The question surrounding the divinity of Yeshua (Jesus) has been with us for some time. Something like 2000 years. Theological disciplines have researched and categorized verses throughout the Gospel accounts and the rest of the New Testament. The Old Testament has been dissected as well, sometimes giving us valuable insight and other times giving us fanciful interpretations that would never have been seen by the author or the original readers. Theologians already know what they believe so there must be abundant evidence there to support their view. In the process we find creative twisting of passages to support preconceived ideas. Many also ignore the cultural and historic context as well as the intent of the original author and how their original audience would have understood the text. We do so at our peril, for there are times we distort the message and other times we miss valuable truth.
I attended a Christian Liberal Arts College to study Psychology and Counseling. I was also required to take basic Bible classes which grew into a minor in theology. In the process I took a class called Intro to New Testament and then one called Christology. Being a fairly new follower of Messiah the classes were both challenging and somewhat intriguing. They were also pretty narrow in their traditions. I learned all the standard verses about the deity of Christ, (John 1:1, John 10:30, and John 20:28, Matt. 17, and Matt. 16:16). I was also told that there were four Gospel accounts to give four pictures of Jesus. Mathew as king, Mark as servant, Luke as man, and John as divine. It is a nice Western way to categorize and compartmentalize truth while somewhat ignoring the context and message contained therein.
I believe that Yeshua, our Messiah was divine. I believe that the scriptures cited above help support that truth. But in my study of the Sabbath I discovered that we may have turned the messages of the Gospels a bit upside down. To begin, it seems that it would be good to see how Yeshua responded when asked the question if He was the Son of God, if He was divine. Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62 and Luke 22:69 record that Messiah answered, as He often did, by quoting Scripture. The passage He quotes is a bit surprising. We miss the impact if we do not know the discussion among the rabbis of the time. Yeshua goes to Daniel 7.
Daniel Boyarin documents the ongoing discussion among the rabbis that surrounds the time when Yeshua was engaged in His ministry. According to Boyarin many rabbis raised provocative questions concerning Daniel 7:13-14. The text reads, "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him
dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and
languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom which shall not be destroyed." These rabbis concluded that the passage was in reference to Messiah, and most would agree. Yet there were many who saw that this everlasting authority must mean that Messiah was somehow divine. No mere man would be so anointed by Yahweh to to hold this eternal power and position. The Priests and the religious rulers questioning Yeshua saw His reference as the "Son of Man" to be a claim to divinity not just as Messiah. That is why there is the follow-up question "Are you the Son of God?" Yeshua's confirmation leads to the tearing of their garments and cry of "blasphemy!" Yeshua claims that Daniel 7:13-14 refers to Him. He is the One who will come in the clouds and be given an eternal kingdom and authority by God Himself. He will rule over the kingdom of God forever. Thus He is divine.
There are rabbinic records confirming Boyarin's research. Through this historic lens we learn a number of things. First, Yeshua was proclaiming and affirming His deity throughout His ministry, not just in John. It also explains the strong reaction of the Pharisees to Yeshua recorded in Mark 2. The first comes with the healing of the paralytic. Yeshua tells the man his sins are forgiven, the Pharisees claim Yeshua is guilty of blasphemy for only God can forgive sins. Yeshua responds, "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10). Yeshua claims that, as the Son of Man, He has authority to forgive sin. He is claiming to be God, claiming to be divine.
Mark's next event concerns the Sabbath as Yeshua's followers, in compliance with Deut. 23:25 ("When you come into your
neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but
you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain"), are plucking heads of grain and eating them. The Pharisees claim that they are violating Sabbath regulations concerning work. Yeshua responds that "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath”(Mark 2:27-28). The Son of Man has authority to declare what the Sabbath is, for He is Lord, master, ruler over the Sabbath. Only God has this authority. Yeshua is claiming divine authority concerning the Sabbath. A commandment given to Moses by Yahweh, Himself. Yeshua is claiming the same authority as God. So it seems that Yeshua, Messiah claims that He is divine throughout Matthew, Mark and Luke. There is much more evidence that Yeshua, Jesus, claimed that He was divine than we might have imagined. Each time He declares or describes Himself as the Son of Man He was proclaiming His divinity. And the religious leaders understood His claim.
The "Son of Man" title that Yeshua uses throughout His ministry would have been in agreement with the arguments of the rabbis, drawn from Daniel 7. It would have been a constant jab at the Pharisees, Priests, Sadducees, and other rabbis who disagreed with this understanding of Daniel 7. If we are not aware of the theological controversy percolating among the Jewish scholars in the time of Yeshua's earthly ministry we miss both His claim and the reason for the growing irritation of the Jewish religious leaders. Yeshua, this nobody rabbi from Nazareth, was doing miracles, teaching to the poor and the masses. He was claiming divine power and authority. He was claiming to be Daniel's divine Messiah who will rule over the kingdom of God forever and ever. Maybe we need to take a closer look at the Gospel records and see the "Son of Man" in a different light? Divinity on display on almost every page.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Do We Really Want Our Daily Bread?
"Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11).
A part of a prayer that Messiah taught when His disciples asked Him how to pray. Most of us do not want daily bread. We much prefer weekly bread or twelve baskets of left overs. Daily bread is an uneasy, even scary existence. We want to know that we have enough to last for a while. Many tell us it is best to have a year's worth of income and even food set aside so that we can live between jobs or through some earthly catastrophe. I am old enough to remember my dad's plans for a bomb shelter in case the Russians dropped "the big one". We never actually built one, but our neighbor did. A hole to crawl into and survive for a year until the radiation subsided. It is true that the Word of God tells us to be prepared. Luke 14:28-32 reminds us to count the cost, to not begin building if we cannot finish the project or for a king to negotiate peace when he is vastly outnumbered. We are told to be good stewards and to plan. Yet, that is not to be the motivation for our lives. Looking forward to having enough money to stop working and live a life of ease and a bit of self indulgence is hard to find in Scripture. You will not find a positive example of anyone who banks his resources so he can live a life of ease. Actually the man with the big barns tells us otherwise (see Luke 12: 15-21).
It is indeed a good thing to plan, to "count the cost". However, God seems to be more concerned with us living in the world of "daily bread". Messiah reminds us , "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). We are to live for each day. It is not that we do not plan, but that our plans for the future should not cloud the reality of living for today. Jeremiah says, God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). God does not give us mercies to store or hoard for times when they are needed; we get a fresh supply every morning, because we need His mercy all the time. We can count upon God's mercies for they will never fail, they will never be in short supply for those who love Him. Our culture drives us to look toward the future rather than living for today. So we sacrifice today to take the promotion, to earn more money, to have more security in the future, at the cost of today. Then we live in the big house all alone. The time we sacrificed with those who needed us has reaped its reward. They have grown up, grown apart and moved away. We give up our daily bread for bigger barns only to find the cost was more than we intended.
