"If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11).
We seem to be fascinated with long life.
We exercise. We eat right. Or at least we talk about doing those things.
We are amazed when someone lives to be 100 or older. We want to live a long and happy life.
Those certainly are noble goals and good things to be doing to keep our bodies healthy and useful for the Lord.
But the truth is, even if we do live to be 100, we're still going to die.
The truth is, even if you become an organic vegetarian who practices yoga, you're going to die.
It happens every day.
But this verse and this day give us hope.
"...He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies..."
God, who raised Christ from the dead, will resuscitate our bodies.
Wouldn't that be great to know that you don't have to fear death because you're going to be brought back to life?
But did you notice the "If-clause?"
Something has to be a reality right now to guarantee that you will be resurrected.
"If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you..."
The guarantee that you will be resuscitated after death depends on whether or not the Spirit of God dwells in you right now.
So, if you want to have the power of the resurrection of Jesus also raise you from the dead, you better make sure that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you today.
Because someday you're going to die.
Maybe today.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o'er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
--Isaac Watts
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o'er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
--Isaac Watts
Friday, March 29, 2013
Cursed for Me
Thousands of years before Christ came to earth, God gave this command to the Israelites:
"And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance" (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).
"...a hanged man is cursed by God." Did you catch that?
Paul quotes this verse in Galatians 3:13:
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us - for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'"
Stop and think about that.
God knew when He gave the command to the Israelites that His eternally-loved Son would die on a cross.
God is the one who said, "a hanged man is cursed by God."
He didn't say that about any other form of capital punishment.
So why would God, who loved His Son perfectly for all eternity, curse His Son?
Look back at Galatians 3:13. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us."
It wasn't for any other reason than that God the Father and God the Son wanted to redeem you and me from the curse of the law.
The crucifixion is so much more than a horrible bloody death.
Jesus Christ died on the cross and became cursed by His Father. Not because of His crimes, but because of yours and mine.
Wow! What an expression of love toward you and me!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Thirst-Quencher
Most of us have never been in a situation where we are truly dying of thirst. Craving an ice-cold Pepsi maybe, but not likely to the point of dying of thirst.
So just imagine.
Lips parched. Skin is dry. Dust in the air. Sun beating down. Clothes are ripped. Dragging yourself across the desert floor. Throw in a rattlesnake and a few scorpions.
Nothing else occupies your mind but water. You look at plants, wondering if they have stored up liquid that you could drink without poisoning yourself. You see animals, wondering where they had their last drink. You look on the horizon calculating how far it is to the water. You listen for a chopper, hoping they're bring you water.
Got the picture?
That's what David is describing in Psalm 63.
"O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirst for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (v 1).
When you're looking for water in the desert, nothing else occupies your mind. Every thought. Every conversation. Every plan. Every desire. Every second. It's all filled with finding water.
Is that how I seek God?
Not just at church. Not just in my Bible reading. Not just in prayer. Not just in a crisis. Not just in the cute saying on Facebook.
Every thought.
Every conversation.
Every plan.
Every desire.
Every second.
Every day.
Is seeking for God an all-consuming activity?
Not looking for diversions or pleasures anywhere else. Not keeping God in a little box of time.
But looking for God as the driving force for the day. Survival depends on finding God.
I've got a ways to go.
How about you?
So just imagine.
Lips parched. Skin is dry. Dust in the air. Sun beating down. Clothes are ripped. Dragging yourself across the desert floor. Throw in a rattlesnake and a few scorpions.
Nothing else occupies your mind but water. You look at plants, wondering if they have stored up liquid that you could drink without poisoning yourself. You see animals, wondering where they had their last drink. You look on the horizon calculating how far it is to the water. You listen for a chopper, hoping they're bring you water.
Got the picture?
That's what David is describing in Psalm 63.
"O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirst for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (v 1).
When you're looking for water in the desert, nothing else occupies your mind. Every thought. Every conversation. Every plan. Every desire. Every second. It's all filled with finding water.
Is that how I seek God?
Not just at church. Not just in my Bible reading. Not just in prayer. Not just in a crisis. Not just in the cute saying on Facebook.
Every thought.
Every conversation.
Every plan.
Every desire.
Every second.
Every day.
Is seeking for God an all-consuming activity?
Not looking for diversions or pleasures anywhere else. Not keeping God in a little box of time.
But looking for God as the driving force for the day. Survival depends on finding God.
I've got a ways to go.
How about you?
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
My Soul Waits for God Alone
That's the chapter heading for Psalm 62 in the English Standard Version.
What does that mean?
What does it mean to wait for God alone? For no one else. For nothing else. But God alone?
The psalm begins:
"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." (vs 1-2)
Then a few verses later:
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory; my might rock, my refuge is God." (vs 4-7)
In between David tells of being attacked by men, who would glory in his downfall (vs 3-4).
Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath" (v 9). There's no sense in trusting others to deliver you. Whether they are of high or low estate, they have no weight, no value.
"Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them" (v 10). Don't wait for the pay raise. Don't wait to win the lottery. Don't wait for that inheritance. Don't wait for that financial breakthrough. Riches won't deliver you.
"Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work" (vs 11-12).
We wait for someone or something more powerful to deliver us from physical pain, or financial difficulties. There is no one who can do that. Only God is powerful.
We wait for someone to come along to love us, to heal our wounds, to give us companionship. There is no one who can do that. Only God loves without fail.
David's instruction is in the middle of the psalm: "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah" (v 8).
My soul waits for God alone. I'm putting my trust in no one else to meet my needs. I'm not looking for anyone else to heal my wounds. I'm not looking for anyone else to fill the void in my life.
He alone can do that. To look anywhere else is foolishness.
What does that mean?
What does it mean to wait for God alone? For no one else. For nothing else. But God alone?
The psalm begins:
"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." (vs 1-2)
Then a few verses later:
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory; my might rock, my refuge is God." (vs 4-7)
In between David tells of being attacked by men, who would glory in his downfall (vs 3-4).
Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath" (v 9). There's no sense in trusting others to deliver you. Whether they are of high or low estate, they have no weight, no value.
"Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them" (v 10). Don't wait for the pay raise. Don't wait to win the lottery. Don't wait for that inheritance. Don't wait for that financial breakthrough. Riches won't deliver you.
"Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work" (vs 11-12).
We wait for someone or something more powerful to deliver us from physical pain, or financial difficulties. There is no one who can do that. Only God is powerful.
We wait for someone to come along to love us, to heal our wounds, to give us companionship. There is no one who can do that. Only God loves without fail.
David's instruction is in the middle of the psalm: "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah" (v 8).
My soul waits for God alone. I'm putting my trust in no one else to meet my needs. I'm not looking for anyone else to heal my wounds. I'm not looking for anyone else to fill the void in my life.
He alone can do that. To look anywhere else is foolishness.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Unworthy Servants
All too often we think incorrectly about obedience to God.
We grumble and complain about how hard it is.
We pick and choose which commands we will obey.
We think that our obedience should earn brownie points before God or men.
We draw attention to ourselves for our good deeds.
We've got it all upside down.
And it leads to disappointment when God and others don't notice. Or when things don't turn out the way we wanted. Or we just get downright tired of obedience.
Rather than being selfish, we are to be unworthy servants.
Jesus used a parable to explain this to His disciples. A servant comes in from a hard day of work in the fields. So what would expect? Does the master say, "Here, take a break. I'll fix supper for you. Kick back in the La-Z-Boy and relax."
No, the master expects the servant to get himself cleaned up then to fix supper for the master. When he has completed his work, then the servant may care for his needs.
"So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty'" (Luke 17:10).
We should respond the same way in our obedience. A humble, unworthy servant delights in obedience.
We are unworthy to receive the blessings of God.
We are unworthy to be able to serve Him.
We are unworthy to be His servant.
Obedience in response to the outpouring of our Master's love and mercy is our duty.
We deserve nothing from His hand.
"We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty."
We grumble and complain about how hard it is.
We pick and choose which commands we will obey.
We think that our obedience should earn brownie points before God or men.
We draw attention to ourselves for our good deeds.
We've got it all upside down.
