2 Corinthians 6:12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.
12 οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν·
Some exegetes make a big deal of the word σπλάγχνοις. It does technically refer to ones "guts" or "bowels." This was the word that was used to describe the heart of a person. It describes what makes a person tick, if you will. Paul describes how they were στενοχωρεῖσθε or "were restricted" in their feelings.
As we seek to plant a new fellowship within the body of Christ we are looking at various church constitutions. I read one that is based on the template provided by the Christian Law Association. This appears to be a favorite of those who are of the more Independent Baptist persuasion. I find the tone fascinating. Basically, it assumes that we want nothing more than to fall headlong into sin and, therefore, we must set up fences far enough away from sin so that we won't even get close to the sin.
That's all well and good, but what it fails to account for is the affections of the heart. It assumes that we will feel no affection for God. In fact, it doesn't even address that we should. All this does is then create a bunch of Pharisees who are good at being good. It doesn't deal with the matter of the heart.
We all need rules or else the New Testament would not have any. However, obedience starts with the heart. It begins with a heart that desires more of God. And as we experience more of Him then the temptations of the world begin to fade away. We are not as tempted to sin when we are satisfied in Christ. So rather than focusing on rules, let's instead focus on our σπλάγχνοις.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
"Our" Ministry
2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
1 Διὰ τοῦτο, ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν
This verse picks up where we left off in the previous post. The verb in the first clause is ἠλεήθημεν, which is in the aorist passive. This means that Paul is telling them that God gave them ministry at some point in the past. It doesn't tell us how it happened, but it does tell us that it was given to them. Also, the verse does not expressly state that it comes from the mercy of God, but it does say that it came by mercy. It's pretty safe to infer that God is the one who granted them mercy.
As someone who is in the middle of planting a church, I find this to be an encouragement. I think it is safe to extrapolate this verse to describe ministry in general. Really the word is τὴν διακονίαν, which is the word from which we get "deacon." It refers to ministry or service. What I get out of this is that any ministry or service we get to do for God's people comes from the mercy of God. This verse starts with the phrase Διὰ τοῦτο, which literally means "therefore this." This explains the phrase at the end. Why don't we give up hope? We don't give up hope because we received ministry from the mercy of God.
This gives me hope because that I trust God to do His will. I enjoy the blessing of being an instrument in His hands, but really it is His ministry. If we assemble a fellowship it will be because God in His mercy brought a fellowship to us. My concern is my personal holiness. Although God can use anyone at anytime to do His will, I also know that it will be a lot easier for me if I am walking closely with Him. I've often heard it said that if you want to know God's will you need to think the way He thinks. How do you do that? You walk in close fellowship with Him through prayer, time in the Word, fellowship, worship, etc.
The point of all this is that I find great encouragement knowing that this is God's ministry and that it is enabled by His mercy. That takes the pressure off of me to make it succeed. I certainly must do my part as well as God has gifted me to do it, but I don't need to think that it is all about me. As with all of life, it is all about Him.
As someone who is in the middle of planting a church, I find this to be an encouragement. I think it is safe to extrapolate this verse to describe ministry in general. Really the word is τὴν διακονίαν, which is the word from which we get "deacon." It refers to ministry or service. What I get out of this is that any ministry or service we get to do for God's people comes from the mercy of God. This verse starts with the phrase Διὰ τοῦτο, which literally means "therefore this." This explains the phrase at the end. Why don't we give up hope? We don't give up hope because we received ministry from the mercy of God.
This gives me hope because that I trust God to do His will. I enjoy the blessing of being an instrument in His hands, but really it is His ministry. If we assemble a fellowship it will be because God in His mercy brought a fellowship to us. My concern is my personal holiness. Although God can use anyone at anytime to do His will, I also know that it will be a lot easier for me if I am walking closely with Him. I've often heard it said that if you want to know God's will you need to think the way He thinks. How do you do that? You walk in close fellowship with Him through prayer, time in the Word, fellowship, worship, etc.
The point of all this is that I find great encouragement knowing that this is God's ministry and that it is enabled by His mercy. That takes the pressure off of me to make it succeed. I certainly must do my part as well as God has gifted me to do it, but I don't need to think that it is all about me. As with all of life, it is all about Him.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
True Hope
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
13 Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς ἐλπίδος πληρώσαι ὑμᾶς πάσης χαρᾶς καὶ εἰρήνης ἐν τῷ πιστεύειν, εἰς τὸ περισσεύειν ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἐλπίδι ἐν δυνάμει πνεύματος ἁγίου.
This is part of Paul's closing. I tend to gloss over verses like this because they don't seem to pack a whole lot in them. They are just part of how he ends his letters, so why bother reading them closely? But as I looked for a verse to write on this morning this one kind of stood out. There is no exegetical nuance to draw out as far as I can tell at first glance, but there is some great stuff in here for the Christian life.
The most important question we must ask is about the nature of God. Tozer says that what a man thinks of God is the most important thing about the man. What does Paul think of God? This verse does not encapsulate all of Paul's theology, but we can learn something here. Paul refers to God as "the God of hope." He also finishes this verse with a mention of hope that we can have through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I am not going to get into all of Paul's argument, though one could preach a sermon on this and get into soteriology. The point is that God is the God of hope. The Holy Spirit has the power to fill us with hope. What is this hope all about? It comes from Christ. Because of Christ we have hope in this age and in the age to come. We have the promise of His provision in our lives. That does not mean we will be healthy or wealthy, but it does mean that God will provide what we need. We must accept that it is possible that we need to physically die as part of God's plan.
How do we come to grips with that? We have hope in the age to come. We know that because of Christ we will ultimately spend eternity in fellowship with God. Frankly, that is all the reward we need.
What does the Holy Spirit have to do with this? The Holy Spirit is the one who transforms us from being dead in our sins to alive in Christ. He also sustains us as we live as followers of Christ. The Holy Spirit is vital in our pursuit of God.