The children of God had not listened. They had given into fear and not trusted God to take them into the promised land. A generation would die because they could not trust God in the moment of decision. The giants won without a battle. Now a new generation must learn to trust so when their moment came they would not fail, they would be able to trust the Lord their God for great things. So God devised a plan to teach them. He called it "manna". It was God's mercy, new every morning. It was their "daily bread". It was a lesson to teach them of their dependence upon the Lord day by day. They had to learn to live in the moment as they prepared for the future. Each day in the wilderness was a reminder that life was more than collecting possessions. No, life was to be lived day by day.
Our lives are not really lost in big pieces but moment by moment. I have yet to meet anyone at the end of their years who wished he had spent more time away from his children and his wife to pursue his career rather than the little league game or ballet recital. Or anyone who regretted having not vacuumed or dusted or chased after job titles and community events rather than reading "One Fish Two Fish" one more time. And now, as the nest grows empty, we realize that, in our quest for tomorrow we offered up today on the altar of our own desires. We try to somehow hoard our daily bread, to save today's supply for another day. We find, as the Israelites did, that what we thought we saved has turned rotten and reeks of the decay of lost opportunities and lost relationships. We need to learn the lesson of daily bread.
In evangelical circles we look forward to "heaven", even though that is not our eternal destination. We plan for retirement and wait for God to make things better and new. We cannot wait for our new bodies, free from the aches and pains from passing years. We look forward to the time when God will set things right and justice will prevail. We endure today with a hope for tomorrow. We long for the bread of the future and miss our daily bread. Yeshua said He was the Bread of heaven. He is my daily supply for life on this planet here and now. He provides my daily need for mercy and for life. He provides for my future as well, but not at the expense of the moment. He wants me to learn the lesson He taught His people in the wilderness. "You have to depend on Me every day." "I will provide what you need for the moment." "You must walk in dependence." "You may need to sacrifice what you thought was your future to live for today." " Relationship with Me and the ones I have called you to love is your daily bread." "Your daily responsibility must begin with being nourished with the Bread from heaven to get you through just one more day." However, to be honest, I often focus on tomorrow's needed bread. I need to learn to plan for a future but live in the moment, for that is where my Messiah is.
I write this while enjoying some time with my family on the outer beaches of North Carolina. It has been a yearly place of retreat and refreshment. It holds twenty-three years of memories from tiny footprints in the sand to quiet morning walks on the beach with my children as they moved toward adulthood. They are treasured times that are harder to come by. I have the joy of my eldest and my youngest joining me here. I had hoped my "middlest" child could come as well. She could not get time off from work. I suggested that she could tell them that she had received a call from her parents saying that they did not know how much longer her father would live and they would likely give her the time off. It is true. Even though I am active, healthy, riding my bike about ten miles a day and exercising. Oh, and all those numbers my doctor watches are fine so I am told I am in great health "for my age". Even so, life is uncertain. I do not know how much longer I will live. And neither do you. (I should note that my daughter is in NY at work. We did not carry out the ruse. Nor am I suggesting this as a means for you to get time away from your responsibilities.) All I need is my "daily bread". That is what I am told to pray for. That comes with promised daily mercy and the privilege of not only enjoying the "Bread from Heaven" in the morning but moment by moment throughout my day.
Daily bread is really a moment by moment life in dependence upon the Giver of life. Yes, it is wise to plan for the future, but never at the expense of the present. Never at the expense of the moment. "Give us this day our daily bread". Are we really satisfied with our Daily Bread? Is a life of dependence really our desire? Is the Bread from Heaven enough for today or are you trying to store up manna for the future while you sacrifice today? Ask the Israelites how well that worked and get back to me.
A part of a prayer that Messiah taught when His disciples asked Him how to pray. Most of us do not want daily bread. We much prefer weekly bread or twelve baskets of left overs. Daily bread is an uneasy, even scary existence. We want to know that we have enough to last for a while. Many tell us it is best to have a year's worth of income and even food set aside so that we can live between jobs or through some earthly catastrophe. I am old enough to remember my dad's plans for a bomb shelter in case the Russians dropped "the big one". We never actually built one, but our neighbor did. A hole to crawl into and survive for a year until the radiation subsided. It is true that the Word of God tells us to be prepared. Luke 14:28-32 reminds us to count the cost, to not begin building if we cannot finish the project or for a king to negotiate peace when he is vastly outnumbered. We are told to be good stewards and to plan. Yet, that is not to be the motivation for our lives. Looking forward to having enough money to stop working and live a life of ease and a bit of self indulgence is hard to find in Scripture. You will not find a positive example of anyone who banks his resources so he can live a life of ease. Actually the man with the big barns tells us otherwise (see Luke 12: 15-21).
It is indeed a good thing to plan, to "count the cost". However, God seems to be more concerned with us living in the world of "daily bread". Messiah reminds us , "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). We are to live for each day. It is not that we do not plan, but that our plans for the future should not cloud the reality of living for today. Jeremiah says, God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). God does not give us mercies to store or hoard for times when they are needed; we get a fresh supply every morning, because we need His mercy all the time. We can count upon God's mercies for they will never fail, they will never be in short supply for those who love Him. Our culture drives us to look toward the future rather than living for today. So we sacrifice today to take the promotion, to earn more money, to have more security in the future, at the cost of today. Then we live in the big house all alone. The time we sacrificed with those who needed us has reaped its reward. They have grown up, grown apart and moved away. We give up our daily bread for bigger barns only to find the cost was more than we intended.
The children of God had not listened. They had given into fear and not trusted God to take them into the promised land. A generation would die because they could not trust God in the moment of decision. The giants won without a battle. Now a new generation must learn to trust so when their moment came they would not fail, they would be able to trust the Lord their God for great things. So God devised a plan to teach them. He called it "manna". It was God's mercy, new every morning. It was their "daily bread". It was a lesson to teach them of their dependence upon the Lord day by day. They had to learn to live in the moment as they prepared for the future. Each day in the wilderness was a reminder that life was more than collecting possessions. No, life was to be lived day by day.
Our lives are not really lost in big pieces but moment by moment. I have yet to meet anyone at the end of their years who wished he had spent more time away from his children and his wife to pursue his career rather than the little league game or ballet recital. Or anyone who regretted having not vacuumed or dusted or chased after job titles and community events rather than reading "One Fish Two Fish" one more time. And now, as the nest grows empty, we realize that, in our quest for tomorrow we offered up today on the altar of our own desires. We try to somehow hoard our daily bread, to save today's supply for another day. We find, as the Israelites did, that what we thought we saved has turned rotten and reeks of the decay of lost opportunities and lost relationships. We need to learn the lesson of daily bread.
In evangelical circles we look forward to "heaven", even though that is not our eternal destination. We plan for retirement and wait for God to make things better and new. We cannot wait for our new bodies, free from the aches and pains from passing years. We look forward to the time when God will set things right and justice will prevail. We endure today with a hope for tomorrow. We long for the bread of the future and miss our daily bread. Yeshua said He was the Bread of heaven. He is my daily supply for life on this planet here and now. He provides my daily need for mercy and for life. He provides for my future as well, but not at the expense of the moment. He wants me to learn the lesson He taught His people in the wilderness. "You have to depend on Me every day." "I will provide what you need for the moment." "You must walk in dependence." "You may need to sacrifice what you thought was your future to live for today." " Relationship with Me and the ones I have called you to love is your daily bread." "Your daily responsibility must begin with being nourished with the Bread from heaven to get you through just one more day." However, to be honest, I often focus on tomorrow's needed bread. I need to learn to plan for a future but live in the moment, for that is where my Messiah is.
