The beauty of unity in the body

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

Psalm 133 begins with the word “Behold.”  Literally it means look, but it is commonly used as an exclamation because the thing we are being told to look at is something wonderful.  And the thing that is being looked at, or considered wonderful, is the brethren dwelling together in unity.

The Israelites were to travel to Jerusalem for worship three times each year for each of the three major religion’s feasts.  These were also special times for people from all over the nation to dwell together in unity.

David described this special time of unity as both ‘good’ and ‘pleasant’.  Fellowship in the Lord (especially worship) is good [beneficial], & pleasant [enjoyable.]

Let us be reminded of Jesus’ words (Matthew 5:24) that if we come to worship harboring unforgiveness, we are to take care of that with the other person before we come for worship.

It is worthy of note that any who do not find fellowship in the Lord (especially corporate worship), good and pleasant, are likely not brethren—not believers!  Believers love God, love to worship Him, and love the fellowship of the saints.  Believers love each other because God loves us, and because we love what God loves!

Counseling ourselves

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11

This Psalm is a classic example of the art of and the need to “counsel ourselves.”

Throughout the Psalm, David laments his “down and out” spiritual condition.  He was in a dry and thirsty spiritual condition (v.1-2).  He felt distance between himself and God, causing tears of sorrow (v.2-3).  He remembers when he felt closer to God and to God’s people (v.4).  He was depressed, or as he put it, “cast down” (v.5, 6, 11).

But rather than roll over and give up, David counseled himself.  He spoke words of encouragement to himself.  He reminded himself that his hope was in God, that he would continue to praise God even from the pits of despair (v.5). He reminded himself of God’s rule over all (v.6), and of His lovingkindness (v.7).  He likewise reminded himself that God was his Rock, even in the worst of times (v.8-10).  When it felt as if there was no hope, David reminded himself that His sure hope is in God and in God alone!

These are the kinds of things with which we can encourage one another.  And they are the things we need to encourage ourselves with—whether we feel it or not.  Why?  Because they are true!

“Why has God been so good to me?”

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18 

And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name—and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land—before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? Samuel 7:23 

David’s prayer in 2 Samuel 7 is a great model for all prayer.  The king entered the presence of the Lord and humbly asked why God had been so good to him.  He knew that he was not worthy of God’s blessings, yet God had been so incredibly kind to David. 

Rather than spending our prayer time focused solely on our difficulties, let’s remember to praise God for His grace.  He didn’t owe us life, but He made us.  He didn’t owe us salvation, yet He has redeemed us.  Beyond that, regardless of our sorrows, we all enjoy more blessings than we tend to realize.

A few verses later (v.23), David answers the “Why have You been so good to me” question.  God has saved His people for Himself.  For His name’s sake.  To demonstrate His power and might.  In other words, for His glory. 

That’s right.  The answer to the question “Why has God been so good to me?” is “For His glory!”

But Jesus rose from the dead!

But now Christ is risen from the dead… 1 Corinthians 15:20 

Judas betrayed Jesus for a handful of coins, and as a result, Jesus was crucified.  But He rose from the dead.

The Jewish leaders had no idea what they were doing when Jesus was struck on the face and accused of blasphemy.  They just wanted Him dead.  But He rose from the dead.

Pilate had no angst against the Rabbi from Galilee.  He just wanted the problem to go away.  He had Jesus beaten to try to appease the mob, but it didn’t work.  So, he ordered Jesus to be crucified.  But He rose from the dead.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus risked their reputations to care for Jesus’ corpse.  They buried the dead body of Jesus.  But He rose from the dead.

Jesus’ enemies insisted that His tomb be sealed and guarded.  But He rose from the dead!

You and I are sinners, unable to make ourselves acceptable to a holy and righteous God.  We would be lost without hope.

But, praise God, Jesus rose from the dead!

Oh, how He loves us!

And the children of Israel said to the LORD, "We have sinned! Do to us whatever seems best to You; only deliver us this day, we pray." 16 So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD. And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.
 Judges 10:15-16

The book of Judges is a record of Israel’s repeated spiritual infidelity against the Lord. It is also a record of God’s super-abundant fidelity to His people.  When the people turned against the Lord, which inevitably caused their misery, they still cried out to Him for help. 

The first help God afforded them was to call them to repentance.  When they repented, God forgave and restored them, time and time again!

Why?  Because, in His kindness, God “became weary of Israel’s misery.”

Know this about our kind and loving God.  When we are in misery—even if it is because of our sin, God becomes weary of our misery. 

Stated in another way, God hates to see us suffer—even when it is because of our sin.  Oh, how He loves us!

