Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” - Psalm 79:10a
It's No Surprise
When disaster struck Jerusalem during their defeat with Babylon, their need for God has become more apparent and visible to them. Their sufferings have grown and their enemies shamed them without limit. Some of them are killed relentlessly with their corpses exposed to be devoured by birds and wild beasts.
It is not supposed to surprise the Israelites. They know that this plague of misery shall come upon them. They know that God is sovereign overall and that He is the only one who could lift up this burden from them; for they asked, “How long, O Lord?”
They know... because they have caused this to happen.
God’s jealousy had conceived this effect to them. He submitted them to these unruly nations because of their provocation from their idol worship. They knew from the start the price of their sin. But their stubborn hearts insisted and have led them to this dreadful condition.
Effect in Actions
Now as they become the derision of their enemies, they taunt them saying, “Where is their God?” People then and now, only refer to the present when judging. The actions of God’s people does not invalidate God’s righteousness and power; but His people and their situation become the mirror of His image. Nations look at the Israelites and remember — this is the people that God saved from their slavery in Egypt - “Where is their God now? Let Him save them now!” -- totally unaware that this happen in the sphere of God's will to teach His people that sin is of grave matter.
Your actions affect how people see God - your claim to be His child, your talk about being God’s servant, your show about being His disciple - all these must agree to who God is. Though not fully for we will never know His fullness, but His way is revealed so that His people can walk through it. We praise the God of heavens that despite our ungodliness and its effects, the eternal curse of sin is reversed in the blood of Christ through faith and repentance.
“They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe,” Psalm 76:42
From last Friday’s preaching and last night's exhortation in the prayer meeting, we learned that disobedience leads to forgetfulness. As I devote a time to study Psalm 78, the Holy Spirit taught me about the grittiness of disobedience -- on how did God’s people suffer from it and how God demonstrated his forbearance among His people.
Why does God want us NOT to forget?
It is true that when His people remember His goodness, power, and love for them, they are reminded that being on God’s side is the best and only option they have in life and death. But there’s another reason why God wants His people to remember all He has done. That is- for His people to tell His works to the coming generations so that they may also glorify Him.
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Despite God’s continuous reminder to them through His goodness, His people did not remember. Their actions had insisted to forget God and voluntarily covered their eyes to unsee the greatness of God. They rebelliously walked blindly, convincing themselves that they can make it without God. They disobeyed and disobeyed and disobeyed.
With sorrow, I realized how similar I am to them. Psalm 76 enumerated on how did they put to show their disobedience— repeatedly.
They refused to walk with God. (verse 10)
Despite God’s promise to them (God’s covenant v. 10), the Ephraimites turned back on the day of battle which the Lord commanded them to win. There’s no detailed reference given to this particular battle, but the psalmist clearly pointed out that there is a refusal to obey among God’s people to do what He instructs them. Verse 11 follows that they forgot His wonders. The obvious answer whether they will be victorious or not became uncertain because of their forgetfulness on the power of God.
When I’m faced with trials and temptations that seemed too difficult for me, I sometimes get wired on my own ways and desires. I forget that God is able to save me from it, and His ways always proved to be good for me.
They tested God. (verse 18)
To test God is to ask Him to prove Himself, which He has already done so many times in His own timing and ways. His miracles and revelations are always conspicuous and in the purpose of ushering His people to Him. However because of the Israelites' self-conceit, after God showed His power parting the Red Sea, they questioned Him as if He cannot provide food and water for them (verse 19).
When push comes to shove, do I forget the things He has done for me, and demand Him to do what I want?
They sinned. (verse 32)
Sin is an overall term used to any kind of act against God. But this verse in Psalm mentions sinning after God had filled them in the most extraordinary ways (manna and meat raining down from heaven).
Just like that one point in the preaching, “Fulness often leads to Forgetfulness,” - I have to be careful to remember that everything came from God. God supplies both needs and wants - with this, I must be watchful to remember this after getting these from God. My desire must always be for God and to glorify Him.
They were not faithful. (verse 37)
The Israelites knew that without God, they are nothing. God was their rock and their redeemer. They understood that they needed Him. But they flattered Him with their mouths and lied to Him (verse 36) thinking that they can only do that to have His favor. But God knew their hearts.
How many times did I tell God I surrender my life to Him, but in reality I did not? Or declare I glorify Him but my life does not reflect His goodness? Or spell out my love for Him but never acted upon it?
They provoked Him to anger. (verse 41)
God is provoked of idols. Despite his rescues and providence to His people, they betrayed Him and turned to worship false gods.
As for me, despite my knowledge of my need of God and all His goodness, my earthly mindedness overcomes me at times. My time, energy and resources are mostly spent
to temporal things and benefits of this life. I know that God should matter most in my life, but I act otherwise. My idols and myself could be worse than that of the Israelites and their high places.
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Still just like the Israelites, God is my only hope. The redemption through His Son, Christ Jesus, will shepherd me towards my eternal inheritance in Him. His righteousness will see me through my weakness. (verses 65-72)
“I have sinned... Go, serve the Lord your God… forgive my sin… and plead with the Lord… to remove this death from me.. be gone and bless me also!”