So as I look at this "throwaway verse" I join Paul in this prayer for both myself and for anyone who may be reading this. May we have true hope that only comes from God.
The most important question we must ask is about the nature of God. Tozer says that what a man thinks of God is the most important thing about the man. What does Paul think of God? This verse does not encapsulate all of Paul's theology, but we can learn something here. Paul refers to God as "the God of hope." He also finishes this verse with a mention of hope that we can have through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I am not going to get into all of Paul's argument, though one could preach a sermon on this and get into soteriology. The point is that God is the God of hope. The Holy Spirit has the power to fill us with hope. What is this hope all about? It comes from Christ. Because of Christ we have hope in this age and in the age to come. We have the promise of His provision in our lives. That does not mean we will be healthy or wealthy, but it does mean that God will provide what we need. We must accept that it is possible that we need to physically die as part of God's plan.
How do we come to grips with that? We have hope in the age to come. We know that because of Christ we will ultimately spend eternity in fellowship with God. Frankly, that is all the reward we need.
What does the Holy Spirit have to do with this? The Holy Spirit is the one who transforms us from being dead in our sins to alive in Christ. He also sustains us as we live as followers of Christ. The Holy Spirit is vital in our pursuit of God.
So as I look at this "throwaway verse" I join Paul in this prayer for both myself and for anyone who may be reading this. May we have true hope that only comes from God.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
True Authority
Matthew 7:28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
28 Καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους, ἐξεπλήσσοντο οἱ ὄχλοι ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ· 29 ἦν γὰρ διδάσκων αὐτοὺς ὡς ἐξουσίαν ἔχων καὶ οὐχ ὡς οἱ γραμματεῖς αὐτῶν.
This is the end of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has finished rocking the worlds of His hearers. He took what they knew about the Law and intensified it. He also made the point that salvation is not something that comes easily or universally. It is a narrow door and only a few will walk through it, despite what they think. In fact, there will be those who seemingly bear fruit, but He still does not know them. These are difficult things to hear.
This passage really sums it all up though. It tells us that the crowds ἐξεπλήσσοντο. This is an imperfect passive. Basically, what we get is that His teaching blew them away. Why were they so surprised? He taught ὡς ἐξουσίαν ἔχων. The word ἔχων is a present active participle. This gives us a sense that they realized that Jesus had authority as He spoke. He was in the state of one having authority.
What does this mean? It means that unlike those who simply regurgitated the Law back to them, He had the authority to change things a bit. He explained that they had got it wrong all this time and that God really wanted their hearts, not just their behavior. Adultery was not just a matter of the physical act, for example, but was also about the eyes and the heart. Murder was not just the actual taking of another life, but it was also having hate in your heart. And so on.
Who could do this? Only God. This is why they were so amazed. They realized that they were in the presence of the Divine. This shocked them, but that was what they needed to hear.
How about you? If you know Jesus are you amazed at your relationship with the Divine? Do you submit to His Word with the understanding that it has true authority? Personally, as I read this passage I am stirred to prayerfully pursue more depth with the Lord. He is God and He loves me. I have a relationship with Him through Christ's life, death, burial, and resurrection. How could I have any reaction but to ἐξεπλήσσοντο?
28 Καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους, ἐξεπλήσσοντο οἱ ὄχλοι ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ· 29 ἦν γὰρ διδάσκων αὐτοὺς ὡς ἐξουσίαν ἔχων καὶ οὐχ ὡς οἱ γραμματεῖς αὐτῶν.
This is the end of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has finished rocking the worlds of His hearers. He took what they knew about the Law and intensified it. He also made the point that salvation is not something that comes easily or universally. It is a narrow door and only a few will walk through it, despite what they think. In fact, there will be those who seemingly bear fruit, but He still does not know them. These are difficult things to hear.
This passage really sums it all up though. It tells us that the crowds ἐξεπλήσσοντο. This is an imperfect passive. Basically, what we get is that His teaching blew them away. Why were they so surprised? He taught ὡς ἐξουσίαν ἔχων. The word ἔχων is a present active participle. This gives us a sense that they realized that Jesus had authority as He spoke. He was in the state of one having authority.
What does this mean? It means that unlike those who simply regurgitated the Law back to them, He had the authority to change things a bit. He explained that they had got it wrong all this time and that God really wanted their hearts, not just their behavior. Adultery was not just a matter of the physical act, for example, but was also about the eyes and the heart. Murder was not just the actual taking of another life, but it was also having hate in your heart. And so on.
Who could do this? Only God. This is why they were so amazed. They realized that they were in the presence of the Divine. This shocked them, but that was what they needed to hear.
How about you? If you know Jesus are you amazed at your relationship with the Divine? Do you submit to His Word with the understanding that it has true authority? Personally, as I read this passage I am stirred to prayerfully pursue more depth with the Lord. He is God and He loves me. I have a relationship with Him through Christ's life, death, burial, and resurrection. How could I have any reaction but to ἐξεπλήσσοντο?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Bringing Us to God
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
18 ὅτι καὶ Χριστὸς ἅπαξ περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν ἔπαθεν, δίκαιος ὑπὲρ ἀδίκων, ἵνα ὑμᾶς προσαγάγῃ τῷ θεῷ θανατωθεὶς μὲν σαρκὶ ζῳοποιηθεὶς δὲ πνεύματι·
It is tempting to try to deal with the next verse, but I think that leads to a rather esoteric discussion that brings little value. Instead, I would like to focus on this one. Peter is telling us about how it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. After all, if we suffer for doing evil we simply get what we have coming to us. But if we suffer for doing good then we have problems with injustice in this world. Peter gives us the example of Christ.
Christ suffered in His flesh. He died an excruciating and humiliating death on a cross. This was the ultimate human injustice because the man who never sinned died like a sinner. Why would He do such a thing?
