Isaiah 28:14-19
Architects and engineers will tell you that a good foundation is vital to ensure the stability and safety of any building. Building upon good, solid ground is important, as well. Without a good, sturdy foundation, and if the ground isn’t good and solid, the building can lean, and the whole structure will be unbalanced. It can be in danger of falling. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a good example of building on poor soil. Fortunately it hasn’t fallen. Many homes and buildings have fallen when landslides happen because of where they were built. One can watch news videos of some very expensive homes in California go crashing down the sides of cliffs! When a foundation isn’t laid properly, and it begins to crack and crumble, the building can be in danger of falling apart, too.
In our Scripture reading for today from the Prophet Isaiah, we read about having a sure foundation. Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, the people had wavered in their faithfulness to Yahweh, the Lord God. They frequently forsook the true worship of God and began worshipping the false gods and idols of the surrounding nations. The message of Yahweh given to the people from the days of Moses, and through the days of the prophets, was a solid foundation if the people would have accepted and followed it, applying it to their lives. Instead they turned to false idols, and worshipping them. They wanted to be like the other nations, accepting their way of life. However, that was a faulty foundation, one not laid upon good soil, one that would crumble and come crashing down upon them like the houses in a California landslide!
Another faulty foundation that the Prophet Isaiah warned the people about was their tendency to go running to other nations for help, instead of turning to the Lord God, and trusting in Him. In particular at the time of our passage, the nation of Judah was feeling threatened by the nation of Assyria who had been slowly attacking and conquering many surrounding countries, including their sister nation of Israel. Rather than returning to the Lord, getting rid of all idol worship, and trusting in Him for protection, they called upon other pagan nations for help, particularly the nation of Egypt. God called that a “covenant of death” (vs. 15), and it was a faulty, weak foundation. God wanted them to turn to Him, and trust in Him alone, a strong and sure foundation.
In verse 16 we read that God was going to lay a sure foundation, a precious cornerstone. The cornerstone is Jesus, the Messiah, the foundation on whom we build our faith and our lives. The Apostle Paul said that our faith is built upon the foundation of the teachings of the apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), and that no one can lay any other sure spiritual foundation, other than in Jesus (I Corinthians 3:11).
A cornerstone is the basis of the foundation, forming the base of the building, joining the two main walls. Without a good, strong cornerstone, the foundation is out of joint, and the building’s safety is compromised. Jesus is that cornerstone. However the religious leaders of Israel rejected that Cornerstone, preferring instead their weak, crumbling, and unsure foundation (Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42).
What kind of foundation are we laying in our life? Are we forsaking the Lord Jesus and turning instead to false religions and philosophies, or to things of this world, and building our life’s foundation on them? When a storm comes in our life, how well will that foundation stand? Will it hold up, or come crashing down? Jesus gave us the example of the wise man who built his house upon the rock, and the foolish man who built his house upon the sand (Luke 6:47-49). If we build our life (house) upon the Lord Jesus, who is the Rock, the sure foundation, it will stand no matter how strong a storm comes. It will stand throughout eternity. If we build our foundation upon anything or anyone else, it will surely crumble and fall. Be sure your foundation is only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Friday, August 23, 2019
A Family Feud
Luke 12:49-56
“Family Feud” is the name of a fun game show in the United States. However, real fighting among family members is anything but a fun game. No one is happy when there is estrangement between parents and children, between siblings, between in-laws, and we will often try as much as possible to resolve such conflicts. In our Bible reading today from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives some rather surprising words about family conflicts. Let’s take a look at what our Savior said.
As our passage opens, Jesus is continuing to teach His disciples and followers spiritual lessons and truths. He begins this passage of Scripture by saying that He came to send fire on the earth (vs. 49). Fire symbolizes judgment. Most people picture Jesus in their minds as kindly and gentle, like the image of the Good Shepherd, gently holding a little lamb in His arms. He is that, but He is also our Warrior-King, who will come to bring judgment against sin. Jesus continues to speak of the baptism of suffering that He must go through (vs. 50). Jesus’ human nature was naturally distressed over the pain and horror of His coming scourging and crucifixion. Even worse than the physical pain was knowing that during those hours Jesus would be completely separated from the Father. That was because all of the sins of the world would be laid on Him. Yet Jesus knew that this was the work He came to do, and He set His face steadfastly towards accomplishing it.
In the next several verses we read some startling words from Jesus (vs. 51-53). Here He says that He came to bring division. What did Jesus mean here? We usually think that He came to bring peace, not division. Isn’t Jesus called the Prince of Peace? As we read further, He explains what He meant. Because of Jesus, households will be divided, family members will turn against each other. Accepting Jesus as Savior often brings conflict between families and friends. When one family member accepts Him and others don’t, there can be dissension, and sometimes even outright hostility. A father turns against his son when that young man accepts Jesus as Savior. A mother-in-law doesn’t accept her daughter-in-law because she is a Christian. Siblings or best friends stop talking to each other when one or the other follows Jesus. There is no middle ground with Jesus. Loyalties must be declared and commitments made. Sometimes that will severe a relationship. When that happens we have to decide - will we choose the family members or friends, or will we stand with the Lord Jesus?