And it leads to disappointment when God and others don't notice. Or when things don't turn out the way we wanted. Or we just get downright tired of obedience.
Rather than being selfish, we are to be unworthy servants.
Jesus used a parable to explain this to His disciples. A servant comes in from a hard day of work in the fields. So what would expect? Does the master say, "Here, take a break. I'll fix supper for you. Kick back in the La-Z-Boy and relax."
No, the master expects the servant to get himself cleaned up then to fix supper for the master. When he has completed his work, then the servant may care for his needs.
"So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty'" (Luke 17:10).
We should respond the same way in our obedience. A humble, unworthy servant delights in obedience.
We are unworthy to receive the blessings of God.
We are unworthy to be able to serve Him.
We are unworthy to be His servant.
Obedience in response to the outpouring of our Master's love and mercy is our duty.
We deserve nothing from His hand.
"We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty."
Monday, March 25, 2013
One or the Other - You Choose
When we went to Grandma Daily's for the holidays, she always had at least two choices of pie. Chocolate meringue and tart cherry are the ones that I remember the most.
My problem was that I could never decide between the two. Of course, I'd already stuffed myself on the other food. But I was a kid and later a teen, so I always had room for pie!
So, what does a grandma do in a situation like that?
She cut the pieces in half and gave me a piece of each! I didn't have to decide between one or the other. I could have both. A great solution for a person who has trouble making up his mind.
That's not how it always works.
Jesus said in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
Notice what Jesus did not say.
He did not say that money was bad. He did not say that being rich or poor makes a difference in your spiritual life.
What He said was that you can't serve God and serve money at the same time.
You have to make a choice.
And the choice is really simple if you stop to think about it.
Money is a thing that can't love you back. God is a person who demonstrated His love to you already through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Loving money can lead you to sin. Workaholics. Gambling. Stealing. Abuse of power. Deceit.
Loving God will lead you to righteous living. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love" (John 15:10). To display your love to God, you will be obedient to Him. Living a righteous life. Putting off sin. Putting on righteousness.
You can have chocolate meringue and cherry pie. But you can't serve God and money at the same time.
So what does your day look like?
Are you using your money as a tool to show your love to God?
Are you displaying your love to God or your love of money?
You've got to choose.
My problem was that I could never decide between the two. Of course, I'd already stuffed myself on the other food. But I was a kid and later a teen, so I always had room for pie!
So, what does a grandma do in a situation like that?
She cut the pieces in half and gave me a piece of each! I didn't have to decide between one or the other. I could have both. A great solution for a person who has trouble making up his mind.
That's not how it always works.
Jesus said in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
Notice what Jesus did not say.
He did not say that money was bad. He did not say that being rich or poor makes a difference in your spiritual life.
What He said was that you can't serve God and serve money at the same time.
You have to make a choice.
And the choice is really simple if you stop to think about it.
Money is a thing that can't love you back. God is a person who demonstrated His love to you already through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Loving money can lead you to sin. Workaholics. Gambling. Stealing. Abuse of power. Deceit.
Loving God will lead you to righteous living. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love" (John 15:10). To display your love to God, you will be obedient to Him. Living a righteous life. Putting off sin. Putting on righteousness.
You can have chocolate meringue and cherry pie. But you can't serve God and money at the same time.
So what does your day look like?
Are you using your money as a tool to show your love to God?
Are you displaying your love to God or your love of money?
You've got to choose.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Pride and Repentance
Some thoughts from Wednesday night's Bible study:
Samuel's instructions from God were to kill every person and every animal. There were to be no survivors.
However, Saul was not obedient. He spared the life of Agag, the king, and the best of the livestock. They got rid of the worthless stuff and kept the best.
The LORD told Samuel that He regretted making Saul king, because he has been disobedient. Samuel spent the night crying out to the LORD and met Saul in the morning.
Saul had erected a monument to himself, no doubt commemorating this great battle. When Samuel met him, the king said, "Blessed be you to the LORD. I have performed the commandment of the LORD" (v 13).
Did he? No. And he was about to be exposed.
Samuel's response, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?"
Dramatic pause. Wait for it. Here's the answer:
"The people saved the best of the livestock to offer as a sacrifice to the LORD your God."
Lame excuse with a religious twist.
Samuel interrupted the king's lie and reminded him that God had taken him from nothing and made him king. God had given him a command and he failed to obey.
Saul's response, "But I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took..."
I did everything right. The people are to blame. Not me!
Samuel reprimands Saul for his disobedience. Obedience is greater than sacrifice. God will take the kingdom from him.
When the king realizes that he had lost everything, then he owns up to his sin. "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice."
Notice how he still put the blame on the people?
Saul asks for a pardon from Samuel and for him to accompany the king to worship. He wanted everything to go back to the way it was. To look like everything was in order.
Saul's pride kept him from repentance.
He lied about his sin. "I have been obedient."
He shifted the blame for his sin. "The people made me do it."
He tried to cover it up with religion. "Let's go back and worship."
But he never owned up to his sin against God.
A repentant person will do just the opposite.
He will speak the truth about his sin. Labeling sin the same way that God does, as sin. Not a disease. Not a genetic weakness.
He will own up to his sin. It's a result of personal choices. Not because of my upbringing. Not because of my environment. Not because of my education. But because I chose to do what I did.
He will not cover up his sin with good works. No amount of good can outweigh an ounce of sin. Even one fleck of sin in my life will make my good works pointless.
The repentant person will confess his sin to God and cling to His grace and mercy found in forgiveness.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Not because of you
Moses' sermon continues and he reminds the children of Israel that it's not because of anything that they have done.
They rebelled. They tested God. They challenged their leadership. They complained.
Moses recounted several events that occurred during the 40 years in the wilderness where the people rebelled against God and he stepped in to intercede for them (Deuteronomy 9).
Now they were ready to enter the Promised Land. Not only had this generation been waiting 40 years for this event, the people of Israel had been waiting for centuries for God's promise to be fulfilled.
Abraham had received the promise in Genesis 12: God would make him a great nation and bring them into a bountiful land. Abraham wandered through this land. His son, Isaac, wandered through this land. His grandsons, Jacob and Esau, wandered through the land. His great-grandsons, Joseph and his brothers, wandered through this land.
Then they spent 430 years in captivity in Egypt, hearing about this land. Generation after generation they told their children of this land. And now it was about to happen.
But Moses reminds them, "It's not because of you. You have done nothing to deserve this. In fact, you have done more to lose the inheritance than to deserve it. It's all because of God's grace. He made a promise and He keeps His word."
Isn't that the same with us?
We have done nothing to deserve God's love, Christ's righteousness, the indwelling of the Spirit, eternity in heaven - or any number of the blessings that God has showered upon us.
In fact, we have done more to lose these blessings than to deserve it.
Our sinful rebellious attitudes and actions. Our refusal to submit to the authority of God's Word. Our desire to see ourselves glorified and not God.
Need I continue?
It's all because of God's grace. He made a promise and He keeps His word.
You have done nothing and can do nothing to earn His favor.
"Jesus paid it all!
All to Him I owe!
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow."
They rebelled. They tested God. They challenged their leadership. They complained.
Moses recounted several events that occurred during the 40 years in the wilderness where the people rebelled against God and he stepped in to intercede for them (Deuteronomy 9).
Now they were ready to enter the Promised Land. Not only had this generation been waiting 40 years for this event, the people of Israel had been waiting for centuries for God's promise to be fulfilled.
Abraham had received the promise in Genesis 12: God would make him a great nation and bring them into a bountiful land. Abraham wandered through this land. His son, Isaac, wandered through this land. His grandsons, Jacob and Esau, wandered through the land. His great-grandsons, Joseph and his brothers, wandered through this land.
Then they spent 430 years in captivity in Egypt, hearing about this land. Generation after generation they told their children of this land. And now it was about to happen.
But Moses reminds them, "It's not because of you. You have done nothing to deserve this. In fact, you have done more to lose the inheritance than to deserve it. It's all because of God's grace. He made a promise and He keeps His word."
Isn't that the same with us?
We have done nothing to deserve God's love, Christ's righteousness, the indwelling of the Spirit, eternity in heaven - or any number of the blessings that God has showered upon us.
