JESUS CALMS THE STORM!

JESUS CALMS THE STORM!

Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

          I grew up in Ohio and throughout all my childhood days the month of March was a windy month. The old saying was: “March: in like a lion -- out like a lamb.” If the month began with strong winds then by the end of the month it would be fair and calm. March was a month of transition from winter to spring and in the Midwest the cold fingers of winter did not so easily release her icy grip. There would be a struggle either at the beginning or at the end of the month. You could count on it!

          Another thing you could count on was the beginning of spring and the calm that it brought. Even if March blew in with a gale the mind knew the struggle would be over soon. Red breasted robins would magically appear dancing their morning worm dance. They would run a bit and then cock their heads to listen for the wriggle of the worm. Forsythia and pussy-willow would stubbornly bloom along with Daffodils. Even as the wind whipped our face we knew spring was coming.

          Perhaps that is why Jesus could so easily sleep on a pillow while the winds caused seasoned fishermen to fear. He knew the wind wouldn’t last long. When he was awakened he rebuked the wind for their sakes and there was a great calm. The sea stopped its churning, the sails fluttered in a gentle breeze and the boat stopped her fierce rocking. So it is when Jesus speaks to our fears.

          So remember: “In like a lion – out like a lamb!” If today begins with a rush Jesus can make it hush.

Dear Lord, please calm the fierce winds of my life today. AMEN

NOT DUMB – JUST IGNORANT!

NOT DUMB – JUST IGNORANT!

2 Tim 3:7

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

          One of the characteristics of the end-time generation is that they are ignorant of the truth. Paul warns Timothy that they will be self lovers, proud, religious but not righteous, and ignorant. If this is the last generation, and I believe that it is, there are three possible reasons for this ignorance.

1. INFORMATION OVERLOAD!

          There is simply too much information for our minds to process. Computers, both big and small, and gadgets that almost defy description pour information into and upon us at an alarming rate. Modern man has hardly ever heard silence, felt the comfort of sensory rest, or communicated with his own spirit. Someone or something is always vying for our attention. Spiritual truth is almost always, however, communicated in periods of quiet, in unhurried reflection and contemplation.

Ps 46:10

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

2. WE ARE LEARNING THE WRONG THINGS!

          If you walk on any college campus you will eventually hear one student ask another: “What’s your major?” It indicates the kind of things being learned and it also indicates the destiny to which this learning is leading. A student studying political science will make a poor doctor. Much of what we learn lies outside the boundaries of what God intended for us.

Jer 4:22

22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish [or silly] children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

          Make no mistake, our youth are not dumb – they are simply ignorant. They are processing information at an astounding rate but most can’t clearly recall the simplest of Bible stories. Two things I hear from the mouths of young people that amaze me – they are bored and they are tired! I sometimes wonder how these can abide together.

3. WE DEMAND THAT KNOWLEDGE ENTER THROUGH OUR OWN FAMILIAR PARADIGM!

          The Jews rejected Jesus not because he was not an astounding and spectacular individual but because He did not fit their preconceived notion of a Messiah. In spite of all the miracles they sought for a sign and Jesus said there would no sign be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah who was three days in the belly of the whale. He said that he would be three days in the belly of the earth and they didn’t understand. It didn’t fit.

          The Greeks rejected Jesus because they were looking for some new wisdom. They were sophists. Their arguments were brilliant but their reasoning was flawed.

1 Cor 1:22-23

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Cor 3:18

18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, [moros, a moron] that he may be wise.

Dear Lord, let me study to be quiet and to hear your voice today. AMEN

IT’S A GOD THING!

IT’S A GOD THING!

John 15:17-23

17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

          If you have a Red Letter Edition of the New Testament you know that all of John 15 is in red which means Jesus is the speaker. Jesus was marching steadfastly toward the cross and He was earnestly preparing his followers for a life without him. Let’s listen in on what he says in these verses.