-Exodus 9:27, 10:16, 10: 24, 12:31
“When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this that we have done, that we have the Israelites go from serving us? … And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel…"
-Exodus 14:5, 8
The ten plagues that God had sent in Egypt is one of the most familiar Bible stories. Through Moses, God displayed His power in plagues to convince Pharaoh to let His people go. We can imagine the ancient world of Egypt as they were both amazed and terrified to see these things happening. Despite this, we know in the ending that Pharaoh chose to rebel against God.
Going back to some details of the story, I realized that Pharaoh actually considered surrendering to God a few times during the plagues -- that is even before the final plague. He knew in his heart that he is overpowered by God. That once God gets to act, he loses all his control and no effort he can do to prevent anything to happen that God wills.
However, as soon as the Lord stops the plague, he goes back to his haughty self, and convinces himself that he is above God. He has seen the power of God but still decides to defy him instead of obeying Him. He refused to let go of God's people and disobeyed Him - that which brought punishment to him and his people.
During the height of COVID 19, many people realized that without God, they have no hope. It was inevitable to wake up to the reality that this life and everything in it will soon perish. Influence, power and wealth have nothing to do with a person’s safety. Only a fool can deny that it is solely by the hand of God that this virus can be controlled, and by His will alone that lives can be saved.
People cried out to God for help, thirst for His Word of hope, and “chase” after His salvation. Despite holding online worship services, our attendance spiked up. Friends whom I haven’t seen for a long time in church attended without fail, even in Bible studies. Truly, God has shown His power through this pandemic, just like through the plagues in Egypt. People feared for their lives and saw no hope but to surrender to God.
But just like Pharaoh, as soon as things go back to normal — with vaccines and cases decreased —most of those who came with fervent hearts, vanished one by one. When things get back to what it’s used to be, they forgot the One who holds all things together. The One who protected, comforted, healed and saved them. They changed their hearts as swiftly as Pharaoh changed his.
Are you like Pharaoh? —that even after witnessing God’s power in this pandemic, you still choose to harden your heart, go your own way, and rebel against Him? Do you forcefully put God at the back seat of your heart and restrain your conscience on feeling the need for Him?
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3:7
Reading upon chapter 73 of Psalms, David expressed his disappointment of the successes and triumphs of the wicked; doubting if his godly ways would even benefit him. And though he was well aware of God’s goodness to His people (v. 1), the worldly system filled with corruption and violence, had him thinking if his faith is in vain.
Worse but true, at the back of our heads we also say, “How can God know?” (Verse 11) — when it seems that God’s people are taken advantage of and evil men prevail. But understanding came to David when he went to the sanctuary of God; then he discerned their end (verse 17).
Prosperity without God only results to pride and arrogance, making the wicked fall into ruin (verse 18). Days go by so swiftly, like a dream when one awakes ( verse 20) only to see that destruction and punishment are left for them.
David in his shame uttered at the last verses of this Psalm:
“I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.”
Then in praises, He realized
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
You hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
And afterward you will receive me to your glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Earthly days are corrupted yet numbered. The night is here but the morning is surely coming. God does not wait for us in heaven but He takes us there. As the Spirit revealed this to David, he knew now that his portion, who is the Lord, will not and cannot be substituted by any pleasure that the wicked enjoy on the earth.
“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in human way?” -1 Corinthians 3: 2-3
There was this popular song that goes, “I’m only human, born to make mistakes.” As a Christian in my younger years, I felt that I am but a helpless victim of being a human whenever I sin. Though I will not admit it before, it was but a perfect excuse to say that my sin is not fully my fault, but a default of my humanity.
As I grow in faith, I realized that my sinful nature must no longer be my claim. I have been alive again in Christ, and so even I am still in the flesh, God has given me everything I need spiritually to live in righteousness.
Paul reminded me of this fact when he spoke to the Corinthians about their infancy in Christ. He told them that he cannot address them as ‘spiritual people’ but as people of the flesh. How did Paul classify these Christians in Corinth as people still living in the flesh?
1. "For you were not ready for it" v. 2
Paul had been patiently teaching them the elementary truths of Christ but is also longing and willing to give them more revelations so they can grow in faith. However, it seemed that these Christians are not yet ready for the ‘meat,’ for what is seen in the way they live. They have received the Spirit, yet their behavior dictates otherwise.
Refusing to grow from the stage of Christian infancy is one way to reflect and question the proof of one’s salvation. If I am really called by God, why then am I aloof of the things of God? Why am I blocking the light brought into my soul? Why am I not contemplative on the sentiments of the truths told?
Spiritual hunger is one measurement of maturity in faith - knowing that the Word of God will benefit one's life more than anything else. This hunger is a desire to know more of God not just in knowledge, but in readiness to be counseled, to be convicted of sin, and to an expectation to be changed by the Spirit.
"Spiritual hunger is one measurement of maturity in faith - knowing that the Word of God will benefit one's life more than anything else."
2. "Jealousy and strife" v. 3
When we have success in our doings, to whom do we give credit it? When everything else do not go our way, what do we do about it? How do we take it?
Paul pointed out that to behave in jealousy and strife is ‘of the flesh’ and ‘behaving only in a human way’. He must be meaning to say that human nature (sinful nature) is in no way an escape to respond or act in a manner that displeases God.
