleas because they only want a quick rescue, not a change in their lives. Jeremiah warned the people of coming judgment if they did not truly repent and faithfully return to God. The false prophets said everything was fine and God would never judge them. The people condemned Jeremiah and accepted the false preachers. They even persecuted Jeremiah, and he was put in prison. However, what happened? Jeremiah’s message was correct. The country was overrun by the Babylonians, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people taken into captivity.
Jeremiah’s message was bad news. The false prophets seemed positive, but their message was not true. Had the people taken the bad news like a nasty tasting but needed medicine, they would have been better off. There are times we need to heed the more difficult and unpleasant messages from God’s Word, such as sin and repentance. Let’s follow all of God’s Word.
Friday, October 25, 2019
The Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8
Are you a persistent person or one who gives up easily? Parents and teachers try to instill persistence into children at a young age. At an early age a parent encourages their child to not give up learning to walk, and then to learn their alphabet and to tie their shoes. As we get older our challenges often get more difficult or carry more importance, but persistence is still important. Nobody likes to see a quitter. What about when the odds are stacked against us and we don’t stand a chance? What about when we’ve tried something numerous times? Many times we just feel like giving up. In our Scripture passage today, Jesus tells a parable about not giving up in prayer.
As our passage begins, Jesus told about a judge who really didn’t care about anybody except himself (vs. 2). He wasn’t in the legal profession to help people, and obtain justice for them, particularly not for the poor. This judge had no regard for the Lord God, and didn’t follow His Word, either. In the same town as the judge lived a poor widow. Widows in Biblical times were quite often very poor, as there were very few jobs that women could do to earn any money. There was no Social Security, and very few, if any, agencies to give help. Unless their husband set aside a lot of money for their wife before they died, the widow was left destitute. This widow had some sort of legal problem that she needed help in getting justice awarded to her (vs. 3). This judge didn’t care about her or her problem, probably because he didn’t see getting paid much for his effort. She was poor and she was a nobody, so why bother helping her.
However, this widow showed something that Jesus commended her for in His parable, and that is persistence. This widow was not going to give up and drop the matter just because the judge was not initially helping her. She kept coming back begging for his help, over and over again, and would not stop until she got an answer. It was her persistence that finally brought her justice (vs. 4-5). Jesus then tells us to be just as persistent in our prayers to God.
In Jesus’ parable, He doesn’t give this judge as a symbol of God, but rather as a contrast to Him (vs. 6-8). God will hear our prayers because He is just, loving, and merciful. If this unjust judge responded to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to His children. We know God loves us, we can believe He hears our cries.
God wants us to be persistent when we pray. Like the widow, we cannot depend upon ourselves to get us through our problems. We need to trust God and His power. Sometimes, though, we don’t seem to get a response or answer to our prayer. It is then that some people give up, claiming God doesn’t care. God may have many reasons for delaying in answering our prayers. However, until He lets us know that we should stop praying for something, He wants us to persevere in prayer, with faith.
Being persistent in prayer, and not giving up, doesn’t mean constant repetition or long drawn out prayers. It means keeping our requests constantly before God as we live day by day, and believing He will answer. To live by faith means we do not give up. Persistence in prayer will help us grow in character, faith, and hope. One on one communication with God is how we strengthen our relationship with Him.
God loves to see us blessed. He is not reluctant to answer. He is working to give us the best. God wants us to get closer to Him. As believers, we need to go to God in confidence. We need to be persistent in our adversity because we have a mighty Advocate who will come to our defense. Our prayers can bring about dramatic changes in heaven and earth, and can turn any situation around.
Are you a persistent person or one who gives up easily? Parents and teachers try to instill persistence into children at a young age. At an early age a parent encourages their child to not give up learning to walk, and then to learn their alphabet and to tie their shoes. As we get older our challenges often get more difficult or carry more importance, but persistence is still important. Nobody likes to see a quitter. What about when the odds are stacked against us and we don’t stand a chance? What about when we’ve tried something numerous times? Many times we just feel like giving up. In our Scripture passage today, Jesus tells a parable about not giving up in prayer.
