Dec 24 - Today from Proverbs 24 we look at verses 23-25
"To show partiality in judging is not good: Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"- peoples will curse him and nations denounce him. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessings will come upon him."
God never instituted or condoned vigilantism. The right to judge civil matters is a matter of civil authority, and civil authority is ordained of God. (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13, 14). In our modern culture there are many levels of civil authority; the most basic being the family unit and perhaps the broadest being the United Nations. Each civil unit is to have an ordained authority to 'punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.' (1 Peter 2:14). Vigilantism itself is lawlessness and stands to be judged by proper authorities. For example, when a child takes 'justice' into his own hands in the family unit, it is the parent's responsibility to correct the matter. If his action was retribution against a sibling, and the sibling indeed was guilty of violating household principles ('Thou shalt not take thy brother's seat when he rises to go to the bathroom.'), the sibling who made the initial violation needs to be properly corrected. BUT, the child who practiced vigilantism needs also to be corrected. If not, civil order will deteriorate into chaos. Every household with multiple children understands this concept well.
The cultural model of this type of authority in Bible times is known as a Suzerain Covenant of Human Obligation. The suzerain was a powerful king of a region who wielded authority over lesser kings ('kings' in the earliest days were generally rulers over cities and outlying villages). The lesser kings were referred to as vassals. The suzerain king would extend a treaty to his vassal kings that stated; (1) his supreme authority (greater army, more allies, better resources, etc.), (2) a history of or an offer of benefits for their alliance (usually protection from other suzerains or alliances), and (3) his demands (a law code). If the vassal king agreed to the terms, he would accept the treaty on behalf of his people. If he refused the terms, it was at the great peril of his people. If a vassal king bent or ignored certain stipulations of the treaty in order to favor one of his subjects and the suzerain king found out, the entire vassal kingdom would usually suffer. Suzerains had to be brutal in order to sustain their position. Justice was in the form of an 'iron fist' (i.e. the Roman Empire). This is the point the Teacher is making. When a vassal civil authority showed 'partiality in judging' he was placing all of the people at risk. Should such actions be uncovered the 'peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.' Nations in that day were people groups and were allied together through treaties.
Integrity in leadership is extremely important in God's economy. Leaders are to serve justly. There is to be no partiality in justice. Even God's mercy comes through the exacting demands of His justice. "The wages of sin is death." declares Romans 6:23. No wiggle room there. In order for justice to be served, a life must be taken. The only way one can justly die in another's place is if he is perfectly innocent. Enter the unblemished Lamb, born on Christmas Day, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was without sin and He took our sin upon Himself at Calvary's cross. Justice was served. Now, if we believe it, we are beneficiaries of the rest of Romans 6:23, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." A free gift to us, but at an unspeakable cost to Himself. There is to be no partiality in justice. There is mercy, but there is always a cost to mercy. Civil authorities are to execute justice - even judgment. But as individuals, we are to extend mercy. The cost of mercy? We must die to self; self rights, self satisfaction, self importance, self pity - all of it. We are to live for Christ.
Those who have been given responsibility in any civil arena of leadership are obligated to God and to those they serve to be without partiality and to serve justly - including dealing with 'vigilantes'; those who would take judgment into their own hands. If not, they endanger many innocent people. However, as individuals we are to be agents of God's mercy. If not, we become vigilantes and stand to be judged.
"Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:13).
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
December 23
Dec 23 – Today from Proverbs 23 we look at verses 31 & 32
"Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper."
This proverb is not a statement against drinking wine. Wine was, in fact, considered a sign of God’s blessing in the Old Testament. Jesus turned water into wine as His first miracle. Wisdom sets her table with wine. Paul instructed Timothy to take a little wine for the sake of his stomach. There is no Biblical prohibition for drinking wine, but there is strong admonition against drunkenness. The line of delineation between the two is found in purpose and in moderation.