Ask an American Christian why Christ died and you are likely to hear something about hell. Their concept of the cross is that Christ bought our pardon from God's wrath. That is certainly true, but it leaves out the whole picture. Christ died ἵνα ὑμᾶς προσαγάγῃ τῷ θεῷ. In other words, Christ died for the purpose that He might take us to God. In other words, we get to avoid hell, but more importantly, we get God.
God must be the ultimate goal. It is so easy to lose sight of this truth. This is why I am blessed by the ministry of John Piper. He bangs this drum over and over again. The goal of life is not to avoid being bad. It's not even to be good. Salvation is not about avoiding hell. It is about receiving the most incredible gift imaginable -- God Himself.
Is that enough for you? Are you satisfied in Him? If not, what else is there to satisfy you?
Christ suffered in His flesh. He died an excruciating and humiliating death on a cross. This was the ultimate human injustice because the man who never sinned died like a sinner. Why would He do such a thing?
Ask an American Christian why Christ died and you are likely to hear something about hell. Their concept of the cross is that Christ bought our pardon from God's wrath. That is certainly true, but it leaves out the whole picture. Christ died ἵνα ὑμᾶς προσαγάγῃ τῷ θεῷ. In other words, Christ died for the purpose that He might take us to God. In other words, we get to avoid hell, but more importantly, we get God.
God must be the ultimate goal. It is so easy to lose sight of this truth. This is why I am blessed by the ministry of John Piper. He bangs this drum over and over again. The goal of life is not to avoid being bad. It's not even to be good. Salvation is not about avoiding hell. It is about receiving the most incredible gift imaginable -- God Himself.
Is that enough for you? Are you satisfied in Him? If not, what else is there to satisfy you?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Every Good Gift
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
17 πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθὴ καὶ πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον ἄνωθέν ἐστιν καταβαῖνον ἀπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς τῶν φώτων, παρ᾽ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα.
James is an easy book to blog because it is really a bunch of long proverbs. James may very well be the most practical book of the New Testament in the sense that it is centered primarily on right living. It contains a bunch of imperatives telling us how we should live. Facing trials? Count it all joy. Reading Scripture? Do what it tells you to. And so on.
Here we get a brief theological interlude. This verse tells us much about the nature of God. First, we see that He is good. How do we know that? We see that if a gift is ἀγαθὴ or if it is τέλειον then it is from above. I don't think that it describes gifts that are "good and perfect" because there are two different words for "gift" used here. I think what James is going after is that if we enjoy something good it must be from God. We also see that He is good in being described as οῦ πατρὸς τῶν φώτων. It's pretty safe to say that "light" is a metaphor for "good" when we read Scripture.
Second, we see that He is immutable, which is the theological term for the idea that He never changes. The phrase παρ᾽ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα. is difficult in English, but I would go with something like, "for him whom there is not changing or shadow of changing." Obviously the ESV is a lot crisper from a literary sense and that is required in translating a text, but my translation gets the wooden sense of it.
But you may wonder, "so what?" What difference does it make that He never changes? One thing is that this informs our Christology. We know from Hebrews that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Here we see God the Father described that way. This is not a proof, but it sure leads one to see a commonality between God the Father and God the Son. It also tells us that the idea of an "Old Testament God" vs. "New Testament God" is a false dichotomy. There is God. He does not change. The just and wrathful God of Joshua and Judges is also the God of John 3:16. Jesus Christ had to die to satisfy His righteous wrath.
This is a God I want to worship. This is the God that saved me to do just that. My prayer is that I would not stop short with distractions like sports, video games, school, and sex. Those are all fine things enjoyed in their place, but let me worship God alone, amen?
17 πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθὴ καὶ πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον ἄνωθέν ἐστιν καταβαῖνον ἀπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς τῶν φώτων, παρ᾽ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα.
James is an easy book to blog because it is really a bunch of long proverbs. James may very well be the most practical book of the New Testament in the sense that it is centered primarily on right living. It contains a bunch of imperatives telling us how we should live. Facing trials? Count it all joy. Reading Scripture? Do what it tells you to. And so on.
Here we get a brief theological interlude. This verse tells us much about the nature of God. First, we see that He is good. How do we know that? We see that if a gift is ἀγαθὴ or if it is τέλειον then it is from above. I don't think that it describes gifts that are "good and perfect" because there are two different words for "gift" used here. I think what James is going after is that if we enjoy something good it must be from God. We also see that He is good in being described as οῦ πατρὸς τῶν φώτων. It's pretty safe to say that "light" is a metaphor for "good" when we read Scripture.
Second, we see that He is immutable, which is the theological term for the idea that He never changes. The phrase παρ᾽ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα. is difficult in English, but I would go with something like, "for him whom there is not changing or shadow of changing." Obviously the ESV is a lot crisper from a literary sense and that is required in translating a text, but my translation gets the wooden sense of it.
But you may wonder, "so what?" What difference does it make that He never changes? One thing is that this informs our Christology. We know from Hebrews that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Here we see God the Father described that way. This is not a proof, but it sure leads one to see a commonality between God the Father and God the Son. It also tells us that the idea of an "Old Testament God" vs. "New Testament God" is a false dichotomy. There is God. He does not change. The just and wrathful God of Joshua and Judges is also the God of John 3:16. Jesus Christ had to die to satisfy His righteous wrath.
This is a God I want to worship. This is the God that saved me to do just that. My prayer is that I would not stop short with distractions like sports, video games, school, and sex. Those are all fine things enjoyed in their place, but let me worship God alone, amen?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Offering Worship
Hebrews 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
28 Διὸ βασιλείαν ἀσάλευτον παραλαμβάνοντες ἔχωμεν χάριν, δι᾽ ἧς λατρεύωμεν εὐαρέστως τῷ θεῷ μετὰ εὐλαβείας καὶ δέους· 29 καὶ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν πῦρ καταναλίσκον.