I write this while enjoying some time with my family on the outer beaches of North Carolina. It has been a yearly place of retreat and refreshment. It holds twenty-three years of memories from tiny footprints in the sand to quiet morning walks on the beach with my children as they moved toward adulthood. They are treasured times that are harder to come by. I have the joy of my eldest and my youngest joining me here. I had hoped my "middlest" child could come as well. She could not get time off from work. I suggested that she could tell them that she had received a call from her parents saying that they did not know how much longer her father would live and they would likely give her the time off. It is true. Even though I am active, healthy, riding my bike about ten miles a day and exercising. Oh, and all those numbers my doctor watches are fine so I am told I am in great health "for my age". Even so, life is uncertain. I do not know how much longer I will live. And neither do you. (I should note that my daughter is in NY at work. We did not carry out the ruse. Nor am I suggesting this as a means for you to get time away from your responsibilities.) All I need is my "daily bread". That is what I am told to pray for. That comes with promised daily mercy and the privilege of not only enjoying the "Bread from Heaven" in the morning but moment by moment throughout my day.
Daily bread is really a moment by moment life in dependence upon the Giver of life. Yes, it is wise to plan for the future, but never at the expense of the present. Never at the expense of the moment. "Give us this day our daily bread". Are we really satisfied with our Daily Bread? Is a life of dependence really our desire? Is the Bread from Heaven enough for today or are you trying to store up manna for the future while you sacrifice today? Ask the Israelites how well that worked and get back to me.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Choose or Chewed, Its Your Choice
As Joshua came to the end of his life he reflected upon all the Lord had done in giving His people the promised land. The land had been conquered with few defeats and God, time and again, had delivered them. With this as a background Joshua comes to God's people and brings this challenge, "And
if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye
will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh 24:15). Whom will you serve? The question is still valid today. Every day we are faced with multiple choices. The ones we make hold consequences. I have been around long enough to see both good and bad choices made in people's lives. The amazing thing to me is how many followers of Messiah choose to live lives under a dark cloud rather than in the illumination and warmth of the light of His Word by the power of His Spirit. They choose to give over their lives to the power of others rather than choosing the power of the Lord.
I am not speaking of those believers in China or North Korea or some Islamic stronghold. Those physically oppressed by ruthless dictators seldom have a choice as to where they are. Yet, many still choose to serve the Lord, even at the expense of their own lives. In the midst of great persecution they know the Lord's freedom. The greater tragedy, to me, is for those who live in the land of the free but choose self imposed oppression. They deny the power of God and live in emotional and spiritual servitude to masters of their own choosing. Their liberty is slowly chewed away as they serve other gods instead of Yahweh.
Their chosen bondage is that of an emotional reaction to those they have chosen to serve. They either do not see it or, in many cases, willingly choose to live under oppression. It may be a lack of understanding, however, it is often pride that holds them there. Sometimes for a moment or two, sometimes for a lifetime. For example, you are driving to work and some moron cuts you off. You choose to react with a touch of your horn. They choose to make an unwelcome gesture to you. You choose to be more irritated, perhaps a little angry. You get to work and someone notices your foul mood and asks why it is so. You explain, "This idiot cut me off, I chose to get irritated, then I chose to dwell on the incident all the way to work. I chose to relive it in my mind several times. I chose to think poorly of the other driver. I then chose to let it ruin the rest of my drive and chose to let them hold me captive with this crummy attitude I now choose to hold. And because of this I now choose to make your day a little worse and perhaps prompt you to choose to think of times of irritation of your own so we both can choose to be held captive by things we could choose to ignore or simply let go. I choose to let bits of my life be chewed away by empowering others to ruin my day." I have chosen to serve other gods, how wise is that?
I have listened and counseled folks for a lot of years and one of the saddest things to hear is, "They make me angry, they frustrate me, or they disappoint me." All these statements are how we feel. but they are also choices we make to empower others to take away our freedom and serve them. We choose to get angry even though Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." So we could have chosen to use soft words but we chose to be angry. Choosing to hold on to disappointment and frustration leads to bitterness even though Hebrews 12:25 tells us, "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." We choose the root of bitterness and we are defiled and yes, we invite others to partake in our bitterness and disappointment and thus defile many. Being wounded and betrayed is a reality that we all will face. What we choose to do with it is up to us. In Ephesians 4:32, God tells us, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." We say we forgive but we choose to cling to the offense and see our spouse through a grid of distrust so they will never do enough, say enough, repent enough, grovel enough for us to let it go and accept them. We choose to not be kind or tenderhearted, we honestly have chosen not to forgive. In all these instances we have made the choice to let others control us. To let others rule or emotional and spiritual well being. The world proclaims that we have rights. We have a right to hold an offense, we have a right to be angry, we have a right to punish another or remind them of their short comings. To make a list of their continued offenses. So we relive the past over and over again. In so doing we deny the power of God. We have chosen to let them be god in place of Yahweh.
When an offense is held onto it is soon a matter of pride. We were unjustly treated or wounded and so was our pride. So we cannot move on. The world applauds and extols our determination to make the other pay for their transgression. However we need to remember, "God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble." So says 1 Peter 5:5 and James 4:6 among others. Pride silently, sometimes unknowingly, chews away at our souls as we cling to an offense, we are just too proud to admit it. And if Peter and James are correct God now resists you. Good luck with that. Not your best choice. For every offense, disappointment, betrayal, irritation, and unkind word there is a scripture that tells us how to respond rather than react. There is a choice to be made. We can either choose to respond in agreement with the Word of God or let the chewing begin to damage our soul. Why would anyone what to seed power to another to control them spiritually and emotionally, to choose to let them become our master? It really is your choice.
I am not speaking of those believers in China or North Korea or some Islamic stronghold. Those physically oppressed by ruthless dictators seldom have a choice as to where they are. Yet, many still choose to serve the Lord, even at the expense of their own lives. In the midst of great persecution they know the Lord's freedom. The greater tragedy, to me, is for those who live in the land of the free but choose self imposed oppression. They deny the power of God and live in emotional and spiritual servitude to masters of their own choosing. Their liberty is slowly chewed away as they serve other gods instead of Yahweh.
Their chosen bondage is that of an emotional reaction to those they have chosen to serve. They either do not see it or, in many cases, willingly choose to live under oppression. It may be a lack of understanding, however, it is often pride that holds them there. Sometimes for a moment or two, sometimes for a lifetime. For example, you are driving to work and some moron cuts you off. You choose to react with a touch of your horn. They choose to make an unwelcome gesture to you. You choose to be more irritated, perhaps a little angry. You get to work and someone notices your foul mood and asks why it is so. You explain, "This idiot cut me off, I chose to get irritated, then I chose to dwell on the incident all the way to work. I chose to relive it in my mind several times. I chose to think poorly of the other driver. I then chose to let it ruin the rest of my drive and chose to let them hold me captive with this crummy attitude I now choose to hold. And because of this I now choose to make your day a little worse and perhaps prompt you to choose to think of times of irritation of your own so we both can choose to be held captive by things we could choose to ignore or simply let go. I choose to let bits of my life be chewed away by empowering others to ruin my day." I have chosen to serve other gods, how wise is that?