Wine is not meant for use as an end to itself. Its purpose is not for ‘getting drunk’. The Teacher highlights this purpose in the previous verse. He calls it "lingering over wine" and "sampling mixed bowls of wine." Here, there is no other element in purpose save that of drinking wine. Perhaps the student could make the argument of desiring to be a ‘wine connoisseur’. Such a connoisseur studies the color of the wine, the effervescence, the smoothness of the body – all the things described in verse 31. "Be careful," warns the Teacher. A true connoisseur simply develops a discriminating taste. He understands that fine wine is meant to complement fine food. He does not ply his skill simply to drink wine.
Besides complementing a meal, wine taken in moderation has proven to show some benefits to good health – particularly in keeping arteries pliable and clean. Even modern medical studies will back this up. I don’t know what ailed Timothy’s digestive system, but apparently Paul thought a moderate amount of wine would prove to be helpful there as well. None of this is to condone drunkenness.
About the only passage of scripture that implies license for drunkenness is for the purpose of alleviating pain. In Proverbs 31 King Lemuel’s mother taught him that drunkenness was not for people who carried responsibilities of leadership. She said "Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish." Even today we sedate those who are in extreme anguish and are dying. But, unless you are in a situation that requires the drastic measure of sedation, you have no Biblical license to get drunk.
"Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper."
This proverb is not a statement against drinking wine. Wine was, in fact, considered a sign of God’s blessing in the Old Testament. Jesus turned water into wine as His first miracle. Wisdom sets her table with wine. Paul instructed Timothy to take a little wine for the sake of his stomach. There is no Biblical prohibition for drinking wine, but there is strong admonition against drunkenness. The line of delineation between the two is found in purpose and in moderation.
Wine is not meant for use as an end to itself. Its purpose is not for ‘getting drunk’. The Teacher highlights this purpose in the previous verse. He calls it "lingering over wine" and "sampling mixed bowls of wine." Here, there is no other element in purpose save that of drinking wine. Perhaps the student could make the argument of desiring to be a ‘wine connoisseur’. Such a connoisseur studies the color of the wine, the effervescence, the smoothness of the body – all the things described in verse 31. "Be careful," warns the Teacher. A true connoisseur simply develops a discriminating taste. He understands that fine wine is meant to complement fine food. He does not ply his skill simply to drink wine.
Besides complementing a meal, wine taken in moderation has proven to show some benefits to good health – particularly in keeping arteries pliable and clean. Even modern medical studies will back this up. I don’t know what ailed Timothy’s digestive system, but apparently Paul thought a moderate amount of wine would prove to be helpful there as well. None of this is to condone drunkenness.
About the only passage of scripture that implies license for drunkenness is for the purpose of alleviating pain. In Proverbs 31 King Lemuel’s mother taught him that drunkenness was not for people who carried responsibilities of leadership. She said "Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish." Even today we sedate those who are in extreme anguish and are dying. But, unless you are in a situation that requires the drastic measure of sedation, you have no Biblical license to get drunk.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
December 22
Dec 22 - Today from Proverbs 22 we look at verse 3
"A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." (NIV)
"A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." (TLB)
With a quick check in the Oxford dictionary I came up with this definition for prudent: 'careful to avoid undesired consequences'. The American Heritage dictionary offers this additional insight to the definition: 'careful for one's own interests'. Neither dictionary attached any moral aspects to the definition. When I looked it up in the Hebrew Concordance, it came out about the same - no moral implications. Even evil people can be prudent, and often are. But their prudence is contained within a limited sphere of this lifetime. Our prudence must be based on a much further outlook. We are citizens of heaven and what we do in this lifetime will bear eternal consequences. That is a very difficult concept to keep in view on a day to day basis. That is why practicing daily devotions is such an important discipline. God's Word gives proper perspective to life.