On our faces before the Lord in worship

…when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?" So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped…" Joshua 5:13-14

Joshua was preparing to lead Israel into battle for the Promised Land.  Just prior to the first big battle, a mysterious person arrived on the scene to meet with Joshua.  It is widely believed that this “Commander of the army of the Lord,” as He is called, is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.

Joshua, ever the military mind, inquires of this unknown mighty warrior, “are you for us or for our adversaries?”  To which the Commander of the army of the Lord” simply replied, “No.”

The point here is that it is not about whether God is for or against us.  He is for His own glory.  The more vital question is for us: “Are we for or against the Lord?”

Joshua’s response is perfect.  He fell on his face and worshiped.

Isn’t that what worship is all about?  It is not about us, or our church, or our sect, or even our worship.  It is about God’s glory.  When we get it, as Joshua did, we too will assume the correct position: on our faces before the Lord in worship.

Blood that cries out for justice

Provide atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel, whom You have redeemed, and do not lay innocent blood to the charge of Your people Israel.' And atonement shall be provided on their behalf for the blood. Deuteronomy 21:8

This is part of God’s law regarding what to do when there has been a murder, but there are no suspects.  The particulars of this law are not applicable to us because we are neither practitioners of the Old Testament Jewish religion, nor are we citizens of ancient Israel. 

The principle, however, is not one we dare miss.

Though there are no suspects, and therefore no convicted criminals to execute, nevertheless, God requires atonement for the murder.  This underscores, once again, the sanctity of all human life.  When the life of a human being is taken by another human being, because the image of God was desecrated, atonement is necessary for the innocent blood that has been shed.  The shed blood cries out to God for justice and atonement (Genesis 4:10).

How much innocent blood has been shed in abortion clinics and now cries out to God?  We cannot offer atoning sacrifices, but let us join the voice of the shed blood, calling out to God for mercy.

"Why is this taking so long?"

It is eleven days' journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea.
Deuteronomy 1:2

Mount Horeb is Mount Sinai where Moses received the Law.  Mount Seir is on the east side of the Jordan, just north of where the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea.  It was a perfect place to cross the Jordan to enter the Promised Land.  It was an 11 day journey from Horeb to Seir.  Why did the Children of Israel “wander” in the wilderness for 40 years before they were allowed to enter in?

The obvious reason given in the Bible was that the generation that left Egypt were not allowed to enter due to their unbelief (Num.13).  It was God’s punishment on the nation.  There is another leson to be learned as well.

God promised to take those He delivered from Egypt to Promised Land.  But in God’s providence, the nation was not ready to enter into God’s rest.  It took 40 years to make them ready.

Likewise, God promises to take those He saves into Heaven.  But He doesn’t do it instantly.  It takes the rest of our lives to be readied.

And on an even smaller scale, we may often wonder why God does not deliver us more speedily to life’s next destination.  The answer is that we are not always ready, requiring a period of time to elapse before we are ready.

Lord, give us grace to trust You when we are waiting—especially when it feels like we are wandering.

Suffering "relatively"

And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled…
Numbers 11:1

The hardships of 400 years of slavery were forgotten!  The people seemed only to be aware of the fact that they were tired of the “misfortune” of  eating manna—the food God miraculously supplied for them every morning.

Life is filled with hardships.  Some are severe, but at least in our context, most are relatively mild.  When I say relatively, I mean two things.  Most of our hardships are relatively mild compared with the relatively few severe hardships we encounter.  Our hardships are relatively mild compared to the severe hardships experienced by many around the world.

To be less prone to complain to the Lord about our “misfortunes,” let us be intentional to:

• Remember how infrequently most of us suffer compared to our otherwise relatively comfortable lives.

• Remember how even when we do suffer hardships they are relatively mild compared to the truly severe hardships we sometimes must endure.

• Remember how our suffering is relatively mild compared to the sufferings of so many around the world.

• Remember that even when we do suffer, God is in control, He loves us, and He will never leave nor forsake us!

And let us remember how complaining offends the Lord

Holiness: God's, Jesus', and ours

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to  all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. Leviticus 19:1-2

God’s people are called to be holy.  Why? Because God is holy!

Our lack of holiness is a sin against a direct command of God, resulting in the fact that we deserve God’s judgment.

Praise God that Jesus lived, died, and rose to save us from the penalty of our sin and to declare us to be holy in God’s eyes—even though in practice, even the saved, are still not holy as God is holy.  Praise God for justification!  (Justification is a work solely of God)

Praise God also that He does not leave us in an unholy condition.  It is through the life-long process of sanctification that believers are progressively transformed into the holy image and likeness of Christ.  This is a work of God that depends in part on the cooperation of each believer.

One day when we are glorified (either when we die or when Christ comes again), we will actually be made holy.  Glorification is solely a work of God.