This concludes an incredible chapter. The author of Hebrews contrasts the experience that the Jews had on Sinai with our experience in Christ. Sinai was so holy that anyone or anything that touched it had to be stoned. Yet we can now come to Christ. We have access to the living God.
Do you realize how incredible this is? Are you moved in awesome wonder at this truth? The God of the universe who made everything has given us access to Him through the shed blood of Christ. This is the God who is sovereign. All of nature bends to His will. Have you ever experienced a hurricane? It only goes where it does because of His will. Ever been in an earthquake? Those do not happen apart from His will. I'm not going into the theology of the effects of natural disasters, but the point is that if you've ever experienced the awesome power of a hurricane or earthquake you have just a tiny sense of how powerful God is.
This is the same God that gives us access to Him through the shed blood of Christ. And yet we waste our time with trifles like video games, sports, sex, and the pursuit of money (just thinking of my life). There can certainly be a godliness in recreation time and in fact God mandates it. However, where are our idols? Why bother with any of that other junk?
This passage in particular speaks to how we should approach God. Yes, we have access, but it is not a flippant thing to approach God. He is a πῦρ καταναλίσκον. The word καταναλίσκον is a present active participle. I don't think that we are to literally think of God as a ball of fire like in "The Ten Commandments," but there is a metaphor for how God operates. Have you ever watched how a fire consumes fuel? It is unceasing as long as it has fuel. It just keeps on consuming.
As we approach God we need to be prepared to be like fuel on the fire. He takes over. He is a present reality that overwhelms us. That is who God is, yet I fear that too many American evangelicals try to keep God at arm's length. I don't think it works that way. If you are worshiping you will be consumed.
I feel like I could keep writing and thinking about this all morning, but I have to get moving. What are your thoughts on this?
28 Διὸ βασιλείαν ἀσάλευτον παραλαμβάνοντες ἔχωμεν χάριν, δι᾽ ἧς λατρεύωμεν εὐαρέστως τῷ θεῷ μετὰ εὐλαβείας καὶ δέους· 29 καὶ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν πῦρ καταναλίσκον.
This concludes an incredible chapter. The author of Hebrews contrasts the experience that the Jews had on Sinai with our experience in Christ. Sinai was so holy that anyone or anything that touched it had to be stoned. Yet we can now come to Christ. We have access to the living God.
Do you realize how incredible this is? Are you moved in awesome wonder at this truth? The God of the universe who made everything has given us access to Him through the shed blood of Christ. This is the God who is sovereign. All of nature bends to His will. Have you ever experienced a hurricane? It only goes where it does because of His will. Ever been in an earthquake? Those do not happen apart from His will. I'm not going into the theology of the effects of natural disasters, but the point is that if you've ever experienced the awesome power of a hurricane or earthquake you have just a tiny sense of how powerful God is.
This is the same God that gives us access to Him through the shed blood of Christ. And yet we waste our time with trifles like video games, sports, sex, and the pursuit of money (just thinking of my life). There can certainly be a godliness in recreation time and in fact God mandates it. However, where are our idols? Why bother with any of that other junk?
This passage in particular speaks to how we should approach God. Yes, we have access, but it is not a flippant thing to approach God. He is a πῦρ καταναλίσκον. The word καταναλίσκον is a present active participle. I don't think that we are to literally think of God as a ball of fire like in "The Ten Commandments," but there is a metaphor for how God operates. Have you ever watched how a fire consumes fuel? It is unceasing as long as it has fuel. It just keeps on consuming.
As we approach God we need to be prepared to be like fuel on the fire. He takes over. He is a present reality that overwhelms us. That is who God is, yet I fear that too many American evangelicals try to keep God at arm's length. I don't think it works that way. If you are worshiping you will be consumed.
I feel like I could keep writing and thinking about this all morning, but I have to get moving. What are your thoughts on this?
Monday, September 06, 2010
The Most Holy Place
Hebrews 9:11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
11 Χριστὸς δὲ παραγενόμενος ἀρχιερεὺς τῶν γενομένων ἀγαθῶν διὰ τῆς μείζονος καὶ τελειοτέρας σκηνῆς οὐ χειροποιήτου, τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν οὐ ταύτης τῆς κτίσεως, 12 οὐδὲ δι᾽ αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων διὰ δὲ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος εἰσῆλθεν ἐφάπαξ εἰς τὰ ἅγια αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος.
This is one of those passages that it is difficult to wrap our Gentile minds around. This chapter contrasts the old sacrificial system with Jesus' perfect sacrifice for sins. The Jews spent centuries with the ritual of a day of atonement where the high priest gave a sacrifice for his own sins and the sins of the people. Then he could enter the Most Holy Place where they kept the Ark of the Covenant. This was also the same day when the scapegoat was sent out into the wilderness for the shame of the people.
But when Jesus died on the cross the curtain in the temple was torn in two, from the top to the bottom. God gave a clear sign to the people that everything had changed. Now it was no longer to keep up the sacrificial system. Through Christ's shed blood we have access to the Most Holy Place. We can meet with God.
Lately I have been moved by how little I consider this privilege. It's amazing how as people we tend to ignore really great gifts for a while. I take time to periodically thank God for the fact that I live in a country where I can live pretty much however I want, that my family and I enjoy good health, that I have a good job, food on the table, etc. But how often do I thank God for God? Not nearly often enough. This struck me yesterday morning as I was walking and praying. Then again, I've been chatting with a friend who claims to be an atheist, so contrasting our worlds brought this to mind.
If you are in Christ this passage is an incredible promise of blessing. Not in the sense of cars with rims falling from the sky, but in the sense that we get to come near to God. Think on that for a while.