I have listened and counseled folks for a lot of years and one of the saddest things to hear is, "They make me angry, they frustrate me, or they disappoint me." All these statements are how we feel. but they are also choices we make to empower others to take away our freedom and serve them. We choose to get angry even though Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." So we could have chosen to use soft words but we chose to be angry. Choosing to hold on to disappointment and frustration leads to bitterness even though Hebrews 12:25 tells us, "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." We choose the root of bitterness and we are defiled and yes, we invite others to partake in our bitterness and disappointment and thus defile many. Being wounded and betrayed is a reality that we all will face. What we choose to do with it is up to us. In Ephesians 4:32, God tells us, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." We say we forgive but we choose to cling to the offense and see our spouse through a grid of distrust so they will never do enough, say enough, repent enough, grovel enough for us to let it go and accept them. We choose to not be kind or tenderhearted, we honestly have chosen not to forgive. In all these instances we have made the choice to let others control us. To let others rule or emotional and spiritual well being. The world proclaims that we have rights. We have a right to hold an offense, we have a right to be angry, we have a right to punish another or remind them of their short comings. To make a list of their continued offenses. So we relive the past over and over again. In so doing we deny the power of God. We have chosen to let them be god in place of Yahweh.
When an offense is held onto it is soon a matter of pride. We were unjustly treated or wounded and so was our pride. So we cannot move on. The world applauds and extols our determination to make the other pay for their transgression. However we need to remember, "God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble." So says 1 Peter 5:5 and James 4:6 among others. Pride silently, sometimes unknowingly, chews away at our souls as we cling to an offense, we are just too proud to admit it. And if Peter and James are correct God now resists you. Good luck with that. Not your best choice. For every offense, disappointment, betrayal, irritation, and unkind word there is a scripture that tells us how to respond rather than react. There is a choice to be made. We can either choose to respond in agreement with the Word of God or let the chewing begin to damage our soul. Why would anyone what to seed power to another to control them spiritually and emotionally, to choose to let them become our master? It really is your choice.
"But, you do not understand the depth of the hurt, the cutting wounds of betrayal, the harshness of the words." Perhaps not, though I have had my share. However, I do know two things. I have observed what happens to those who choose to allow their reactions to others to chew away their lives. And I do know this is not to be so. We have to choose another god to live that way. For the God of Joshua, "has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). This God sets us free and empowers us to think and respond in a way that releases us, if we choose to accept it. The God of Joshua is the Spirit who lives in us and produces fruit through us. Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." We have the Spirit of God to respond with His Fruit. If the fruit of God's Spirit is missing in how we respond to what others say and do then what god are we choosing to serve? If these aspects of the Spirit's Fruit are absent in your life it is not His fault. They are there waiting to blossom, could it be choosing to hold on to some offense has shriveled the Spirit's fruit?
Now, don't misunderstand, I am not saying we stay in dangerous situations. David shows us that you can forgive and continue to love and honor someone, while removing yourself from danger. That is his example with Saul. David chose to continue to love and honor Saul while removing himself from Saul's determination to kill him. However, David never chose to let anger, disappointment, betrayal, irritation or anything else control him. No, he chose to allow the Spirit of God to handle it. He chose to let the Spirit's fruit rule rather than his own emotion or pride.
Every day we have choices to make. Every relationship, be it marriage, children, friends, other drivers, co-workers, bosses, or the officer who asks to see your license, is an opportunity to choose who you will serve. To choose to have your life chewed away or to choose the freedom God has provided. The choice is yours. His power is available to you, actually resting in you by His Spirit. Joshua's option is still on the table. "Choose this day whom you will serve". Who will you choose?
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
I Don't Want to be a Disciple or the Land of No-Bean Caffeine
As our Lord's earthly ministry came to a close He left this command."As you are going make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo I am with you even to the end of the age" (Mt 28:19-20). The word is a present participle so making disciples is an ongoing command, an an ongoing process. In other words, as we live out our lives we are to be making disciples. No matter where you go and whatever you do you should be involved in the discipleship process.
It is reasonable to assume that to make disciples you need to first to be a disciple.
The words translated disciple, in both the Hebrew and the Greek, indicate one who is a learner, a student, one who is taught by teacher even a master. It comes with the expectation that the student will emulate the teacher. Discipleship describes the disciplined life of a follower. You cannot be a casual follower and claim to be a disciple. "Then Jesus said to His disciples,'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mt 16:24). Self denial and death to self are Yeshua's requirements for discipleship.
I know this. I have known this for a long time. Following the Savior takes discipline and requires me to live a disciplined life. Much of the time I do not do too badly, at least in the bigger things. However, in the nitty grittey areas of life I don't really want to be a disciple. I know that if I get up and hit the gym early I just have a better, more productive day. A disciplined person would go to the gym, and I do, sometimes. Sugar is bad for me. It adds weight and bothers my sciatic nerve. Caffeine has a similar effect. So a disciplined person would avoid the call of the "no bean caffeine" beverages that are saturated with sugar. I rationalize succumbing to the call of the carbonated dispenser as the bottled water is $1.50 and the 44 oz plastic mug is only $.99. And if I bring back the glass it is only $.49! A good steward of the finances God has given should go with the "no bean caffeine" every time. Right? Sigh. To be honest these are just a couple of the things highlighting my lack of discipline. Believe it or not, I still get irritated with slow drivers on 17M and fast drivers on Greycourt Road. I want to tell those people with fifty items in the ten item line how impolite and annoying they are. I don't even want to get started on the list of people with undisciplined children or those who "graze" as they walk through the produce areas sampling the grapes and strawberries as they go.
One of the first verses I memorized, over forty years ago, was Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law." I encourage others to add this to their memory as well. A disciple of Yeshua, indwelt by the Spirit of God should display the Spirit's fruit. Right? So why do I act unloving, get impatient, lack joy, and choose to ignore the other aspects of the Spirit's fruit? This is not the mark of a disciplined follower. I do not think I am alone. but that offers little comfort. I don't like denying myself or dying to myself and submitting to the Master and His teachings. Well, you know, nobody's perfect. Like that really is the acceptable answer. The "prone to wander" discipleship program can't be found in God's Word. I am so grateful for grace. However, that cannot be a life's excuse for lack of discipline. The concept of a lifetime of being a disciplined disciple of Messiah is a bit imposing. It is more than I want to consider today. Yet, I know that life is in Him alone. It was Yeshua who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me" (Jn 14:6). I need to follow His way and obey His truth if I want life. No real discipline, no real life.