With the definitions given above, we can see that personal prudence is based upon personal values. Even the 'simple' have base values. If the prudent man and the simple man were walking together down a road and they saw a semi bearing down on them, I think it would be safe to say that both would jump in the ditch. They both value their lives. I think this proverb goes beyond the obvious common values and speaks to the subtler things that threaten them. This is where the prudent and the simple are separated. I used The Living Bible paraphrase of the verse because I think it reveals an interesting insight when it says, 'the simpleton goes blindly on'. The simpleton isn't necessarily stupid, he is blinded by his own shortsightedness. His main interests are only immediate. He doesn't avoid undesired long-term consequences because he does not see that far down the road. The prudent does. Why is that? Because the prudent values long-term interests. He studies them out to see how they might be enhanced, threatened or affected by the choices he makes today. By getting as much good information as possible, he can then anticipate that which might affect his interests and act accordingly. He lives beyond the end of his nose. The more one learns, the farther one can anticipate. Interests and values are closely related. The more we value something, the higher our interest should be. Now we have come full circle, back to the value of daily devotions. If we value the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me," then we should make an effort to protect that primary interest in our life. The command isn't an egocentric demand from a tyrannical God. It is a statement of instruction from a loving Father. It's like a parent saying to a child, "You shall not play in the middle of the street." That parent isn't trying to control the life of the child; he or she is trying to protect the child from an immanent danger that the youngster is too young and inexperienced to anticipate.
In light of eternity and of life as God intended, we are all too young and inexperienced. The best investment of time we can make to protect our eternal interests is to spend it with the eternal One. He will teach us how to look far ahead. He sent His Holy Spirit to illuminate the path beyond our own understanding. He will reveal the dangers that lie ahead, and He will be our Shelter in times of trouble. When a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for help (Mark 10:47), Jesus stopped and asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "I want to see." Jesus immediately opened his eyes, and Bartimaeus followed Jesus along the road.
This is my testimony. I hope it is yours. One of my highest values and interests in life is to continue to follow Jesus along life’s road. Even when I am unable to anticipate the dangers ahead, He has. By following Him, I can at least look prudent.
"A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." (NIV)
"A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." (TLB)
With a quick check in the Oxford dictionary I came up with this definition for prudent: 'careful to avoid undesired consequences'. The American Heritage dictionary offers this additional insight to the definition: 'careful for one's own interests'. Neither dictionary attached any moral aspects to the definition. When I looked it up in the Hebrew Concordance, it came out about the same - no moral implications. Even evil people can be prudent, and often are. But their prudence is contained within a limited sphere of this lifetime. Our prudence must be based on a much further outlook. We are citizens of heaven and what we do in this lifetime will bear eternal consequences. That is a very difficult concept to keep in view on a day to day basis. That is why practicing daily devotions is such an important discipline. God's Word gives proper perspective to life.
With the definitions given above, we can see that personal prudence is based upon personal values. Even the 'simple' have base values. If the prudent man and the simple man were walking together down a road and they saw a semi bearing down on them, I think it would be safe to say that both would jump in the ditch. They both value their lives. I think this proverb goes beyond the obvious common values and speaks to the subtler things that threaten them. This is where the prudent and the simple are separated. I used The Living Bible paraphrase of the verse because I think it reveals an interesting insight when it says, 'the simpleton goes blindly on'. The simpleton isn't necessarily stupid, he is blinded by his own shortsightedness. His main interests are only immediate. He doesn't avoid undesired long-term consequences because he does not see that far down the road. The prudent does. Why is that? Because the prudent values long-term interests. He studies them out to see how they might be enhanced, threatened or affected by the choices he makes today. By getting as much good information as possible, he can then anticipate that which might affect his interests and act accordingly. He lives beyond the end of his nose. The more one learns, the farther one can anticipate. Interests and values are closely related. The more we value something, the higher our interest should be. Now we have come full circle, back to the value of daily devotions. If we value the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me," then we should make an effort to protect that primary interest in our life. The command isn't an egocentric demand from a tyrannical God. It is a statement of instruction from a loving Father. It's like a parent saying to a child, "You shall not play in the middle of the street." That parent isn't trying to control the life of the child; he or she is trying to protect the child from an immanent danger that the youngster is too young and inexperienced to anticipate.
