OBEDIENCE IS THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING

 

Monday, April 7, 2025

 

OBEDIENCE IS THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING

 

John 7:17

17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

 

Mark 9:24

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

 

          We generally think that the reason unbelievers do not believe and obey the Scriptures is because they do not understand them. In fact, the opposite is probably true. They do not understand because they are unwilling to obey. We want complex religious concepts tied neatly with ribbon and presented to us in completely logical and understandable ways. We approach Christ in the same way as Star Trek’s Dr. Spock. We cock our head and declare that following Christ is illogical.

 

          The following comment on John 7:17 may clear things up a bit. “I will give you a sure rule by which ye may judge of my doctrine: If you really wish to do the will of God begin the practice of it; and take my doctrine, and apply it to all that you know God requires of man and if you find one of my precepts contrary to the nature, perfections, and glory of God, or to the present or eternal welfare of men, then ye shall be at liberty to assert that my doctrine is human and erroneous…” (From Adam Clarke's Commentary.)

 

          An honest desire to obey God is the easiest way to become acquainted with the truth. The fact is that we bring too many prejudices into our investigation. We do not want a truth that challenges our behavior. We want a truth that confirms our deliberations and decisions. We don’t want change until what we currently have becomes so painful, we seek something else! But we fear that we will trade our current pain for something even more painful. We become closed to the possibilities of God. When challenged about His teaching, Jesus applied the only reasonable answer. He said, “Try it.”

 

          How many people sit in church each week clouded by the fog of stubborn disobedience and therefore ignorant of God’s truth? When you challenge them, they will say that they can’t obey God until they understand when, in truth, they can’t understand until they are willing to obey!

 

Dear Lord, give me a heart that is willing to obey so that I might also have a mind that understands. AMEN

 

PLEASE TELL ME AGAIN!

 

 Sunday, April 6, 2025

 

PLEASE TELL ME AGAIN!

Ps 119:33-38

33 Teach me, O Lord , the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

 

          We are emotionally forgetful! We constantly require reassurance regarding our relationships. A marriage soon falls into disrepair if either party fails to reassure the other of their love and devotion. So it is with our relationship with God. We are always asking God to tell us again how much He loves us.

 

          We are functionally confused! We need constant instruction and practice to become proficient at doing the will of God. The text this morning is clear when it gives voice to our heart. “Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.” God keeps Himself invisible and He is non-verbal, so we are constantly needing to be told over and over again by reading His Word. Moreover, modern circumstances do not always fit comfortably into Bible language.

 

          We are directionally challenged! We are like sheep who go astray and soon lose sight of the proper path. Without the Shepherd’s rod, staff and voice we become lost. We require constant contact and correction.

 

          We are stubborn and self-reliant! We need to be taught that the best plan is always His plan. We have some wonderful ideas and schemes, but they may not be His plans. We need to be reminded repeatedly.

 

Dear Lord, please tell me again how much you love me. Sometimes I forget. Please tell me that everything will be alright. My circumstances keep trying to make you a liar. Please show me the right way. All my ideas seem stale and doomed to failure. Please, Lord, tell me again. AMEN

 

ABLE TO BEAR IT

 

Saturday, April 5, 2025

 

ABLE TO BEAR IT

 

1 Cor 10:13

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

          Every one of us believes that we may have suffered more than the next person. Surely, while we are going through whatever it is we are going through, this is how we feel. Ah, this verse offers both warning and hope and it deserves a deeper investigation. So, let’s begin.

 

          The word “temptation” is the Greek word peirasmos and indicates “a discipline, provocation, or adversity.” So, it is trouble! Paul said it is common to man and seems to urge us to patiently endure it.

 

          Paul reminds us that God is faithful which is wonderful news. Often we feel alone while we are enduring difficulty but the truth is that most of us have more friends and more help available to us than we think. The word “faithful” here is the Greek word “pistos” means “trustworthy, sure, and true.” Everyone needs a God like this.

 

          Adam Clarke says: “He will provide you with sufficient strength to resist it; as the trial comes in, he will make your way out. The words are very remarkable, poieesei sun too peirasmoo kai teen ekbasin, He will, with the temptation, make the deliverance, or way out." God will not suffer, or allow you to be “scrutinized” beyond your ability to endure.

 

          The word “to bear it,” is the Greek hupophero which means “to bear from underneath.” It is curious to me that the word hero is part of the Greek word.

 

Dear Lord, please help your “heroes” to bear their difficulties from underneath today. AMEN

 

THE DRAMA IN THE GARDEN

 

Friday, April 4, 2025

 

THE DRAMA IN THE GARDEN

 

Luke 22:39-44

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 

          Luke, the physician, recorded the physical details of the bloody sweat. Many have tried to explain it, but Luke records the phenomenon as a result of great stress. Jesus was about to ask one last time to be released from the horrors of the cross. It was not to be! Great sins had been committed. God had been greatly offended, and a great punishment was called for. So great was Jesus’ angst that an angel was dispatched to strengthen him.