The wonderful truth about the Lord is that He knows I am but dust. I am fallen and in need of revival. He gives me strength day by day. He empowers me to avoid the land of "no bean caffeine" if I will listen. The issue for me is that the lack of discipline in the simple areas erodes the bigger things in my life. life often isn't lost in big chunks but in those little moments of indiscipline. However it can also be revived in the moment to moment fellowship through obedience to the Lord. In the moment He can rescue me from the land of "no bean caffeine" and give me self control. I really do want to be His disciple. I do want to live a disciplined life ................ well, much of the time. I suppose I will always battle the subtle call to the land of "no bean caffeine". However He assures me that will not always be the case. I take comfort in Philippians 1:6, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." He has not given up on me so I guess I just need to walk away from the carbonation dispenser and fill my 44oz mug with water. Discipleship takes a lifetime. How goes your journey?
It is reasonable to assume that to make disciples you need to first to be a disciple.
The words translated disciple, in both the Hebrew and the Greek, indicate one who is a learner, a student, one who is taught by teacher even a master. It comes with the expectation that the student will emulate the teacher. Discipleship describes the disciplined life of a follower. You cannot be a casual follower and claim to be a disciple. "Then Jesus said to His disciples,'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mt 16:24). Self denial and death to self are Yeshua's requirements for discipleship.
I know this. I have known this for a long time. Following the Savior takes discipline and requires me to live a disciplined life. Much of the time I do not do too badly, at least in the bigger things. However, in the nitty grittey areas of life I don't really want to be a disciple. I know that if I get up and hit the gym early I just have a better, more productive day. A disciplined person would go to the gym, and I do, sometimes. Sugar is bad for me. It adds weight and bothers my sciatic nerve. Caffeine has a similar effect. So a disciplined person would avoid the call of the "no bean caffeine" beverages that are saturated with sugar. I rationalize succumbing to the call of the carbonated dispenser as the bottled water is $1.50 and the 44 oz plastic mug is only $.99. And if I bring back the glass it is only $.49! A good steward of the finances God has given should go with the "no bean caffeine" every time. Right? Sigh. To be honest these are just a couple of the things highlighting my lack of discipline. Believe it or not, I still get irritated with slow drivers on 17M and fast drivers on Greycourt Road. I want to tell those people with fifty items in the ten item line how impolite and annoying they are. I don't even want to get started on the list of people with undisciplined children or those who "graze" as they walk through the produce areas sampling the grapes and strawberries as they go.
One of the first verses I memorized, over forty years ago, was Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law." I encourage others to add this to their memory as well. A disciple of Yeshua, indwelt by the Spirit of God should display the Spirit's fruit. Right? So why do I act unloving, get impatient, lack joy, and choose to ignore the other aspects of the Spirit's fruit? This is not the mark of a disciplined follower. I do not think I am alone. but that offers little comfort. I don't like denying myself or dying to myself and submitting to the Master and His teachings. Well, you know, nobody's perfect. Like that really is the acceptable answer. The "prone to wander" discipleship program can't be found in God's Word. I am so grateful for grace. However, that cannot be a life's excuse for lack of discipline. The concept of a lifetime of being a disciplined disciple of Messiah is a bit imposing. It is more than I want to consider today. Yet, I know that life is in Him alone. It was Yeshua who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me" (Jn 14:6). I need to follow His way and obey His truth if I want life. No real discipline, no real life.
The wonderful truth about the Lord is that He knows I am but dust. I am fallen and in need of revival. He gives me strength day by day. He empowers me to avoid the land of "no bean caffeine" if I will listen. The issue for me is that the lack of discipline in the simple areas erodes the bigger things in my life. life often isn't lost in big chunks but in those little moments of indiscipline. However it can also be revived in the moment to moment fellowship through obedience to the Lord. In the moment He can rescue me from the land of "no bean caffeine" and give me self control. I really do want to be His disciple. I do want to live a disciplined life ................ well, much of the time. I suppose I will always battle the subtle call to the land of "no bean caffeine". However He assures me that will not always be the case. I take comfort in Philippians 1:6, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." He has not given up on me so I guess I just need to walk away from the carbonation dispenser and fill my 44oz mug with water. Discipleship takes a lifetime. How goes your journey?
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Got Joy? or What, Me Worry?
Got joy? Joy can be a bit hard to grasp and is often misunderstood. Even the translators of the Biblical text are not sure how to express the word. Is it happiness or contentment or some euphoric feeling that comes from the Spirit's presence? Joy is an important element in our relationship with the Lord and with our walk with Him. It should be evident in our lives. After all if you have a personal relationship with the God of the universe and His Son, who gives you abundant eternal life, there is reason to be joyful. Yet for many believers it remains a bit of a mystery and perhaps a little illusive. Yet, I am convinced that Yahweh wants me to experience a joy filled life. So what do we do when we find ourselves feeling pretty joyless? Well, if we look at a few Scriptures we can learn a few things about Joy and even the cure for Joylessness.
I Peter 1:8 says, "And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory". It Seems even Peter has a little problem with joy. For he says that those who believe are to rejoice or express joy that cannot be expressed. Is that really helpful? To express the inexpressible? Joy is to be apart of who we are. It is more than happiness. It is a sense of contented peace and satisfaction in knowing the One true God and His Son. Even in times when happiness is void, joy is to be ours. Habakkuk 3:17-18, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." The prophet indicates that joy is not dependent on what we possess but on the confidence we have in the God who is in control. Even with lack of food there can still be joy if our hearts are knit to the one who simply is good. For God is good all the time. He is worthy of praise and rejoicing all the time. We should know and experience His joy all the time for joy is grounded in who He is not how we feel at the moment.
The simple truth is the closer I am and walk with the LORD YAHWEH the more joy I will come to experience. Yet, there are time when joy seems to allude me What do the scriptures say is the disease that robs me of joy and leaves me joyless? David gives us some clues to the cure in the Psalms. Psalm 132:16 ""Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, And her godly ones will sing aloud for joy." God's priests, which according to 1 Peter 2:9 we are, have been clothed with salvation and her Godly ones, oh there is the issue, Godly ones, sing aloud for joy. You have to be one of His Godly ones or the joy may not be there. See how David felt in Psalm 51:12 " Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." David had sinned. He was no behaving as one of God's holy ones. He had not lost his salvation but the joy was gone. Disobedience simply takes away the joy we are intended to experience. Sin breaks our fellowship with God and others and until that is taken care of the joy honestly be gone. For we are not trusting in or resting in the God who bought us. The false joy of the prodigal does not last very long. Only repentance and return to the contented satisfaction of trust and obedience can allow true joy to blossom once again.
However, even when we take David's prescription we may not feel all that joyful. In fact we may feel pretty lousy. God's people did and Nehemiah had to tell them to get past the feelings and rejoice. God's people knew they had sinned and so they repented and wept over their sin. However, they could not seem to get beyond that. Nehemiah 8:9-10 " This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.' For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Life without joy is a life without God's strength. If you are honest with yourself lack of joy sucks life from you. It makes you feel weak and even sickly.
Joyless people are either in some sort of disobedience or moping about sin already forgiven, which is really an affront to the God who forgave. Like, somehow His forgiveness isn't enough. Our standards are higher than His so we will continue to morn over what God has forgiven. That is not a humble heart that is more like pride, we just don't want to be honest about it. "I know God has forgiven me but I just can't forgive myself." How remarkably arrogant that really is. Take note, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. God is resisting those who hold that attitude. Is it any wonder folks like this have no real joy? Psalm 30:5 "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." God does get angry over our sin, we repent, His grace is extended for life, we repent and weep in the darkness. But joy returns with the light of our returning to His presence. We can know the return of His joy.