Jesus closes up this passage by telling His followers that they need to be alert to the signs of the times (vs. 54-56). There will be signs to indicate that Jesus’ coming is near. When I was a child I learned the weather related poem “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.” If the sky has a nice, red or orange sunset, the next day should be a nice one. If the sky is red or orange in the morning when the sun rises, there could be rain coming. We know when there are large, dark cumulonimbus clouds a thunderstorm is likely. A south wind will usually bring warmer temperatures, whereas a strong north wind will bring colder ones. We use other things of nature to be other weather related indicators. I eagerly await the first robins here in Chicago to signal the coming of spring. Another weather folklore is that the length of the red color on a woolly bear caterpillar will determine how harsh or mild a winter we will have.
Jesus warns us that if we are able to know all these weather forecasters, why do we, His followers, not know the signs of His return (vs. 56). We need to be alert and also reading and studying our Bibles, knowing exactly what it says about Jesus. The people of Jesus’ day should have known their Old Testament Scriptures well enough to realize that He was the Messiah, and realize the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies by Him. They should have been able to discern those times. Today we need to be just as diligent in studying the whole Bible so that we, too, can discern our time. Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Savior? One day, possibly soon, He will return. No one should be caught that day without having asked Him into their heart, even if that decision might cause a rift in one’s family.
“Family Feud” is the name of a fun game show in the United States. However, real fighting among family members is anything but a fun game. No one is happy when there is estrangement between parents and children, between siblings, between in-laws, and we will often try as much as possible to resolve such conflicts. In our Bible reading today from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives some rather surprising words about family conflicts. Let’s take a look at what our Savior said.
As our passage opens, Jesus is continuing to teach His disciples and followers spiritual lessons and truths. He begins this passage of Scripture by saying that He came to send fire on the earth (vs. 49). Fire symbolizes judgment. Most people picture Jesus in their minds as kindly and gentle, like the image of the Good Shepherd, gently holding a little lamb in His arms. He is that, but He is also our Warrior-King, who will come to bring judgment against sin. Jesus continues to speak of the baptism of suffering that He must go through (vs. 50). Jesus’ human nature was naturally distressed over the pain and horror of His coming scourging and crucifixion. Even worse than the physical pain was knowing that during those hours Jesus would be completely separated from the Father. That was because all of the sins of the world would be laid on Him. Yet Jesus knew that this was the work He came to do, and He set His face steadfastly towards accomplishing it.
In the next several verses we read some startling words from Jesus (vs. 51-53). Here He says that He came to bring division. What did Jesus mean here? We usually think that He came to bring peace, not division. Isn’t Jesus called the Prince of Peace? As we read further, He explains what He meant. Because of Jesus, households will be divided, family members will turn against each other. Accepting Jesus as Savior often brings conflict between families and friends. When one family member accepts Him and others don’t, there can be dissension, and sometimes even outright hostility. A father turns against his son when that young man accepts Jesus as Savior. A mother-in-law doesn’t accept her daughter-in-law because she is a Christian. Siblings or best friends stop talking to each other when one or the other follows Jesus. There is no middle ground with Jesus. Loyalties must be declared and commitments made. Sometimes that will severe a relationship. When that happens we have to decide - will we choose the family members or friends, or will we stand with the Lord Jesus?
Jesus closes up this passage by telling His followers that they need to be alert to the signs of the times (vs. 54-56). There will be signs to indicate that Jesus’ coming is near. When I was a child I learned the weather related poem “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.” If the sky has a nice, red or orange sunset, the next day should be a nice one. If the sky is red or orange in the morning when the sun rises, there could be rain coming. We know when there are large, dark cumulonimbus clouds a thunderstorm is likely. A south wind will usually bring warmer temperatures, whereas a strong north wind will bring colder ones. We use other things of nature to be other weather related indicators. I eagerly await the first robins here in Chicago to signal the coming of spring. Another weather folklore is that the length of the red color on a woolly bear caterpillar will determine how harsh or mild a winter we will have.
Jesus warns us that if we are able to know all these weather forecasters, why do we, His followers, not know the signs of His return (vs. 56). We need to be alert and also reading and studying our Bibles, knowing exactly what it says about Jesus. The people of Jesus’ day should have known their Old Testament Scriptures well enough to realize that He was the Messiah, and realize the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies by Him. They should have been able to discern those times. Today we need to be just as diligent in studying the whole Bible so that we, too, can discern our time. Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Savior? One day, possibly soon, He will return. No one should be caught that day without having asked Him into their heart, even if that decision might cause a rift in one’s family.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Running The Race
Hebrews 12:1-13
Our Scripture passage today from the Epistle to the Hebrews brings up two main topics, each of which is important and helpful for our Christian life and walk. The first is running the race of faith in verses 1-2. The second is receiving the discipline of God in verses 3-11. Let’s see what we can learn from God’s Word today.
Although I am not an athletic person by any means, I do enjoy watching some sporting events, especially the Olympics every four years. One that is fun to watch is track and field, especially the races. One thing that you’ll never see is the runners competing wearing heavy backpacks, or wearing bulky, constricting clothes. Athletes strip away anything unnecessary before running a race. They want nothing on them that will hinder their progress down the track. The writer here in Hebrews compares our Christian life to that of an athlete running a race (vs. 1-2). Just as an athlete does, we must let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God. We cannot succeed in this race with things of this world and sins that would weigh us down. Anything that keeps us from running wholeheartedly and with determination and endurance must be cast off.
