What can a Christian say?

Background

I have a certain admiration for people who can talk to a crowd and win them over with the power and poetry of their words. In earlier times, I often referred to President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address (20 Jan 1961), as a great example of a short, concise speech that carried along the audience by the excellence of its content and delivery.

President Obama, perhaps has an even greater ability to deliver a message that finds its way into the minds and hearts of women and men.

Consequently, everything he says has been carefully crafted and fine tuned for his intended audience.

His Cairo speech, I’ve read several times now - is another fine example of his skills in this area.  I support the overall thrust of his speech - and who, would not? Peace, for all mankind, is a goal that all rational people can agree with, and support.

The conclusion of his speech is eloquent; and, would be an encouragement for many, to hear:

“All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”

The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”

The Holy Bible tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. (We do?)  Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you.”

Discussion

So, why my interest in this speech? In the early part of his speech (7th para), he says: “I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims.”

About half-way through his speech, he then says: “Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.”

Keep in mind, that nothing President Obama says, is a slip of the tongue; it’s always carefully thought through, and carefully considered in terms of impact and interpretation.

The story of Isra’ is summarised as follows, (material sourced from a number of Islamic sites):  It’s a story greatly modified by tradition, and relates to a journey Muhammad made astride, a mythical winged creature, in the company of the archangel Gabriel from his home to Jerusalem (a far off mosque) and then to heaven where he meets God. Some versions of the story inform the listeners that not even Gabriel was allowed (nor anyone else, including Jesus), such ‘close’ access to God’s presence.

While, in Jerusalem, Muhammad meets Abraham, Moses, and Jesus; and, he then officiates as leader of the prayers, for all the prophets assembled. The important point for followers of Islam, is that his leadership of the prayer meeting, establishes his primacy among God’s messengers. That is Muhammad has leadership over Jesus (and Moses).

The reference to the story of Isra’ in my view was not required; and, as a Christian - I would avoid making such references because of its possible interpretation by more than a few of an audience. He could have easily crafted a  different set of words to illustrate the point he was making - the peaceful sharing of Jerusalem by peoples of different faiths. 

His words carried one meaning for ‘Islam’ that would be missed by most Christians listening to his speech. This aspect worries me - because, I think it was that planned for such a purpose. 

Am I, making much about nothing - what do you think?

Posted on June 11th, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: General | 1 Comment »

I’ve used the New Living Translation, this is another great Psalm written by David.

“O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.

Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.

My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery. 

O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.”

I’ll write some more comments over the next few days - but the highlighted parts, really spoke to me.

Discussion

A verse from this Psalm (along with a number of others) is used by Paul in his letter to the Romans, as follows (Romans 3:5-26, NIV), I’ve maintained the context by presenting a number of verses. In addition, these verses, present an outline of the truth that our righteousness comes from our belief in Jesus:

” … But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—”Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved.

What shall we conclude then? Are we any better Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: ”There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”  “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. (Psalm 5, verse 9)” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.“

Don’t you agree, that the above verses offers such great, and sure hope to all, who believe in Jesus and love Him. I, as a sinner could never do any good, which would be accepted by the, one and only, righteous God. I could never earn my way into His presence by doing ‘good’ things - I am so forever grateful for this amazing grace, freely given by God.

Posted on April 20th, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: General | No Comments »

A discussion on the Parable of the Talents

The parable of the talents Matthew 25:14-30, is the second in a set of three parables; which Jesus told his disciples in the last stages of His ministry. They are part of His final instructions and deal with His glorious return.

The parable of the talents used to worry me; mainly, because of what happened to the third servant. For some reason, I never worried about the five foolish bridesmaids in the same way; yet, the same issue arises. However, the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats was easier to understand, God separates the Sheep from the Goats based on His judgement of a person’s heart.

To better understand the context of the parable of the talents, I suggest you read all three. I’ve reproduced them here, and I’ve used the New International Version (NIV) translation:

Matthew, Chapter 25 (NIV)

Parable of the Bridesmaids

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids (the NIV has ‘virgins‘ but I think the word ‘bridesmaids’, presents a clearer meaning) who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

” ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

“Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. ‘

The Parable of the Talents/Money

 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

” ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The Sheep and the Goats

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Discussion: [Note: My thoughts on these issues were clarified after reading Rev. Eric Bird’s Bible Study Notes that he prepared for St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW. Rev. Eric (retired) compiled material from a range of sources but the main contribution came from material written by John F. MacArthur, Jr.]