In fact, we have done more to lose these blessings than to deserve it.
Our sinful rebellious attitudes and actions. Our refusal to submit to the authority of God's Word. Our desire to see ourselves glorified and not God.
Need I continue?
It's all because of God's grace. He made a promise and He keeps His word.
You have done nothing and can do nothing to earn His favor.
"Jesus paid it all!
All to Him I owe!
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow."
Friday, March 22, 2013
Don't forget!
Moses' sermon to the people before they enter the Promised Land is filled with hope and warnings.
They're headed into the land which God had promised their forefathers. The land will be plentiful. They will dwell in safety. God will be with them and bless them.
But the warning is clear: Don't forget God!
"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His rules and His statues, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirst ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth'" (Deuteronomy 8:11-17).
God was going to pour out His blessings on them. He was going to drive out the enemies. He was going to multiply their wealth. Just like He had done in the past.
But they were to remember that it was God who did all of that. It wasn't by their own strength and power.
How were they to remember Him? "Oh yeah, I remember God. He's the one who..."
Look at verse 11.
Don't forget God by not keeping His commandments.
Or to put it positively: Remember God by keeping His commandments.
Remembering God is not just a rehearsal of the things that He has done for us. It's not simply saying thank you to Him for His blessings. Those things are good and important.
But evidence of remembering God is seen in our obedience to Him.
We remember what He has done and that motivates us to obedience.
Our obedience to Him shows that we are remembering His blessings.
So are you remembering God today? Are you living in obedience to Him today?
They're headed into the land which God had promised their forefathers. The land will be plentiful. They will dwell in safety. God will be with them and bless them.
But the warning is clear: Don't forget God!
"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His rules and His statues, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirst ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth'" (Deuteronomy 8:11-17).
God was going to pour out His blessings on them. He was going to drive out the enemies. He was going to multiply their wealth. Just like He had done in the past.
But they were to remember that it was God who did all of that. It wasn't by their own strength and power.
How were they to remember Him? "Oh yeah, I remember God. He's the one who..."
Look at verse 11.
Don't forget God by not keeping His commandments.
Or to put it positively: Remember God by keeping His commandments.
Remembering God is not just a rehearsal of the things that He has done for us. It's not simply saying thank you to Him for His blessings. Those things are good and important.
But evidence of remembering God is seen in our obedience to Him.
We remember what He has done and that motivates us to obedience.
Our obedience to Him shows that we are remembering His blessings.
So are you remembering God today? Are you living in obedience to Him today?
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Remember and Obey
As Moses prepares the people for their entrance into the Promised Land, he reviews their history and the law with them.
It's important for them to connect their history with the law and Moses makes that clear in Deuteronomy 4:1-14.
"And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD the God of your fathers, is giving you...Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor..." (vs 1-3).
Moses continues to recount specific events where God was clearly involved in their history. From the exodus out of Egypt to the thundering voice that they heard at Mt Sinai. Not only were the people to teach their children the law, but the history was to be repeated.
"For what great nation is there that has a god, so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?" (vs 7-8).
Isn't it interesting that Moses repeatedly connects history and the law? Knowing what God had done was to be motivation for doing what God wanted them to do.
Two lessons here:
1. Repeat your God-history. Talk about what God has done in your life. Answered prayers. Salvation. Providing for your needs. Teach your children and grandchildren about the great things that God has done.
2. Remember your God-history. It is the motivation for obedience. So often we want the history without the law. We want God to save us, to answer our prayers, to give us what we want, but we think that we can pick and choose whether or not to obey.
Like Moses told the people, no one else has a god like our God who hears us when we call. And no one else has a god who gives us righteous standards and principles for life.
He has been active in your life. Remember and obey.
It's important for them to connect their history with the law and Moses makes that clear in Deuteronomy 4:1-14.
"And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD the God of your fathers, is giving you...Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor..." (vs 1-3).
Moses continues to recount specific events where God was clearly involved in their history. From the exodus out of Egypt to the thundering voice that they heard at Mt Sinai. Not only were the people to teach their children the law, but the history was to be repeated.
"For what great nation is there that has a god, so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?" (vs 7-8).
Isn't it interesting that Moses repeatedly connects history and the law? Knowing what God had done was to be motivation for doing what God wanted them to do.
Two lessons here:
1. Repeat your God-history. Talk about what God has done in your life. Answered prayers. Salvation. Providing for your needs. Teach your children and grandchildren about the great things that God has done.
2. Remember your God-history. It is the motivation for obedience. So often we want the history without the law. We want God to save us, to answer our prayers, to give us what we want, but we think that we can pick and choose whether or not to obey.
Like Moses told the people, no one else has a god like our God who hears us when we call. And no one else has a god who gives us righteous standards and principles for life.
He has been active in your life. Remember and obey.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Your heart is showing
You can tell a lot about a person by what they talk about.
Kids, spouse, work, school, career, hobbies, cars, homes, money. All those are great topics of conversation and are things that we should be talking about.
But as you listen to others and to yourself, what topics keep popping up?
Even if it's not in a false bragging way, just talking about something a lot reveals what is important to that person.
Those things that we treasure, we talk about. We want everyone to know about our new car. We let others know how great our kids are in school and sports. We rave about last night's dinner creation. We show off our new home.
Jesus said, "For where your treasure is there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34).
So every time you talk about your treasures, you are revealing your heart.
Think about what you talked about yesterday. What was the topic of conversation over the weekend?
What are your treasures?
What does that reveal about your heart?
Don't you find yourself in some conversations just itching to say something about yourself? Relay a story to top the last story. Talk about something that you know that no one else knows about. Let people know the people you know and the places you've been.
All too often our greatest treasure is our self. Numero uno.
Now think about the things that you didn't talk about yesterday. What things do you say are important, yet you haven't said anything about them for a week?
Have you told anyone that Jesus died for their sins in the last week?
Have you let anyone know how they can get to heaven?
Have you told anyone what God has been teaching you?
What you talk about reveals your treasures, which reveals your heart.
What does your heart look like?
Kids, spouse, work, school, career, hobbies, cars, homes, money. All those are great topics of conversation and are things that we should be talking about.
But as you listen to others and to yourself, what topics keep popping up?
Even if it's not in a false bragging way, just talking about something a lot reveals what is important to that person.
Those things that we treasure, we talk about. We want everyone to know about our new car. We let others know how great our kids are in school and sports. We rave about last night's dinner creation. We show off our new home.
Jesus said, "For where your treasure is there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34).
So every time you talk about your treasures, you are revealing your heart.
Think about what you talked about yesterday. What was the topic of conversation over the weekend?
What are your treasures?
What does that reveal about your heart?
Don't you find yourself in some conversations just itching to say something about yourself? Relay a story to top the last story. Talk about something that you know that no one else knows about. Let people know the people you know and the places you've been.
All too often our greatest treasure is our self. Numero uno.
Now think about the things that you didn't talk about yesterday. What things do you say are important, yet you haven't said anything about them for a week?
Have you told anyone that Jesus died for their sins in the last week?
Have you let anyone know how they can get to heaven?
Have you told anyone what God has been teaching you?
What you talk about reveals your treasures, which reveals your heart.
What does your heart look like?
Monday, March 18, 2013
Ouch! That Hurts!
A parent abuses a child.
A close friend spreads rumors.
A husband is unfaithful to his wife.
A parent gets left in a nursing home.
We've all been on the receiving end of some hurtful events. We live in a sin-cursed world surrounded by sinful people. Pain is inevitable. Pain from close friends and family seems to be worst.
One typical response is revenge, paying back the other for the pain they have caused. Another is withdrawal, cutting the person out of our lives so that they can do no further damage. Perhaps another is to turn others against the offender, digging up trash and spreading it out for all to see.
But how should a godly person respond?
David had the same thing happen to him. His closest friend turned against him and became his greatest enemy and he records his response in Psalm 55.
David does not deny the pain that the betrayal has caused. He's not just ignoring it. It surrounds him. It fills his mind day and night. And it appears to be visible torment as his enemy is surrounding the city and tormenting the people of the city, too. Not only has the enemy attacked David, but attacking those whom he loves (vs 1-11).