One thing that helps an athlete to keep going is to think of the finish line. They keep their mind focused on one thing - the goal. They also can hear the cheering of the crowds, which helps in urging them onward. When we run the Christian race, we are inspired by the examples of those who have gone before us (vs. 1). Our eyes should be fixed on Jesus, just like the runner’s eyes are on the finish line (vs. 2). We will stumble if we look away from Him to ourselves, our circumstances, or to others. The best way to walk a straight line towards something is to keep one's eyes fixed on that point, not looking down or around.
The author continues on in his epistle to give the readers encouragement. Many of them had become discouraged through the trials they were going through. We all go through struggles, and some of them can be very difficult. Here in Hebrews we are encouraged not to give up (vs. 3-4). If we decide to give up we are choosing to believe that Satan and his power is stronger than Christ, who is within us. That is not true (I John 4:4). We are letting Satan win a battle if we give up on letting God see us through a difficulty. Do not give up before you receive God’s blessing.
The second important point that the author has in this passage has to do with receiving discipline from God (vs. 5-11). We’ve all seen children who have not received any discipline from their parents. They run all over, getting into all sorts of trouble. They are never told “no”, and do whatever they want. They are nothing but trouble, and ultimately they come to no good. A good parent will give godly and loving discipline to their children. They aren’t abusive, but they don’t let their children run wild.
God is a loving Father to us, His children, and accordingly will discipline us like a loving father would (vs. 5-6). God uses trials and sufferings in our life to educate and discipline believers. They are evidence that He truly loves us. All of us are imperfect and need discipline and training. All true children of God are chastened at one time or another. No one likes to be disciplined because it requires a change in our behavior and attitude. Our deeply entrenched sinfulness and attitudes are dug out. It is painful and difficult.
How do we respond to discipline? Do we accept it with resignation, or with self-pity, thinking we don’t deserve it? Are we angry and resentful towards God? We need to accept it with gratitude to a loving Father. Cooperating with God when He corrects us helps to make us more like Him (vs. 11).
God is also like a dedicated, firm coach, who pushes the athlete to do their best, pushing on to victory. We must not allow circumstances to get the best of us. Endure, get our second wind, and continue the race (vs. 12-13). Run the race in Jesus’ strength, not our own, keeping our eyes fixed on Him.
Our Scripture passage today from the Epistle to the Hebrews brings up two main topics, each of which is important and helpful for our Christian life and walk. The first is running the race of faith in verses 1-2. The second is receiving the discipline of God in verses 3-11. Let’s see what we can learn from God’s Word today.
Although I am not an athletic person by any means, I do enjoy watching some sporting events, especially the Olympics every four years. One that is fun to watch is track and field, especially the races. One thing that you’ll never see is the runners competing wearing heavy backpacks, or wearing bulky, constricting clothes. Athletes strip away anything unnecessary before running a race. They want nothing on them that will hinder their progress down the track. The writer here in Hebrews compares our Christian life to that of an athlete running a race (vs. 1-2). Just as an athlete does, we must let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God. We cannot succeed in this race with things of this world and sins that would weigh us down. Anything that keeps us from running wholeheartedly and with determination and endurance must be cast off.
One thing that helps an athlete to keep going is to think of the finish line. They keep their mind focused on one thing - the goal. They also can hear the cheering of the crowds, which helps in urging them onward. When we run the Christian race, we are inspired by the examples of those who have gone before us (vs. 1). Our eyes should be fixed on Jesus, just like the runner’s eyes are on the finish line (vs. 2). We will stumble if we look away from Him to ourselves, our circumstances, or to others. The best way to walk a straight line towards something is to keep one's eyes fixed on that point, not looking down or around.
The author continues on in his epistle to give the readers encouragement. Many of them had become discouraged through the trials they were going through. We all go through struggles, and some of them can be very difficult. Here in Hebrews we are encouraged not to give up (vs. 3-4). If we decide to give up we are choosing to believe that Satan and his power is stronger than Christ, who is within us. That is not true (I John 4:4). We are letting Satan win a battle if we give up on letting God see us through a difficulty. Do not give up before you receive God’s blessing.
The second important point that the author has in this passage has to do with receiving discipline from God (vs. 5-11). We’ve all seen children who have not received any discipline from their parents. They run all over, getting into all sorts of trouble. They are never told “no”, and do whatever they want. They are nothing but trouble, and ultimately they come to no good. A good parent will give godly and loving discipline to their children. They aren’t abusive, but they don’t let their children run wild.
God is a loving Father to us, His children, and accordingly will discipline us like a loving father would (vs. 5-6). God uses trials and sufferings in our life to educate and discipline believers. They are evidence that He truly loves us. All of us are imperfect and need discipline and training. All true children of God are chastened at one time or another. No one likes to be disciplined because it requires a change in our behavior and attitude. Our deeply entrenched sinfulness and attitudes are dug out. It is painful and difficult.