The value of a great relationship with the Lord

Thus Moses did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him, so he did.
Exodus 40:16

I once heard a minister talking about a famous preacher.  He said to a room full of young pastors, “You want to be used by God the way Pastor So & So has been?  Then get a relationship with Jesus like the one Pastor So & So has!”

The speaker was not promising that anyone would be famous like Pastor So & So.  The point was to get a relationship with the Lord as real and vital as as the one enjoyed by that Pastor.  When we have a real and vital relationship with the Lord, we will be whatever He wants us to be—famous or not!

Did Moses have a special relationship with the Lord because he did all the Lord commanded Him?  Maybe.  But more importantly, Moses did all that the Lord commanded because of the great relationship he had with God.

Obedience is important, but great obedience is a result of a great relationship with the Lord.

God sees, hear, knows, cares, and acts!

And the LORD said: "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians… Exodus 3:7-8

Four truths about God that are encouraging when we cry out to Him in our troubles:

First, God sees us in our sufferings—do not think He is unaware.

Second, God hears our cries—so cry out to Him!

Third, God knows our sorrows—He not only knows, He understands.

Fourth, God cares, and therefore He acts—not always according to our timetables and not necessarily exactly how we may desire, but He always does what is best at precisely the right time.

What a good, gracious, wise, and mighty God we serve!

Reading Job requires discernment

Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Job 32:2-3

Job 2:11 through 37:24 can be a dangerous section of the Bible to read!  I’m not saying, “Do not read it!”  But this time through, it donned on me that we should not read this section to know God.  These chapters can be greatly misleading, unless one already knows God—and can, therefore, discern truth from falsehood!  Why do I say this?

This longest section of Job is filled with incorrect observations about God that inevitably lead to incorrect conclusions about God.  And even when their observations are correct, their conclusions about God are still almost all incorrect.

In chapters 2-31, Jobs three “friends” are almost always wrong.  Want proof?  God rebuked them soundly in 42:7-8.

When Elihu spoke in chapters 32-37, he was markedly “more correct,” though some of his observations and conclusions are not perfect.  This is why God issued no rebuke for Elihu in chapter 42.

The absolute truth in Job is found in God’s words in 38-41 in which God questioned Job (and his counselors) to expose the radical distinction between the Creator and the creature.  Isaiah summarized the book of Job in Isaiah 55:8-9:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Feeling forsaken

13 "He has removed my brothers far from me, And my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. 14 My relatives have failed, And my close friends have forgotten me. 15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maidservants, Count me as a stranger; I am an alien in their sight… 19 All my close friends abhor me, And those whom I love have turned against me. 20 My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, And I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. 21 "Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, For the hand of God has struck me!  Job 19:13-25, 19-21

Times of suffering are often times of loneliness.  Sometimes the feelings of alienation are accurate.  Sometimes they are imagined because even in the midst of a crowd, we can feel alone in our particular trial.  Because suffering is part of our lot in life, we do well to think about how we handle the feelings of loneliness that so often accompany difficulties.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Remember that God is sovereignly in control of all things—including the most bitter of our trials.  He has a purpose, even when we cannot see, or even imagine, what it might be.

• Remember that God never leaves nor forsakes His own.  No matter how alone we may feel, God is there.  Believe it!

• Realize that even when people around us seem unaware or even insensitive, our friends probably mean well.  They often just do not know what to say or do.  Try to see their noble motive, and overlook their fumbling words and manner.

• Remember how you felt and what words or actions you desired when the tables turn and you have opportunity to minister to someone else who is at the bottom looking up.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into
various trials, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience.  ~ James 1:2-3

“Why is that chapter in the Bible?”

Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. 
Genesis 38:29

What in the world is that verse in the Bible for?  And if you haven’t read the chapter from which it is lifted, you might want to.  When you are done, you might ask, “Why is that chapter in the Bible?” 

The focus of the Genesis narrative, from chapter thirty-seven through fifty is on Joseph.  After introducing Joseph’s story in chapter thirty-seven, however, the spotlight is jerked away from Joseph to this rather bizarre account of Judah and Tamar for one entire chapter.  What’s that all about?

Good news! This chapter is not included to instruct us what we must do if our married brother dies before having any children. (Whew!)  The reason this chapter is in the Bible is revealed in Matthew 1:3.  This rather embarrassing glitch in the patriarchal family places Tamar (a Gentile) and Perez (a boy born under questionable circumstances) in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Here are two ideas to think about: 

First, read your Bible with an eye to see Jesus.  The Bible is about Him from cover to cover. 

Second, thank the Lord for His grace.  He included Tamar and Perez—and you—in His family through Jesus Christ.

How was Abraham justified?