I once thought that the third servant (Parable of the Talents) was a Christian who lost their salvation because they were lazy. I now hold a slightly different view - they were never part of Christ’s flock. Although, they identified themselves as a fellow servant - the evidence for their faith was not there - not that their faith was dead, it was never ‘alive; in the first place. Expressed another way - their faith was never ‘born’, so there was no life to extinguish.

The Parable of the Bridesmaids tells us to be in a state of readiness for Jesus’ return. A simple enough story, Jesus will return after a long time, because of this long wait, many will put off, getting their life under control, and won’t be ready, either death will intervene or the Bridegroom will return; and, there will be no second chance. If you do not respond to His call to enter His Kingdom before the door closes, then God will not open it for you. His sheep heard His voice and entered the gate when He called out their name. If you were not there to hear your name - then you are a goat. Consequently, He does not recognise you as one of His sheep - because you refused to recognise, hear and obey His Word.

The second parable, the Parable of the Talents, informs us that God expects us to use our abilities to serve His purposes within His kingdom on earth. There are four main features to be found in this parable: our given responsibilities; our response; our day of reckoning with God; and, our reward.

Our given responsibilities

Christ calls on His servants, and a number of people respond to His call, they range in type, from those like Peter through to those like Judas. They comprise two basic sub-groups; those that actually do belong to Him; and a second group who say they are members of His flock but by their actions demonstrate that they don’t belong to Him. We are told in the gospels that many followed Jesus during His early days in Galilee, because of the ’signs’, including the ‘free’ food and ‘free’ healing. As soon as He starting talking about the sacrifice of His body and blood, and that His followers can expect to carry their own crosses, as well, then many left Him. Free food is one thing, free-will crucifixion is another!

In giving the different number of talents (money) suggests that the master knows the abilities of each of his servants - he portions out to each servant that which he believes they are capable of handling properly. God does not call on His followers to do things they can’t handle. We have been given in a real sense various levels of ability and that is what we are to use, in the Lord’s interest, until He returns. [To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. ]

Our response

True faithfulness is what our Lord calls for - how do we demonstrate our faithfulness?

Look at verse 16: ‘The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.’ This man went at once and started work on furthering his master’s interests. He understood what his master wanted and he was eager to carry out the task assigned to him. Upon his master’s return, he is confident that what he has done will be in accordance with his master’s will. He says, ‘See … (Take a look - I have done what you requested.)’

There is a relationship between servant and master; the servant loves his master and is keen to do exactly what is required.

I head a sermon when I was in Jerusalem in 1999, that focused on three stages of Christian growth. The sermon went along these lines: New Christians were often like, a two year old child, each sentence starts with, ‘I want … ‘. Their prayer life reflects this outlook, and often takes the form of a spiritual shopping list - ‘I want good health, a good job, a good wage, a good marriage, a good worship service’, and so on.

Later on, they become teenagers - they start to think of others around them, and seek the endorsement of their peers on their lifestyles - and, they develop their own ideas, without consultation with wiser heads, on how best they should serve God. At least, they are starting to think of doing work for their community but it’s all in the context of what they think is the best way forward.

Finally, they mature into adults: now, not only do they want to serve in God’s earthly kingdom, but they seek God’s will and leave behind their own ideas on how His work should be done. Their love matures and they are totally focused on listening to God’s Word, they have put aside their own agendas, they have sacrificed their own desires - they now find meaning in being focused on doing their Father’s will. Their prayers are now requests for guidance and direction, they trust entirely on God to provide the necessities of life. They address only the worries of the day and depend entirely on the Holy Spirit’s power to undertake their spiritual work - in the confidence that they are doing God’s work, they can sleep soundly at night.

I think, from what I’ve observed, and read - many in our churches - prefer to remain as children (to be feed bread and milk) and don’t want to take on the responsibilities of an adult. Do you agree?

The third servant in the parable, did nothing with the money given to him. He did absolutely nothing with it and wasted his opportunity, wasted his privilege. Even when given only a little, we are still responsible for it. Even if given limited opportunities to work for God’s kingdom we still have a responsibility to take up these available opportunities.

 
Our day of reckoning - the last day

There is a coming time of reckoning, (verse 19), ‘After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.’

One day - you will bend your knee and bow before God - Jesus will then ask you to settle your account with Him. There is no escaping this moment before God.

