THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF FAITH

The old hymn begins, 

    How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord 

    Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.

That firm foundation of faith is featured in Acts 4. There are several facets of faith that we see. 

FIRST, WE SEE A CONFESSIONAL FAITH (v.1-22). We have the confession of Peter and John. There are core convictions that Christianity has which are compelled to be communicated. Such terms as, “speaking,” (v.1), “teaching…proclaiming,” (v.2), and “the word,”  (v.4). As a result of the preaching, faith was formed in “about five thousand.”  The core message is Christ—“the name of Jesus…crucified, whom God raised from the dead,” (v.10). He is “the cornerstone” of faith (v.11) and the Gospel message declares, “there is no other name…by which we must be saved” (v.12). That confession is a must for true faith (Rom.10:9-10, 13). The Spirit bears witness to Christ through His church (v.8) compelling us to confess Christ, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,” (v.20). 

FURTHER, WE SEE A COURAGEOUS FAITH (v.23-31). This courage is required because of the conflict. Proclaiming the Gospel is an assault on the kingdom of darkness. The devil and his minions will fight back, and so we note, “they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus,” (v.18). Such threats and rage had been predicted by David, writing Ps.2 quoted here (v.25-26). But, the kings of the earth are no match for the King of  Eternity!  The “Sovereign Lord” ( v.24), even uses the wicked to work His will (v.27), “to do whatever [God’s] hand and [God’s] plan has predestined to take place.”  The church’s prayer was not for the removal of conflict, but for the reinforcement of courage, “to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (v.29). Such prayers will shake the world and send us out to speak boldly (v.31). 

FINALLY, WE SEE A COMMON FAITH (v.32-37). Now, by that, I do not mean the faith is cheap and ordinary, but that it is faith all believers have in common. This calls us to do life together in community (v.32). Such common faith produces uncommon fruit—“great power,” and “great grace,” (v.33), inspiring testimony and generosity (v.34-35).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US THAT GOD IS SELF-EXISTENT AND SELF-SUFFICIENT?

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Some don’t want doctrine—they are into practical preaching. What they are really wanting is a motivational talk juiced up with a few Bible verses!  Nothing is more practical than theology!  We see Paul’s exultation in God’s glorious person in this verse.

There will be submission to God’s SOVEREIGNTY.  As King of the ages, He has the right to rule over us, and we have the responsibility to submit to Him in every area.

Then, we find recognition of God’s SUFFICIENCY.  The One who is incorruptible and invisible is sufficient to preserve me in this corrupt world and always be with me in whatever circumstances I find myself—“A very present help in trouble” (Ps.46:1b).

Furthermore, there is adoration for God’s SUPREMACY.  God doesn’t need me, but I need Him.  He is worthy of honor and glory which we will give Him forever.  He doesn’t need it, but He deserves and delights in it!

I think of the hymn by Walter Chalmers Smith,

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.”

Have you bowed to Him as Lord and Savior?  If you have, are you trusting His unseen hand to guide and guard you?

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.” (‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:17-18‬)

What are we to believe about God’s greatness?  Scripture informs us. In these verses, Moses begins by pointing us to Yahweh—the Great I AM.  He had encountered Him personally and experienced Him profoundly.  Moses reminded the Israelis that they had done the same in God’s deliverance of them from the bondage of Egypt.

But, it is one thing to know about God through doctrine—and that we must—but then we are to come to know Him through experience—to see Him at work about us and in us.

Growing up in pagan Egypt and raised in Pharoah’s court, Moses had heard of many gods which the Egyptians worshipped and seen many lords that the Egyptians obeyed.  The powers of these gods were greater in the imagination of the Egyptians than mere mortals possessed, and that is why they worshipped them.  Yet, the surpassing greatness of the One True God exceeds all heathen deities combined by an infinite distance.

The position of royal lords in Egyptian society gave them a status superior to those who served them.  But, the infinite greatness of God’s person and position exalts Him above all human authorities combined by an inexpressible amount.

He is, “the great God,” which is such a simple statement that even a child can utter it, yet so profound that it will be the subject of our study today and tomorrow and forever without ever reaching the limits of His greatness!

Our question may be, “How great is our God?”  To which I can offer no standard of measure, as He exceeds everything exponentially in our calculation and extremely in our comprehension. I can only change the question to an exclamation, “How great is our God!”

GOD’S RULE IN THE CONSUMMATION

God claims dominion over all because of His position.  Paul assures us that in the end Christ will return, seize universal power, and consummate all by delivering it to the Father.

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him, ” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Cor.15:20-28).

GOD ESTABLISHES AND ENDS KINGDOMS.  King Nebuchadnezzar found out.  Daniel 4 records how he boasted and God brought him down.

“While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.’ That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.” (v.31-33)  

He learned his lesson—the hard way.