          First and foremost there must be mutual love between the disciples. It was not a suggestion but a command which would be, at times, difficult to follow. A quick click of the mouse tells us that the word love in verse 17 is the word agapao, love in its highest form which often manifests itself in service and looks like uncommon courtesy. It goes the extra mile when necessary so that relationships might remain not only pleasant but productive. This kind of love is described in First Corinthians chapter thirteen. It seeketh not her own and is not easily provoked. It doesn’t imagine evil in its partner and presumes a good intent even when bad things happen between them. It is not natural and requires constant care and maintenance.

          Next, there must be a thoughtful understanding of the persecution they would soon endure. They must not take it so personally. It’s not about them at all. It’s a God thing! If they were to represent God they were to be a lightening rod for criticism. Jesus said it simply; if they love God they will love you and if they hate God don’t expect anything other than hatred. The reason is simple but not always obvious; you are no longer “of the world.” You no longer belong here! Your very presence in the world will remind both the heavenly minded and the hell bent of their destiny. You will polarize people without much effort at all.

          Ah, but when the Comforter is come! Verse 26 and 27 tells us that help in the form of the Holy Spirit was on the way. He will make all things possible. He will make all things bearable. He will make all things fruitful. Sweet Holy Spirit! How worthless and burdensome we would be without Him!

          As we move into chapter 16 Jesus reminds us that we are not to be offended either by one another or by the painful world in which we labor. Again a quick click and we learn that the word “offended” is the Greek word skandalizo, literally “to scandalize” but here it means “to entrap, to trip up or to entice to sin.” How easy it is to give up on God and our mission when brethren offend us or when the work becomes hard because of resistance from those we are trying to help. Don’t be scandalized! Don’t be tripped up!

The Holy Spirit helps yesterday’s failures to fade, today’s challenges to seem smaller and tomorrow’s rewards sweeter.  

2 Cor 4:16

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Dear Lord, it is a new day and I need new forgiveness and new power to meet new challenges. Thank you for giving me all I need. AMEN

THOSE WHO THINK THEMSELVES SPECIAL!

THOSE WHO THINK THEMSELVES SPECIAL!

2 Kings 5:9-12

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

          The story of Naaman the leper is almost comic in its ridiculousness. Here is a guy who has a terrible and terminal disease. He comes to the prophet with all his horses and his chariot. Now, you need to know that this is not simply his mode of transportation but a statement of his importance! This is why people pay $50,000 for a Humvee and it doesn’t even come with a machine gun! They drive such a thing so that you will know they can afford the payments – even if they can’t.  

          Naaman is given a command and a cure that consists of only EIGHT WORDS: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times.” His response reminds me of some church members I have known! The cure was too humble for him. He was special! It must be some grand thing and extravagant. His feelings were hurt and he flew into a rebellious rage! He had it all planned out in his mind how this thing should go down! The prophet would come out in his vestments and finery and would wave his hand magically over the disease. A few magic words would be chanted and a trumpet would be sounded and the disease would be gone. He went away in a rage. He was special and God had refused to recognize it.

          I know church members who get their fur in a fluff and decide that they don’t have to abide by certain church rules. They don’t have to attend the Sunday school class they should rightfully belong to because something is not done to their liking. They don’t like the teacher or they don’t like the classroom or they don’t like the topic chosen for discussion so they wander off to another class or they simply don’t attend at all. They are special, don’t you see, and nobody has recognized it. They are in a self manufactured rage over nothing of consequence.

          God allowed Naaman to spend himself in his little hissy fit but in the end the leprosy remained until he did the one thing he loathed to do – obey! I rather think the stink that rests on us remains until we surrender our self importance and recognize the majesty of Almighty God.

Luke 18:11-14

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Dear Lord, I am not worthy of the least of thy blessings. Help me to humbly submit to your leadership. AMEN

YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID!

YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID!