Believing that God ordains everything and knowing that He is aware of the situation of all, there is no reason for me to feel uneasy, insecure, and upset if things do not go my way. If I really trust God’s providence, I must battle with my anxiety and know that God is with me. If my brother lacks anything, then I must be more than willing to fill the void, for I myself have been filled willingly and graciously by God and others. If I am suffering, I will remember that God is my strength. Jealousy must be overcome with trust in the Lord that the state I am is where He wants me to be. Strife must be overcome with love knowing that God has shown love to me even in my most difficult and loathsome self.
"If I really trust God’s providence, I must battle with my anxiety and know that God is with me."
Paul did not deny the spiritual gifts that the Corinthians received, however he reminded them that If success comes, it is not because they are wise with their dealings, but it's because of God’s mighty hand. Even if they have labored, the growth was not because of their work but ultimately because God brought growth -be it materially or spiritually.
So then let it be a reminder for me, that through God's sufficient grace, I will continue to work out for my salvation on the foundation that the Lord Himself had laid upon for me. I may struggle in my humanity but His power is made perfect for my weakness.
“And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,” Acts 17:6
To “change the world” - is the ultimate goal of a revolutionized mind. History tells us that many people brought in ideas that had uplifted things from the way they were. Some strived to change cultural views, others discovered new technologies, while a number of them pioneered genres in music, sports, and fashion. Change might have come, but it didn’t really come throughout the world. Influences might have been great but not too great to affect the whole world, in all its areas and all people.
Except for a time in history, when two men from Israel, namely Paul and Silas, came to Thessalonica for a purpose that would change the world, not just in their time, but through all time. They were marked as “men who have turned the world upside down,” (Acts 17:6) which proved to be true at a later time, despite having the statement’s initial intentions to mean in a dissentient way. Both Paul and Silas were early converts of Christianity, who with other disciples, traveled around the world for a divine purpose.
Christians are called to make a difference in this dying world, which is to become salt and light in it. Corporately, as His church, we must take part in this calling. It would be hard, wearisome, and could be lingering, too. Take the case of Paul and Silas, they were driven out, threatened, and mocked when they took a step of faith. But God has come before any persecutions they would ever encounter. He promised that He “will be with them always.” Certainly, He had prospered their mission despite opposition. Soon enough, people in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria have come to know the faith. And as these Christians live and die for their faith, the gospel was preached and believed to the ends of the earth.
But how did they do it? The whole book of Acts narrated it all. However, chapter 17 pieced it into two initial but major tasks:
Proclaiming Jesus is Christ. The Scriptures say that for three Sabbath days, Paul reasoned with both Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica, "explaining and proving to them that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead,” and that this Messiah was Jesus. People were expecting a Messiah, but a very different one from what God has prepared. They were expecting a great and glorious king, but not someone who will have to suffer and die. But as Paul establishes through the Scriptures that this suffering and triumphant Messiah is Jesus (RSB commentary), many were persuaded and believed. From that moment on, Jews and Gentile God-fearers, including "leading women”, became those earliest Christians who joined Paul in this gospel quest.
Standing against all ungodliness. Paul’s zealousness in proclaiming the gospel was not restricted to that task alone. But it was also tied with admonishing wrong beliefs and practices of religion. Paul even went as far as feeling provoked (Acts 17:16) on the idolatry of Athens. Sadly, getting “provoked” to unbiblical practices nowadays is negatively received even in evangelical circles. Most Christians dispose of tolerance even to those absolute, obvious disobedience, which then they interpret as the more “Christian way” than laying down reproof and correction. Paul expressed an unambiguous point when he brought up Athen’s idolatry. His tone is straightforward. He has but one clear objective, and that is to turn their eyes to Jesus. His provocation was turned into an instant gospel-preaching session. He did not delay and withhold anything. He toppled their objects of worship brazenly and proved their “wise quotes” (v. 28) untrue unless it is directed to the Lord of heaven and earth. He did not play safe— never ever. Instead, he was always discerning and deliberate. He delivered God’s message for what it is.
Are we called to change the world? No. But just like Paul and Silas, we were called to proclaim the gospel that brings salvation to mankind. The world may be subject to vanity (Romans 8:20) but the message that we have brings hope for future, eternal glory to a spiritually dead damned soul— there’s no other change in the world ever more needed than that! This is the mission and purpose of every Christian. It is not simply a challenge but a command to obey. Our Lord has given us the power to perform this task (Acts 1:8). So it is not whether you can do it, but will you do it? Will you join us in turning this world upside down?
Now that a new year has come, our hopes are renewed for a better life. We think of prosperity, for smooth relationship paths, promotions, and pleasant ministering experiences. We humbly ask God to favor us this year and to bring good things in our way. As Christians, we know no other means more fitting than depend on God and faithfully hope that He would look upon us with mercy.
When we look to the future, all is but vague hues of expectations and aspirations. The details of our lives are so uncertain. It is only but natural to hope for beautiful things, but these hopes become wrong when it eventually translates to entitlement. It seems as though, when problems, sufferings, and persecutions come, God is against us. And instead of looking to God more eagerly, we look the other way. We dissolve in sorrow and waste away in our anxieties.