How do we respond to discipline? Do we accept it with resignation, or with self-pity, thinking we don’t deserve it? Are we angry and resentful towards God? We need to accept it with gratitude to a loving Father. Cooperating with God when He corrects us helps to make us more like Him (vs. 11).
God is also like a dedicated, firm coach, who pushes the athlete to do their best, pushing on to victory. We must not allow circumstances to get the best of us. Endure, get our second wind, and continue the race (vs. 12-13). Run the race in Jesus’ strength, not our own, keeping our eyes fixed on Him.
Monday, August 19, 2019
When Leaders Will Give An Account
Psalm 82
Just about everyone would agree that it is good when a country’s political leaders and judges are good, honest, and upright men and women. When leading a country, sitting in congress or parliament, and making laws, we like to know that these are decent people doing so. If one has to go to court, we surely want to know that the man or woman in the long black robes behind the courtroom bench is honest, above reproach, and will give us justice. Our psalm for today is a plea for the rulers, leaders, and judges to give justice to the people.
One doesn’t have to watch or read the news too long to know that there are plenty of crooked politicians and leaders around. They seem pretty special when they are running for office. We rally around our favorite candidate, cheering every word they say, and cynically scoffing at what the other ones say. However, oftentimes once they’re elected, they quickly change. Our psalmist, Asaph, brings us the warnings that God has for these leaders here in this psalm.
As we read this psalm we read the words “God” and also “gods”. They are both the Hebrew word “elohim”, which can have several definitions. It can mean the word that we typically translate as God, referring to the one true God, Yahweh. Here in this psalm, when we see the word “God” with an uppercase G, in verses 1 and 8, it is referring to Yahweh. Another definition of the word “elohim” is “rulers”, “judges”, or “mighty ones”. That definition is also used in our psalm today, when we see the word “gods” with a lowercase g, found in verses 1 and 6.
Psalm 82 focuses on the injustices of tyranny. It pictures Yahweh standing in the middle of earthly leaders to whom He has given authority, and condemning their injustices. Yahweh is the great Judge and Ruler, presiding over lesser judges and rulers (vs. 1). The psalmist Asaph prays that God will take control of the affairs of the world. As Yahweh sits in judgement, He finds that the rulers on earth have been guilty of injustices over the people, particularly the poor, the needy, widows, and orphans (vs. 2-4). These leaders and judges are in “darkness” (vs. 5). They are in both intellectual ignorance and moral iniquity. When leaders rule unjustly, the divinely established moral order is undermined.
In verse 6, the word “gods” refers to the judges and leaders of Israel, who were to represent Yahweh before the people, and were to teach them His Word. They were to represent Him in executing good and righteous judgments. The Israelite leaders were to be agents of Yahweh’s revelations and will.
Jesus quoted verse 6 to defend His claim to being the Son of God (John 10:34-36). The Pharisees had said that Jesus was blaspheming when He used terminology referring to God as His Father, and He God’s Son. Jesus wished to show the Pharisees that He is the true Son of God, and to emphasize the privilege of receiving the Word of God. If God would, in His Word, call mere men “gods”, why was it blasphemous for Jesus, the true Son of God, to declare Himself equal with God? He is the Son of God in a unique, unparalleled relationship of oneness with the Father.
The message that Asaph would like us to learn from God’s Word is that those who have achieved the roles of leaders and judges of the people should use their positions to defend the people from injustice. Our leaders need to help the poor and defenseless. They should not become proud and arrogant, as they are only men, and will die like everyone else (vs. 7). On that day they will stand before Yahweh, the Judge of all, and give an account of what they did while in their exalted position. We all need to remember that, we too, will one day have to give an account to God for our lives, as well, for how we treat our fellow man.
Just about everyone would agree that it is good when a country’s political leaders and judges are good, honest, and upright men and women. When leading a country, sitting in congress or parliament, and making laws, we like to know that these are decent people doing so. If one has to go to court, we surely want to know that the man or woman in the long black robes behind the courtroom bench is honest, above reproach, and will give us justice. Our psalm for today is a plea for the rulers, leaders, and judges to give justice to the people.
One doesn’t have to watch or read the news too long to know that there are plenty of crooked politicians and leaders around. They seem pretty special when they are running for office. We rally around our favorite candidate, cheering every word they say, and cynically scoffing at what the other ones say. However, oftentimes once they’re elected, they quickly change. Our psalmist, Asaph, brings us the warnings that God has for these leaders here in this psalm.
As we read this psalm we read the words “God” and also “gods”. They are both the Hebrew word “elohim”, which can have several definitions. It can mean the word that we typically translate as God, referring to the one true God, Yahweh. Here in this psalm, when we see the word “God” with an uppercase G, in verses 1 and 8, it is referring to Yahweh. Another definition of the word “elohim” is “rulers”, “judges”, or “mighty ones”. That definition is also used in our psalm today, when we see the word “gods” with a lowercase g, found in verses 1 and 6.