These are my thoughts on what it might be like. Forget the billions of others who will be there - at that moment, I think you will be aware of only two entities - God and you. His eyes will be upon you; your words, your response will demonstrate your relationship with the one, true God. At the end of your answer - you will hear; either, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your God’s happiness!’; or, ‘Depart from me … you never wanted to know Me, you never sought my love, you wanted to follow your own desires. You wanted nothing to do with me, You never wanted to do my work - to faithfully follow me - I now give you what you always wanted - yourself, without me - now, depart. To a place without love, without light - a place full of hate and loneliness. The realisation and understanding of this will burn forever in your spirit.’

This time of reckoning is a time when God identifies who are His true servants and who are His false servants. It will be a time of separating the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-46).

The servant who buried his money in the ground had no relationship with God. He did not ‘know’ Him - this is obvious because he describes God as unmerciful, ungracious and lacking compassion - a thief no less, who reaps crops belonging to other people. Did he really know the character of his master? No!

This servant explained that his actions were based on fear and self-preservation; he had no interest in progressing his master’s business. It was not a relationship based on love and respect. In fact, his actions demonstrate hatred towards his master.

Finally, he did not act in a way that would logically reflect what he said he believed. Otherwise, he would have worked overtime to please such a harsh and ruthless master, to escape his displeasure. He just didn’t care - any excuse would do - which further showed that he just didn’t value what his master thought; and, perhaps of the consequences. Perhaps he thought - what could he do to me? I’m the master of my own fate! This is the pattern, which most evil people follow.

 
Our rewards

Those who believe in Jesus and base their service to Christ on a solid foundation of love - will receive their rewards - and whatever they achieve with their talents, they will be given more - and have an abundance.

I agree with the view that there will be different rewards, roles, assignments for each of us in eternity; as individuals, we each have a special and unique place of service.

This quote comes from Rev. Eric Bird’s Bible Study Notes, and it summarises well, what I feel is the case: ‘Each one of us will be exactly like Jesus, exactly perfect, absolutely sinless, so that whatever service we render, it will be infinitely eternal and perfectly satisfying. There will be no sense of greater or lesser privilege, because the privilege we occupy there will be in exact accord with our eternal God’ - our service will be perfectly designed by God to match our God-given capabilities.

The counterfeit servants - those lazy people who love themselves and have no relationship with God - the goats - the weeds - they will be locked ‘outside’, to be consumed by fire.

I think, ‘Outside’ is a place, where God’s love and peace does not go. This is a place where everyone hates each other. There is total loneliness, being in a crowd of people who are unable to have a relationship. There is complete darkness, there is anxiety, fear and hopelessness. The knowledge of their separation from God’s love will be like burning coals on their heads. They will always be restless, there will always be conflict, fights and hostility - their weeping will never stop - it will be hell, without end.

Summary

One day, maybe today, maybe tomorrow; Jesus will return and He will separate His true servants from the false servants.

All excuses will be set aside, false service will be ended. His sheep will know His voice and follow Him into His eternal rest - His promised land.

I like these verses from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 2 (NIV), they explain the spiritual difference between the sheep and the goats: “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

We (who are full of the Holy Spirit), who are His sheep, hear His words; and; we can understand and quickly act upon His call, for service. Everyone else, will not hear His call - they will not follow - they will stay where they are; and the light of His love will leave them where they choose to be - on the wrong side of life.

The servant who buried his talent - dug his grave - and, did nothing - to save his life.

Do you agree?

Rest in God’s grace to do good works

Related to this discussion, is a sermon ‘Actively Resting’, that I recently heard (22 Feb 2009) at Nowra Baptist Church.    

 

 Actively Resting [32:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Pastor Richard Utber, talked about resting in God’s grace, part of a series called, Extreme Church - you can hear the other sermons in the series if you go to their web site.

The main message of Pastor Richard’s sermon is that we rest in God’s grace to do good works. The central theme is best described by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, the first 10 verses of Chapter 2 (NIV): “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

The words I’ve highlighted above are truly amazing - keep them in mind, as you listen to this sermon - it goes for about 32 minutes but it’s worth your time.

Posted on April 6th, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: Preaching and Teaching | No Comments »

Psalm 4. written by David.

[In general, I’ve used the New King James Version - for discussion purposes, I’ve inserted other translations, especially in regard to verse (4); because, some versions present a slightly different emphasis - and it’s worth noting these variations.]

1. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

[Of interest, the New International Version (NIV), translates this verse, as follows: ‘Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.‘ Notice the difference; the King James version, highlights that our righteousness comes from God; and, presents David’s plea in the context of past prayers being answered, therefore an expectation that this prayer will also be answered. The ‘past tense’ aspect has been lost in the NIV translation.] 
         
2. How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness. And seek falsehood? 

3. But know that the LORD has set apart (other versions have ‘made wonderful’) for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
         
4. Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.  

(Other translations, provide a number of slight variations. New Living Translation: Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. New American Standard Bible: ‘Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.’ The footnotes found in the NIV Study Bible - sheds some light on the translation of this verse: ‘An exhortation not to give way to exasperation or anxiety, it literally means ‘tremble‘ in anger or fear, but to look to the Lord.’ )

5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.
         
6. There are many who say, “Who will show us (any) good?” LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. [Some commentators leave out the word ‘any’.]

7. You have put gladness in my heart More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

8. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep. For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Discussion

I like the King James version of verse 1; God alone is the source of our righteousness.

It’s God who is the only source of our righteousness - nothing ‘in our hands we bring’, we cannot contribute to, or bring about, our righteousness. He is the perfecter of our faith. [Hebrews 12:2 (NLT): “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’]

This Psalm also demonstrates that before we do anything, we should first discuss the matter with God. In the gospels, we see that prior to any important event or decision, Jesus always retired to a quiet place and prayed to His Father. Likewise, we should follow the same pattern.

Verse 3, contains another great message - God has set-apart, a people for Himself.  John 10:27,28 (NIV): “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”  Like David, we too, can be certain that God listens to our prayers, and will always respond in His perfect way. His response is aligned to His eternal plan - our prayers are not unexpected; He has already determined the path we will follow. We, who have been set-apart, are precious to our Lord - nothing can snatch us away from His side.

David’s pleads with those who are seeking a meaning for their lives in the pursuit of falsehoods or by gaining possessions or chasing the good life (food, wine and sex). He recommends that while they lie in bed at night, they should reflect on their lives, when the pressures and worries of their busy day have faded away. Hopefully, when reflecting during this quiet time, they tremble in fear, when they realise that some day, they will die and must face God.

David provides the only, real answer: to offer the sacrifices of righteousness (to undertake the good works that He has prepared for us, to do); and, to place our trust in the Lord (we do this though our belief in Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit).

I like what C.H. Spurgeon writes, in his book ‘The Treasury of David, regarding this verse (6): ‘There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.’  ‘Never satisfied, their gaping mouths are turned in every direction, their empty hearts are ready to drink in any fine delusion which imposters may invent; and when these fail, they soon yield to despair, and declare that there is no ‘good’ thing.

Likewise, his comment on the last half of this verse is equally well-expressed. ‘The light of God’s countenance is enough for a member of God’s flock. This is his riches, his honour, his health, his ambition and his ease. Give him this and he asks for no more.’

The peace of God provides us with a sense of spiritual well-being and ‘prosperity’ that exists for us independent of our worldly status. In Philippians 4:11-13 (New Living Translation), we read: “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

In John 14:27 (NLT): “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  The ‘peace’ of this world is the absence of war or noise (emotional, financial,  or relational) - it is always temporary and a fleeting ‘peace’. Where-as, the peace delivered by God - is eternal rest with Him - it is the peace that comes from salvation, which brings joy, health (eternal life), contentment and love. There is nothing missing - God provides everything of true value.

The last verse - is the best - we have a foretaste of God’s peace when we are in a right relationship with Jesus.

We can soundly sleep in a sure, perfect and safe place; when we are at peace, with God. What more could we possibly want?

Any comments?

A reflection on Psalm 4

My Lord and My God, you alone heard my call for life.
You alone, looked for me and had mercy on my heart.
You have clothed me in your righteousness, given me a new start.
Blind as I was, I had done nothing to deserve your gift of sight.

My Lord and My God, how much longer will you tolerate this sinful place?
Will you come back soon, in your brilliant glory, to end this shameful show?
I yearn for your presence, I look forward to see your face, for your people to glow.
In the radiance of your perfect love; yet, I fear that many will fail to finish their race.

My Lord and My God; why is it, that so many cast your name away - in blind rage?
Do they meditate during their night, on why their loves, provide no real satisfaction?
You have filled my heart with joy and placed a deposit in me, a life-saving action.
On a cross paid the highest price, to guarantee a future free of tears and fears - an endless age.