Acts 14:22 reads,
“…strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
Christians are called to go through tribulations as we enter the kingdom of God. It was not an unsettled and ambiguous statement of Paul, but rather an incontestable reminder for us to be prepared. However terrifying this may be, this passage is afloat of two encouragements for us.
1. A Determined Path.
When tribulation comes to us, we are instinctively distressed about it. But when we look into this passage, we know that tribulations were already set upon Christians to walk into as we live our faith in Christ. If we suffer in this life and approach it in the attitude of Christ, it is almost as if we see ourselves walking with Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress through that "straight path" to Celestial City. So in one way, we may be distressed but we also rejoice in suffering and persecutions knowing that we are in the path where God wants us to be. Only true Christians would understand this state of emotions.
2. A Determined Destination.
This is the greatest comfort and joy we must hold onto. Our journey might be hard and full of defiance, but the Lord had already gone before us - not only that but He had set our destination. 2 Corinthians 4: 17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Our future dwelling is in heavenly realms with our Lord God. And "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). We will behold God’s glory and enjoy our fellowship with Him and His saints forever.
Today’s future must prepare us for tribulations. But let us not shrink back for we are also assured of God's grace. Paul charges us to “continue in the faith” for he knew that God is the One who will sustain us throughout our journey. May it be our encouragement that every step we take brings us nearer to our ultimate future- our future glory with Christ our Lord.
"By faith, Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found because God has taken him. Now before he was taken and he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever draw near to God must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:5-6
Hebrews 11 talked about mighty men of God from different generations who exemplified extraordinary faith. Many a time we have heard about a man named Enoch who was one of the champions of faith in this chapter. He is known on those few verses as the one who ‘was taken away by God and then was no more.’ The Bible mentioned little about him, yet his experience cannot be discounted. The few verses that determined his person communicate so much more to us if only we would look closely.
On how he was taken, surely it was the whole of him. As many commentators believed, Enoch was taken wholly in his physical body to be with the Lord since verse 5 says, ‘... that he should not see death, and he was not found.’ Interestingly, God did not take him because he had faith that he will be taken by Him, for he had already lived 365 years when God took him. And in those years, Enoch had lived pleasing God; confirming in verse 6 that he pleased God with his faith. (For it is impossible to please God without faith.) I noted to myself, he pleased God. For 365 300 years (ref. Gen. 5:21).
Many would declare that they would die for Christ, yet many of us struggle to live for Him. That daily basis of battle is overwhelmingly exhausting. At times, it even overcomes us. How did Enoch do it? As I study Hebrews 11, I realized that living out our faith would only be possible through faith as well!
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17
The undeniable truth of living a holy life makes it much easier to just excuse ourselves oftentimes. This difficult task will only be resolved if we will seriously consider these bases as our cause to labor well in our walk.
1. That God and His Providence are ever present with us.
It makes it easier for a man to bear his cross with patience knowing that God’s sovereignty is always present even at a time of affliction. That despite sufferings lay upon him, he knew that the Lord had already determined it for his good, no matter how visibly distressing it is. For if you walk with the King, who could dare do you wrong? “So, he that walks with God, what evil can touch him?” (W. Perkins). The point is, people around you may think of evil against you, but the Lord has the power to dispose of it all for your good.
We remember Joseph the Dreamer, the guy who was plotted by his brothers to death. But then again, providentially, their plan changed to subject him to slavery. He suffered for many years as a slave and then was thrown to prison. Later on, the Lord prospered him to be the second most powerful man next to the Pharoah in Egypt at a time that powers will be recognized more than ever. When his brothers discovered who he became, they feared him. But then he argued, “Fear not… for am I not under God?” (Gen. 50:19)
2. That We are in God’s Presence
That consciousness that we are in the very presence of God every second of our life persuades our choices to please him than ourselves. Sins become more visible to us when we see our invisible God with our hearts. His fullness is always brought to our remembrance - how righteous His judgments are and how powerful He can execute it. We flashback once more to Joseph when he was accused to have mistreated his mistress, he answered, “How shall I commit this great wickedness, and to sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9). The holy company of God keeps him away from committing sins.
The duty of our faith to be faithful is dependent not on itself but on the God who gifted us this wondrous grace. To have faith on His providence and His presence is to bring remembrance that we are not our own but belong to God, and for that, we are preserved until His return. Soli Deo Gloria!
Reference: Hebrews 11 Commentary by William Perkins
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!"
-Psalm 39:4-6
If I were to measure life, how would I evaluate it? Through the number of years, achievements, relationships, or wealth? Perceptions may differ but the question remains, which measurement really quantifies? We haven’t been at the end of our course, but surely our glimpse is crystal clear, and so we know the answer to that question.
We drift away with this so-called "life"
It is not unknown that people drift away with this so-called "life.” We are like the Israelites, gathering meat in the desert, thinking it will be stored away until we need it, only to find out soon enough that the maggots had their share. What a waste of time! All the hard work put into it. The Lord clearly told them what is to be done; gather what is enough for the day. They have known what to do from the start, but they chose another way, a way seemed good to them.
Fast forward to our times now, we are so consumed with the things going on in our lives. Getting a promotion, fancy cars, building a house, raising children, establishing a business -name it, all the things that fill our heads. This is what we must do and we have to fulfill and we have to achieve. Then we all shout, “For the future!” How confident we are! Psalm says, surely, we confuse ourselves with such things.