“And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation.” (v.34-37)!

GOD EXALTS HIS KINGDOM.  Puny men defy Him and plot against Him.  Do you know how God reacts to that?

“The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.’ He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: ‘Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.’”  (Ps.‭2:2-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

The fact is that there is coming a day—I think soon—when God will bring this satanic conspiracy to an end, visit wrath upon a Christ-rejecting world, and establish His forever Kingdom.  “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’”  (Rev.11:15).

With the Apostle John, I cry, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev.22:20b)

GOD’S RULE OVER THE CHURCH

“giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Col.1:12-18).

God claims dominion over all that He paid for.  I have the right over something I have made, but also for what I paid for.  Paul declares that Christ is the head of His church.  He bought us by His blood.

We are RECONCILED TO HIM.  We were estranged from God, but He reached out to reconcile us to Himself.  He calls, He justifies, and He glorifies.

 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” (Rom.8:29-30).

God is sovereign in salvation.  He is the One who provided a Savior and sought His lost lambs.

Thus, we should be RESPONSIVE TO HIM.

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor.6:19-20).

He has every right to reign over us. We belong to Him and it is His glory we are to seek.

Ultimately, this means we will be REIGNING WITH HIM.

“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’”  (Rev.19:6-7‬)

Christ is our Bridegroom.  Since He is the King, His Beloved—His Bride, the church—will reign at His side.  God has a glorious future in store for us!

GOD’S RULE OVER THE CREATION

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.” (1 Chron.29:11-12).

God claims dominion over all that He made.  David declares the comprehensive nature of it in these verses.

God rules over creation because:

• HE CAUSED IT.  Because God brought all things into existence, He exerts the right to rule over them.  If I make something, it is mine to do with as I please.

• HE CLAIMS IT.  Isaiah and Jeremiah in the Old Testament (Isa.29:16, 45:9, 64:8; Jer.18:1-23) and Paul in the New Testament (Rom.9:1-33; 2 Cor.4:7; 2 Tim.2:20) use the analogy of God being the Potter—shaping the clay according to His design.

• HE CONTROLS IT. Because He has made all things, His control extends to every facet of nature.  Not a raindrop falls from the sky, not a bolt of lightning descends to earth, not a blade of grass grows, or a breeze blows except by God’s command.  He is Lord over the angels, as He is called the Lord of Hosts.  He is Master over the demons—even Satan has to report in (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6).  But, He isn’t a tyrant, “a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom” (Ps.45:6; Heb.1:8).

It’s comforting to know this day what I learned from a song, long ago as a child, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN THE SALVATION OF MAN

Read Romans 9.

Grace—amazing, abundant, available—flowing from God’s choice to provide salvation.  He was not obligated to do so.  He purposed to give His Son—a plan ordained before there ever was a world created and a sinner in need of salvation. As we respond to the Gospel—and we must for we are not mere robots—we find that God has taken the initiative.  We speak of finding God, and yet, He has sought and found us—lost sheep, wandering without hope, until the Shepherd of our Souls brings us into God’s fold.

As Paul, deals in chapters 9-11 with how the Jews fit into God’s plan of salvation, the discussion begins with the sovereignty of God in the salvation of man.  We are human clay, and God is the Potter.  He shapes us and fits us for heaven.  Apart from His work, we could not be saved.  We do not even want to be saved.

How does all this fit?  In the eternal mind of God who knows all and His infinite power to accomplish all from a heart of immeasurable love that moves Him and unto His everlasting glory, He has brought the elect into His kingdom.  Yet, it is not against my will, but as His grace operates in my will.  He has made me willing.  Theologians develop systems to try to explain the inexplicable.  I resist that, finding myself incapable of knowing all that God knows.  Instead, I will speak what Scripture says, study and meditate on this amazing grace that saves wretches as we are, and share that message with the world.

Outside the door of salvation, there is a sign reading, “Whosoever will may come,” and when we walk through that door, we see a sign on the other side saying, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God.”  If we reach heaven, we will glory in the worthy Lamb of God who has selected us, sought us, saved us, sustained us, and secured us.  Praise His name!

POWER FROM OUR PAIN

We have likely heard the expression, “No pain; no gain.”  That is true in getting physically fit.  Working out is exactly that—work!  If muscles are to be built they are first made sore.  It is the exertion that produces the stamina and strength.  There is no easy way.  This is a spiritual axiom as well.  Faith muscle can only develop through resistance.  Pain produces power.  It is for our profit if received as such.  We have the notable example of the Apostle Paul as he shared it in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10:

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.  And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.  Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.  For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul is speaking of an experience he had—unsure whether it was a vision or transported physically into God’s presence.  The occasion is uncertain, but the destination is said to be, “the third heaven.”  The first heaven is our sky—the atmosphere where clouds form and birds fly; the second heaven is space—where the stars shine and planets pursue their courses; the third heaven is Paradise where God sits on His throne—the object of worship by angels and departed saints.