There is nothing of this earth I want - all I desire, is Your love; to set me free from this world’s wrong.
I safely sleep during this stormy night, with You on watch guiding me home, to where I belong.

Posted on April 2nd, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: General | 1 Comment »

 In writing some comments on Selwyn Hughes’ study for today, from the current issue of  CWR’s publication ‘Every Day with Jesus’; I was struck by this great verse - which, I think is very well expressed in, the New Living Translation, as follows:- 

 Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 4, verse 30 (NLT): “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.”

The New International Version (NIV): offers this translation: ‘ … do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.’

The way, this verse is presented in the New Living Translation, really brought home to me - God’s guarantee that those who believe in Jesus will be saved.  I think it’s a fantastic verse - worthy to be committed to memory. It may also help us, to recall the rest of what Paul is talking about, in his letter to the Ephesians.

Another set of great verses, from the same Chapter, are these (vs 17-24, NLT): “With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

Clearly, when we follow Jesus, we must leave behind our old sinful habits. We must let God renew our thoughts and attitudes - and, we must put on our new, righteous and holy nature.

Yet -  why is it - that so many, who call themselves Christians, want to continue to live ‘for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity’?

These ‘hoplessly confused’ people often try to re-define what lustful pleasure is, in terms of the cultural standards currently adopted by this materialistic world  - as if, God has no foreknowledge of the twists and turns that this modern world would employ to justify their behaviour!

Posted on March 13th, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: ViewPoints | No Comments »

An article in ‘The Weekend Australian - Magazine’ Feb 21-22, 2009,  (written by Andrew Fraser) with the title ‘What Would Jesus Do?’, covers the ‘explusion’ of Father Peter Kennedy from St Mary’s Catholic Church in South Brisbane. If I accept that the article presents a reasonable account of what has happened in this catholic parish, then what did Father Kennedy, expect the Catholic Church would do; in response, to his divergence from traditional catholic teaching?

If I’m a member of a club, and I sign on to become a member of that club, there is normally an implicit agreement that I abide by the rules of the club. If I don’t, then I would expect to be expelled from the club: what part of that - don’t you understand Father Kennedy?

The spirit of the rules of the Catholic Church are covered by the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’, which comes with an authoritative, ‘Imprimi Potest’. Father Kennedy would know just how far he has moved away from the teachings of his club.

So, is the appeal, the justification for his actions - I’m doing what Jesus would do?  In the article, Archbishop John Bathersby (Brisbane) is quoted as saying: “It is amazing the number of people who satisfy themselves by asking, ‘What would Jesus do?’ Only very humble and holy people would dare to try to answer that question, and if they did they would do so with the greatest caution.It is amazing how some people feel certain that they know what Jesus would do, at the same time neglecting the 2000 year old wisdom of God’s Holy Spirit available in (God’s) Church.”

Firstly, I would like to comment on the Archbishop’s statement - it is sheer nonsense. We must ask the question ‘What would Jesus do?’ When faced with any moral decision. We try to answer that question with humility, meekness, poverty in spirit while mourning our sinfulness, and trusting in His saving love that through prayer an answer will be given. An answer will always be given because nothing can separate His people, from His love.

In addition, we can test our response to this question; to what’s in Scripture - over and over again, in the Gospels, Jesus gives us examples of what He would do!

Lastly, the Catholic Church’s tradition of 2000 years is seriously flawed - nothing can justify the Crusades, or the inquisitions, as something ‘Jesus would do’; from Clement (first Pope, after Peter) onwards, who believed in the existence of the Phoenix and he uses the resurrection of this (mythical) bird to support the heresy that Christ’s resurrection is part of the natural order of creation. Clement, is clearly not speaking as someone who has the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. I think the evidence is, that the Catholic Church has ignored the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  (Note: To the Archbishop - the Holy Spirit is God, we don’t need to say, God’s Holy Spirit! - a subtle, semantic difference!)

Now - Jesus, our Lord and our God, said; to the lost, He saved - ‘ …go, and sin no more.’

This means - worship God alone, nothing must come between you and God. No more murder (don’t be angry with anyone), no more adultery (don’t look lustfully at another), do no steal, do no seek to possess anything, which is not yours, do not lie (bear false witness), always honor your mother and father, do not indulge your sinful desires (including homosexuality).  Live your life - as a light reflecting the glory of God; be a peacemaker, as long as it does not compromise God’s laws!