Prov 27:22

22 Though thou shouldest bray [pound] a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

         

One red neck comic is constantly saying “You can’t fix stupid” and the writer of Proverbs concurs. Because of the recent earthquakes one might expect the world to immediately acknowledge the existence and power of God and turn to Him in repentance but that has not happened. Men bear their pain, clean up the mess and press on in their foolishness. In our country where government has become the oppressor instead of protector we yet refuse to turn in national revival back to a holy God. Adam Clarke in his commentary explains it this way: “However you may try, by precept or example, or both, to instruct a stupid man, your labour is lost; his foolishness cannot be separated from him.” You can’t fix stupid!

Rev 16:10-11

10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

11 And [in spite of all this] blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

          I believe we will soon see more and more difficulties as God attempts to gain our attention. I think we are seeing the beginning of sorrows. Will we be wise and return to Him in revival or will we gnaw our blaspheming tongue and shake our angry fist? Only time will tell.

Prov 22:3

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Dear Lord, fill me with the wisdom to repent and surrender to you. Remove from me the foolishness of rebellion and restore my joy. AMEN

A SHEPHERD TO THE VERY END!

A SHEPHERD TO THE VERY END!

John 18:3-9

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

          Jesus showed himself to be the Good Shepherd to the very end by demonstrating great care for his flock. He “knew all things that should come upon him” but he did not panic and flee. He did not hide behind his flock in order to save himself, in fact verse 4 says “he went forth” which means that he thrust himself to the front.

Even the restoration of Malchus’ ear was an act of protection for the impetuous Peter. By restoring the ear he literally removed any reason to accuse Peter of any wrongdoing. Oh, how many times has he had to make right the foolish wrongs I have done?

John 10:11-14

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

A man after God’s own heart was David in the sheepcotes. Forced by his occupation to spend lonely nights in the cold damps without complaining, when the enemy came he thrust himself to the front of the fray, grabbed the enemy by the beard and smote him. David the shepherd was well prepared to face giant challenges because of his love for the sheep. Jesus did not learn from David, rather David received his shepherd’s heart from his God.

1 Sam 17:34-35

34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

          In a final act of caring, Jesus delivered his mother into the care of one of his more faithful followers. In John 19, Jesus looked at John and said “behold thy mother.” From that time on John assumed the care of Mary. Three verses later Jesus cries “It is finished!”

John 13:1

13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

Kind Shepherd, you have loved me with an everlasting love – and you love me still. You stand in the way of danger so that I might be safe. You take the blows that were meant for me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life for I am cared for by The Great Shepherd of the sheep. Thank you Lord. AMEN

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

Ps 7:1

7:1 Shig-ga'-ion of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.

O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

          The strange word at the very beginning of this verse is from the Hebrew shaagah which means “to wander.” So this is a wandering song, a song written and sung while David is on the run from Saul. It is also a rambling song covering different subjects and made up of different parts. As we read it we have the sense of continual interruption. David was always “bugging out!” It speaks of conflict. As for Cush the Benjamite, some scholars think this refers to Saul himself, the son of Kish who was of the tribe of Benjamin.

          David had a collection of enemies, Saul, Goliath, Shimei and even his very own son, Absalom provided constant conflict in his life. For David, conflict was a way of life and we are wise to pay attention when he speaks of it. Notice what he says when he speaks of his enemies. He pleads with the Lord to come and save him. He himself was a mighty warrior but he cries out to God for rescue. He asks God to judge between him and his enemies.

          A war is never quite finished until there is a clear winner and a complete surrender. So it is with sinful us and a righteous God. Since we can’t hope to win in our conflict with God it is wise for us to surrender early and completely.

Eph 2:13-17

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

          Enmity is the Greek word echthra and literally means “the reason for opposition.” We were afar off or estranged but now we are made near because of the blood of Jesus. He has removed the very reason for opposition. He has slain the enmity so that the warring parties can be at peace.