In light of eternity and of life as God intended, we are all too young and inexperienced. The best investment of time we can make to protect our eternal interests is to spend it with the eternal One. He will teach us how to look far ahead. He sent His Holy Spirit to illuminate the path beyond our own understanding. He will reveal the dangers that lie ahead, and He will be our Shelter in times of trouble. When a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for help (Mark 10:47), Jesus stopped and asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "I want to see." Jesus immediately opened his eyes, and Bartimaeus followed Jesus along the road.
This is my testimony. I hope it is yours. One of my highest values and interests in life is to continue to follow Jesus along life’s road. Even when I am unable to anticipate the dangers ahead, He has. By following Him, I can at least look prudent.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
December 21
Dec 21 - Today from Proverbs 21 we look at verse 15
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."
Our God is a just God. Many fail to believe this because He is all-powerful, and there is so much injustice in this world. It doesn't make sense. That's because the times are not yet complete. We live in a world system corrupted by sin. Injustice reigns where rebellion against God continues. Wisdom, strength and wealth are not meant to be substitutes for justice. However, when yielded to God's direction and purposes they become instruments of His justice.
Wisdom is understanding life the way God meant it to be. Without understanding God's original purposes for man, there can be no justice. Strength involves authority and enforcement. When coupled with wisdom, justice moves from the realm of possible to probable. Wealth is influence and ability. When joined with wisdom and strength, together they all form a reliable system of justice. When these resources are implemented for God's purposes, justice becomes a joy for those who seek to live life the way God intends, but become a terror for those who desire to live in self-serving rebellion.
Why? Because God's original purpose for man was to live in a vital relationship with God and to serve his fellow man. For those seeking to live in such harmony, justice is a guiding friend. For those seeking to live out self-serving and rebellious ways, justice is an oppressive and unrelenting enemy.
This proverb does not speak of two kinds of justice, rather it speaks of two kinds of hearts. Justice is an attribute of God and thus is eternal. Although injustice seems to reign in this world for a time - it will not always be so. One day the Lord will return to firmly establish justice - forever. On that day terror will surely strike in the hearts of the rebellious. There will be no hiding or escape, only final judgment. Everlasting joy will be the reward of the righteous - those who love and practice justice because their hearts were changed when they accepted Jesus' gift of life.
As servants of God and of our fellow man we need not wait for that day. "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." (Hebrews 3:15). We can, and must, begin to practice justice today. Justice is not getting even, or even seeking to get my 'fair share'. God promised to provide my needs. Justice is seeking to bring equity into the lives of my fellow man.
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight." -Jeremiah 9:23, 24
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."
Our God is a just God. Many fail to believe this because He is all-powerful, and there is so much injustice in this world. It doesn't make sense. That's because the times are not yet complete. We live in a world system corrupted by sin. Injustice reigns where rebellion against God continues. Wisdom, strength and wealth are not meant to be substitutes for justice. However, when yielded to God's direction and purposes they become instruments of His justice.
Wisdom is understanding life the way God meant it to be. Without understanding God's original purposes for man, there can be no justice. Strength involves authority and enforcement. When coupled with wisdom, justice moves from the realm of possible to probable. Wealth is influence and ability. When joined with wisdom and strength, together they all form a reliable system of justice. When these resources are implemented for God's purposes, justice becomes a joy for those who seek to live life the way God intends, but become a terror for those who desire to live in self-serving rebellion.
Why? Because God's original purpose for man was to live in a vital relationship with God and to serve his fellow man. For those seeking to live in such harmony, justice is a guiding friend. For those seeking to live out self-serving and rebellious ways, justice is an oppressive and unrelenting enemy.
This proverb does not speak of two kinds of justice, rather it speaks of two kinds of hearts. Justice is an attribute of God and thus is eternal. Although injustice seems to reign in this world for a time - it will not always be so. One day the Lord will return to firmly establish justice - forever. On that day terror will surely strike in the hearts of the rebellious. There will be no hiding or escape, only final judgment. Everlasting joy will be the reward of the righteous - those who love and practice justice because their hearts were changed when they accepted Jesus' gift of life.