David's response is to call on the LORD and trust Him for deliverance. David calls to God with the confidence that He hears and will deliver. He is confident that God will humble the enemy, because of his rebellious heart (vs 16-19).
David casts his burden on the LORD and trusts God to cast his enemies into the pit of destruction (vs 22-23).
What we don't see are the typical responses. David is not seeking for a way to take revenge. He's not withdrawing from the enemy. And he doesn't dig up the bad things that the other has done, displaying them for all to see.
Instead, He calls on God to deal with the enemy.
That's what we need to do with the pain in our lives. Shutting off and shutting down are not an option. Withdrawing from the person and building barriers are not an option. Gossip and slander are not an option.
The godly response to the offender is to lay it all before the LORD and let Him deal with it.
Which really makes the most sense anyway. God is the only one who has a true perspective on what happened. He is the only one who knows your heart and the heart of the offender. And He is the only one who can do anything to change either.
So rather than fretting about what you can do to get even, get on your knees and let God take care of it.
A close friend spreads rumors.
A husband is unfaithful to his wife.
A parent gets left in a nursing home.
We've all been on the receiving end of some hurtful events. We live in a sin-cursed world surrounded by sinful people. Pain is inevitable. Pain from close friends and family seems to be worst.
One typical response is revenge, paying back the other for the pain they have caused. Another is withdrawal, cutting the person out of our lives so that they can do no further damage. Perhaps another is to turn others against the offender, digging up trash and spreading it out for all to see.
But how should a godly person respond?
David had the same thing happen to him. His closest friend turned against him and became his greatest enemy and he records his response in Psalm 55.
David does not deny the pain that the betrayal has caused. He's not just ignoring it. It surrounds him. It fills his mind day and night. And it appears to be visible torment as his enemy is surrounding the city and tormenting the people of the city, too. Not only has the enemy attacked David, but attacking those whom he loves (vs 1-11).
David's response is to call on the LORD and trust Him for deliverance. David calls to God with the confidence that He hears and will deliver. He is confident that God will humble the enemy, because of his rebellious heart (vs 16-19).
David casts his burden on the LORD and trusts God to cast his enemies into the pit of destruction (vs 22-23).
What we don't see are the typical responses. David is not seeking for a way to take revenge. He's not withdrawing from the enemy. And he doesn't dig up the bad things that the other has done, displaying them for all to see.
Instead, He calls on God to deal with the enemy.
That's what we need to do with the pain in our lives. Shutting off and shutting down are not an option. Withdrawing from the person and building barriers are not an option. Gossip and slander are not an option.
The godly response to the offender is to lay it all before the LORD and let Him deal with it.
Which really makes the most sense anyway. God is the only one who has a true perspective on what happened. He is the only one who knows your heart and the heart of the offender. And He is the only one who can do anything to change either.
So rather than fretting about what you can do to get even, get on your knees and let God take care of it.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Jesus Marveled
Little kids with bubbles.
A dad holding his child just minutes after birth.
Hearing about the immensity of the universe.
Those are things that we would say cause us to marvel.
Things that are bigger than we are. Things that we just can't quite comprehend. Things that make us just gaze and say, "Wow!"
So what makes Jesus marvel?
After all, He is the creator of the universe. Is He really impressed with the number of stars in our galaxy? Or the view of microbial life through a telescope?
There are two instances in the Gospels where it is recorded that Jesus marveled.
"When Jesus heard this, He marveled..." (Matthew 8:10).
Today's sermon at Highland Park Church in Columbus, NE was from this text, so this is from Pastor Justin Erickson, not from me.
Jesus marveled at the faith of the centurion, who asked for his servant to be healed.
Here are four characteristics of that faith:
1. Desperate for the grace of Christ. The centurion appealed to Jesus (v 5).
2. Unworthy in the presence of Christ. The centurion realized that he was not worthy to have the Creator enter his home (v 8).
3. Confident in the power of Christ. The centurion knew that Jesus could speak and heal his servant (v 8).
4. Yielded to the authority of Christ. The centurion knew that Christ could heal his servant and is willing to submit to Christ's word (v 8-9).
Jesus used this man's faith as an illustration and warning to the Jews who thought that they had faith.
I wonder how my faith measures up to the centurion.
Usually I have faith when I've reached the end of my rope, but it's usually a faith of resignation. I don't know what else to do, so I guess I'll have to trust God.
Resignation isn't really the same as yielding, is it?
Often this leads to a lack of confidence in the power of Christ. Sure, He can do anything, but I don't think He will.
Lord, give me the faith of the centurion!
A dad holding his child just minutes after birth.
Hearing about the immensity of the universe.
Those are things that we would say cause us to marvel.
Things that are bigger than we are. Things that we just can't quite comprehend. Things that make us just gaze and say, "Wow!"
So what makes Jesus marvel?
After all, He is the creator of the universe. Is He really impressed with the number of stars in our galaxy? Or the view of microbial life through a telescope?
There are two instances in the Gospels where it is recorded that Jesus marveled.
"When Jesus heard this, He marveled..." (Matthew 8:10).
Today's sermon at Highland Park Church in Columbus, NE was from this text, so this is from Pastor Justin Erickson, not from me.
Jesus marveled at the faith of the centurion, who asked for his servant to be healed.
Here are four characteristics of that faith:
1. Desperate for the grace of Christ. The centurion appealed to Jesus (v 5).
2. Unworthy in the presence of Christ. The centurion realized that he was not worthy to have the Creator enter his home (v 8).
3. Confident in the power of Christ. The centurion knew that Jesus could speak and heal his servant (v 8).
4. Yielded to the authority of Christ. The centurion knew that Christ could heal his servant and is willing to submit to Christ's word (v 8-9).
Jesus used this man's faith as an illustration and warning to the Jews who thought that they had faith.
I wonder how my faith measures up to the centurion.
Usually I have faith when I've reached the end of my rope, but it's usually a faith of resignation. I don't know what else to do, so I guess I'll have to trust God.
Resignation isn't really the same as yielding, is it?
Often this leads to a lack of confidence in the power of Christ. Sure, He can do anything, but I don't think He will.
Lord, give me the faith of the centurion!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Too Busy Serving
Martha and Mary, two famous sisters in the Bible. Two different attitudes.
When Jesus came to visit, Martha got busy serving. Fixing a meal. Tidying things up.
Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet to listen to Him teach.
Martha finally got some upset with her sister that she spoke up.
"Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." (Luke 10:40).
Don't you just love it when someone talks about you in third person when you're standing right there?
Look at Martha's attitude. The first part of the verse says that she was "distracted with much serving." And Jesus' answer reveals more of her heart, "You are anxious and troubled about many things" (v 41).
It looks like Martha was trying to hide her heart by keeping busy. Keep doing lots of good things and no one will notice the struggles in my heart.
But just the opposite was true. Her activity revealed her heart. Perhaps she didn't want to be confronted with the truth that Jesus was speaking. Perhaps she didn't want to get cornered into making a decision. So she just kept busy in the kitchen.
And she wanted to make Mary out to be the bad guy. "She's making me do all the work! Command her to help me!"
But really she was again revealing her heart by talking about herself and her needs. It was all about her. It wasn't about Mary. It wasn't about Jesus. She was busy and she thought everyone else should be, too.
Don't we get the same way as Martha? Even guys can get themselves distracted with too much serving in order to avoid listening.
There are so many things to get done. Church activities. School activities. Family activities. And yeah, and besides that, I have to go to work every day to support my family.
Did you notice that Jesus didn't tell Martha to stop serving? He didn't say, "Just sit down here and listen. Take a break."
He revealed her heart by looking at her actions and words.
So why do you keep so busy? Are you hiding from God and His Word? Are you worried more about appearances than your relationship with Jesus?
When Jesus came to visit, Martha got busy serving. Fixing a meal. Tidying things up.
Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet to listen to Him teach.
Martha finally got some upset with her sister that she spoke up.
"Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." (Luke 10:40).
Don't you just love it when someone talks about you in third person when you're standing right there?