Psalm 82 focuses on the injustices of tyranny. It pictures Yahweh standing in the middle of earthly leaders to whom He has given authority, and condemning their injustices. Yahweh is the great Judge and Ruler, presiding over lesser judges and rulers (vs. 1). The psalmist Asaph prays that God will take control of the affairs of the world. As Yahweh sits in judgement, He finds that the rulers on earth have been guilty of injustices over the people, particularly the poor, the needy, widows, and orphans (vs. 2-4). These leaders and judges are in “darkness” (vs. 5). They are in both intellectual ignorance and moral iniquity. When leaders rule unjustly, the divinely established moral order is undermined.
In verse 6, the word “gods” refers to the judges and leaders of Israel, who were to represent Yahweh before the people, and were to teach them His Word. They were to represent Him in executing good and righteous judgments. The Israelite leaders were to be agents of Yahweh’s revelations and will.
Jesus quoted verse 6 to defend His claim to being the Son of God (John 10:34-36). The Pharisees had said that Jesus was blaspheming when He used terminology referring to God as His Father, and He God’s Son. Jesus wished to show the Pharisees that He is the true Son of God, and to emphasize the privilege of receiving the Word of God. If God would, in His Word, call mere men “gods”, why was it blasphemous for Jesus, the true Son of God, to declare Himself equal with God? He is the Son of God in a unique, unparalleled relationship of oneness with the Father.
The message that Asaph would like us to learn from God’s Word is that those who have achieved the roles of leaders and judges of the people should use their positions to defend the people from injustice. Our leaders need to help the poor and defenseless. They should not become proud and arrogant, as they are only men, and will die like everyone else (vs. 7). On that day they will stand before Yahweh, the Judge of all, and give an account of what they did while in their exalted position. We all need to remember that, we too, will one day have to give an account to God for our lives, as well, for how we treat our fellow man.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
You Can't Hide From God
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Our Old Testament reading this week from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer takes us to the writings of the Prophet Jeremiah. This passage brings up two points for us to look at and consider, each one important.
When you were younger, did you like to play Hide and Seek with your playmates? Little children hide in places that are easily found, and as they grow older the places where they hide are more secretive. Hide and Seek isn’t just a child’s game. Adults play that game, as well. Not usually with other people, but instead, they sometimes play it with God. Only this time it’s not a game. Those who are trying to hide from God do not want to be found by Him. They don’t want their sins and weaknesses uncovered, and be forced to confront and acknowledge them. They don’t want God in their lives. Sometimes Christians try to hide from God, as well. Maybe they have fallen and failed Him, and are ashamed. Rather than come to Him for forgiveness, they try to hide, like a little child.
Jeremiah brings God’s message to those who are trying to hide from God (vs. 23-24). God tells us that there is no place where someone can hide from Him, whether on earth or anywhere in the universe. No one can hide from God. He sees all we do, and He hears all we say. We can’t hide anything from Him. This passage is reminiscent of Psalm 139:7-12. King David, who wrote that psalm, knew that we can’t hide from God. Perhaps he tried to after his sin with Bathsheba. However, he found that it is impossible. No matter where we go, God knows where we are, and He sees us. He is never too busy managing the universe that He has no time to be intimately concerned about each one of us individually.
The Prophet Jeremiah also had a word from the Lord to give to false prophets, preachers, and religious leaders (vs. 25-29). As he just finished saying, Jeremiah reminded those false preachers that the Lord knows them and hears all they say (vs. 25). False prophets and preachers did not only exist in the days of the Old Testament. There are many in this day, as well. They come speaking a message, claiming it is from God, but it is really a message from their own heart and mind. What does the Almighty God say about their message? He says that they are speaking lies (vs. 26). He calls their words the “deceit of their own heart”.
True preachers and teachers of God’s Word, and false preachers, whether they preach from the pulpit, teach or speak on TV or radio, are as different from each other as straw is from grain (vs. 28). Good grain is nourishing. Eating straw will only make a person sick. Christians have a great responsibility when they share the Gospel to present it truthfully and accurately. They must not take God’s Word out of context. Preachers who claim to come in the Name of God must not only say what their listeners want to hear, or what “seems appropriate” for the times. That was a big problem in Jeremiah’s day. Many of the prophets and religious leaders only spoke words that the people wanted to hear, not what God wanted the people to hear. Back then, as well as today, they only speak positive and uplifting messages that made people feel good, not about their sins and need for repentance. False preachers pretend to come in His Name, but don’t bring His message. God didn’t like it then, and He doesn’t like it now.
God warns us that His Word is like both a fire and a hammer (vs. 29). When the false religious teachers and leaders twist God’s Word for their own purposes, it will destroy them. That is what fire does when it is mishandled. Fire is good and useful when used correctly, but when someone uses it the wrong way, it brings destruction. God’s Word is also a hammer. A hammer is an important tool, but here God will use His Word to smash and destroy false teachings and those who bring them.
Let’s remember Jeremiah’s warning here, and be sure that when we speak to others the Word of God, we are speaking it in truth, and not our own message, remembering that nothing is hid from God.
Our Old Testament reading this week from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer takes us to the writings of the Prophet Jeremiah. This passage brings up two points for us to look at and consider, each one important.