Dear Lord, I sense enmity still in me. It takes me away from you and causes a separation. It is painful and bitter for me and I’m sure it is for you as well. Please come and destroy the enmity with a fresh application of your own blood. Please destroy in me the very reason for opposition. I surrender, Lord. AMEN

HONEST TO GOD!

HONEST TO GOD!

Luke 8:15

15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

2 Cor 8:21

21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

1 Peter 2:12

12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

          In each of the above three verses the word honest is the Greek word kalos which means “good, admirable, becoming – even beautiful.” Honest conduct refers to that behavior which deserves esteem. We may not be able to easily define good behavior but we know it when we see it! In the parable of the sower, it is this good ground and honest heart which receives the seed and bears fruit.   

          Being an honest person means telling the truth without portions either reserved or embellished. This is how we must be with God. We need, as Charles Wesley said, “a principle within.”

"I want a principle within,

Of watchful, godly fear,

A sensibility of sin,

A pain to feel it near." (Charles Wesley)

Dear Lord, let me today walk honestly before men and before you. AMEN

SHEEP OR GOATS?

SHEEP OR GOATS?

Matt 25:31-33

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

          The time period for this event is the beginning of the millennial reign of Christ on earth; the thousand years. Both the rapture and the tribulation is over, Satan is bound and the Savior is seated. Now the King of Kings begins to deal with the living nations at that time. They are of two characters.

THE SHEEP which have always been viewed as the emblems of mildness, simplicity, patience, and usefulness, represent the genuine disciples of Christ.

Ps 100:3

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

THE GOATS which are naturally quarrelsome, lewd, and smelly, were considered as the symbols of riotous, profane, and impure men. They here represent all who have lived and died in their sins.

Ezek 34:17

17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.

THE RIGHT AND LEFT HANDS

Here in two ample roads the way divides,

The right direct, our destined journey guides,

By Pluto's palace, to the Elysian plains;

The left to Tartarus, where bound in chains

Loud howl the damn'd in everlasting pains.

Matt 25:41

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Lord, set me on thy right hand and not thy left. Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. AMEN

BUFFET BELIEVERS!

BUFFET BELIEVERS!

1 John 4:1

4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

          Yesterday I mentioned that a recent Gallup pole found that 72% of Americans believe that Jesus was the Son of God yet 80% felt each individual should arrive at his or her own beliefs independent of any church! It is so cool and trendy today to put together a personal belief system that is a little bit of Jesus, a touch of Buddha and a smidgeon of Mohammed with a bit of New Age Thought tossed in for good measure. Paul said that the Greeks were “too superstitious.”

Acts 17:22-23

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

          The real problem with the Greeks and with many of us is that they were basically dishonest and dishonoring to each religion. They had developed a religion made of a bit of stuff looted from every system. They had fashioned their golden calf from the earrings of other faiths but Joshua challenged the people of his day to make a decision!

Josh 24:14-15

14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

15 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.

          Jesus claimed: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the father but by me.” Now, either He was lying through his teeth or he was who He said He was! This is in direct conflict with every other religion. Make up your mind and then practice your faith.

1 Tim 2:5-6

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Acts 4:12

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Dear Lord, many voices cry out to us today. Let us hear and heed yours alone. AMEN

FOUR KINDS OF HYPOCRITES!

FOUR KINDS OF HYPOCRITES!

Rom 10:3

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

          A recent Gallup pole found that 72% of Americans believe that Jesus was the Son of God yet 80% felt each individual should arrive at his or her own beliefs independent of any church! The real god of America is her personal preferences and opinions. Is it any wonder that those outside the church say they have no interest in Christianity? There is a huge disconnect between belief and practice.

Hypocrites have been divided into four categories:

1. The Worldly Hypocrite – who has no real interest in religion but practices it vigorously so as to gain some advantage.