Look at Martha's attitude. The first part of the verse says that she was "distracted with much serving." And Jesus' answer reveals more of her heart, "You are anxious and troubled about many things" (v 41).
It looks like Martha was trying to hide her heart by keeping busy. Keep doing lots of good things and no one will notice the struggles in my heart.
But just the opposite was true. Her activity revealed her heart. Perhaps she didn't want to be confronted with the truth that Jesus was speaking. Perhaps she didn't want to get cornered into making a decision. So she just kept busy in the kitchen.
And she wanted to make Mary out to be the bad guy. "She's making me do all the work! Command her to help me!"
But really she was again revealing her heart by talking about herself and her needs. It was all about her. It wasn't about Mary. It wasn't about Jesus. She was busy and she thought everyone else should be, too.
Don't we get the same way as Martha? Even guys can get themselves distracted with too much serving in order to avoid listening.
There are so many things to get done. Church activities. School activities. Family activities. And yeah, and besides that, I have to go to work every day to support my family.
Did you notice that Jesus didn't tell Martha to stop serving? He didn't say, "Just sit down here and listen. Take a break."
He revealed her heart by looking at her actions and words.
So why do you keep so busy? Are you hiding from God and His Word? Are you worried more about appearances than your relationship with Jesus?
Thursday, March 14, 2013
A Cross to Bear
Christians usually identify themselves by the cross.
Church steeples. Wall ornaments. Necklaces. Earrings. Tattoos.
Many think that by displaying a cross that they are somehow doing a good thing.
Some may even think that a cross is a spiritual "get out of jail free card."
Put the cross on the steeple, but the building is filled with bitterness, gossip and unbiblical teaching.
Hang a cross in the living room, but spend your evenings watching drugs, sex and murder on TV.
Get a cross tattoo and use your strong arms to beat your wife.
Is that not a degrading of the cross?
We've dressed it up so much that it's a fashion statement. A lucky charm. Cute.
We've forgotten that the cross is an instrument of death. Cruel death.
Nails the size of rail spikes held the body to the cross.
Exposed to the elements, the birds and the beasts, the condemned died a slow death of suffocation.
And then we have the nerve to plate it in gold and stick it in an ear lobe.
That's like wearing a gold-plated electric chair.
Or a hangman's noose around your neck.
When Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23), He wasn't talking about a tattoo.
The cross was a means of death. Only those condemned to death carried a cross.
A true follower of Jesus takes up his cross daily. He condemns his self to death.
All the goals, plans and ideas that he has for that day have changed. Like a condemned man on the day of execution, he no longer has the freedom to decide what he wants to do. He has chosen to follow Christ with every word, thought and action.
Church steeples. Wall ornaments. Necklaces. Earrings. Tattoos.
Many think that by displaying a cross that they are somehow doing a good thing.
Some may even think that a cross is a spiritual "get out of jail free card."
Put the cross on the steeple, but the building is filled with bitterness, gossip and unbiblical teaching.
Hang a cross in the living room, but spend your evenings watching drugs, sex and murder on TV.
Get a cross tattoo and use your strong arms to beat your wife.
Is that not a degrading of the cross?
We've dressed it up so much that it's a fashion statement. A lucky charm. Cute.
We've forgotten that the cross is an instrument of death. Cruel death.
Nails the size of rail spikes held the body to the cross.
Exposed to the elements, the birds and the beasts, the condemned died a slow death of suffocation.
And then we have the nerve to plate it in gold and stick it in an ear lobe.
That's like wearing a gold-plated electric chair.
Or a hangman's noose around your neck.
When Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23), He wasn't talking about a tattoo.
The cross was a means of death. Only those condemned to death carried a cross.
A true follower of Jesus takes up his cross daily. He condemns his self to death.
All the goals, plans and ideas that he has for that day have changed. Like a condemned man on the day of execution, he no longer has the freedom to decide what he wants to do. He has chosen to follow Christ with every word, thought and action.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Is it possible to please God?
We are constantly doing things to make people like us.
A high school girl gets secret notes in her locker from that secret admirer.
A football player works hard at practice.
A new employee learns quickly, works late and gets the coffee.
A wife cooks her husband's favorite meal.
These are all good things to do, but so often our motivation is not to please the other person out of thankfulness, but to get something.
Unfortunately, we carry the same habit over into our relationship with God.
We say our prayers.
We confess our sins.
We are in church at least once a week.
We sing in the choir.
We pastor churches.
We drop a check into the offering.
We do good deeds.
Again, these are good things. But if we are doing them to make God like us more, so that He'll do what we want Him to do, we've got it all wrong.
If I do this, He'll answer my prayers.
If I do this, He'll let me into heaven.
All these activities are not what God desires.
"For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
You will not be pleased with a burnt offering." (Ps 51:16)
That seems like a rip-off, doesn't it? God commanded Israel to bring sacrifices and now we learn that those don't please Him.
What's up with that?
Read the next verse:
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Do you want to know what pleases God?
A broken spirit. Brokenness. Contrition.
The humble recognition of your sinfulness in the presence of a holy God.
The humble recognition of your impotence in the presence of an all-powerful God.
Not just an assent to these truths, but a recognition in every day life.
"Against You, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight," wrote David in verse 4 of this Psalm.
How often do we excuse our sins, rather than admitting our guilt before God?
A broken spirit does not do that. A person with a broken spirit confess his sins, which is an admission of guilt.
How often do we face the challenges of each day on our own and just come to God with the big problems?
A broken spirit does not do that. Instead he is calling out to God all day long for strength and wisdom for each task.
Want to please God?
Let your spirit be broken.
A high school girl gets secret notes in her locker from that secret admirer.
A football player works hard at practice.
A new employee learns quickly, works late and gets the coffee.
A wife cooks her husband's favorite meal.
These are all good things to do, but so often our motivation is not to please the other person out of thankfulness, but to get something.
Unfortunately, we carry the same habit over into our relationship with God.
We say our prayers.
We confess our sins.
We are in church at least once a week.
We sing in the choir.
We pastor churches.
We drop a check into the offering.
We do good deeds.
Again, these are good things. But if we are doing them to make God like us more, so that He'll do what we want Him to do, we've got it all wrong.
If I do this, He'll answer my prayers.
If I do this, He'll let me into heaven.
All these activities are not what God desires.
"For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
You will not be pleased with a burnt offering." (Ps 51:16)
That seems like a rip-off, doesn't it? God commanded Israel to bring sacrifices and now we learn that those don't please Him.
What's up with that?
Read the next verse:
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Do you want to know what pleases God?
A broken spirit. Brokenness. Contrition.
The humble recognition of your sinfulness in the presence of a holy God.
The humble recognition of your impotence in the presence of an all-powerful God.
Not just an assent to these truths, but a recognition in every day life.
"Against You, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight," wrote David in verse 4 of this Psalm.
How often do we excuse our sins, rather than admitting our guilt before God?
A broken spirit does not do that. A person with a broken spirit confess his sins, which is an admission of guilt.
How often do we face the challenges of each day on our own and just come to God with the big problems?
A broken spirit does not do that. Instead he is calling out to God all day long for strength and wisdom for each task.
Want to please God?
Let your spirit be broken.
Monday, March 11, 2013
I think they've got it!
The wilderness wanderings are coming to an end. God is leading the people out of the wilderness and toward the Promised Land. They still have a ways to go and a few more lessons to learn, but following the geographic clues of Numbers 21-22, they are heading toward the east side of the Jordan River.
But God is not done teaching them.
Once again they become impatient. Once again they complain about Moses' leadership.
"Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food" (21:5).
This time God sent poisonous snakes into the camp, killing many.
But the response of the people is completely different here.
In the other instances of rebellion, Moses and Aaron interceded. Moses called God to defend His glory and not wipe out the entire nation. Aaron took the incense to the camp and stopped the spread of a plague.
The people were passive in all the previous accounts. They didn't ask for God's intervention. They didn't have to do anything to change.
This time it's different.
The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that He take away the serpents from us" (v 7).
They admitted their guilt. That's confession of sin. That had not been the case in the previous events.
They asked for God's intervention. That's humility. That had also not been the case in the previous events.
God instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent and put it on the pole. The instructions were simple. If a person had been bitten by a snake, they would die - unless they looked at the serpent on the pole. Those who believed and simply looked at the serpent were restored to health.
The people had to act on their faith. They had to make a decision to believe.
This is a major shift in the attitudes of the people. It took lots of death and almost 40 years for them to get it, but it looks like they did.
And the pattern is the same through the whole Bible.
Confrontation about sin.
Confession of sin.
Humility in asking for help from God.
Trusting God.
Acting upon that trust.
Follow this through:
Your sin is keeping you from eternity in heaven in the presence of a holy God (Romans 3:23) - confrontation.
Admit that (1 John 1:9) - confession.
God has provided a solution through the payment of the penalty (1 John 2:2) - ask God for help.
God's Word promises eternal life to those who believe in the person and work of His Son (1 John 5:12-13) - trust God.
God only requires that you do what He has said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). - act upon the trust.
Do you get it?
But God is not done teaching them.
Once again they become impatient. Once again they complain about Moses' leadership.
"Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food" (21:5).
This time God sent poisonous snakes into the camp, killing many.
But the response of the people is completely different here.
In the other instances of rebellion, Moses and Aaron interceded. Moses called God to defend His glory and not wipe out the entire nation. Aaron took the incense to the camp and stopped the spread of a plague.
The people were passive in all the previous accounts. They didn't ask for God's intervention. They didn't have to do anything to change.
This time it's different.
The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that He take away the serpents from us" (v 7).
They admitted their guilt. That's confession of sin. That had not been the case in the previous events.
They asked for God's intervention. That's humility. That had also not been the case in the previous events.
God instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent and put it on the pole. The instructions were simple. If a person had been bitten by a snake, they would die - unless they looked at the serpent on the pole. Those who believed and simply looked at the serpent were restored to health.
The people had to act on their faith. They had to make a decision to believe.
This is a major shift in the attitudes of the people. It took lots of death and almost 40 years for them to get it, but it looks like they did.
And the pattern is the same through the whole Bible.
Confrontation about sin.
Confession of sin.
Humility in asking for help from God.
Trusting God.
Acting upon that trust.
Follow this through:
Your sin is keeping you from eternity in heaven in the presence of a holy God (Romans 3:23) - confrontation.
Admit that (1 John 1:9) - confession.
God has provided a solution through the payment of the penalty (1 John 2:2) - ask God for help.
God's Word promises eternal life to those who believe in the person and work of His Son (1 John 5:12-13) - trust God.
God only requires that you do what He has said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). - act upon the trust.
Do you get it?
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Even Leaders Fail
Again the children of Israel complain. And it's not surprising. They didn't have any water.
So who was to blame?
Moses and Aaron, of course.
Interestingly, they didn't get to their complaint until the end of their rant.
"Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD! Why have you brought the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness, that we should die here both we and our cattle?And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink" (Numbers 20:3-5).
They wished they had died already in one of the other judgments.
They had forgotten that they were following the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire - God's direct leading.
They had forgotten that God had worked the 10 plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea.
They had forgotten that they had made a choice to rebel against God at Kadesh-Barnea.
They had forgotten that God was judging them and they were all going to die.
And they blamed it all on Moses and Aaron.
Moses and Aaron go to the tent of meeting and fell on their faces before God. God's glory appeared and gave Moses instructions to go to a rock and command water to come out of it.
Moses gets up. Picks up his staff and heads to the rock, calling the whole nation together.
"Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" (v 10).
Moses was putting the responsibility in the same place as the people had done: on himself and Aaron.
Then rather than speak to the rock as God commanded, he struck it with his staff.
Water came out. Not just a trickle. It must have been a mighty river because it was enough for all the people and their livestock.
God provided. But Moses and Aaron were disobedient.
"Because you did not believe in Me, to uphold Me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them" (v 12).
Moses, the humble leader, was disobedient. His disobedience cost him entrance into the Promised Land.
For leaders, which we all are in some way, this serves as a warning. We are not immune from lack of belief which leads to disobedience.
For followers, which we also all are in some way, this serves as a warning. We are to follow our leaders as they follow Christ. Don't follow them if they are headed away from Christ. Don't put the leaders up on pedestal that they can do no wrong.
God is gracious in spite of our sins. Even though Moses and Aaron acted in unbelief, God provided the needs for His children.
So who was to blame?
Moses and Aaron, of course.
Interestingly, they didn't get to their complaint until the end of their rant.
"Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD! Why have you brought the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness, that we should die here both we and our cattle?And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink" (Numbers 20:3-5).
They wished they had died already in one of the other judgments.
They had forgotten that they were following the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire - God's direct leading.
They had forgotten that God had worked the 10 plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea.
They had forgotten that they had made a choice to rebel against God at Kadesh-Barnea.
They had forgotten that God was judging them and they were all going to die.
And they blamed it all on Moses and Aaron.
Moses and Aaron go to the tent of meeting and fell on their faces before God. God's glory appeared and gave Moses instructions to go to a rock and command water to come out of it.
Moses gets up. Picks up his staff and heads to the rock, calling the whole nation together.
"Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" (v 10).
Moses was putting the responsibility in the same place as the people had done: on himself and Aaron.
Then rather than speak to the rock as God commanded, he struck it with his staff.
Water came out. Not just a trickle. It must have been a mighty river because it was enough for all the people and their livestock.
God provided. But Moses and Aaron were disobedient.
"Because you did not believe in Me, to uphold Me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them" (v 12).
Moses, the humble leader, was disobedient. His disobedience cost him entrance into the Promised Land.
For leaders, which we all are in some way, this serves as a warning. We are not immune from lack of belief which leads to disobedience.
For followers, which we also all are in some way, this serves as a warning. We are to follow our leaders as they follow Christ. Don't follow them if they are headed away from Christ. Don't put the leaders up on pedestal that they can do no wrong.
God is gracious in spite of our sins. Even though Moses and Aaron acted in unbelief, God provided the needs for His children.
Friday, March 8, 2013
A Chance to Repent
Once again the leadership of Moses and Aaron was challenged (Numbers 16). This time by Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Their challenge: Everyone one of us is holy, not just Aaron. We should all be able to stand before God.
When Moses heard it, he responded by giving God an opportunity to prove whom He wanted in His presence. Moses told these men, about 250 of them, to appear the next morning with censers and incense. They would stand before the tabernacle and God would make it clear.
Why didn't Moses tell them to come immediately? Why didn't he call out to God to make it clear to them right away?
It appears that Moses was giving them a chance to repent.
After putting out the challenge, Moses asked some questions to get these men to think. "Isn't it enough that Korah and the rest of the Levites had been chosen to minister in the tabernacle? Out of all the other tribes, God chose the tribe of Levi. Isn't that enough? Do you really presume to take the priesthood which belongs to Aaron and his descendants?
He gave them all night to examine themselves. He confronted them with the truth. Then he sent them home to think about it.
Unfortunately, they didn't repent. At first they weren't even going to show up. But when they came back in the morning, the earth swallowed these men, their families and all they owned. It was clear that God had chosen Aaron and not Korah, Dathan and Abiram.
There was no longer time to repent.
So, if you are still alive there is time to repent. To change your mind about your sins and turn from them - that's what repentance is.
You may not have stood up in rebellion like these 250 men. But every prideful attitude, every lustful thought, every second of envy, every sin is rebellion against God.
Anything that you do that is not 100% the way God has commanded is rebellion.
Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus. He paid the penalty completely. He can change you from a rebellious child to a beloved child.
Not by changing your behavior, but by changing your life.
When Moses heard it, he responded by giving God an opportunity to prove whom He wanted in His presence. Moses told these men, about 250 of them, to appear the next morning with censers and incense. They would stand before the tabernacle and God would make it clear.
Why didn't Moses tell them to come immediately? Why didn't he call out to God to make it clear to them right away?
It appears that Moses was giving them a chance to repent.
After putting out the challenge, Moses asked some questions to get these men to think. "Isn't it enough that Korah and the rest of the Levites had been chosen to minister in the tabernacle? Out of all the other tribes, God chose the tribe of Levi. Isn't that enough? Do you really presume to take the priesthood which belongs to Aaron and his descendants?