When you were younger, did you like to play Hide and Seek with your playmates? Little children hide in places that are easily found, and as they grow older the places where they hide are more secretive. Hide and Seek isn’t just a child’s game. Adults play that game, as well. Not usually with other people, but instead, they sometimes play it with God. Only this time it’s not a game. Those who are trying to hide from God do not want to be found by Him. They don’t want their sins and weaknesses uncovered, and be forced to confront and acknowledge them. They don’t want God in their lives. Sometimes Christians try to hide from God, as well. Maybe they have fallen and failed Him, and are ashamed. Rather than come to Him for forgiveness, they try to hide, like a little child.
Jeremiah brings God’s message to those who are trying to hide from God (vs. 23-24). God tells us that there is no place where someone can hide from Him, whether on earth or anywhere in the universe. No one can hide from God. He sees all we do, and He hears all we say. We can’t hide anything from Him. This passage is reminiscent of Psalm 139:7-12. King David, who wrote that psalm, knew that we can’t hide from God. Perhaps he tried to after his sin with Bathsheba. However, he found that it is impossible. No matter where we go, God knows where we are, and He sees us. He is never too busy managing the universe that He has no time to be intimately concerned about each one of us individually.
The Prophet Jeremiah also had a word from the Lord to give to false prophets, preachers, and religious leaders (vs. 25-29). As he just finished saying, Jeremiah reminded those false preachers that the Lord knows them and hears all they say (vs. 25). False prophets and preachers did not only exist in the days of the Old Testament. There are many in this day, as well. They come speaking a message, claiming it is from God, but it is really a message from their own heart and mind. What does the Almighty God say about their message? He says that they are speaking lies (vs. 26). He calls their words the “deceit of their own heart”.
True preachers and teachers of God’s Word, and false preachers, whether they preach from the pulpit, teach or speak on TV or radio, are as different from each other as straw is from grain (vs. 28). Good grain is nourishing. Eating straw will only make a person sick. Christians have a great responsibility when they share the Gospel to present it truthfully and accurately. They must not take God’s Word out of context. Preachers who claim to come in the Name of God must not only say what their listeners want to hear, or what “seems appropriate” for the times. That was a big problem in Jeremiah’s day. Many of the prophets and religious leaders only spoke words that the people wanted to hear, not what God wanted the people to hear. Back then, as well as today, they only speak positive and uplifting messages that made people feel good, not about their sins and need for repentance. False preachers pretend to come in His Name, but don’t bring His message. God didn’t like it then, and He doesn’t like it now.
God warns us that His Word is like both a fire and a hammer (vs. 29). When the false religious teachers and leaders twist God’s Word for their own purposes, it will destroy them. That is what fire does when it is mishandled. Fire is good and useful when used correctly, but when someone uses it the wrong way, it brings destruction. God’s Word is also a hammer. A hammer is an important tool, but here God will use His Word to smash and destroy false teachings and those who bring them.
Let’s remember Jeremiah’s warning here, and be sure that when we speak to others the Word of God, we are speaking it in truth, and not our own message, remembering that nothing is hid from God.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Watching And Waiting
Luke 12:32-40
The concern of a possible thief breaking into one’s house is a real one for many people. No one wants to come home and find his home ransacked, and his valuables stolen. That is why selling home security systems is a big business. Twice in our brief passage today from the Gospel of Luke Jesus mentions thieves. The first time in respect to stealing one’s treasure, and the second in respect to being prepared and ready.
As Jesus is talking with His disciples and the crowds of people gathered around to His teachings, He teaches a lesson on treasures. Back in the 1980’s there was a television show, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, which showcased the extravagant houses, cars, and belongings of wealthy people. Big houses filled with expensive items, pricey cars, designer clothes, and more jewels than you’d see in a showcase at Tiffany’s. One of the effects of that TV show was making the viewers to wish they had such houses and belongings. However, Jesus warned us about seeking such treasures (vs. 33-34). Those houses will age and start to fall apart. Those cars will get rusty and also fall apart. Moths eat up fancy clothes just like they do cheap ones. Which house is more likely to be a target for thieves - one with a lot of valuables, or one without?
Jesus wants His followers to have a much different attitude towards wealth and treasures than the world does. Keeping their wealth and belongings safely within their grasp is many people’s goal. However, Jesus wants us to use our money for God’s purposes, not in seeing how much we can accumulate for ourselves. When God’s love touches our money we are storing up treasures in heaven. The safest place to put one’s treasure is a place where it can never be stolen by a thief, where it can never grow old or rusts away. There is no such place here on earth. The surest place to put one’s treasure is in heaven, not here on earth. Our heavenly treasures are safe from thieves or decay, for our security does not lie in material resources.
What we think about most, where we put our time, money, and our energy in is where our treasure is. What we talk about most, what we keep returning to in our minds reveals what is really in our heart (vs. 34). Jesus wants our treasure to be in His kingdom, not in things here on earth.
Jesus then continues in His teachings about being ready for when He will return (vs. 35-40). He gives two examples of the necessity of being ready - that of servants whose master is out, and a homeowner being ready if a thief should break in. Good servants are ready for the master when he returns, standing waiting at the door to open it for him, no matter what the hour. They will be rewarded (vs. 37). If the homeowner knew when the thief would break in, he would be ready to catch him, probably with the police there, as well. Jesus is teaching us to be ready for His return at all times, for we don’t know when it will happen. We don’t want to be caught off guard and unprepared. Jesus is coming again, and we need to be living productively for Him. He will bless those who are when He returns.