11 Χριστὸς δὲ παραγενόμενος ἀρχιερεὺς τῶν γενομένων ἀγαθῶν διὰ τῆς μείζονος καὶ τελειοτέρας σκηνῆς οὐ χειροποιήτου, τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν οὐ ταύτης τῆς κτίσεως, 12 οὐδὲ δι᾽ αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων διὰ δὲ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος εἰσῆλθεν ἐφάπαξ εἰς τὰ ἅγια αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος.
This is one of those passages that it is difficult to wrap our Gentile minds around. This chapter contrasts the old sacrificial system with Jesus' perfect sacrifice for sins. The Jews spent centuries with the ritual of a day of atonement where the high priest gave a sacrifice for his own sins and the sins of the people. Then he could enter the Most Holy Place where they kept the Ark of the Covenant. This was also the same day when the scapegoat was sent out into the wilderness for the shame of the people.
But when Jesus died on the cross the curtain in the temple was torn in two, from the top to the bottom. God gave a clear sign to the people that everything had changed. Now it was no longer to keep up the sacrificial system. Through Christ's shed blood we have access to the Most Holy Place. We can meet with God.
Lately I have been moved by how little I consider this privilege. It's amazing how as people we tend to ignore really great gifts for a while. I take time to periodically thank God for the fact that I live in a country where I can live pretty much however I want, that my family and I enjoy good health, that I have a good job, food on the table, etc. But how often do I thank God for God? Not nearly often enough. This struck me yesterday morning as I was walking and praying. Then again, I've been chatting with a friend who claims to be an atheist, so contrasting our worlds brought this to mind.
If you are in Christ this passage is an incredible promise of blessing. Not in the sense of cars with rims falling from the sky, but in the sense that we get to come near to God. Think on that for a while.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Profession of Faith
John 20:28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
28 ἀπεκρίθη Θωμᾶς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ὁ κύριός μου καὶ ὁ θεός μου. 29 λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ὅτι ἑώρακάς με πεπίστευκας; μακάριοι οἱ μὴ ἰδόντες καὶ πιστεύσαντες.
If you want to get a moniker hung on you for eternity, just doubt who Jesus is. "Doubting" Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection of Christ until he was able to touch the wounds himself. This is his response to doing just that. There is nothing fancy to point out in the Greek other than to say that ὁ κύριός μου καὶ ὁ θεός μου is written as explicitly as it can be. Putting μου on each side of the καὶ removes all doubt about what Thomas was saying. Jesus is both his Lord and his God.
There are those who say that Jesus was the son of God, lived a perfect life, was crucified, and on the third day rose again; however, they also say that He was not God. Let's assume that they are correct for a minute. Take a Rabbi who was perfectly devout. If He was not truly God then Thomas just committed blasphemy here. Jesus rebukes Thomas a bit, but not for blasphemy. He simply makes a point about how weak Thomas' faith was and how much more blessed those who would know Him later (read: us) would be because they required a measure of faith.
It is inconceivable how Jesus' would let such blatant blasphemy slide if He was not God. By His silence Jesus gives tacit approval to Thomas' statement. In fact, He also gives implicit agreement by what He says. In other words, Jesus says, "You believe rightly, but only because you have seen me. Those who believe rightly without the physical benefits you just enjoyed will be even more blessed."
Jesus is God. I don't see how else you can read this with integrity.
28 ἀπεκρίθη Θωμᾶς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ὁ κύριός μου καὶ ὁ θεός μου. 29 λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ὅτι ἑώρακάς με πεπίστευκας; μακάριοι οἱ μὴ ἰδόντες καὶ πιστεύσαντες.
If you want to get a moniker hung on you for eternity, just doubt who Jesus is. "Doubting" Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection of Christ until he was able to touch the wounds himself. This is his response to doing just that. There is nothing fancy to point out in the Greek other than to say that ὁ κύριός μου καὶ ὁ θεός μου is written as explicitly as it can be. Putting μου on each side of the καὶ removes all doubt about what Thomas was saying. Jesus is both his Lord and his God.
There are those who say that Jesus was the son of God, lived a perfect life, was crucified, and on the third day rose again; however, they also say that He was not God. Let's assume that they are correct for a minute. Take a Rabbi who was perfectly devout. If He was not truly God then Thomas just committed blasphemy here. Jesus rebukes Thomas a bit, but not for blasphemy. He simply makes a point about how weak Thomas' faith was and how much more blessed those who would know Him later (read: us) would be because they required a measure of faith.
It is inconceivable how Jesus' would let such blatant blasphemy slide if He was not God. By His silence Jesus gives tacit approval to Thomas' statement. In fact, He also gives implicit agreement by what He says. In other words, Jesus says, "You believe rightly, but only because you have seen me. Those who believe rightly without the physical benefits you just enjoyed will be even more blessed."
Jesus is God. I don't see how else you can read this with integrity.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Self-Testifying
John 8:14 Jesus answered, "Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.
14 ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· κἂν ἐγὼ μαρτυρῶ περὶ ἐμαυτοῦ, ἀληθής ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία μου, ὅτι οἶδα πόθεν ἦλθον καὶ ποῦ ὑπάγω· ὑμεῖς δὲ οὐκ οἴδατε πόθεν ἔρχομαι ἢ ποῦ ὑπάγω.
This is a very bold statement, though it may not seem that way at first glance. Jesus was teaching in the temple and the Pharisees challenged His testimony. After all, it doesn't make sense for anyone to testify about himself. Of course he is going to validate what he is doing. That's what men do.
But what if the one testifying is not just a man? What if He is fully God and fully man? That changes everything. Then we can trust ἀληθής ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία μου. His testimony is true because He is God. God cannot lie. This is of course still self-affirming. However, as we put it together with everything else we see about Jesus in Scripture, we see this as yet another reference to His divinity.
There are many who say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Those folks have to spend more time reading what He actually said. We can confidently worship Him knowing that He is indeed divine.