Consequently, those who are still living, as slaves to their sinful nature - murderers (those angry with anyone), thieves (those who want what they don’t have); those living in adulterous relationships or habitually give in to sexual lust, [physical or virtual (Internet)], or active homosexuals  - MUST, live their lives - after accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins - as holy members of His kingdom. They must demonstrate that they have been re-born as members of God’s kingdom. You cannot continue to live as Satan’s slave AND a member of Christ’s flock - there must be a change in heart - a repentance - a turning away from sin.

Of course, we are all a work in progress - but there MUST be a starting point - from where we accept God’s grace and start to do the good works He has prepared in advance, for us to do.

What are your views?

Posted on February 22nd, 2009 by Shayne
Filed under: General | No Comments »

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!”
                         
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.

I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.

Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people.

Discussion

Psalm 3 is a Psalm written by King David about the time, when he fled from his son Absalom who wants to take-over his father’s throne. The main theme is David’s confidence in God’s power to rescue him from overwhelming odds. This is best seen in his ability to sleep knowing that the Lord is watching over him.

This Psalm is comprised of four parts, each part contains two verses.

It describes an act of betrayal and represents a cry from a father’s heart to God asking for deliverance from his enemies. The anguish is all the more intense because his own son is leading the revolution.

To understand the background to this Psalm, you first need to read Chapters 12 to 19 of the second book of Samuel. I’ll present some of the highlights from these Chapters, in an effort to provide the backdrop to the first two verses of this amazing Psalm.

This Psalm is so packed with meaning that most of it’s value will be lost if at first you don’t spend some time looking at the context.

The genesis of Absalom’s revolt can be found back in Chapter 12, verses 9 to 13 (Nathan, as God’s messenger, is telling David the consequences of his actions): “Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife. From this time on, your family will live by the sword because you have despised me by taking Uriah’s wife to be your own. “This is what the Lord says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes, and he will go to bed with them in public view. You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.”

Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin …

Three points to remember from these verses, God tells David: one, that: his own household will rebel against him; two, that another man will go to bed with his wives. [This prophecy comes to pass in 2 Samuel 16:21-22: ‘Ahithophel told Absalom, “Go and sleep with your father’s concubines, for he has left them here to look after the palace. Then all Israel will know that you have insulted your father beyond hope of reconciliation, and they will throw their support to you.” So they set up a tent on the palace roof where everyone could see it, and Absalom went in and had sex with his father’s concubines.]; and three, the Lord has forgiven him and David won’t die for this sin.

In Chapter 15, we read about Absalom embarking on a plan to win the support of the people, by implying that if he had the judicial power he would ensure that judgments would be awarded in their favor. In 2 Samuel 15:6b: ‘ … and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.’

Later, we read that after four years (the revolution has been carefully planned over a number of years) Absalom goes to Hebron to prepare the final phase of the revolt against his father, and, in verse 12, we are told that ‘many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum.” Biblical historians believe that Absalom was about 30 years of age, at this time, and the revolt occurs early in the last decade of David’s 40 year reign.

Now, we move to another important piece of background information, see 2 Samuel 16:5-13: “As King David came to Bahurim (while fleeing from Absalom), a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. … “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. “The Lord is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the Lord has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!”

When one of David’s supporter’s suggested to David that Shimei, should be killed - David said: “If the Lord has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?”

Later on, we come to see that this curse did not come from God, David survives the revolution, Absalom is killed. Further on, David promises Shimei that he won’t take his life, but the punishment for Shimei’s sin, remains, as it was against Mosaic law to curse the Lord’s anointed. It finally comes to pass that David’s son Solomon; after he becomes King, executes Shimei, after he breaks an agreement with Solomon.

The revolt: In verse 2 Samuel 15:13-14, we read: “A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell David, “All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!” “Then we must flee at once, or it will be too late!” David urged his men. “Hurry! If we get out of the city before Absalom arrives, both we and the city of Jerusalem will be spared from disaster.” Later in this Chapter, we catch a glimpse of David’s trust in God’s judgment: “Then the king instructed Zadok to take the Ark of God back into the city. “If the Lord sees fit,” David said, “he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.”

David, I feel, has total confidence in God’s word; he remembers Nathan telling him that God has forgiven him, and he will not die for these sins (adultery and murder). Yet, he is constantly reminded - especially by the curses of Shimei - that he has blood on his hands; many are saying that God will not rescue him. Consequently, the Psalm opens with these  desperate words: ‘O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” ‘

The next two verses: “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.” Confirms that David has placed his future in God’s hands - he has instructed Zadok, the priest, to take the Ark of God back into the city. He knows God is in control and sits on His throne on His holy mountain. He trusts that whatever happens - it’s God’s just and perfect will.