Who is the thief that is waiting to break into our lives and steal what we have, the one we need to be on guard for? Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that the devil, Satan, is the thief, and he comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. We need to be on our guard at all times against him and his attacks. Christians need to be vigilant at all times, both watchful against Satan’s attacks, and also looking for and ready for Jesus’ return. Christians who are ready for Jesus’ return are sincere, not hypocrites. They are ready to witness to others. They are not always worried, but trusting in God. They are generous, and diligent to do His work.
When Jesus opened this passage, He called His followers “little flock”, an endearing term (vs. 32). He is the Good Shepherd, who loves His flock, and is willing to lay down His life for them (John 10:11). When we remember His tender care and love for us, His little flock, we do not need to be anxious or worried. As a good shepherd, Jesus wants us to live in the safety and security of knowing that He loves us, and is with us wherever we go.
The concern of a possible thief breaking into one’s house is a real one for many people. No one wants to come home and find his home ransacked, and his valuables stolen. That is why selling home security systems is a big business. Twice in our brief passage today from the Gospel of Luke Jesus mentions thieves. The first time in respect to stealing one’s treasure, and the second in respect to being prepared and ready.
As Jesus is talking with His disciples and the crowds of people gathered around to His teachings, He teaches a lesson on treasures. Back in the 1980’s there was a television show, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, which showcased the extravagant houses, cars, and belongings of wealthy people. Big houses filled with expensive items, pricey cars, designer clothes, and more jewels than you’d see in a showcase at Tiffany’s. One of the effects of that TV show was making the viewers to wish they had such houses and belongings. However, Jesus warned us about seeking such treasures (vs. 33-34). Those houses will age and start to fall apart. Those cars will get rusty and also fall apart. Moths eat up fancy clothes just like they do cheap ones. Which house is more likely to be a target for thieves - one with a lot of valuables, or one without?
Jesus wants His followers to have a much different attitude towards wealth and treasures than the world does. Keeping their wealth and belongings safely within their grasp is many people’s goal. However, Jesus wants us to use our money for God’s purposes, not in seeing how much we can accumulate for ourselves. When God’s love touches our money we are storing up treasures in heaven. The safest place to put one’s treasure is a place where it can never be stolen by a thief, where it can never grow old or rusts away. There is no such place here on earth. The surest place to put one’s treasure is in heaven, not here on earth. Our heavenly treasures are safe from thieves or decay, for our security does not lie in material resources.
What we think about most, where we put our time, money, and our energy in is where our treasure is. What we talk about most, what we keep returning to in our minds reveals what is really in our heart (vs. 34). Jesus wants our treasure to be in His kingdom, not in things here on earth.
Jesus then continues in His teachings about being ready for when He will return (vs. 35-40). He gives two examples of the necessity of being ready - that of servants whose master is out, and a homeowner being ready if a thief should break in. Good servants are ready for the master when he returns, standing waiting at the door to open it for him, no matter what the hour. They will be rewarded (vs. 37). If the homeowner knew when the thief would break in, he would be ready to catch him, probably with the police there, as well. Jesus is teaching us to be ready for His return at all times, for we don’t know when it will happen. We don’t want to be caught off guard and unprepared. Jesus is coming again, and we need to be living productively for Him. He will bless those who are when He returns.
Who is the thief that is waiting to break into our lives and steal what we have, the one we need to be on guard for? Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that the devil, Satan, is the thief, and he comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. We need to be on our guard at all times against him and his attacks. Christians need to be vigilant at all times, both watchful against Satan’s attacks, and also looking for and ready for Jesus’ return. Christians who are ready for Jesus’ return are sincere, not hypocrites. They are ready to witness to others. They are not always worried, but trusting in God. They are generous, and diligent to do His work.
When Jesus opened this passage, He called His followers “little flock”, an endearing term (vs. 32). He is the Good Shepherd, who loves His flock, and is willing to lay down His life for them (John 10:11). When we remember His tender care and love for us, His little flock, we do not need to be anxious or worried. As a good shepherd, Jesus wants us to live in the safety and security of knowing that He loves us, and is with us wherever we go.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
What Kind Of Faith Do You Have?
Hebrews 11:1-6
Most of us have heard of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wikipedia lists hundreds of different Halls or Walks of Fame. One that is not listed is the one of Faith. The eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews has sometimes been called Faith’s Hall of Fame. In the opening few verses of this chapter, before the author lists several people who had shown great faith in their lives, he gives a brief description of what faith is. Let’s take a look at that.
In verse 1 our author gives a definition of faith. Faith is a solid conviction and assurance of a future reality, not based on physical evidence, but on divine assurance. For the most part we have faith in what certain people tell us, we have faith that the appliance we just bought will work when we plug it in, or the new car will start when we turn the ignition. We don’t give it a second thought. How about believing what God has said, even though we don’t actually see it right at this moment? That is faith. Our faith wavers when we apply human thinking to our circumstances, when we allow our feelings to overcome our faith. It fails when we fail to see God at work in our circumstances, when we have guilt over sin, and when we listen to the enemy, Satan’s lies.