So do you want to know the deep satisfaction and contentment that comes from the Lord? To taste that joy that Peter says is inexpressible? Then take David's prescription. Walk holy. Stay ever so close to the Lord. I believe there are two things that often keep believers in a mediocre and joyless existence. They either dabble in disobedience and do not hunger and thirst for the righteousness that can only be found in a real commitment to know God's Word. Or they have determined to set a standard higher than the Lord's and "Can't forgive themselves" or perhaps someone else. Pride, sin and distance from the Shepherd, who longs to give you joy and rest for your soul, is a sure joy killer.
The prescription is available, live rightly, live humbly, and repent quickly when we stray. The only question remaining is will we take the cure so we can know His inexpressible joy.
I Peter 1:8 says, "And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory". It Seems even Peter has a little problem with joy. For he says that those who believe are to rejoice or express joy that cannot be expressed. Is that really helpful? To express the inexpressible? Joy is to be apart of who we are. It is more than happiness. It is a sense of contented peace and satisfaction in knowing the One true God and His Son. Even in times when happiness is void, joy is to be ours. Habakkuk 3:17-18, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." The prophet indicates that joy is not dependent on what we possess but on the confidence we have in the God who is in control. Even with lack of food there can still be joy if our hearts are knit to the one who simply is good. For God is good all the time. He is worthy of praise and rejoicing all the time. We should know and experience His joy all the time for joy is grounded in who He is not how we feel at the moment.
The simple truth is the closer I am and walk with the LORD YAHWEH the more joy I will come to experience. Yet, there are time when joy seems to allude me What do the scriptures say is the disease that robs me of joy and leaves me joyless? David gives us some clues to the cure in the Psalms. Psalm 132:16 ""Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, And her godly ones will sing aloud for joy." God's priests, which according to 1 Peter 2:9 we are, have been clothed with salvation and her Godly ones, oh there is the issue, Godly ones, sing aloud for joy. You have to be one of His Godly ones or the joy may not be there. See how David felt in Psalm 51:12 " Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." David had sinned. He was no behaving as one of God's holy ones. He had not lost his salvation but the joy was gone. Disobedience simply takes away the joy we are intended to experience. Sin breaks our fellowship with God and others and until that is taken care of the joy honestly be gone. For we are not trusting in or resting in the God who bought us. The false joy of the prodigal does not last very long. Only repentance and return to the contented satisfaction of trust and obedience can allow true joy to blossom once again.
However, even when we take David's prescription we may not feel all that joyful. In fact we may feel pretty lousy. God's people did and Nehemiah had to tell them to get past the feelings and rejoice. God's people knew they had sinned and so they repented and wept over their sin. However, they could not seem to get beyond that. Nehemiah 8:9-10 " This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.' For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Life without joy is a life without God's strength. If you are honest with yourself lack of joy sucks life from you. It makes you feel weak and even sickly.
Joyless people are either in some sort of disobedience or moping about sin already forgiven, which is really an affront to the God who forgave. Like, somehow His forgiveness isn't enough. Our standards are higher than His so we will continue to morn over what God has forgiven. That is not a humble heart that is more like pride, we just don't want to be honest about it. "I know God has forgiven me but I just can't forgive myself." How remarkably arrogant that really is. Take note, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. God is resisting those who hold that attitude. Is it any wonder folks like this have no real joy? Psalm 30:5 "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." God does get angry over our sin, we repent, His grace is extended for life, we repent and weep in the darkness. But joy returns with the light of our returning to His presence. We can know the return of His joy.
So do you want to know the deep satisfaction and contentment that comes from the Lord? To taste that joy that Peter says is inexpressible? Then take David's prescription. Walk holy. Stay ever so close to the Lord. I believe there are two things that often keep believers in a mediocre and joyless existence. They either dabble in disobedience and do not hunger and thirst for the righteousness that can only be found in a real commitment to know God's Word. Or they have determined to set a standard higher than the Lord's and "Can't forgive themselves" or perhaps someone else. Pride, sin and distance from the Shepherd, who longs to give you joy and rest for your soul, is a sure joy killer.
The prescription is available, live rightly, live humbly, and repent quickly when we stray. The only question remaining is will we take the cure so we can know His inexpressible joy.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Peek a Boo, The Spirits See You
If you have been following my past few posts we have been looking a bit at the spiritual realm. Those, mostly hidden, creatures that both honor their creator and rebel against Him. In some ways they have a common trait or two with those of the human and material existence. Scripture tells us they are there. It warns us of the dark spirit's desire to embezzle our lives and leave us empty and useless. It also tells of the spirits of light who comfort, intercede and minister to the saints. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and rulers of this dark age. There is an ongoing battle between light and darkness and it pervades our very souls whether we recognize the battle or not. So we must be discerning and test the spirits (1 John 4:1) so we are not deceived when the dark ones come disguised in light.
However, there is more going on than just these truths. The spirits are watching us. They are watching you and they are watching me. Both the angelic being of light who serve Yahweh and the saints as well as the emissaries of darkness and the agents of the night. We may not be aware but we are on display. The question is what do they see? Just what do the spirits think of you? It is a question worth pursuing for it is one that God presents in His Word. So I ask again, what do the spirits think of you? Does it really matter?
Yahweh's angelic messengers keep watch over us (Psalm 91:11). They minister to those who are heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14). They watch over children (Mt. 18:10). We might entertain them unawares (Heb. 13:2). All pretty cool thoughts. However, they also look upon us with wonder. I Peter 1:12b, " things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into." Peter is speaking of the wonder of the death and resurrection of Messiah, God's plan to deliver us and to bring us into His kingdom. Peter says God's angels "desire", a strong word also translated to lust or covet or long for. Angels desire to "look", to inspect carefully, to become acquainted with, what God has done for us as human beings. They watch us and marvel at the love their God and Lord has for us. They cannot know redemption as we do. Messiah did not die for them.
They know us well. They have from the very beginning. The were there in Eden when we were cast out from the garden. They know of our disobedience. They have been messengers of hope and God's instruments of judgement in the past and they will be in the future. One of them observed the pain Messiah endured awaiting the cross. He saw his Master and Creator sweat blood as he comforted and strengthened Him in the garden (Luke 22:43). The holy angels know of our rebellion. So they marvel at the love Yahweh and His Son have for us. It is simply beyond their comprehension. They observe us. Just what do they see? Yeshua tells us they express joy in heaven when we repent (Luke 15:10). So is it reasonable to assume we grieve them with our sin and rebellion?