Matt 23:2-7

2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

2. The Legal Hypocrite – who abandons his sin so that he might earn Heaven, but has no real love for God.

Rom 10:3

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

          These are truly sad cases because they attach themselves to religion due to fear. They fear Hell and desire Heaven and live a life of uncertainty trying to appease a God with whom they are not acquainted. They are unfulfilled and frustrated in orthodox religion because they have built a religion from falsehood and can’t find others who will agree with their error. They are always wringing their hands! They are aware of His laws but they have never tasted of His love. If once they could ever be engaged by His love then the laws would cease to be burdensome.

3. The Evangelical Hypocrite – whose religion is only a deep guilt because of their sinfulness. They rejoice knowing that Christ died for them but have no interest in living a holy life.

Matt 13:20-21

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

2 Peter 2:20

20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

4. The Enthusiastic Hypocrite – who has high feelings and ecstatic spiritual experiences. He thinks himself to be wise and good but continues in scandalous practices.

Acts 17:22-23

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Dear Father, help me to achieve balance and true worship today. AMEN

IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT!

IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT!

Eccl 1:15

15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

Eccl 7:13-14

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

          This proverb urges man to be in submission to the providence of God. We often decide that God has made things crooked and we then engage in the task of making the circumstances straight. We want the circumstances to fit our notion of what should be right. We preachers do this all the time thinking that to be our calling. It is a Messiah complex that often frustrates us when crooked people can’t be made straight by our efforts. Some things and some people can’t be made straight simply by wanting them to be.

          We are left with two courses of action regarding the workings of God. These are listed in verse fourteen. First, in the day of prosperity when everything seems straight to us, be joyful and thank God that there are no uncomfortable twists and turns in the circumstances of your life. In the day of adversity consider that there is nothing certain in this life. The word “consider” means to study thoroughly or to meditate so as to fully and properly understand but we can’t fully understand why God does what He does. He has His own plans and purposes. In the absence of understanding He bids us to trust in His nature, wisdom and goodness.

          It is hard to drive a nail once bent. There will always be a weakness that keeps it from piercing true. Some things once done can’t be undone and crooked people can be made straight by God alone.

Luke 13:11-13

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Jesus, Master Carpenter, make straight the crookedness in my loved ones and make straight the crookedness in me. AMEN

A PLACE OF HONOR IN HIS KINGDOM!

A PLACE

OF HONOR IN HIS KINGDOM!

Matt 20:20-28

20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

          The bombastic and headstrong “sons of thunder” asked Mommy to speak to Jesus about a place of honor in the kingdom. The popularity of Jesus was swelling and it surely seemed that Jesus would soon drive out the Romans and sit upon His throne in Jerusalem. Zebedee’s boys had followed this unusual leader for about three years and now the time would come to cash in on their sacrifice and dedication.

          Jesus, ever tender in the face of ignorance, asked the mother what she wanted. She wanted the number two and number three positions for her boys. The comments from Adam Clarke’s Commentary are helpful and I will include it here.

That the sons of Zebedee wished for ecclesiastical rather than secular honours, may be thought probable, from the allusion that is made here to the supreme dignities in the great Sanhedrin. The prince of the Sanhedrin (HA-NASI) sat in the midst of two rows of senators or elders; on his right hand sat the person termed AB (the father of the Sanhedrin;) and on his left hand the CHACHAM, or sage. These persons transacted all business in the absence of the president. The authority of this council was at some periods very great, and extended to a multitude of matters both ecclesiastical and civil. These appear to have been the honours which James and John sought.

          Since the boys were applying for an important job, Jesus asked them if they might be qualified to be seated in such important positions. Just a couple of questions were asked but these too were misunderstood. [1] Can you drink of my cup? The cup was a cup of toil and suffering. Too casually they eagerly replied in the affirmative. [2] Are you willing to submit to my baptism which includes ignominious death? Once again the eager answer was yes.

          Jesus answered that they would indeed drink of His cup. James was slain with the sword by Herod (Acts 12:2) Tradition says John was boiled in oil but miraculously survived to be banished to the island of Patmos where he wrote the Revelation. These things could not have been included in the hopes of Zebedee’s wife and children.