Then turn away from God
We turn our heads away from what God has called us to do. No? What are we busy today? What is the longing of our soul? We ponder our earthly needs more than our spiritual life. Our pleasure craves perishable things rather than eternal ones. The more we deny, the more we sink deep in the turmoil, inadvertently grasping the invisible idols we have built.
And then we laugh shamelessly. It would pass by like every other day, we thought. The same day as the times that we have ignored our conscience and embrace our earthly pleasures and treasures. We toil yet we will never know who will gather our wealth. What vanity! If all we have today is what we see, we are miserable! If what we deem important do not differ from a natural man, then where is our hope?
The Psalmist realized that he is at the mercy of God. The Lord can “consume like a moth what is dear to him” as he disciplines him for his sin. And so he cried out to God, “Deliver me from my transgressions” and “look away from me.”
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you."
Stand or fall, or both?
What is there to hope for? All other things are mere sand that can be tossed by waves. It is destined to be ruined and bury you nowhere deep. Run to the Rock, a sure foundation. Yes, there will be tossing and beating, but a man whose hope is in God will stand in the midst of his scorners. He may stumble and fall, but His grace will lift him up in all the storms.
Like a breath, a shadow, or as nothing before God, may we see our lives as it is, and not to indulge into things that do not profit our eternity. Every moment is a rare opportunity to please our Maker, may we not miss it. And when the time comes that we take our last, we will see His the light of His face and rejoice in His presence.
“The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. ‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 2:15-16
The spiritual person is not the one in position or holding an office in a church, nor a perfect believer without sin - for if that would be the case, then there will be no ‘spiritual person’ here on earth because his place would be in heaven. The spiritual person is someone who was born of the Spirit (John 3), his being regenerated through the gospel of Christ and he lives the truth and walks in faith.
He judges all things, not that he has knowledge of all things in nature but things that are spiritual. He discerns the foolishness of this world, the truth from error, the voice of God from the voice of strangers. He knows when the gospel is preached and when it is distorted. He never compromises the truth with unwarranted claims.
The greatest mystery that the world cannot understand is the greatness of the divine salvation that Christ provided for many. Thus the verse,
"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him"
1 Corinthian 2:9
The world proves the Scripture right when it says, "the message of the cross is foolishness to them" (1 Corinthians 1:18). Through the suffering of Christ and the ransom He paid for our sins, we were freed from the slavery of darkness and has come to His light where we see everything in His love and mercy and grace.
He has the mind of Christ… for the Word which is Christ and the Spirit who illuminates the Word are in him. He is humbled by the truth so does not fear to speak out the truth... for the sake of love and for the glory of God.
“And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21.
If we claim to follow Christ, then Paul's ambition should be ours as well. The root of the great commission in Matthew 28 is to become witnesses of Christ. To be a witness of Christ is to preach His gospel through the power of the Spirit and to live it as well.
The word 'ambition' suits well for this difficult task (actually 'impossible' suits best but since God is with us, that'll do 😊). Difficult is a word that puts emphasis on great efforts, engagement and passion unto something. Paul and the rest of the disciples managed to spread the Word throughout the world even with difficulty! Through the help of the Spirit, Paul knew what to do in order to accomplish this goal.
1. Paul worked on it. I mean really worked on it. In his letter to the Romans, he says “This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you…” (Romans 15:22-24a). Paul was longing to visit the brothers in Rome but the ministry of the gospel of Christ hindered him. This was not the kind of hindrance that forced him to stay in Corinth, rather Paul set it to himself, a thing to be done before doing any other. He was focused on the task and the task of completing it. He made efforts in reaching out to people, not only to those who were within his reach, but also to those he was able to go to. He saturated the territory where God had put him with the good news. I say it was laborious but the Spirit was there to aid and strengthen Him, just as He is now with us.
Where did God put you now? Are you making every effort to reach out for those who don't know Christ yet?
2. Paul asked to be prayed for.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers…” these were written by Paul to Romans (15:30-31a), an appointed apostle of Christ. Regardless of our calling in Christ, we need the prayers of other believers too. Paul is specific that the church should strive together in prayer for this command that God had given us all. We must pray for each other to be brought to opportunities to declare Christ and declare it with the power of God.
"Therefore," Paul concludes with almost certainty in Romans 15:7, "welcome one another as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God." I believe this goes beyond welcoming our brethren in a church fellowship. It is rather an acceptance with a deep understanding of each other's sin-stained flesh and a full recognition that every one of us is at the mercy of our Lord.
What does Paul really mean when he said that we must welcome one another as Christ welcomed each one of us? Let us look back and see how were we accepted by Christ in His family.
1. Christ rejoices as we come to Him. At times, we require a lot of effort in joyously accepting our new family in Christ. Perhaps because of a past happened between you and your brethren, racial discrimination, unsettled issues, impressions and expectations. We must remember how God greatly values them in Luke 15:3-7 parable, where 99 others were left for one. It shows how Christ was 'infinitely pleased', as Matthew Henry puts it, in the repentance and conversion of great sinners. Matthew 10:40 also says "He who receives you, receives Me, and he who receives Me receives who sent me."