The angels of darkness also observe us. They battle against us, as we read in Ephesians 6. With God's permission, they have the power to touch our lives with pain and sorrow and even death. See the Book of Job for the unsettling details. They are close enough to inflict mental distress, to cause us to doubt. Satan accuses us before the Lord (Rev. 12:10). None of these are very pleasant thoughts, but then again Satan is not a pleasant creature. However, there is something powerful we can do. Something I had not considered until last week. Ephesians 3:10 is a remarkable verse, "to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the assembly to the principalities and powers in the heavenlies". The Principalities and powers in the heavenlies are not of flesh and blood.They are evil spirits, demons, powers of darkness. They are at war with us and want to destroy us. If not destroy they will embezzle our lives bit by bit and leave us feeling useless and despairing life itself. We are to put on the armor of God to combat them. However don't miss what 3:10 says. God's manifold wisdom is in calling us (in the context, Jews and Gentiles) to be united and citizens together of God's Kingdom. As the evil spirits observe we can testify of the greatness, power, and wonder of God. We are active witnesses to them by our active love for one another and our loving obedience to Yahweh and His Son, our Messiah.
If he is known as our accuse the Devil must still come before the Lord to bring accusations against humanity. Can the Lord can say, "Have you considered my servant Bob, or Alice, or Joe or Margaret or, __________ (just insert your name here)? You and I are God's witnesses to Satan and the principalities and powers of this dark world. We testify as to the greatness of God by our love for Him. Remembering, "If you love me you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Likewise, when we love one another we show the world that we are His disciples (John 13:35) and it appears the unseen world observes as well. Your testimony, your witness, goes beyond this world. Not only do your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors see your witness, the spirit beings do as well. It seems that God's angelic servants look upon us with wonder at the great love God has for us. It is also true that the spirits of darkness look upon us and see God's magnificent wisdom when they observe our love for Him and one another.
Each day the spirits observe you. The angels marvel at the grace poured out upon you and wish they could know, could experience, what we know and experience. The spirits of darkness are looking to accuse, looking for the rebellion they know so well. What will our witness, our testimony be to them? Loving obedience or will we be playing their game?
What do the spirits think of you?
However, there is more going on than just these truths. The spirits are watching us. They are watching you and they are watching me. Both the angelic being of light who serve Yahweh and the saints as well as the emissaries of darkness and the agents of the night. We may not be aware but we are on display. The question is what do they see? Just what do the spirits think of you? It is a question worth pursuing for it is one that God presents in His Word. So I ask again, what do the spirits think of you? Does it really matter?
Yahweh's angelic messengers keep watch over us (Psalm 91:11). They minister to those who are heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14). They watch over children (Mt. 18:10). We might entertain them unawares (Heb. 13:2). All pretty cool thoughts. However, they also look upon us with wonder. I Peter 1:12b, " things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into." Peter is speaking of the wonder of the death and resurrection of Messiah, God's plan to deliver us and to bring us into His kingdom. Peter says God's angels "desire", a strong word also translated to lust or covet or long for. Angels desire to "look", to inspect carefully, to become acquainted with, what God has done for us as human beings. They watch us and marvel at the love their God and Lord has for us. They cannot know redemption as we do. Messiah did not die for them.
They know us well. They have from the very beginning. The were there in Eden when we were cast out from the garden. They know of our disobedience. They have been messengers of hope and God's instruments of judgement in the past and they will be in the future. One of them observed the pain Messiah endured awaiting the cross. He saw his Master and Creator sweat blood as he comforted and strengthened Him in the garden (Luke 22:43). The holy angels know of our rebellion. So they marvel at the love Yahweh and His Son have for us. It is simply beyond their comprehension. They observe us. Just what do they see? Yeshua tells us they express joy in heaven when we repent (Luke 15:10). So is it reasonable to assume we grieve them with our sin and rebellion?
The angels of darkness also observe us. They battle against us, as we read in Ephesians 6. With God's permission, they have the power to touch our lives with pain and sorrow and even death. See the Book of Job for the unsettling details. They are close enough to inflict mental distress, to cause us to doubt. Satan accuses us before the Lord (Rev. 12:10). None of these are very pleasant thoughts, but then again Satan is not a pleasant creature. However, there is something powerful we can do. Something I had not considered until last week. Ephesians 3:10 is a remarkable verse, "to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the assembly to the principalities and powers in the heavenlies". The Principalities and powers in the heavenlies are not of flesh and blood.They are evil spirits, demons, powers of darkness. They are at war with us and want to destroy us. If not destroy they will embezzle our lives bit by bit and leave us feeling useless and despairing life itself. We are to put on the armor of God to combat them. However don't miss what 3:10 says. God's manifold wisdom is in calling us (in the context, Jews and Gentiles) to be united and citizens together of God's Kingdom. As the evil spirits observe we can testify of the greatness, power, and wonder of God. We are active witnesses to them by our active love for one another and our loving obedience to Yahweh and His Son, our Messiah.
If he is known as our accuse the Devil must still come before the Lord to bring accusations against humanity. Can the Lord can say, "Have you considered my servant Bob, or Alice, or Joe or Margaret or, __________ (just insert your name here)? You and I are God's witnesses to Satan and the principalities and powers of this dark world. We testify as to the greatness of God by our love for Him. Remembering, "If you love me you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Likewise, when we love one another we show the world that we are His disciples (John 13:35) and it appears the unseen world observes as well. Your testimony, your witness, goes beyond this world. Not only do your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors see your witness, the spirit beings do as well. It seems that God's angelic servants look upon us with wonder at the great love God has for us. It is also true that the spirits of darkness look upon us and see God's magnificent wisdom when they observe our love for Him and one another.
Each day the spirits observe you. The angels marvel at the grace poured out upon you and wish they could know, could experience, what we know and experience. The spirits of darkness are looking to accuse, looking for the rebellion they know so well. What will our witness, our testimony be to them? Loving obedience or will we be playing their game?
What do the spirits think of you?
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
Most followers of Yahweh and His Son, our Messiah, would concur that angelic beings exist. There is clear evidence in the Scriptures that this is so. Yet, the details are a bit sketchy at best. The interest seems to ebb and flow with whatever is of current interest. With the resurgence of spirit-ism and New Age philosophy angels became a hot topic and little figurines could be found at many Hallmark Stores and Christian bookstores. They are popular tree toppers at Christmas time and make their appearance in most nativity re-enactments. But what do we really know about them? Most would say, "I believe there are angels." but ask the question, "When did you last talk to one?" you will get either a look that says you must also talk to space aliens or just a blank stare. Just what can we glean from the Scriptures?
They are created beings, for John 1:3 tells us the "Word" created all things. They are called "sons of God" in Job 1:6, where these created beings came to give an account to God. They are called "stars" in Job 38:7 as they sang together at the time of creation. Some are angels of light for if Satan may disguise himself as one there must be angels of light (see 2 Cor 11:14). They hold different positions and have varying degrees of power (see Daniel 10). They are God's servants of judgement as in Gen 19:1 at Sodom and Gomorrah, 2 Sam 24:17 as God disciplines David, and throughout the book of Revelation. They are spirits but it is clear they have the ability to take on physical form.