He gave them all night to examine themselves. He confronted them with the truth. Then he sent them home to think about it.
Unfortunately, they didn't repent. At first they weren't even going to show up. But when they came back in the morning, the earth swallowed these men, their families and all they owned. It was clear that God had chosen Aaron and not Korah, Dathan and Abiram.
There was no longer time to repent.
So, if you are still alive there is time to repent. To change your mind about your sins and turn from them - that's what repentance is.
You may not have stood up in rebellion like these 250 men. But every prideful attitude, every lustful thought, every second of envy, every sin is rebellion against God.
Anything that you do that is not 100% the way God has commanded is rebellion.
Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus. He paid the penalty completely. He can change you from a rebellious child to a beloved child.
Not by changing your behavior, but by changing your life.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Humble Leadership
Twelve men went to spy in Canaan.
Ten were bad and two were good.
Many of us know the story of the twelve spies sent in to Canaan, the land promised to Israel as an inheritance. Ten of them came back and spread fear in the camp. Two tried to encourage the people that God would give them victory.
The people's lack of trust in God led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness with the entire adult population dying, never seeing the Promised Land.
What we often overlook is the response of Moses in this.
"And all the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron..." (Numbers 14:2). We're not talking a handful of people among the multitude. We're looking at everyone. 1.5 million people complaining. Calling for new leaders. Calling for someone to take them back to Egypt.
What did Moses and Aaron do?
"Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel" (v 5).
Humility. Prayer. Immediacy.
How does that fit into your picture and practice of leadership? Wouldn't you normally be prone to readjust your case, "Well, what I really meant was..." Or attempt to regroup, "We'll take this into consideration and consult with the elders..." Or argue. Or belittle. Or...
But drop to the ground with your face in the dirt?
Further into the chapter we see another example of Moses' humility.
God comes to Moses and says, "I've had enough of these people! Let me wipe them out and start all over with you!"
Sounds like perfect grounds for a church split. These people are wrong. I'm right. I'll just go across town and start another church. And this time, God was telling Moses that He would take care of the bad guys.
How did Moses respond?
"Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for You brought up this people in Your might from among them, and they will tell the inhabitants of this land" (vs 13-14a).
Moses' concern was not for himself. Not even for the people of Israel.
His concern was for God's glory. His concern was that God's name would be ridiculed among the nations, not glorified.
How selfish our leadership decisions can be!
We want to protect our pride. Our territory. Our position.
Maybe we are even acting in behalf of those who are following us.
We want what we or they think is best for them. We want smooth sailing.
But that isn't what Moses wanted.
His desire was God's glory. That was the driving force in his actions.
How about your leadership today?
Moms, as you lead your children throughout the errands and tasks of the day, are you seeking God's glory?
Husbands, dads, as you lead your family, are you seeking God's glory?
Pastors. Employers. Employees. Teachers - are you seeking God's glory in the decisions you make, the conversations that you have?
Ten were bad and two were good.
Many of us know the story of the twelve spies sent in to Canaan, the land promised to Israel as an inheritance. Ten of them came back and spread fear in the camp. Two tried to encourage the people that God would give them victory.
The people's lack of trust in God led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness with the entire adult population dying, never seeing the Promised Land.
What we often overlook is the response of Moses in this.
"And all the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron..." (Numbers 14:2). We're not talking a handful of people among the multitude. We're looking at everyone. 1.5 million people complaining. Calling for new leaders. Calling for someone to take them back to Egypt.
What did Moses and Aaron do?
"Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel" (v 5).
Humility. Prayer. Immediacy.
How does that fit into your picture and practice of leadership? Wouldn't you normally be prone to readjust your case, "Well, what I really meant was..." Or attempt to regroup, "We'll take this into consideration and consult with the elders..." Or argue. Or belittle. Or...
But drop to the ground with your face in the dirt?
Further into the chapter we see another example of Moses' humility.
God comes to Moses and says, "I've had enough of these people! Let me wipe them out and start all over with you!"
Sounds like perfect grounds for a church split. These people are wrong. I'm right. I'll just go across town and start another church. And this time, God was telling Moses that He would take care of the bad guys.
How did Moses respond?
"Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for You brought up this people in Your might from among them, and they will tell the inhabitants of this land" (vs 13-14a).
Moses' concern was not for himself. Not even for the people of Israel.
His concern was for God's glory. His concern was that God's name would be ridiculed among the nations, not glorified.
How selfish our leadership decisions can be!
We want to protect our pride. Our territory. Our position.
Maybe we are even acting in behalf of those who are following us.
We want what we or they think is best for them. We want smooth sailing.
But that isn't what Moses wanted.
His desire was God's glory. That was the driving force in his actions.
How about your leadership today?
Moms, as you lead your children throughout the errands and tasks of the day, are you seeking God's glory?
Husbands, dads, as you lead your family, are you seeking God's glory?
Pastors. Employers. Employees. Teachers - are you seeking God's glory in the decisions you make, the conversations that you have?
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
It was for me
Nothing He did was deserving of death.
It wasn't for His sins, but for mine.
Praise the Lord!
Alas! and did my Savior bleed?
And did my Sov'reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker, died
For man the creature's sin.
But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
'Tis all that I can do!
At the cross, at the cross
Were I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith
I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
--Isaac Watts
It wasn't for His sins, but for mine.
Praise the Lord!
Alas! and did my Savior bleed?
And did my Sov'reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker, died
For man the creature's sin.
But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
'Tis all that I can do!
At the cross, at the cross
Were I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith
I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
--Isaac Watts
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Forgetfulness and Fear
A verse that I remember memorizing as a child:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46;1)
We learned that as children. Maybe to remind us that God would protect us from the bullies on the playground. Or that we didn't have to be afraid of the thunder.
It's a great truth and leads to the following:
"Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah (vs 2-3).
Because God is our refuge and strength, I don't need to be afraid - even if the mountains are collapsing and the tsunami is battering the shores.
Unfortunately, I've forgotten that too many times.
Fear has kept me from doing some things like skydiving and deep-sea diving. I can stand before God with a clear conscience without doing those things.
But it has also kept me from doing some things that I should have done.
I have been afraid of losing friends, so I've not opened my mouth to tell them that Jesus died for their sins and that they can have the free gift of salvation by simply believing.
I have been afraid of losing friends, so I've made some sinful choices to keep them. Those friends weren't friends and they're long gone.
I have been afraid of losing my family, so I cowered in fear rather than leading and loving them. Now I'm alone.
I had learned that verse as a child. I'm pretty sure that I helped our kids learn it, too. I had heard it preached over and over. I had even preached it and used it in counseling others.
But when I needed to remember it, I forgot.
I forgot that I could turn to God, a present help in the time of trouble. He's right there all the time.
I forgot that I could depend on God who would provide my needs.
I forgot that I could depend on God who would protect me from the consequences of obedience.
When I forget God, I fear. When I fear, I have forgotten God.
Lord, help me to not be forgetful.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46;1)
We learned that as children. Maybe to remind us that God would protect us from the bullies on the playground. Or that we didn't have to be afraid of the thunder.
It's a great truth and leads to the following:
"Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah (vs 2-3).
Because God is our refuge and strength, I don't need to be afraid - even if the mountains are collapsing and the tsunami is battering the shores.
Unfortunately, I've forgotten that too many times.
Fear has kept me from doing some things like skydiving and deep-sea diving. I can stand before God with a clear conscience without doing those things.
But it has also kept me from doing some things that I should have done.
I have been afraid of losing friends, so I've not opened my mouth to tell them that Jesus died for their sins and that they can have the free gift of salvation by simply believing.
I have been afraid of losing friends, so I've made some sinful choices to keep them. Those friends weren't friends and they're long gone.
I have been afraid of losing my family, so I cowered in fear rather than leading and loving them. Now I'm alone.
I had learned that verse as a child. I'm pretty sure that I helped our kids learn it, too. I had heard it preached over and over. I had even preached it and used it in counseling others.
But when I needed to remember it, I forgot.
I forgot that I could turn to God, a present help in the time of trouble. He's right there all the time.