2. Christ looks at us impartially. Jews or Gentiles, the Lord did not show partiality among His chosen people (Romans 2:11). His promise is unequivocal. He welcomes those who fear Him and do what is right from every nation. James clearly spotted what every believer's attitude should be:
"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you no then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." James 2:1-4, 8-9.
3. Christ redeemed us to the glory of God. Everything Jesus does is to His glory. His pleasure in saving us is to glorify Himself (Eph. 1:5-6 and Phil. 2:9-11). There is coherence on Paul's instruction to imitate Him as He imitates Christ. This is our chief end - to glorify God in every thing we do. "We receive each other in love and without judgment or condescension we do, as He did, to the glory of God" (J. MacArthur).
In wretched state, Christ welcomed us in His family. He demonstrated His love and mercy on the cross while we were still sinners. He brought light into our darkness and life in our death. We were accepted to glorify His name and in Him we will be glorified. God endured all our griefs and sorrows in his humanity to Calvary. He is patient in our weaknesses, even encourages us and will continue to do so until He comes again. May we always remember God's graciousness to us whenever we look at our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Source: John MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Romans
"Mommy, obey me!" my five-year-old daughter then demanded. I laughed it off and explained to her what's wrong with that. Obviously, she did not understand that obedience varies in the application.
At that time, I was
reading the book of Genesis. God had plainly revealed in the earlier
chapters of this book that He is our Father and we are His children,
which along with that concept injected a few important principles of
parenting. He, being our Father, imposes obedience to His children
which we, in turn, are expected to comply. Since our heavenly Father
is God, and God as He is, a perfect being, all righteous, just and full
of wisdom, always proved the beauty of being obedient to Him.
When I came to Genesis 9, I discovered another perspective in parenting. This chapter enumerated how Noah and his family
lived after the flood. God gave them the same command to multiply and
fill the earth as to Adam and Eve. Verse 20 showed that
Noah became occupied in increasing the productivity of the land. He [Noah] began to be a man of the soil, and [he] planted a vineyard. Until he was fully drawn into it and finally sinned (v. 21).
From that verse until the end of this chapter, I remembered the statement of my daughter and realized that parenting, in most cases, is wrapped with irony like that.
1. The Irony of Teaching Obedience
Noah was a parent of three sons. I am convinced that it was clear with him that he was to teach his children that obedience was a good trait and must be applied.
But on one fateful day, Noah
drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent (v. 21). He disobeyed God by giving in to his intemperance and abusing God's gifts.
It is logical to say that when you teach something, you are expected to be better than who you are teaching. But in the stance of obedience, Noah's story proved something else. The hard truth presses on: Parents struggle in obedience as much as their children do. So what shall we do? The task of teaching obedience to children was commissioned to us, parents. We must be reputed as obedient. We must persevere in genuine efforts to obey God for our sake and the sake of our children.
But
outward obedience is cheap. Let us desire for the real thing - inward submission that will inevitably express outwardly. The Bible tells us to keep watch of our lives so
that we are prepared to meet our Lord anytime. It is our destiny to encounter different temptations and trials not just as a parent but as a child of God. To lose heart is not an option but to be expectant in the Lord is an enduring confidence that we are helped. Habakkuk 2:1 tells it
with great exact,
"I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I
will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply
when I am reproved."
Noah disobeyed God and shame
was brought upon him through his son Ham. This story was told not for him
to be eternally humiliated but to remind us that Noah was a perfect man yet not without sin.
Our nature opposes the Spirit, but as we come
nearer to God, by His grace, our calling as parents will be fulfilled.
2. The Irony of Scorning a Disgraceful Parent
We
often say, "Respect must be earned, not demanded". If it is fitting to
respect someone who is respectable in his ways and words, then it is
just right not to revere anyone who does not deserve it!
Or is it?
Let us look at how Ham, the son of Noah, reacted on probably his father's most shameful act."Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told
his two brothers outside" (v. 21). He intentionally went into his father's
tent to see him disgraced. He delighted on the sin of Noah and intended in his heart of disgracing his father publicly (... scornfully spoke about his father to his two brothers outside.). He wanted everyone to see that his father sinned and that he is deserving to be shamed.
I
have heard hundreds of stories of children hating their parents for
being "bad parents". Sons and daughters crush their
parents with insults and rejection, thinking they are not obliged to
respect such parents. In fact, they feel it is their duty to embarrass and expose them for what they have done.
Does God favor that? Verse 25 answers, "Cursed be Canaan (son of Ham); a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers." Noah cursed Ham
and his entire generation for scorning his disgrace. Though this incident is within the divine appointment of the Lord, we cannot disregard that Noah's punishment to his son was also vindicated.
Shem and Japheth had a different take on the situation. It was settled in their hearts to honor their father despite him. For that, they and their generations were blessed (v. 26-27).
"Then
Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both of their shoulders,
and walked backward, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their
faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's
nakedness... " (v. 23)
Our fallibility will surely fail our children many a time. So we must clearly teach them that their obedience is not really to us nor it is dependent on who we are, but their obedience is to God -- because ultimately, He is our Father.
We climb the highest mountain we can and stand in awe of creation. We dive deep in the waters and wonderfully lust on it. Sometimes even the simplest drops of rain from our window give warm jitters in our senses.