As servants of God and of our fellow man we need not wait for that day. "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." (Hebrews 3:15). We can, and must, begin to practice justice today. Justice is not getting even, or even seeking to get my 'fair share'. God promised to provide my needs. Justice is seeking to bring equity into the lives of my fellow man.
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight." -Jeremiah 9:23, 24
Friday, December 19, 2008
December 20
Dec 20 - Today from Proverbs 20 we look at verse 23
"The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him."
We tend to be quite confident as consumers in modern America. So confident, in fact, that we hardly think about being cheated by manufacturers. Consumer products must be clearly marked as to content, weight and volume and are regulated by state and federal agencies. When you buy a two-pound can of coffee, you don't have to go home and weigh it to see if you've been cheated. When you buy a gallon of gas (or 20), you don't have to worry if you've been shorted. We can tend to read right over this Proverb and never give it a second thought. But let's stop anyway. Is there a common principle here for us? A couple of principles come to mind.
Have you ever heard the term 'double standard'? That’s using one standard for a favored person or group, and another standard for the rest. Double standards do not please God. Being on staff in various public institutions, I have learned the importance of the term 'precedent'. It is a very frustrating term for people who desire 'favored status'. Public institutions should develop and maintain policy for the good of all the people. When an exception is made for any reason, how does one explain it to the next person who seeks exception? 'Profiling' can easily lead to use of a double standard. Prejudice is an ugly form of the double standard. Double standard can apply in personal, business, political and even spiritual life. We must be very careful in pandering to people who might curry 'favored status' with us whether it is because of their wealth, their position or their social status. 'God does not show favoritism' (Acts 10:34), and His children shouldn't either.
The other principle that comes to mind is that of issues. Have you ever heard the term 'weighting the issue'? It is a common every day practice with all of us - and it is the enemy of objectivity. It is difficult, if not impossible, to get the news 'fair and balanced' these days. People of influence can’t help but have opinions and agendas - including corporate network and publishing organization executives. Issues of the day become ‘weighted’ through their opinions and agendas. That is why they are considered 'powerful' people. Children and teenagers can be experts at weighting issues in order to tip them in their favor. "But all of my friends are going!" Parents try to throw in a counterbalance' "If your friends jumped off a bridge would you follow them?" In all fairness to the network executives and the kids, we are all experts in weighting issues. We desire a matter to go our way, so we give it an extra little appeal in whatever manner we can. We can even weight issues to 'help God' by exaggerating a testimony. There have been 'faith healers' that have been caught using audience plants by investigative reporters. Their excuse; 'We are building the faith of those who truly need real healing'. They were weighting the issue, and endangered their testimony and probably the faith of some poor souls whose objectivity was obscured by misdirected desire.
This little verse in Proverbs warns us that God frowns heavily upon use of double standards and of weighting the issues. They don't come with labels regulated by government agencies. We must be sensitive to His Spirit not to entertain the use of them in our own lives, and seek wisdom not to be manipulated by others who do use them.
"The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him."
We tend to be quite confident as consumers in modern America. So confident, in fact, that we hardly think about being cheated by manufacturers. Consumer products must be clearly marked as to content, weight and volume and are regulated by state and federal agencies. When you buy a two-pound can of coffee, you don't have to go home and weigh it to see if you've been cheated. When you buy a gallon of gas (or 20), you don't have to worry if you've been shorted. We can tend to read right over this Proverb and never give it a second thought. But let's stop anyway. Is there a common principle here for us? A couple of principles come to mind.
Have you ever heard the term 'double standard'? That’s using one standard for a favored person or group, and another standard for the rest. Double standards do not please God. Being on staff in various public institutions, I have learned the importance of the term 'precedent'. It is a very frustrating term for people who desire 'favored status'. Public institutions should develop and maintain policy for the good of all the people. When an exception is made for any reason, how does one explain it to the next person who seeks exception? 'Profiling' can easily lead to use of a double standard. Prejudice is an ugly form of the double standard. Double standard can apply in personal, business, political and even spiritual life. We must be very careful in pandering to people who might curry 'favored status' with us whether it is because of their wealth, their position or their social status. 'God does not show favoritism' (Acts 10:34), and His children shouldn't either.