I forgot that I could depend on God who would provide my needs.
I forgot that I could depend on God who would protect me from the consequences of obedience.
When I forget God, I fear. When I fear, I have forgotten God.
Lord, help me to not be forgetful.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
More thoughts from yesterday's sermon:
This is obviously an area where I've needed help in the last months. I lean more to an Eyeore-mentality, at least internally. Gloomy rain clouds overhead. Everything isn't as bad as it could be, but it's probably headed that direction. Maybe you're the same way.
Even in submitting to God's sovereignty, I can be a pessimist. God's in control. He's got a purpose. I'll just live out the days of my miserable existence and see what His plan is.
But Solomon puts the two together in a biblical perspective in Ecclesiates 3.
"For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:" (v 1)
""I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil - this is God's gift to man" (vs 12-13).
Since God is in control, since He is directing the events of my life - the good and the bad, I can enjoy life!
What does that look like?
It's not the hedonism that lives for pleasure: eating, drinking and being merry for tomorrow we die. Live the good life because there's noting after this life.
It's not the pessimism that resigns itself to fate: eating, drinking and maybe being merry because it's bound to get worse. Just eat and drink enough to get by.
And it's not the optimism that ignores the problems of life: Let's ignore the problems by eating, drinking and being merry.
But it's the enjoyment of the blessings that God has given me. Food, drink, laughter with friends and family, even my job. Oh, you probably didn't want to hear that, did you - "...take pleasure in all his toil - this is God's gift to man."
Submitting to God's sovereignty and enjoying His provision relieves me of worry.
It also relieves me of being a control maniac. I don't have to have everything under my control, because God has it under His control.
So today I can enjoy the meals that God has set before me. I can look forward to going to work. I can anticipate a few laughs with co-workers and customers. I can enjoy life!
This is obviously an area where I've needed help in the last months. I lean more to an Eyeore-mentality, at least internally. Gloomy rain clouds overhead. Everything isn't as bad as it could be, but it's probably headed that direction. Maybe you're the same way.
Even in submitting to God's sovereignty, I can be a pessimist. God's in control. He's got a purpose. I'll just live out the days of my miserable existence and see what His plan is.
But Solomon puts the two together in a biblical perspective in Ecclesiates 3.
"For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:" (v 1)
""I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil - this is God's gift to man" (vs 12-13).
Since God is in control, since He is directing the events of my life - the good and the bad, I can enjoy life!
What does that look like?
It's not the hedonism that lives for pleasure: eating, drinking and being merry for tomorrow we die. Live the good life because there's noting after this life.
It's not the pessimism that resigns itself to fate: eating, drinking and maybe being merry because it's bound to get worse. Just eat and drink enough to get by.
And it's not the optimism that ignores the problems of life: Let's ignore the problems by eating, drinking and being merry.
But it's the enjoyment of the blessings that God has given me. Food, drink, laughter with friends and family, even my job. Oh, you probably didn't want to hear that, did you - "...take pleasure in all his toil - this is God's gift to man."
Submitting to God's sovereignty and enjoying His provision relieves me of worry.
It also relieves me of being a control maniac. I don't have to have everything under my control, because God has it under His control.
So today I can enjoy the meals that God has set before me. I can look forward to going to work. I can anticipate a few laughs with co-workers and customers. I can enjoy life!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Nothing better to do
Some thoughts from today's sermon:
"I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil - this is God's gift to man" (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).
You wouldn't expect to find that in the Bible, would you?
Eat, drink and be merry!
Sometimes we think that the Christian life is to be somber and quiet.
But this verse tucked into Solomon's reflection of his life teaches differently.
Why should we eat, drink and be merry?
Because God has everything under control.
Read the preceding verses and you'll see that there is a time for everything under the sun. God has a plan and a purpose for everything that comes our way. He is sovereign and directing our steps. He has a reason for the good and the bad things that happen in our lives.
So in that confidence, we can eat, drink and be merry!
BTW: Don't forget that the Bible does condemn gluttony, drunkenness and foolishness. But there is nothing unspiritual with enjoying a good meal and laughing with friends!
"I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil - this is God's gift to man" (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).
You wouldn't expect to find that in the Bible, would you?
Eat, drink and be merry!
Sometimes we think that the Christian life is to be somber and quiet.
But this verse tucked into Solomon's reflection of his life teaches differently.
Why should we eat, drink and be merry?
Because God has everything under control.
Read the preceding verses and you'll see that there is a time for everything under the sun. God has a plan and a purpose for everything that comes our way. He is sovereign and directing our steps. He has a reason for the good and the bad things that happen in our lives.
So in that confidence, we can eat, drink and be merry!
BTW: Don't forget that the Bible does condemn gluttony, drunkenness and foolishness. But there is nothing unspiritual with enjoying a good meal and laughing with friends!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Protecting God's Holiness
According to Numbers 4, the sons of Kohath had a difficult task. As the jobs for transporting the tabernacle were divvied out for the Levites, their task was to transport the utensils, altars, ark of the covenant, basins, candlestick and everything else that was used in the tabernacle.
These items had to be covered carefully before they were transported. One might think that this was because of the harsh desert elements. Somehow these tools and furnishings needed to be protected from the sand and the jostling during transportation.
That may have been part of the reason for the careful instructions that God gave the Kohathites.
But there's more to it.
"Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die" (Numbers 4:17-20).
Not only did the utensils and furnishings need to be protected, but the Kohathites and the rest of the nation needed to be protected.
A glance at the holy things meant death.
Sounds like a scene in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
The Kohathites were to cover the holy things to protect themselves from death. These items were a reflection, or image-bearer, of the holiness of God. To look upon the holiness of God meant death.
Do we think of that when we sing about the holiness of God?
"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty" can become so trivial when we don't realize the power of His holiness.
And to think that we will someday stand in His holiness. We'll be glorified and able to take in this holiness.
But what will it be like?
And it's all because Jesus took our sins upon Himself!
These items had to be covered carefully before they were transported. One might think that this was because of the harsh desert elements. Somehow these tools and furnishings needed to be protected from the sand and the jostling during transportation.
That may have been part of the reason for the careful instructions that God gave the Kohathites.
But there's more to it.
"Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die" (Numbers 4:17-20).
Not only did the utensils and furnishings need to be protected, but the Kohathites and the rest of the nation needed to be protected.
A glance at the holy things meant death.
Sounds like a scene in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
The Kohathites were to cover the holy things to protect themselves from death. These items were a reflection, or image-bearer, of the holiness of God. To look upon the holiness of God meant death.
Do we think of that when we sing about the holiness of God?
"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty" can become so trivial when we don't realize the power of His holiness.
And to think that we will someday stand in His holiness. We'll be glorified and able to take in this holiness.
But what will it be like?
And it's all because Jesus took our sins upon Himself!
Friday, March 1, 2013
After you're dead, it's over.
Most of us have been there. If we haven't, then we will some day.
One day, you're sitting with someone. Visiting. Eating. Laughing. Loving.
The next day, they're gone. They've died.
No more visiting with them. No more sharing your favorite meal together. No more hearing their laughter. No more showing expressions of love.
They've died and all that is over.
That's probably what the disciples were thinking, too.
One day they were celebrating the Passover with Jesus, like they had done in the past. They go to the Garden of Gethsemane for a time of prayer. Also, nothing unexpected.
But Jesus had been saying some puzzling things. Betrayal. Watching. Preparing.
While still in the Garden, a mob seizes Jesus. The rumors start.
By the end of the next day, Jesus is dead. Crucified. A public display of the most horrific form of death.
Now it's over. No more visiting with Jesus. No more eating with Jesus. No more laughing with Jesus. No more loving Jesus.
A big hole. Emptiness. Confusion. Fear. It must have eaten away at them for days.
But then on the third day after His death, a couple of women come to tell the disciples that they've seen Jesus.
John and Peter run to the grave. It's empty except for the burial cloths.
Little by little they see Jesus. They hear how others have seen Him. He meets with them. He teaches them. He eats with them. He prepares them.
They thought it was over when Jesus died. But it wasn't.
It had just begun.
(Mark 15-16; 1 Corinthians 15).
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