How many times we read God’s promises in the Bible, we pray, but we don’t see anything happening? Some crisis happens in our lives, and we fear God has forgotten us, or question His love for us. True faith is finding certainty in uncertain territory. God, on the sunny, clear day is the same God in the foggy night. He is with us regardless of our circumstances. Faith is absolute conviction that God is both willing and able to accomplish all He has promised. Our faith is never in vain, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
Two words can describe faith - sure and certain. Faith believes God’s character - He is who He says He is. Faith believes in God’s promises - He will do what He says He will do. When we believe that God will fulfill His promises, even though we don’t see it yet, we show true faith.
In verse 6, our author tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. It is impossible to walk closely with Him. Genuine faith doesn’t just believe that a divine being exists. It believes in the God of the Bible, that He, alone, is the only real and true God. True faith also believes that He will reward people’s faith in Him because He promises to do so. It is not enough to just believe that God exists. Even demons do that (James 2:19). We must have a personal relationship with Jesus. We must believe and seek Him. Faith is a conviction that Jesus can, and a hope that He will. Faith believes God is real, that He is good, and will do what is right. We cannot serve God unless we both believe He exists, and that His plans for us are good. We must trust and obey.
Every miracle in the Bible came as a result of obedience. God told the people to step out in faith, and when they did, He provided what they needed at that time, whether it was healing or some type of deliverance. That is the key to a life of abundant joy in God. Faith is the inescapable condition of successful prayer. To pray in faith we have to truly believe that God is real, that he cares deeply about everything that concerns us, and is listening intently to everything we pray.
In the opening verses of this great chapter, before he goes on to describe many men and women of faith, the author gives the example of the brothers Cain and Abel (vs. 4). Both brothers knew what God required. Abel obeyed. Cain did not. Abel acted in faith, while Cain acted in unbelief. Abel’s faith made him righteous, not his offering. He had faith and was obedient. Cain did not have faith. Cain was just going through the motions of ritual in a disobedient manner, with no authentic faith. Faith was the missing factor in Cain’s sacrifice. True saving faith works in obedience to God. Do we have this type of faith?
Most of us have heard of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wikipedia lists hundreds of different Halls or Walks of Fame. One that is not listed is the one of Faith. The eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews has sometimes been called Faith’s Hall of Fame. In the opening few verses of this chapter, before the author lists several people who had shown great faith in their lives, he gives a brief description of what faith is. Let’s take a look at that.
In verse 1 our author gives a definition of faith. Faith is a solid conviction and assurance of a future reality, not based on physical evidence, but on divine assurance. For the most part we have faith in what certain people tell us, we have faith that the appliance we just bought will work when we plug it in, or the new car will start when we turn the ignition. We don’t give it a second thought. How about believing what God has said, even though we don’t actually see it right at this moment? That is faith. Our faith wavers when we apply human thinking to our circumstances, when we allow our feelings to overcome our faith. It fails when we fail to see God at work in our circumstances, when we have guilt over sin, and when we listen to the enemy, Satan’s lies.
How many times we read God’s promises in the Bible, we pray, but we don’t see anything happening? Some crisis happens in our lives, and we fear God has forgotten us, or question His love for us. True faith is finding certainty in uncertain territory. God, on the sunny, clear day is the same God in the foggy night. He is with us regardless of our circumstances. Faith is absolute conviction that God is both willing and able to accomplish all He has promised. Our faith is never in vain, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
Two words can describe faith - sure and certain. Faith believes God’s character - He is who He says He is. Faith believes in God’s promises - He will do what He says He will do. When we believe that God will fulfill His promises, even though we don’t see it yet, we show true faith.
In verse 6, our author tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. It is impossible to walk closely with Him. Genuine faith doesn’t just believe that a divine being exists. It believes in the God of the Bible, that He, alone, is the only real and true God. True faith also believes that He will reward people’s faith in Him because He promises to do so. It is not enough to just believe that God exists. Even demons do that (James 2:19). We must have a personal relationship with Jesus. We must believe and seek Him. Faith is a conviction that Jesus can, and a hope that He will. Faith believes God is real, that He is good, and will do what is right. We cannot serve God unless we both believe He exists, and that His plans for us are good. We must trust and obey.
Every miracle in the Bible came as a result of obedience. God told the people to step out in faith, and when they did, He provided what they needed at that time, whether it was healing or some type of deliverance. That is the key to a life of abundant joy in God. Faith is the inescapable condition of successful prayer. To pray in faith we have to truly believe that God is real, that he cares deeply about everything that concerns us, and is listening intently to everything we pray.
In the opening verses of this great chapter, before he goes on to describe many men and women of faith, the author gives the example of the brothers Cain and Abel (vs. 4). Both brothers knew what God required. Abel obeyed. Cain did not. Abel acted in faith, while Cain acted in unbelief. Abel’s faith made him righteous, not his offering. He had faith and was obedient. Cain did not have faith. Cain was just going through the motions of ritual in a disobedient manner, with no authentic faith. Faith was the missing factor in Cain’s sacrifice. True saving faith works in obedience to God. Do we have this type of faith?
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