The other principle that comes to mind is that of issues. Have you ever heard the term 'weighting the issue'? It is a common every day practice with all of us - and it is the enemy of objectivity. It is difficult, if not impossible, to get the news 'fair and balanced' these days. People of influence can’t help but have opinions and agendas - including corporate network and publishing organization executives. Issues of the day become ‘weighted’ through their opinions and agendas. That is why they are considered 'powerful' people. Children and teenagers can be experts at weighting issues in order to tip them in their favor. "But all of my friends are going!" Parents try to throw in a counterbalance' "If your friends jumped off a bridge would you follow them?" In all fairness to the network executives and the kids, we are all experts in weighting issues. We desire a matter to go our way, so we give it an extra little appeal in whatever manner we can. We can even weight issues to 'help God' by exaggerating a testimony. There have been 'faith healers' that have been caught using audience plants by investigative reporters. Their excuse; 'We are building the faith of those who truly need real healing'. They were weighting the issue, and endangered their testimony and probably the faith of some poor souls whose objectivity was obscured by misdirected desire.
This little verse in Proverbs warns us that God frowns heavily upon use of double standards and of weighting the issues. They don't come with labels regulated by government agencies. We must be sensitive to His Spirit not to entertain the use of them in our own lives, and seek wisdom not to be manipulated by others who do use them.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
December 19
Dec 19 – Today from Proverbs 19 we look at verse 21
"Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
This proverb touches on the mystery of God and eternity. A mystery is an immutable truth that cannot be explained or fully understood. It requires an element of faith.
Man was created in and relates to the time/space continuum. Our human reasoning is bound by it. God exists in eternity. Time is contained in eternity, but eternity is not contained in time – it transcends time. Our past is called ‘history’. Our future is unknown. There is no past or future in eternity – they are terms of time. Eternity is omnipresent, and we will never fully understand it for as long as we are bound by time. In Isaiah 55:8 & 9 God said it this way, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." As the heavens transcend the earth, even so God’s ways transcend man’s ways.
Man goes busily about making his plans – taking lessons and experience from the past and plotting into an uncertain future. It’s the best he can do. Whether it be for good or for evil, he moves forward, making his impact in the world. Some influence a few, some influence nations. Six billion people, all making their plans. In spite of the magnitude of all of this individual and ambitious busyness, man will never overrule God’s purpose. His purpose transcends man’s activity.
So, what does this all mean for the believer? God created man with a free will, and we have complete freedom to exercise that will in the time/space continuum. God does not control or overrule it in time, He transcends it in eternity. When we choose to surrender our will to Him, and trust in the transcendency of His power and purpose – we benefit. We can take comfort in that whatever the circumstances, His purposes will prevail. We have authority to pray for the entrance and prevailing rule of His eternal Kingdom into the temporal circumstances of this world as He has instructed us to pray saying, "Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9, 10). We have the Blessed Hope, knowing that whatever is too great for us to bear can be given over to Him who bears all things for us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9). We have peace even in the midst of great turmoil knowing that Gods expressed purpose for time has already been settled and there is no power in heaven or earth that can alter it, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." (Romans 11:36). We are the redeemed, the children of the eternal God through Christ Jesus, and in Christ, we have already prevailed, "In Him you were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." (Ephesians 1:11)
Take heart believers. Though evil may seem overwhelming for the moment, God will work out His eternal purpose through it. "He is able to work all things to good for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). Jesus came from eternity and broke into time through the incarnation, the mystery of Christmas. He will break into time once more to see time to its final end. "He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when times will have reached their fulfillment." (Ephesians 1:9, 10).
From Genesis to Revelation, God works through the plans of man to fulfill His purpose for man. Good plans, bad plans. Successful plans, failed plans. Righteous plans, evil plans. Grand plans, small plans. His wonder and power transcend them all, and in the end of time it will come out exactly as He purposed.
"Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
This proverb touches on the mystery of God and eternity. A mystery is an immutable truth that cannot be explained or fully understood. It requires an element of faith.
Man was created in and relates to the time/space continuum. Our human reasoning is bound by it. God exists in eternity. Time is contained in eternity, but eternity is not contained in time – it transcends time. Our past is called ‘history’. Our future is unknown. There is no past or future in eternity – they are terms of time. Eternity is omnipresent, and we will never fully understand it for as long as we are bound by time. In Isaiah 55:8 & 9 God said it this way, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." As the heavens transcend the earth, even so God’s ways transcend man’s ways.
Man goes busily about making his plans – taking lessons and experience from the past and plotting into an uncertain future. It’s the best he can do. Whether it be for good or for evil, he moves forward, making his impact in the world. Some influence a few, some influence nations. Six billion people, all making their plans. In spite of the magnitude of all of this individual and ambitious busyness, man will never overrule God’s purpose. His purpose transcends man’s activity.
So, what does this all mean for the believer? God created man with a free will, and we have complete freedom to exercise that will in the time/space continuum. God does not control or overrule it in time, He transcends it in eternity. When we choose to surrender our will to Him, and trust in the transcendency of His power and purpose – we benefit. We can take comfort in that whatever the circumstances, His purposes will prevail. We have authority to pray for the entrance and prevailing rule of His eternal Kingdom into the temporal circumstances of this world as He has instructed us to pray saying, "Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9, 10). We have the Blessed Hope, knowing that whatever is too great for us to bear can be given over to Him who bears all things for us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9). We have peace even in the midst of great turmoil knowing that Gods expressed purpose for time has already been settled and there is no power in heaven or earth that can alter it, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." (Romans 11:36). We are the redeemed, the children of the eternal God through Christ Jesus, and in Christ, we have already prevailed, "In Him you were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." (Ephesians 1:11)
Take heart believers. Though evil may seem overwhelming for the moment, God will work out His eternal purpose through it. "He is able to work all things to good for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). Jesus came from eternity and broke into time through the incarnation, the mystery of Christmas. He will break into time once more to see time to its final end. "He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when times will have reached their fulfillment." (Ephesians 1:9, 10).
From Genesis to Revelation, God works through the plans of man to fulfill His purpose for man. Good plans, bad plans. Successful plans, failed plans. Righteous plans, evil plans. Grand plans, small plans. His wonder and power transcend them all, and in the end of time it will come out exactly as He purposed.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
December 18
Dec 18 - Today from Proverbs 18 we look at verse 1
"An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment."
Selfish people are lonely people. They may function in the midst of an abundance of other people, but even so, they live a lonely life. Selfish people are constantly seeking recognition - on their own terms. People like that have few friends. When one pursues selfish ends, there is no natural flow of quid quo pro in life.
Friendliness is an attitude that carries its own rewards. True friendliness has no ulterior motive; it is simply displayed from an inner contentedness in life. Friendly people seldom have anything to prove, and they often have lots to offer. They are people who have learned that 'it's better to be kind than to be right'. They are people who have learned that 'when you smile, the world smiles with you'. They are people who discovered how very little one can truly accomplish in this life by themselves.
I am of the conviction that true friendliness is an attribute of unconditional love. You give without expecting any return. In Luke 10:25-37, an expert in the law inquired of Jesus how he might secure eternal life. Jesus asked him what was written in the law. He replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your strength and with all you mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself." The man gave the right answer but viewed it from the wrong perspective. Because he was an expert in the law, he seemed pretty confident that he was okay in the first department. But he wasn't quite sure about the requirement of the second. "Who is my neighbor?" he asked the Lord Jesus. The text reveals that the man "wanted to justify himself." In other words, the man wanted to know exactly how to fulfill this command that he might save himself. Here we see the attitude of an unfriendly man. He did not ask how he might see others get eternal life. His interest was not for others, but for his own ends. If he had to love his neighbor in order to get to heaven, he wanted to know the definition of his neighbor so he could clearly pursue his selfish end.