 

          The apostles witnessed this drama and recorded it as seen through their own eyes. Matthew says that when the last supper was finished, they sung a hymn; and went out into the Mount of Olives. John pays attention to Jesus’ prayer and takes the entire 17th chapter to record it. Luke watches over Jesus as he might observe a dying patient. Reading all three we can almost feel the evening mist, hear the chirping of insects and smell the sweet fragrance of the garden. We can also sense the unexplained heaviness all about. We feel as if we are in a great cathedral and witnessing solemn worship. It was John who recorded the clamorous interruption.

 

John 18:1-3

18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

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.

 

          “…And weapons!” Surely weapons would be needed to subdue a man with such power as to heal the sick and raise the dead. This man has such powers that even the hem of his garment, when touched, could heal. They came with weapons! We who know him and love him shake our head in bewilderment at such fear. They came with weapons!

 

          While the smoke of their torches rose and swirled like great spirits, Jesus thrusts himself to the front and boldly asks who they were looking for. This is courage that comes from great authority. Only John records the next event.

 

John 18:4-6

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.

 

None of the other evangelists mentions this very important circumstance. Our Lord chose to give them this proof of his infinite power, that they might know that their power could not prevail against him if he chose to exert his might, seeing that the very breath of his mouth confounded, drove back, and struck them down to the earth. Thus, by the blast of God they might have perished, and by the breath of his nostrils they might have been consumed: Job 4:9. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

 

          Jesus, having boldly identified himself, asked that his followers be released (John 18:8). This is consistent with his shepherd’s heart for the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. As one of his little lambs, I can’t keep from crying at this great fact. So, they bound with puny ropes the One who had just knocked them down with the power of his voice and led him away to be crucified.

 

Dear Jesus! In the garden you prayed for me. At the trial you were condemned for me. On the cross you died for me. You triumphantly rose for me and soon you will come for me. Even so come quickly. AMEN

 

GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART

 

Thursday, April 3, 2025

 

GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART

 

1 Sam 16:6-12

6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.

7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

 

          When the sons of Jesse passed in parade there were some pretty boys in the company. Eliab, the eldest was probably presented not only first but privately, ahead of the others. He must have been quite a specimen because Samuel concluded he must be the very chosen of God. But God doesn’t see as men.

 

          Dr. Mark Wessel observes this about God’s choices for His twelve apostles: “It was a strange group of men our Lord chose to be his disciples. Four of them were fishermen, one a hated tax collector, another a member of a radical and violent political party … all were laymen … Yet it was with these men that Jesus … disseminated his good news to the end of the earth.” (The Expositors Bible Commentary, volume 8, page 643)

 

          Tradition says that Paul was a short man with an oozing eye disease. Paul comments on his own appearance in the following verse in which the word tapeinos is rendered base and signifies lowly or short of stature.

 

2 Cor 10:1

10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

 

          Little, red faced, David was the last son that Jesse considered to be of kingly quality, but God did not look on his outward appearance. His heart was ready for a crown!

 

Dear Lord, I am neither tall nor handsome by most appraisals. Let me instead have a courageous heart and a beautiful spirit. Let me be pleasing in your sight. AMEN

 

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

 

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 faces, 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

 

RESTORING THE LOST THINGS

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

 

RESTORING THE LOST THINGS

Jer 30:17

17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

 

Joel 2:25-27

25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

 

          I have been thinking about the word restoration for several days now. In our first verse the Hebrew word is ‘alah and it means “to rise up.” In the second verse the Hebrew is shalam and it means “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.”

 

Advancing years have stolen several things. Sleep, health, mobility, independence, and purpose have all diminished. Although grateful for what remains, I long for the restoration of certain lost things. Many of my peers are experiencing similar circumstances. Some are gone. I will see them again a bit later.

 

          Nationally, we find ourselves as Hanani found Jerusalem in Nehemiah chapter one. The walls were broken down and there was rubbish everywhere. The people despaired and courage had been stolen from them.

 

          The first thing to be restored was a broken heart caused by an honest evaluation of the situation. Next came courage and then resolve. It would not be easy to rebuild and there would be opponents to this restoration.

 

          Nehemiah could have prayerfully waited for God to act in mercy, but he would have missed understanding that God was already acting and was enlisting Nehemiah as a key player. Often, we are the answer to our own prayers.

 

Lord, let us say with the prodigal, “I will rise and go to my father.” Let us begin today to receive Your restoration. AMEN