We know from reading the account of the revolution that those who support Absalom’s revolution number in the tens of thousands and that David becomes tired and weary by the pace of his urgent retreat. In 2 Samuel 16:14, we read: “The king and all who were with him grew weary along the way, so they rested when they reached the Jordan River.”

Even under these circumstances, David demonstrates not just hope but strong faith, to the extent that his faith is stronger than his fear, and that he is able to sleep - he is not lying awake worrying about what terrible things may happen to him - he can say: ”I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.”

The final two verses foreshadow David’s victory over his son Absalom; and he clearly sees that it’s God who provides the victory, not the fighting ability of his men. “Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory (deliverance) comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people.”

These verses echo throughout all the ages - it is God who is victorious - it is He, who delivers His people - It is through God that we are blessed. You would have to agree that this is one great Psalm, albeit only eight verses in length. David’s faith in God - is a faith that we too can share - it is a gift from God.

Reflection on Psalm 3

My Lord and my God, I often feel that there are many who walk past me.
They say, ‘who is this man, who claims that his Lord has set him free?’

I know my Lord, that You are the Holy One, it is You alone who saves.
I cry out to you, day and night; You comfort me; it is Your Word I crave.

At night, in the darkness of this world, you cover your servant with a blanket of love.
You are always by my side and Your presence keeps away the prowling lions.
Even in the depths of painful solitude; your Spirit descends on me, like a dove.
I’m never alone, You are my blessing. In You, I have victory over a rebel’s mind. 

All Praise and Glory to our loving God.

****************************************

Posted on November 21st, 2008 by Shayne
Filed under: Preaching and Teaching | No Comments »

PSALM 2

As mentioned in another post Psalm 1, and 2 form an introduction to the Book of Psalms. Psalm 2 is important, as it is an example of how Jesus has carefully woven His role into the fabric of what we call the Old Testament.

I’m interested in your views on this Psalm - do we, standing nearly two thousand years after the birth of our Christ, read too much into these words written many years before His birth? I think the answer is clear upon reading Acts13:30-37 (see below) - we are also told that Psalm 16 verse 10, does not refer to David but Jesus. Likewise, the substance of Acts 4:23-27, further proves that the Holy Spirit spoke through David about the coming Messiah. Many, (early) Hebrew teachers agreed to the view that this Psalm, in particular, provides us with an insight into what the Messiah would be like, however, recent Jewish scholarship appears to be only focused on disproving the Christian viewpoint.

Psalm 2 (New Living Translation - NLT)

“Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’”

Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son (pay homage in purity), or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities - for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!”

As discussed above, verses from this Psalm are found in the New Testament: Acts, Hebrews and Revelation; I’ve included additional verses as required to provide the context, as follows:

Acts 4: 23-27 (NLT): “As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying,

 ‘Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah (anointed one).’ [from Psalm 2:1-2]

“In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.  Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Acts 13:30-37 (NLT): “But God raised him from the dead! And over a period of many days he appeared to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to the people of Israel. “And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm (verse 7) says about Jesus: ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.’ [or another translation expresses these words, as ‘Today I reveal you as my Son.’]

For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, ‘I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.’ Another psalm [Psalm 16, verse 10] explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.’ This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay.”

Revelation 2:24-28a (NLT): “But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching (‘deeper truths,’ as they call them—depths of Satan, actually). I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come. To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations. They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. They will have the same authority I received from my Father,”

Finally, In Revelation 12:5 and 19:15, we find references to, ‘rule all nations with an iron rod’.

Reflection on Psalm 2
“Why is it, that those who are made by You, want to flee from your love?
Why is it, that those who are appointed by you, want to lead others in rebellion against you?
Why is it, that those who are imprisoned by sin, want to remain in their bondage?

I know that You rule in heaven and your will is done - your Word never returns unanswered.
We see your anger, roam rightly through the words of your Testament, you plait your own whip.
Everyone, now knows that your anointed one; your High Priest is glorified and honored in the City of Peace. 

I believe in Jesus; and through Him You are my Father.
I believe, I will see a new heaven and a new earth - there will be no rivals claiming possession.
We, my brothers and sisters, will share in Your Son’s inheritance and His authority.