14 ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· κἂν ἐγὼ μαρτυρῶ περὶ ἐμαυτοῦ, ἀληθής ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία μου, ὅτι οἶδα πόθεν ἦλθον καὶ ποῦ ὑπάγω· ὑμεῖς δὲ οὐκ οἴδατε πόθεν ἔρχομαι ἢ ποῦ ὑπάγω.
This is a very bold statement, though it may not seem that way at first glance. Jesus was teaching in the temple and the Pharisees challenged His testimony. After all, it doesn't make sense for anyone to testify about himself. Of course he is going to validate what he is doing. That's what men do.
But what if the one testifying is not just a man? What if He is fully God and fully man? That changes everything. Then we can trust ἀληθής ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία μου. His testimony is true because He is God. God cannot lie. This is of course still self-affirming. However, as we put it together with everything else we see about Jesus in Scripture, we see this as yet another reference to His divinity.
There are many who say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Those folks have to spend more time reading what He actually said. We can confidently worship Him knowing that He is indeed divine.
Monday, January 18, 2010
God of the Living
Matthew 22:32
(32) 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living."
(32) 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living."
(32) Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ καὶ ὁ θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ καὶ ὁ θεὸς Ἰακώβ; οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ θεὸς νεκρῶν ἀλλὰ ζώντων.
There are a couple of small exegetical points I would make about this. First, the phrase "Ἐγώ εἰμι" takes the reader back to Exodus 3:14 where YHWH reveals Himself to Moses as "I am." The pronoun is unnecessary in Greek, so it would still be accurate to write only "ειμι," which also means "I am." However, adding the pronoun εγω adds emphasis to this. Plus, it is a direct quote. This should also remind the reader of John 8:58, where Jesus uses the same construction. Jesus is as much the "I am" as YHWH.
The other point is the use of the participle. A very wooden translation would be, "He is not the God of those who are dead, but of those who are living." This tells two things. One is that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are very much alive right now. There is hope for eternal life through faith. This is the simple saving faith that saved the Patriarchs long before there was a Law for the Jews to follow. The covenant is by faith (see the book of Galatians).
The other thing this tells us that God "is." This is a present state. He is always. Normally we need an object to an intransitive verb like "is," but not in the case of God. He simply is. He defines reality. He is the God who is. Period.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Knowing God
Daniel 11:32
(32) He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
This comes in a long passage describing various battles and changes of power. I believe that there is some consensus that this has to do with the Maccabean Revolt, which is where the holiday of Hannukah comes from. The Maccabeans knew their God and were ready to fight back.
Do you know your God? If so, how do you know Him? Do you know Him through your own sense of how a God should be? Is He merely a God of love? Is He a God of wrath? How do you know Him if at all?
He reveals Himself to us through Scripture. Yes, general revelation in the form of nature helps too. I don't understand how biologists can be atheists, but I know that many manage it. We know Him personally through His special revelation to His people. That is the God that demands our worship. It would be one thing if He merely demanded it, but He also deserves it. Let's worship the God who IS rather than the God that we create in our imaginations.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Standing is Not Guaranteed
Ezekiel 27:33-34
(33) When your wares came from the seas, you satisfied many peoples; with your abundant wealth and merchandise you enriched the kings of the earth.
(34) Now you are wrecked by the seas, in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and all your crew in your midst have sunk with you.
This is a passage about the destruction of Tyre. Tyre was a trading city right on the Mediterranean. Its utter destruction is predicted in this passage as part of a three-chapter passage about it. Since there is a modern city of Tyre the utter destruction has not quite happened, but chances are not too many people have heard of the city of Tyre. Therefore, it does not have its former splendor.
When I read about Tyre I can't help but think of New York. There is a very distinct parallel with New York as they are both heavy commercial centers on the sea. The 9/11 terrorist attacks reminded me of the destruction of Tyre. I am not one to say that we can read modern cities into biblical prophecy, but I do think that the parallels are compelling.
Whether it's valid to make the direct association or not, the destruction of Tyre as well as the destruction of the World Trade Center both serve as a warning for us. There is nothing we can build that cannot be destroyed. The destruction of the World Trade Center was pretty much unthinkable. The same goes for the destruction of Tyre. Yet both happened. It is a sober reminder to me that we are just men and that ultimately all we can do is build really sophisticated ant hills.
Yet God is eternal. He is unchanging. He is no different now than He was when He created the universe. Read through the New Testament and look for all the building imagery used when describing Christ. He is a strong tower. He is the firm foundation. Let us put our hope in Him and not in anything man can do.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Radical Obedience
Ezekiel 24:15-18
(15) The word of the LORD came to me:
(16) "Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down.
(17) Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; do not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men."
(18) So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died. And on the next morning I did as I was commanded.
This has always been a difficult passage for me. I try to imagine how I would feel if I received word from the Lord that He was going to take my wife from me. Ezekiel got this word and then had to deal with it really coming to pass. Through it all he was faithful.
The passage goes on to describe the shock of the people:
Ezekiel 24:19-24
(19) And the people said to me, "Will you not tell us what these things mean for us, that you are acting thus?"
(20) Then I said to them, "The word of the LORD came to me:
(21) 'Say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the yearning of your soul, and your sons and your daughters whom you left behind shall fall by the sword.
(22) And you shall do as I have done; you shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.
(23) Your turbans shall be on your heads and your shoes on your feet; you shall not mourn or weep, but you shall rot away in your iniquities and groan to one another.
(24) Thus shall Ezekiel be to you a sign; according to all that he has done you shall do. When this comes, then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.'
Talk about an object lesson! This definitely got the people's attention. One wonders if it was really necessary. Did God really have to use such a powerful lesson? Apparently He did.