As our passage begins, Jesus told about a judge who really didn’t care about anybody except himself (vs. 2). He wasn’t in the legal profession to help people, and obtain justice for them, particularly not for the poor. This judge had no regard for the Lord God, and didn’t follow His Word, either. In the same town as the judge lived a poor widow. Widows in Biblical times were quite often very poor, as there were very few jobs that women could do to earn any money. There was no Social Security, and very few, if any, agencies to give help. Unless their husband set aside a lot of money for their wife before they died, the widow was left destitute. This widow had some sort of legal problem that she needed help in getting justice awarded to her (vs. 3). This judge didn’t care about her or her problem, probably because he didn’t see getting paid much for his effort. She was poor and she was a nobody, so why bother helping her.
However, this widow showed something that Jesus commended her for in His parable, and that is persistence. This widow was not going to give up and drop the matter just because the judge was not initially helping her. She kept coming back begging for his help, over and over again, and would not stop until she got an answer. It was her persistence that finally brought her justice (vs. 4-5). Jesus then tells us to be just as persistent in our prayers to God.
In Jesus’ parable, He doesn’t give this judge as a symbol of God, but rather as a contrast to Him (vs. 6-8). God will hear our prayers because He is just, loving, and merciful. If this unjust judge responded to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to His children. We know God loves us, we can believe He hears our cries.
God wants us to be persistent when we pray. Like the widow, we cannot depend upon ourselves to get us through our problems. We need to trust God and His power. Sometimes, though, we don’t seem to get a response or answer to our prayer. It is then that some people give up, claiming God doesn’t care. God may have many reasons for delaying in answering our prayers. However, until He lets us know that we should stop praying for something, He wants us to persevere in prayer, with faith.
Being persistent in prayer, and not giving up, doesn’t mean constant repetition or long drawn out prayers. It means keeping our requests constantly before God as we live day by day, and believing He will answer. To live by faith means we do not give up. Persistence in prayer will help us grow in character, faith, and hope. One on one communication with God is how we strengthen our relationship with Him.
God loves to see us blessed. He is not reluctant to answer. He is working to give us the best. God wants us to get closer to Him. As believers, we need to go to God in confidence. We need to be persistent in our adversity because we have a mighty Advocate who will come to our defense. Our prayers can bring about dramatic changes in heaven and earth, and can turn any situation around.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
God's Inspired Word
II Timothy 3:14-4:5
I love to read. Just a quick glance through my house, and you will see that is true, as there are books everywhere. I have a number of favorite books, which I have read several times over. Much as I love them, I would never claim that they were inspired, though. They are just good, well-written novels. Nothing divine about them. However, that is not the case with the most beloved Book we have, the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. In our Scripture passage today, from the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy, we read where Paul declares that all of Scripture is inspired, and the Word of God.
So what does this passage mean? Paul clearly states that the Bible is divinely inspired (vs. 16). The word inspired here means “God breathed”. God was involved in every detail that was written. God revealed His words to certain believers who wrote down His message for His people. He chose these faithful people to communicate His message to the world. These writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural context, using their own talents, language, and style, but they wrote the words God wanted them to. The Bible is completely trustworthy because God is its true Author.
The Bible is the written record of God’s work throughout history. It shows His nature, plan, and purpose, so we can put our trust in Him. We can know how to live by following what He has said in His Word. Through these human writers God gave us His Word to instruct us, to guide us, and to hold us steady and true in times of trouble (vs. 16-17). The Bible was given to us for our spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to rebuke and correct us when we sin, to train us in righteousness, to equip us to do His Will, and to shape us into the image of Jesus. The Bible is life’s final authority, the last word on issues pertaining to God and His will. Nothing can supercede the authority of Scripture. It perfectly expresses the decrees and judgments of God. When the Scriptures speak, God speaks. Through the work of the Holy Spirit the Bible will show us our sin, the need for salvation, and how we should live. It is the only source to show us how to be saved. Also, the Scriptures are a safeguard against false teachers, which leads us to the next thing Paul taught in our passage.