Perhaps one of their main responsibilities is told to us in Hebrews 1:14 "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" They have been ministering for some time. Gen. 21:17 "And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is." 1 Kings 19:5 "And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat" where the angel ministers to Elijah. God's angel's also go before His people, Exodus 23:20 "Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared" (also see Ex 23:23, 32:34, 33:2). God's angels are personal.They speak to people. Zechariah is pretty much a conversation between Zechariah and an angel, "And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words" (Zech 1:13). God sends an angel to help Abraham's servant find Isaac a wife (Gen 22:40). He stops the lions' mouths (Dan 6:22). God's angelic spirits are indeed ministering spirits in the Old Testament.
Their ministry does not stop there, however. In Luke 1:11-19 the angel, Gabriel, comes to Zacharias to tell of the conception and birth of his son, John the baptizer. Gabriel returns to visit Mary with the good news of Messiah's arrival through her (Luke 2:26-38). An angel also comes to Cornelius and tells him to send for Peter, "And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter" (Acts 11:13). Angels rescue Peter and John from Prison (Acts 5:19) and releases Peter (Acts 12). An angel comforts Paul as he is about to be ship wrecked (Acts 27:23). In Acts 8:26 we read that an angel speaks to Phillip and sends him to meet the Ethiopian. Angelic ministry is evident throughout the record of the early followers of Messiah. There are two other interesting passages to consider. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Mt 18:10). It appears that God has a special assignment for His angels to watch over little children. The other comes comes from Luke 16:22, "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom." It would appear that God's saints have angelic company as they pass from this life. from the early years to the end angels minister to the children of God. Angelic beings are there at the resurrection of the Lord to tell those at the tomb the amazing news, "He is not here for He is risen!" For me the most amazing passages are these: Matthew 4:11 "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." After fasting for forty days and being tempted by the Devil it is the angels who come to minister to the Son of God. Overcome by the agony in the garden we read, "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him" (Luke 22:43). Angels, those ministering spirits, comfort and strengthen the very Son of God, our Messiah hours before He would undergo His torturous death.
I wonder where that reality, that of the ministering spirits of light, has gone? I know, and believe that the Spirit of God is our Comforter and indwells those who believe. But, if angelic spirits ministered to Messiah in times of great distress are we exempt? If they were there for Peter, Phillip, John, and Cornelius could they be there for me?. I wonder if my "maturity" and education has left me jaded to the wonder and available comfort of the spirits of light? Does Hebrews 1:14 apply to me? Does it apply to you? Do we need an occasional "Aaaaahhhh" moment like the shepherds had at the angel's announcement of the arrival of Messiah? Do I need a refresher of the simple faith and innocence I once knew when I experienced the spirits of light. The ones that were with me when I feared and when I prayed. I am not talking about angel worship but it does seem that in God's Word there were men and women of God who were not afraid to converse with those angelic spirits of light. Trapped in the material and logical may rob us of the spiritual and the supernatural. We need to be cautious, to "test the spirits" as John tells us, for there are principalities and powers and rulers of the darkness who also exist. But if we are to test the spirits does it not seem reasonable that there are good spirits out there as well? If the Lord sent one of His angelic messengers to visit me would I be too spiritually dull to know it? Hebrews 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unaware." Maybe, we need to welcome the comfort our Lord knew in the garden. Maybe if we were more sensitive and aware we wouldn't be caught "unaware" when an angelic visitor comes to visit. Just wondering.
They are created beings, for John 1:3 tells us the "Word" created all things. They are called "sons of God" in Job 1:6, where these created beings came to give an account to God. They are called "stars" in Job 38:7 as they sang together at the time of creation. Some are angels of light for if Satan may disguise himself as one there must be angels of light (see 2 Cor 11:14). They hold different positions and have varying degrees of power (see Daniel 10). They are God's servants of judgement as in Gen 19:1 at Sodom and Gomorrah, 2 Sam 24:17 as God disciplines David, and throughout the book of Revelation. They are spirits but it is clear they have the ability to take on physical form.
Perhaps one of their main responsibilities is told to us in Hebrews 1:14 "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" They have been ministering for some time. Gen. 21:17 "And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is." 1 Kings 19:5 "And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat" where the angel ministers to Elijah. God's angel's also go before His people, Exodus 23:20 "Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared" (also see Ex 23:23, 32:34, 33:2). God's angels are personal.They speak to people. Zechariah is pretty much a conversation between Zechariah and an angel, "And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words" (Zech 1:13). God sends an angel to help Abraham's servant find Isaac a wife (Gen 22:40). He stops the lions' mouths (Dan 6:22). God's angelic spirits are indeed ministering spirits in the Old Testament.
Their ministry does not stop there, however. In Luke 1:11-19 the angel, Gabriel, comes to Zacharias to tell of the conception and birth of his son, John the baptizer. Gabriel returns to visit Mary with the good news of Messiah's arrival through her (Luke 2:26-38). An angel also comes to Cornelius and tells him to send for Peter, "And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter" (Acts 11:13). Angels rescue Peter and John from Prison (Acts 5:19) and releases Peter (Acts 12). An angel comforts Paul as he is about to be ship wrecked (Acts 27:23). In Acts 8:26 we read that an angel speaks to Phillip and sends him to meet the Ethiopian. Angelic ministry is evident throughout the record of the early followers of Messiah. There are two other interesting passages to consider. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Mt 18:10). It appears that God has a special assignment for His angels to watch over little children. The other comes comes from Luke 16:22, "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom." It would appear that God's saints have angelic company as they pass from this life. from the early years to the end angels minister to the children of God. Angelic beings are there at the resurrection of the Lord to tell those at the tomb the amazing news, "He is not here for He is risen!" For me the most amazing passages are these: Matthew 4:11 "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." After fasting for forty days and being tempted by the Devil it is the angels who come to minister to the Son of God. Overcome by the agony in the garden we read, "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him" (Luke 22:43). Angels, those ministering spirits, comfort and strengthen the very Son of God, our Messiah hours before He would undergo His torturous death.
I wonder where that reality, that of the ministering spirits of light, has gone? I know, and believe that the Spirit of God is our Comforter and indwells those who believe. But, if angelic spirits ministered to Messiah in times of great distress are we exempt? If they were there for Peter, Phillip, John, and Cornelius could they be there for me?. I wonder if my "maturity" and education has left me jaded to the wonder and available comfort of the spirits of light? Does Hebrews 1:14 apply to me? Does it apply to you? Do we need an occasional "Aaaaahhhh" moment like the shepherds had at the angel's announcement of the arrival of Messiah? Do I need a refresher of the simple faith and innocence I once knew when I experienced the spirits of light. The ones that were with me when I feared and when I prayed. I am not talking about angel worship but it does seem that in God's Word there were men and women of God who were not afraid to converse with those angelic spirits of light. Trapped in the material and logical may rob us of the spiritual and the supernatural. We need to be cautious, to "test the spirits" as John tells us, for there are principalities and powers and rulers of the darkness who also exist. But if we are to test the spirits does it not seem reasonable that there are good spirits out there as well? If the Lord sent one of His angelic messengers to visit me would I be too spiritually dull to know it? Hebrews 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unaware." Maybe, we need to welcome the comfort our Lord knew in the garden. Maybe if we were more sensitive and aware we wouldn't be caught "unaware" when an angelic visitor comes to visit. Just wondering.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)