The sun. Its power is unstoppable. As soon as it sets, no one and nothing can conceal its tremendous heat and light. It reaches throughout and from end to end. We may try to hide in a shade yet the sun remains where it is. Its rays will always seep through.
We unashamedly call nature "mother" as if it cradles all living things. We thank the universe (ours or whichever universe) for all the good that come our way when actually it has nothing to do with it. All of universe and the life it encompasses; the nature's form and itself are merely all part of God's grand design. Clearly, as some assumed or were misled, the universe and God are not the same. Universe is a creation, same with nature. God is the Creator.
"The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). Nature will always amaze us of its beauty and its gripping ways because someone Supreme is behind it. We are struck of the creation's magnificence, how much more the glory of the Creator! We can only suppress as much of this truth as the sun is suppressed of its light-- the unchanging invisible power of God clearly seen in all its creation will always seep through.
To deny that there is God takes a lot of imagination. Creation is too beautiful to be accidental.
"And as [Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee" Acts 24:25
With social networks, one can hardly miss anything. I can definitely say that those who are active on Facebook and/or Twitter are the most updated ones. We know about almost everything through the news feed of our Facebook - even the rage of your neighbor with her husband. And though we cannot always filter what we see on our screens, we can ignore some posts and give weight on some which we may feel is important.
How many times have you encountered the Gospel of Jesus Christ on your wall posts? How many times have you thought about it? Have you considered reading it closely and giving weight on it? Now that you're reading this, are you considering knowing the real gospel at all?
When Paul was sent to Felix, the governor of Caesarea, to face the charges of the chief priests and Jews, he boldly confessed and testified the lordship of Jesus Christ in his life... how God worked in his life and how he was changed. Everyone listened intently; whether to bring judgment or witness the truth, they came to know about the Lord. Felix's interest to please his Jewish wife spark curiosity in him to hear more from Paul. And so he sent for Paul and heard him speak about his faith in Christ Jesus. But when Paul talked about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, he was alarmed. Preposterously, he was alarmed yet sent Paul away!
Matthew Henry captured it so well when he commented on this verse, "Sinners often start up like a man roused from his sleep by a loud noise, but soon sink again into their usual drowsiness." Many a time, God sends warning to us, convicting us of our shameful ways, opening his arms to us for repentance. Yet just like Felix, many put the thought at the back seat of their minds and drive away, thinking, "there will be a more convenient time to think about those things, but just not this time". I wonder, what lingers someone not to take hold of his eternal destiny? Surprisingly, there are numerous "reasons" that I came across. I have enumerated some of the common ones to which I'm also responding with biblical verses to expose its unsubstantiated claims. 1. "I'm basically a good person."
"God is good, and he won't punish me because basically, I'm good. I do not murder. I give alms to the poor. And more importantly, I am not hurting anyone."
Must the accused determine his fate or the judge to give the sentence? They evaluate themselves with their standards and assume they have passed God's judgment. The Bible says, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) and "-for there is no one who does not sin-" (2 Chronicles 6:36). God's judgement to sin is death ("for the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23a). Original sin (sinful nature) in itself is enough to condemn the whole human race, more so the sin we commit in our lifetime.
What is amusing though, everyone who claims to be good also admits not being able to perfectly achieve what God requires them to do. Some even profess to be 'Christians'. But their idea of Jesus is not as a Messiah but a filler for their personal merit as payment for their ransom. So the concept of salvation becomes now, our Lord Jesus Christ partly contributing to our salvation instead of him entirely redeeming us from our sins.
What can I say? That is overboard blasphemous and heretical.
2. "What matters is I believe in God."
"You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-- and shudder!" James 2:19. Unbelievers tend to claim that they believe in God... that believing is enough piety to save them from the fires of hell.
Believing is now then equated to faith, which is wrong. For believing and having faith [in God] are not one and the same in the definition that this claim pertains to. Believing in this manner of speaking simply accepts that God exists. Faith, on the other hand, is a conviction that produces action and confidence. James [chapter 2] explained two kinds of faith:
False Faith (2:14-20) - A person who claims to believe and yet is barren with the fruits of salvation was compared to a demon who also believes in God (and shudders in fear!). A false believer declares their belief in God yet has no interest or whatsoever to know God and be involved in His kingdom. Obviously, the person who closes his heart from the conviction he received and settled in saying 'believing God is all that matters', falls into this category.
Saving Faith - The faith that saves is the faith that works, not that one's works is essential to salvation but is the proof of one's salvation. The person with this faith repents when convicted of his sin and produces a fruit which is a changed life in Christ. It perseveres to know God and His will, submits to His lordship, and trusts in the finished work of Christ for his salvation
3. "I'm happy with my faith."
I will put this in one category with a couple other statements: "We are loved in our church." and "I was born with this faith, I will die with it." Being happy in this context, obviously, is based on a spur of a moment feeling. That passing happiness that makes someone feel good. The problem with this is, we cannot trust our feelings alone. Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure...", so trusting our "instincts" and "feelings" are dangerous. It is a fact that true worship of God leads to joy, peace and security in the hearts of men, but this kind of worship is founded in the knowledge of God. It does not depend on people's treatment to someone or on the fleeting feeling you experience in the church. These experiences are all self-satisfying and do not progress them to excite in knowing God through His Word.