Well, you know the rest of the story. Jesus told one of the most popular parables of all times in the story of The Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan is the example of a truly friendly person. He gave without expecting any return. He helped a person in a time of need just because the person needed help. Jesus revealed a great paradox to the expert in the law. We are not to attempt to identify our neighbors that we might pursue our own selfish ends in loving them; we are to be the neighbor who seeks to make the world of those around us a little better place to live. When walking down the sidewalk or hallway and you pass by a stranger, instead of looking down or away, look in their eye, smile, and give them a friendly greeting. Don't expect one back - just do it because the world needs a friendlier climate. When driving home in the rush hour and you see someone who needs a break to get into the proper lane, make a little room and wave them in with a smile. When someone who you know is struggling with an issue in life and their name comes to your mind, pick up the phone and give them a call, or get on line and send them a note, or pick up a friendly little card and drop it in the mail. We encounter little opportunities each day to be friendly - to make someone's day just a little better. When friendliness becomes a pattern of life, you will make a wonderful discovery; it's called the law of reciprocity. It begins to come back to you from the most unexpected places. In your efforts to make the lives of others a little nicer and warmer, you will discover your own life getting nicer and warmer. Friendliness carries its own rewards.
"An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment."
Selfish people are lonely people. They may function in the midst of an abundance of other people, but even so, they live a lonely life. Selfish people are constantly seeking recognition - on their own terms. People like that have few friends. When one pursues selfish ends, there is no natural flow of quid quo pro in life.
Friendliness is an attitude that carries its own rewards. True friendliness has no ulterior motive; it is simply displayed from an inner contentedness in life. Friendly people seldom have anything to prove, and they often have lots to offer. They are people who have learned that 'it's better to be kind than to be right'. They are people who have learned that 'when you smile, the world smiles with you'. They are people who discovered how very little one can truly accomplish in this life by themselves.
I am of the conviction that true friendliness is an attribute of unconditional love. You give without expecting any return. In Luke 10:25-37, an expert in the law inquired of Jesus how he might secure eternal life. Jesus asked him what was written in the law. He replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your strength and with all you mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself." The man gave the right answer but viewed it from the wrong perspective. Because he was an expert in the law, he seemed pretty confident that he was okay in the first department. But he wasn't quite sure about the requirement of the second. "Who is my neighbor?" he asked the Lord Jesus. The text reveals that the man "wanted to justify himself." In other words, the man wanted to know exactly how to fulfill this command that he might save himself. Here we see the attitude of an unfriendly man. He did not ask how he might see others get eternal life. His interest was not for others, but for his own ends. If he had to love his neighbor in order to get to heaven, he wanted to know the definition of his neighbor so he could clearly pursue his selfish end.
Well, you know the rest of the story. Jesus told one of the most popular parables of all times in the story of The Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan is the example of a truly friendly person. He gave without expecting any return. He helped a person in a time of need just because the person needed help. Jesus revealed a great paradox to the expert in the law. We are not to attempt to identify our neighbors that we might pursue our own selfish ends in loving them; we are to be the neighbor who seeks to make the world of those around us a little better place to live. When walking down the sidewalk or hallway and you pass by a stranger, instead of looking down or away, look in their eye, smile, and give them a friendly greeting. Don't expect one back - just do it because the world needs a friendlier climate. When driving home in the rush hour and you see someone who needs a break to get into the proper lane, make a little room and wave them in with a smile. When someone who you know is struggling with an issue in life and their name comes to your mind, pick up the phone and give them a call, or get on line and send them a note, or pick up a friendly little card and drop it in the mail. We encounter little opportunities each day to be friendly - to make someone's day just a little better. When friendliness becomes a pattern of life, you will make a wonderful discovery; it's called the law of reciprocity. It begins to come back to you from the most unexpected places. In your efforts to make the lives of others a little nicer and warmer, you will discover your own life getting nicer and warmer. Friendliness carries its own rewards.
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