God is very serious about His name. He is also very serious about the covenants He makes. Sadly, we are not so serious about these things. We need to get smacked on the head from time to time. I don't really know how I would do if I were in Ezekiel's shoes. I don't really want to find out. However, I do know that God is good and what He does is good because He defines what is truly good. It is not up to me to decide whether His actions are right. They are right because He is the one who does them. May we always remember that.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Throne of the Lord
Ezekiel 1:25-28
(25) And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads. When they stood still, they let down their wings.
(26) And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.
(27) And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.
(28) Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
I have long used a joke I picked up from a coworker a long time ago. When a decision has to be made I will tell my immediate manager "that's why you get the big chair." This is always a joke because the person just above me has the same office furniture I have. It's a sarcastic way of making the point that he gets more responsibility with few extra perks.
Conversely, God really does get the big chair. Ezekiel 1 is a description of it. It's pretty wild with living creatures that have four different faces, feet like calves' hooves, and wheels that propel them in any direction without turning. I'm not sure how it works, but it is pretty incredible. As the ESV Study Bible points out, Ezekiel frequently uses the Hebrew word "ki," which is translated as "like, as." In other words, he is groping for language to describe this vision.
It's easy to gloss over this chapter in pursuit of the meat of Ezekiel's visions. However, I think doing that robs us of a chance to learn something really important. I love the Third Day song "Show Me Your Glory." Well, here we have a sense of what God's glory is really like and it is awesome.
I know that this is something I need to consider a bit more. Our age tends to throw the word "awesome" around quite a bit. This description of God is truly worthy of awe.
(25) And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads. When they stood still, they let down their wings.
(26) And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.
(27) And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.
(28) Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
I have long used a joke I picked up from a coworker a long time ago. When a decision has to be made I will tell my immediate manager "that's why you get the big chair." This is always a joke because the person just above me has the same office furniture I have. It's a sarcastic way of making the point that he gets more responsibility with few extra perks.
Conversely, God really does get the big chair. Ezekiel 1 is a description of it. It's pretty wild with living creatures that have four different faces, feet like calves' hooves, and wheels that propel them in any direction without turning. I'm not sure how it works, but it is pretty incredible. As the ESV Study Bible points out, Ezekiel frequently uses the Hebrew word "ki," which is translated as "like, as." In other words, he is groping for language to describe this vision.
It's easy to gloss over this chapter in pursuit of the meat of Ezekiel's visions. However, I think doing that robs us of a chance to learn something really important. I love the Third Day song "Show Me Your Glory." Well, here we have a sense of what God's glory is really like and it is awesome.
I know that this is something I need to consider a bit more. Our age tends to throw the word "awesome" around quite a bit. This description of God is truly worthy of awe.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
God is Love?
Lamentations 2:2
(2) The Lord has swallowed up without mercy all the habitations of Jacob; in his wrath he has broken down the strongholds of the daughter of Judah; he has brought down to the ground in dishonor the kingdom and its rulers.
I continue discussing the nature of God with some folks at an online message board. The leader of that board insists that his view of God is correct. He sees God as love, but not necessarily as personal. He also sees all religions as basically the same. Of course, these things aren't true, though there are elements of truth to his belief. I am trying to give a biblical view of who God is. Hopefully someone will listen there.
This verse really turns the whole "God is love" concept on its ear, doesn't it? Yes, there are two verses that describe God this way in 1 John, but to see Him simply as love at the exclusion of His other traits is a big mistake. Here we see that God is just. In fact, we see that He "has swallowed up without mercy." That doesn't sound like the God we know, right?
We must remember that God is holy. He is also just. His holiness and justice demand satisfaction for sin. That is what Christ accomplished on the cross. He did not show mercy to His Son, but let Him bear the curse of the Father's wrath. What a Savior!
And, lest we think that the Old Testament God is somehow different than the New Testament God (which of course is ridiculous since God doesn't change), there is this verse:
Lamentations 2:19
(19) "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street."
This is a call to repent and prayerfully seek God's mercy. That was all that they could do in the face of His judgment. That's all we can do too. The good news for us is that on this side of the cross we are certain that there is grace.
(2) The Lord has swallowed up without mercy all the habitations of Jacob; in his wrath he has broken down the strongholds of the daughter of Judah; he has brought down to the ground in dishonor the kingdom and its rulers.
I continue discussing the nature of God with some folks at an online message board. The leader of that board insists that his view of God is correct. He sees God as love, but not necessarily as personal. He also sees all religions as basically the same. Of course, these things aren't true, though there are elements of truth to his belief. I am trying to give a biblical view of who God is. Hopefully someone will listen there.
This verse really turns the whole "God is love" concept on its ear, doesn't it? Yes, there are two verses that describe God this way in 1 John, but to see Him simply as love at the exclusion of His other traits is a big mistake. Here we see that God is just. In fact, we see that He "has swallowed up without mercy." That doesn't sound like the God we know, right?
We must remember that God is holy. He is also just. His holiness and justice demand satisfaction for sin. That is what Christ accomplished on the cross. He did not show mercy to His Son, but let Him bear the curse of the Father's wrath. What a Savior!
And, lest we think that the Old Testament God is somehow different than the New Testament God (which of course is ridiculous since God doesn't change), there is this verse:
Lamentations 2:19
(19) "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street."
This is a call to repent and prayerfully seek God's mercy. That was all that they could do in the face of His judgment. That's all we can do too. The good news for us is that on this side of the cross we are certain that there is grace.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Really Gone
Jeremiah 50:39-40
(39) "Therefore wild beasts shall dwell with hyenas in Babylon, and ostriches shall dwell in her. She shall never again have people, nor be inhabited for all generations.
(40) As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring cities, declares the LORD, so no man shall dwell there, and no son of man shall sojourn in her.
Ever seen Babylon on a map? I understand that it is in present-day Iraq. I also have heard that Saddam Hussein intended to rebuild it. That makes a lot of sense for someone who saw himself in the light he did.