I have initially heard the 'living and dying' principle from my parents when I was sharing the gospel to them for the first time. Those people who stand on this principle seem to be sure of what they believe in. Unfortunately, when asked about their theology, they will loftily say that they are content of their innocence like a child about their faith. They have probably heard Matthew 18:3 verse, "and truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.", and misinterpreted it. This verse does not mean that God wants us to be ignorant and walk blindly in faith, rather it tells us to be like a little child who trusts his Father on everything. So should our trust be to our Father in heaven.
God wants us to be enlightened through His Word (Matthew 6:22), to know His Word (Matthew 22:29), and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18).
4. "I'm not ready yet."
This statement is probably the closest that is of Felix's, and which I consider the most boastful and foolish of all. The hardened heart that despite knowing the truth chooses to live in sin and refuses to give up its pleasures. It runs after the riches of this world and values power over an honourable reputation. The person who thinks his life is his and that his tomorrow is certain.
James 4:13-14b is a ready reminder for them, "Today or tomorrow, we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and make a profit. You do not even know what will happen tomorrow!"
Overall, the misery is all the same. What goes to one, mirrors the other. Man's depravity escapes no one. Light has come to the world but people loved darkness rather than light because their works were evil (John 3:19). It is not enough that you go to church every week. It is not enough that you read your Bible once in a while. It is not just about praying or having fellowship with others. None of it can take away the filthiness of our sinful nature. We are all wretched until we hold fast to the pure doctrine of the Gospel of Christ through which we can only be truly united with our God. (Calvin)
Now this is the TRUE GOSPEL:
Let's examine Romans 3:19-26
No one is declared righteous before God by observing the law. (verses 19-21)
There is a righteousness from God that is apart from law. (verse 21)
The righteousness from God is received through faith in Jesus Christ. (verse 22)
This righteousness is available to everyone on the same basis, because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (verses 22-23)
All who put their faith in Jesus Christ are justified freely by God's grace. (verse 24)
This justification is through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (verse 24)
God presented [Jesus] as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in His blood. (verse 25) Reference: The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
Now here's Paul Washer to explain it further. Spare 12 minutes of your time and consider your eternity. May the Lord open the eyes of your heart.
So "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart..." (Hebrews 3:15), lest you be like Felix whose convenient time never came.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Life is Terrifying; Or is it?
Sorrows, failures and uncertainties follow our earthly life. It may stay for a time, a year, or all your days. So yes- when we come to think of it, life can be terrifying.
Fear becomes our great enemy. It may defeat us by default, without a fight. But fear may also bring out that indomitable spirit in us. As one preacher puts it, you would not need courage without fear. Courage comes with fear.
But what is courage, really? Is it an urge to do something dangerous or extreme? Or a prevailing moment of your invincible self?
Folks often depict courage as a grip in one's heart that convinces someone to act for a cause. I think that goes the same in our Christian walk. But what is the cause that grip our hearts? Psalm 60:12 says,
"With God, we will do valiantly,
it is He who will tread down our foes."
In this Psalm, David is resolved on the manner that he and the Israelites will fight. They will not go to battle petrified, anxious or confused. They will fight bravely as if they have already won. David's courage is not a sudden feeling or an impulsive drive. He meditated the cause of his courage. It is not a mind conditioning of believing in himself, but it is from God whom he lay all his hope.
His courage is founded in a certain hope- his hope in his God, on who He is and what He can do.
We encounter difficult times, and God allows these things to happen for the purpose of His glory. We may feel as though God is conspiring with our misfortunes (a revealing thought of a downcast soul). Many may be puzzled, but it is really to our advantage that God is involved even in our troubles and sufferings. Surely, He permits these things not to harm us. He breaks us so we can see how weak our defenses are, if left on our own. He makes us witness to the person we really are through our circumstances. He strips our pride so we can truly learn how to depend on Him. And when we finally figured it out, our hope in temporal existence fades, and a living hope irresistibly arise in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Courage is found where you put your hope into.
God is the cause of my and my salvation in this terrifying life.
Around us, we see people doing what please them and yet still flourish in their living. We see them enjoying a luxurious time while they carry out their evil schemes. And in a moment, a Christian might be vexed and tempted to do what they do. But the Lord reminds us in chapter 37 of Psalms not to fret and be envious of the abundance of the wicked-for they shall soon wither as a green plant dies away. He teaches us that all the things that they enjoy will not count but the things they did when they face His judgment.
And yes we may suffer while the wicked prosper, yet He doesn't leave us alone in our sufferings. As we commit our way to Him and trust Him, He promised to act. He will act. He will. The word 'will' used here means 'it is bound to happen', an inevitable event to come'. When we feel exhausted of taking the threats of disobedience and we are being tempted to do just what 'everybody does', the Lord will act.
The following verse says what God will act upon for His saints: "He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:6). He will not forsake us. He will supply our needs and our strength as we commit to Him. A decision that is not shaky but sturdy to obey God no matter the odds. Commiting one's way is committing his or her works for the glory of God. Works is anything we do. We put it all on the line and trust Him. And we will see that His righteousness will be seen in us and that there will be vindication of the things we do for Christ.
This sweet promise follows when we commit our way and trust in Him. Will you trust the Promise Keeper?