We have all been warned of your judgement - from the rulers of the mightiest nations to leaders of the desperate and poor.
There is shelter to be found in Your loving embrace, there is joy to be found in serving You.
I understand Your anger with those who follow their own paths, and ignore You: You, who stands with outstretched pierced hands, offering eternal peace and love.”

Any comments?

Posted on August 7th, 2008 by Shayne
Filed under: ViewPoints | 1 Comment »

I’m currently looking at Proverbs, which is the focus of the current issue of Every Day with Jesus, see my other blog.

At the same time I’ve been looking at the Psalms - for me, an inspiring collection of writings. A lot of my source material, has as its genesis, the books by Charles H. Spurgeon, ‘The Treasury of David’.

Here are my early thoughts; which I will edit over time - starting with Psalm 1.

The Psalms

Psalms as poetic praises to God, sometimes in the form of prayers. They are a collection of similar writings by different authors (many by David) and were compiled over centuries. At some stage, they were divided into five books: Psalms 1 to 41 (characterised by the frequent use of the word ‘Yahweh’); Psalms 42-72 (frequent use of the word ‘Elohim’); Psalms 73-89; Psalms 90-106 and Psalms 107-150.

There is some evidence that there were early reviews of the Psalms with possible deletion of very similar Psalms; prior to the collection of Psalms in either the Hebrew or Septuagint texts. It’s widely accepted that Psalms 1 and 2 form an introduction; likewise Psalms 146 to 150 present a conclusion.

Psalm 1 along with Psalm 2 sets the framework for many of the Psalms. The principles contained in these verses are important and are worth committing to memory. The person whose joy is found in following Jesus; and, who constantly thinks about their salvation will develop a growing sense of joy, and enjoy a foretaste of the eternal peace they will experience with God in heaven. A second point is that those who don’t seek a relationship with God – actually don’t stay stationary but move further away from God over time. It appears that our natural inclination is to constantly move away from the light into a deeper shade of darkness. Over time, our acceptance of sin as being the natural way of life, becomes an acknowledged fact to our hardened mind.

Listen to the progress of sinful pride in Psalm 1. First, we are part of a crowd who are ungodly – we enjoy the company of those who avoid God. Second stage: we start to agree with, and do the same things as, those who avoid following God’s commandments. The third stage is when we start to set the standards and our life style becomes an emblem of success for those who follow in our evil footsteps. We become a trend-setter, a teacher of those who want to avoid God’s influence. Now, we have reached the pinnacle of rebellion – we trumpet our knowledge of the ‘real world’ and we triumphantly scorn God’s children as followers of mindless myths.

In summary, it’s a natural progression from walking in the company of the thoughtless, who forget God – to someone who soon accept the habits of the wicked as something natural and normal – everyone, is doing ‘it’. Finally, they become wise in using the human frailty of others to further their own goals – to become successful survivors in a tough world. Scorn and criticism are the spices of their lives – they actively encourage others to join their ranks – seeking safety in numbers. They entertain the thought that the more people who copy their choices will somehow add weight to their conviction that they are right. It’s a copy of the blueprint that Satan has been following for centuries.

PSALM 1 (NIV).

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

I’ve tried to echo my feelings in reading this Psalm, in similar poetic language.

I was dreaming while awake of when the earth was found,
it was good, and the perfume of flowers and ripe fruit, filled sight and sound.
At this time the wicked showed me a body of lust
and promised I could have her until the world became dust.
My Lord showed me His wounded hands of love.
He told me of tomorrow, and of past rainbows and doves.
I felt the water of His words flow through my body, ending my thirst
like the sound of wind travelling though nerves giving news of life, ending the curse.
Help me dear Lord, my love of my life; please guide, every day, my feet to the safety of solid rock
so that I may withstand the gale that blows away the empty, shallow sounds of those who mock.
(C) 2008

Any comments?
 

Posted on July 15th, 2008 by Shayne
Filed under: General | No Comments »

Last Saturday night, Richard Wright delivered an excellent sermon on the first sixteen verses of Chapter 2, Paul’s letter to the Romans.

These are the verse (NIV):

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will give to each person according to what he has done.”

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.”

These verses contain an important message to all those who think that by living a ‘good’ life that their efforts will enable them to escape God’s punishment.

Richard’s sermon goes for just over half-an-hour; a short period of time to take hold of - like a life raft in a stormy sea on a dark night. If you take Paul’s message to heart as articulate by Richard, and apply it to your life - it will lead you to eternal life!

 

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Posted on April 25th, 2008 by Shayne
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