As Paul warned Timothy and us, a time will come, and we see it even today, when people reject the truth of God’s Word (vs. 3-4). He warned that godlessness and evil will increase as the end draws near. People will follow false teachers who will teach them what they want to hear. They pick and choose what they want to believe. They follow ungodly teachers who preach messages contrary to the Word of God. These preachers will even persecute true believers. As we see today, there are many people who will not tolerate the preaching of God’s Word. They flock to those who preach only what they want to hear. Don’t be fooled by religious leaders who sound wise by the world’s standards, but whose teaching is contrary to the Word of God.
Because of this, Paul urged Timothy to be faithful in preaching God’s Word (vs. 1-2). He warned and encouraged Timothy, and us as well, to teach the Scriptures soundly. We must guard against deceit by knowing what the Bible teaches. The faithful preacher must proclaim the Word when it is popular and convenient, and when it is not. They must bring both good and comforting messages, and also the hard rebuking of sin. It is important for believers to spread the Gospel. That is the most important responsibility the Church has been given. We should always be ready to give a witness and a message from the Word of God.
In conclusion, the Bible is the final authority for our faith and what God’s children should believe. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, believed the Scriptures as the Word of God, and frequently quoted them. God’s Word is indestructible. Many men and governments have tried to suppress and destroy the Bible, but have failed. God’s Word still stands!
I love to read. Just a quick glance through my house, and you will see that is true, as there are books everywhere. I have a number of favorite books, which I have read several times over. Much as I love them, I would never claim that they were inspired, though. They are just good, well-written novels. Nothing divine about them. However, that is not the case with the most beloved Book we have, the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. In our Scripture passage today, from the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy, we read where Paul declares that all of Scripture is inspired, and the Word of God.
So what does this passage mean? Paul clearly states that the Bible is divinely inspired (vs. 16). The word inspired here means “God breathed”. God was involved in every detail that was written. God revealed His words to certain believers who wrote down His message for His people. He chose these faithful people to communicate His message to the world. These writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural context, using their own talents, language, and style, but they wrote the words God wanted them to. The Bible is completely trustworthy because God is its true Author.
The Bible is the written record of God’s work throughout history. It shows His nature, plan, and purpose, so we can put our trust in Him. We can know how to live by following what He has said in His Word. Through these human writers God gave us His Word to instruct us, to guide us, and to hold us steady and true in times of trouble (vs. 16-17). The Bible was given to us for our spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to rebuke and correct us when we sin, to train us in righteousness, to equip us to do His Will, and to shape us into the image of Jesus. The Bible is life’s final authority, the last word on issues pertaining to God and His will. Nothing can supercede the authority of Scripture. It perfectly expresses the decrees and judgments of God. When the Scriptures speak, God speaks. Through the work of the Holy Spirit the Bible will show us our sin, the need for salvation, and how we should live. It is the only source to show us how to be saved. Also, the Scriptures are a safeguard against false teachers, which leads us to the next thing Paul taught in our passage.
As Paul warned Timothy and us, a time will come, and we see it even today, when people reject the truth of God’s Word (vs. 3-4). He warned that godlessness and evil will increase as the end draws near. People will follow false teachers who will teach them what they want to hear. They pick and choose what they want to believe. They follow ungodly teachers who preach messages contrary to the Word of God. These preachers will even persecute true believers. As we see today, there are many people who will not tolerate the preaching of God’s Word. They flock to those who preach only what they want to hear. Don’t be fooled by religious leaders who sound wise by the world’s standards, but whose teaching is contrary to the Word of God.
Because of this, Paul urged Timothy to be faithful in preaching God’s Word (vs. 1-2). He warned and encouraged Timothy, and us as well, to teach the Scriptures soundly. We must guard against deceit by knowing what the Bible teaches. The faithful preacher must proclaim the Word when it is popular and convenient, and when it is not. They must bring both good and comforting messages, and also the hard rebuking of sin. It is important for believers to spread the Gospel. That is the most important responsibility the Church has been given. We should always be ready to give a witness and a message from the Word of God.
In conclusion, the Bible is the final authority for our faith and what God’s children should believe. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, believed the Scriptures as the Word of God, and frequently quoted them. God’s Word is indestructible. Many men and governments have tried to suppress and destroy the Bible, but have failed. God’s Word still stands!
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