          We misunderstand the nature of much of what we ask God for. If He does not grant our request we pout and think Him to be unkind. If He grants our request, and suffering is included, we think Him to be cruel. It is always best to leave the path of our lives to Him.

Job 23:10

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Dear Lord, I often ask you for things I do not fully understand. Thank you for giving me only your best. Help me to trust you more. AMEN

A MIXED MULTITUDE!

A MIXED MULTITUDE!

Ex 12:37-38

37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.

38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.

Neh 13:1-3

13:1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

2 Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

          Only twice in the Authorized Version does the phrase “mixed multitude” appear. Neither mention is flattering! In Exodus these were foreign slaves who were companions in the same misery as the Jews or some who had married a Hebrew. Some may have been convinced by the plagues and miracles that there was an advantage in following such a powerful deity as Jehovah. They trudged along without any thought to their destination. They were running away from a bad situation instead of journeying to a land of promise. So it is with some who attach themselves to a church. They see some benefit to be had in this world without any thought to the next world.

          The portion in Nehemiah is more telling. Nehemiah was rebuilding a wall and with it the purity and integrity of a nation and the people of Israel. Here the mixed multitude was squatting in the land of promise. They were identified as insincere by the reading of the law. These were some who, when the chips were down, had “met not the children of Israel with bread and water.” They did not pull their own weight and, in fact, added an extra burden by hiring Balaam to curse Israel. In verse 3 they were eventually removed.

          If you continue reading in Nehemiah you will see that Tobiah had literally moved into one of the store rooms of the Temple desecrating it in the process. Nehemiah evicted him along with his household stuff and then had the place cleaned and consecrated to its original purpose.

          Without seeming to be overly frustrated, let me say that there is a “mixed multitude” in church today. These are not born into the family! They do not share our excitement regarding Heaven and their allegiance is based upon what they perceive as benefits. They come for the groceries, the recreation or the entertainment. They come to escape some of the miseries of this present world without regard to the next world. The reading and understanding of the Law often separates them from the main body. The good news is that from this mixed multitude comes an occasional true believer. God adopts them into the family and their focus is changed from running away FROM to journeying TO. This is always our hope for them. The very bad news is that at the end of all things many who thought they were safe in the company of Christians will be rejected.

Matt 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Dear Lord, let my light so shine that others may see clearly enough to truly follow you instead of simply following me. AMEN

NOT MANY!

NOT MANY!

1 Cor 1:26-29 KJV

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Ø     Not many wise sophos or clear.

Ø     Not many mighty dunatos, powerful or capable.

Ø     Not many noble eugenes, well born or high in rank.

Ø     We might also add “not many rich.”

There is a verse that seems to fit well here also.

1 Tim 6:17 KJV

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

          I am not as wise as I would like and there has been too little time and money to gather diplomas and degrees for my wall. I am not particularly skilled in the tradesman’s arts and I was born of simple but hard working people who endured the Great Depression. I’m not rich. I belong to a band of simple, common believers in a great God.

          Have you ever wondered why God refuses to bless His children with all these things? Wouldn’t we be more effective in our witness and our work if we had great education and wisdom? Could we not be more influential if we were high born aristocrats? If we were rich the work could move along much more quickly than it does.

          Certainly God is able to give all these things to His children. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and could surely spare one or two. He could lay bags of gold at the doors of believers if He wanted to. He sent quails to feed the children of Israel in the wilderness – they ate so much that it came out their noses. Why does God keep us down, dumb and poor?

          God knows that our sinful nature could not handle great wisdom, station or wealth. We would become haughty, arrogant, proud and stingy. We would not thank Him for any of the blessings and would think of God as useless. We remain dependant upon His wisdom, His ability and His supplies because it is simply best. God does all things well.

Prov 3:5-10

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Dear Lord, I have you and that is enough. I thank you that a great store of wisdom and wealth is dispensed to me as I need them. Help me to be a good and thankful steward. AMEN