But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" 3 Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!"  6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 15:2-3, 6

In Genesis 12:2 God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation.  Some years later, as Abraham and his wife Sarah aged and were past child-bearing years, Abraham, the father of the faithful, doubted.  What He saw with His eyes made God’s promise look impossible.

God reiterated His promise to Abraham, and Abraham believed, though his faith was a bit wobbly!  But even though Abraham’s faith was imperfect at best, God declared Abraham righteous because of his faith.  This declaration of righteousness is what, in the New Testament, Paul refers to as  “justification.”  Let us be encouraged by two truths:

First, justification by grace alone, through faith alone is not a new concept, unique to the New Testament.  No one has ever been “justified” by any means (good works, religious ritual, or by obeying any code of laws), except by faith in God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Second, while strong faith is to be preferred over weak faith, God justified Abraham even when his weak faith was faltering.  It is about God’s work, not ours!

Third, though Abraham’s faith was weak, he grew and matured in his faith.  And so can we when we keep our eyes on Him, instead of trusting in ourselves.

Fourth, because of God’s grace, let us thank, praise, and worship God for His goodness to His people.

Jesus is our Creator

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Beginning our read through the Bible in a year again this year, we began with Genesis 1 & 2.  Far from being a myth to explain how everything began, the biblical creation account is true.  I don’t mean kind of or mostly true, either.  No, what the Bible says about creation is absolutely and literally true.

It is not only true about how everything began, it is true about Jesus!  Didn’t Jesus say the entire Old Testament is actually about Him (John 5:38).  Since the creation account is in the Bible and since the Bible is about Jesus, the creation account is also about Jesus.

Everything that exists (except God Himself) was created by God.  And since Jesus is God incarnated to be a man (in order to save His people from their sins) Jesus, in perfect union with the Father and the Holy Spirit created all things.  Why?  So glad you asked!

Everything was created so that God could create people (us) who would rebel against Him, so that Jesus could come as one of us to save us from our sin and reconcile us to Himself.

Creation is by Jesus through Jesus and for Jesus—that we may know and experience His saving grace.

No wonder the world rejects Biblical creation.  They are rejecting Jesus!

May I, like the Psalmist, love God's Word

My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. Psalm 119:167

Evangelical Christians affirm the supreme importance of the scriptures in our lives.  We understand and nod in agreement when we hear that neglect of our devotional lives and failure to attend to the preaching of God’s Word will cost us spiritually.  We cannot but agree that memorizing scripture is a worthy pursuit. 

And yet, for all of our “Amens,” concerning the value of the Bible, many struggle to maintain consistent devotions.  Many are hit and miss regarding attention to preaching.  And few give serious effort to memorizing the Bible.  Why?

Because while we know how important the Bible is to our spiritual vitality, few among us really love the Word.  No fewer than eight times in Psalm 119, the writer affirms that He loves God’s Word. 

How can we get from objective agreement to subjective experience?  Fall in love with God’s Word; first by begging Heaven for greater affection for the scriptures, and second by immersing ourselves in them as a sacred duty.  In time, duty will give way to affection, which will result in a life transformed by the power of God’s Word.

Christmas every day!

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
Psalm 113:2

Christians love Christmas, usually for the right reason: namely because it is about Jesus.  As we who believe on Him for forgiveness of our sins, and for eternal life, and celebrate His nativity, let us resolve that Christmas doesn’t end for us when the twenty-fifth of December passes. 

May we be those in whose hearts Christ is born anew every day. 

May we be those whose praise reaches heavenward from this time forth and forever more. 

May we not be those who believe, yet live lives not transformed (or even affected) by the God-Man, Jesus Christ, who not only was born on Christmas, but who died on Good Friday, rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, and who will come again to judge the living and the dead. 

May we live as though every day of the year counts—because it does!  Merry Christmas from this day forth and for ever more!

He is Jesus and Immanuel

She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins…and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, God with us.  Matthew 1:21, 23

Joseph was informed of two names for the Child his fiancée was carrying.  The first was Jesus, meaning “Jehovah is Salvation.”  Why?  Because Jesus came to save His people from their sins.  How easily we forget that that is why Jesus came—to save us from our sins. 

The second name was Immanuel, which means, “God with us.”  This is a miracle beyond any other, that the infinite Creator would come in the form of a created being.  He actually came like one of us (except without sin), so that He could make us like Him (except without divinity).

How important are these two names and descriptions of Jesus?  They are both equally essential.  He came to be with us so that He could save us from our sins.

People often pray, “Thank you for being there for me when I needed you.”  What greater need does anyone have than to be saved from sin?  So the next time you thank the Lord for being there for you, remember the most important time He was ever there for you—on the cross, to save you from your sins.