However, it never happened. He was overthrown and democracy now more or less rules in Iraq. I am not trying to say that the United States was necessarily acting out of the interest of serving God's will, but it does seem like we were used to keep this prophecy valid. I don't want to make too much of the war in Iraq. I do know that there are a lot of people happy to have seen Saddam fall though.
My point is that God will fulfill His purposes. He will use means to accomplish them. I think that there are plenty of times when the means don't even realize how they are being used. The US invasion of Iraq is probably one of them. The Babylonian attack on Judah was certainly another.
God is bigger than we are. He sees how it all works out. No matter how hard we try we cannot foil His plans. I find that life is just better if we are working with Him rather than against Him.
(39) "Therefore wild beasts shall dwell with hyenas in Babylon, and ostriches shall dwell in her. She shall never again have people, nor be inhabited for all generations.
(40) As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring cities, declares the LORD, so no man shall dwell there, and no son of man shall sojourn in her.
Ever seen Babylon on a map? I understand that it is in present-day Iraq. I also have heard that Saddam Hussein intended to rebuild it. That makes a lot of sense for someone who saw himself in the light he did.
However, it never happened. He was overthrown and democracy now more or less rules in Iraq. I am not trying to say that the United States was necessarily acting out of the interest of serving God's will, but it does seem like we were used to keep this prophecy valid. I don't want to make too much of the war in Iraq. I do know that there are a lot of people happy to have seen Saddam fall though.
My point is that God will fulfill His purposes. He will use means to accomplish them. I think that there are plenty of times when the means don't even realize how they are being used. The US invasion of Iraq is probably one of them. The Babylonian attack on Judah was certainly another.
God is bigger than we are. He sees how it all works out. No matter how hard we try we cannot foil His plans. I find that life is just better if we are working with Him rather than against Him.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Who is Against Us?
Jeremiah 21:5
(5) I myself will fight against you with outstretched hand and strong arm, in anger and in fury and in great wrath.,
This is a terrifying thought. God Himself promised to fight against the people of Jerusalem. They earned this because of their unfaithfulness to the covenant that God made with them.
I know that I tend to think of God as always being on my side. That seems to be the popular view of God as promulgated by Hollywood too. He's there when we need to make a 911 prayer, but otherwise He can just sit there quietly.
Jeremiah paints a very different view of who God is. I think we'd better respect this God that Jeremiah describes. I also think that we had better give Him the glory and honor that He is due.
(5) I myself will fight against you with outstretched hand and strong arm, in anger and in fury and in great wrath.,
This is a terrifying thought. God Himself promised to fight against the people of Jerusalem. They earned this because of their unfaithfulness to the covenant that God made with them.
I know that I tend to think of God as always being on my side. That seems to be the popular view of God as promulgated by Hollywood too. He's there when we need to make a 911 prayer, but otherwise He can just sit there quietly.
Jeremiah paints a very different view of who God is. I think we'd better respect this God that Jeremiah describes. I also think that we had better give Him the glory and honor that He is due.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Being a Tool
Isaiah 10:15-16
(15) Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!
(16) Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts will send wasting sickness among his stout warriors, and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of fire.
This was in the context of the Assyrian army. God used them to judge Israel, but that didn't exempt them from judgment for their own sins. They didn't give God the glory for how He used them to judge Israel. Therefore, they had to deal with His wrath as well.
I can't help but wonder if there is an application for us as New Covenant saints as well. The chief end of man is to enjoy God and glorify God forever, right? We are simply tools in His hand. Anything we do for Him is ultimately for His glory.
I'm not saying that wasting sickness is the inevitable conclusion for messing this up. However, I also know that God takes His glory very seriously, so let's remember this, amen?
(15) Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!
(16) Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts will send wasting sickness among his stout warriors, and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of fire.
This was in the context of the Assyrian army. God used them to judge Israel, but that didn't exempt them from judgment for their own sins. They didn't give God the glory for how He used them to judge Israel. Therefore, they had to deal with His wrath as well.
I can't help but wonder if there is an application for us as New Covenant saints as well. The chief end of man is to enjoy God and glorify God forever, right? We are simply tools in His hand. Anything we do for Him is ultimately for His glory.
I'm not saying that wasting sickness is the inevitable conclusion for messing this up. However, I also know that God takes His glory very seriously, so let's remember this, amen?
Monday, April 13, 2009
He Doesn't Change
Hebrews 13:8-9
(8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
(9) Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
Think on this for a minute. Jesus doesn't change. I think that there is sometimes a tendency to split God up into an Old Testament God and a New Testament God. When we do that we tend to overdo God's wrath on one hand and His mercy on the other. Yet here we see that Jesus doesn't change. We also see that:
James 1:16-17
(16) Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
(17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
To me, the implication of this is that we need to rejoice in the mercy that was displayed at the cross because He still gets angry about sin. The God who killed Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire is the same today. The God who killed Uzzah for touching the ark is still in charge of the universe. That is the God who sent His Son to die on the cross.
So let us not be distracted by any teaching which may distract us from what we know to be true about God. Let us not think that we can think or believe anything. God reveals Himself to us through Scripture. Let's be sure to learn what He has to say, amen?
(8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
(9) Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
Think on this for a minute. Jesus doesn't change. I think that there is sometimes a tendency to split God up into an Old Testament God and a New Testament God. When we do that we tend to overdo God's wrath on one hand and His mercy on the other. Yet here we see that Jesus doesn't change. We also see that:
James 1:16-17
(16) Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
(17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
To me, the implication of this is that we need to rejoice in the mercy that was displayed at the cross because He still gets angry about sin. The God who killed Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire is the same today. The God who killed Uzzah for touching the ark is still in charge of the universe. That is the God who sent His Son to die on the cross.
So let us not be distracted by any teaching which may distract us from what we know to be true about God. Let us not think that we can think or believe anything. God reveals Himself to us through Scripture. Let's be sure to learn what He has to say, amen?
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