It is of note that Paul refused to give details of his trip to Heaven, unlike many who have found great profit in writing books and making movies about “near death” experiences.  If Paul was forbidden to speak of what he heard, then why are people free today to describe such?  I am making no judgment, just asking the question.

Be that as it may, what is known is that God put a governor on the Apostle, lest he run away with pride and wreck his ministry.  Conceit over his experience would potentially prove his downfall, so God moved to preserve his servant—and in a most unusual manner.  God sent Paul “a thorn in the flesh…a messenger of Satan to buffet me….” 

We do not know the nature of Paul’s affliction—a myriad of ideas have been proposed—and we simply cannot say with confidence.  Perhaps this is God’s intent, so that whatever affliction we may face enables us to identify with the Apostle, and it would prevent pride from those who had the same problem were it defined, perhaps prompting the boast, “I’ve got Paul’s disease!”  That is how sinister pride can be, and that is why God would afflict his choice servant with pain so he would not fall.

Notice the source of Paul’s pain—God!  It was, “a messenger of Satan,” to be sure, but dispensed by a sovereign God as a gift!  He says this was “given” to him.  Strange gift!  Not exactly what you would want to find under your Christmas tree!  Yet, the omniscient and omnibenevolent God gave Paul precisely what was needed when he gave permission for this demonic buffeting to occur.  This is reminiscent of Job’s experience, where God initiated the waves of disaster that would sweep over him as a result of the Lord’s challenge to Satan and subsequent permission to attack him.  Always remember that God is in charge.  Satan and his imps have no power but what God permits, and if he permits them to bring problems then it is to fulfill His purpose with that very evil generating good (Rom.8:28).  The Old Testament story of Joseph is a perfect illustration.  All the harm that was meant for him would become the very vehicle that would carry him to power!

Paul described this as a “thorn,” literally, a sharp stake driven into him.  That is most suggestive.  It recalls the sharp spikes hammered into the flesh of Christ and the spear thrust into His side.  What an awful evil was done; what agonizing pain He felt!  Yet, this is how God wrought His most wondrous work as the satanic act of killing Jesus would be the very means of crushing the Serpent (Gen.3:15).  This is God’s mysterious and glorious way.

Still, Paul was human and not a masochist who found pleasure in the pain itself.  Normal folk would not.  They would do what he did—pray for deliverance!  Jesus prayed that if there would be any other way to accomplish His mission than to drink that bitter cup, then that would be His desire.  There was not, and He submitted after praying three times.  In this, Paul followed the Lord’s example.

Beware those who claim that if you have enough faith then all your problems will vanish.  Faith often creates more pain than it removes!  It was true for Jesus.  It was true for Paul.  It was true for Job.  It was true for Joseph.  It will be true for us.

God had something better in mind for His servant.  He promised something superior to physical deliverance.  God gave him abundant, amazing grace.  The Apostle’s pain that drove him to his knees in submission would enable him to rise clothed in power!  The affliction would not limit him, but enable him to tap into God’s limitless might.  So, instead of expressing grief, he exuded gladness.  Paul’s contentment in his circumstances was found in being in the will of the Lord.  There is no better place to be!

IF GOD SAYS, "NO"

“Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?”  (2 Samuel 7:5)

One of the first words children learn is, “No!”  I suppose that is because they hear it often.  They did not like to hear it, but there were many times I had to say it, because “no” was best for them.  Our children may not understand the denial of their desire, but we know more than they do.  So it is there are occasions when our Heavenly Father will say, “No.”  We think our prayer is a good request, and the denial brings disappointment.  How should we respond?  What is God up to?  There are some important lessons for us found in 2 Samuel 7.  God tells David, “No.”

David had been blessed by God.  On one occasion the king is in his palace—gazing around at the beautiful dwelling and responding to God’s goodness by telling the prophet Nathan that he wants to build God a house.  Nathan agreed that this was a wonderful plan. Then God interrupted with, “No.”  (v.1-7)  At this point explanation is not given.  Later, Scripture reveals that it was because of all the blood shed by David as a man of war that made it inappropriate for him to construct a temple for the God of peace.  God is God and we are not.  We cannot demand of Him an explanation—though we may ask, and at times receive an answer.  Fully comprehending the ways of God will be elusive.  It is like trying to explain calculus to a flea for Omniscience to be understood by our finite minds.  There are times we simply rest in His infinite understanding—that is the way of faith.

Is it not true that God wants us to walk by faith and not by sight?  Faith is so vital that God will stop at nothing to develop it in us.  The God who loves us perfectly will do that which is best for us.  Faith responds to His refusal by saying, “My Father knows best,” and submits in childlike trust to His will.

If God closes one door, it is only so He can open another.  If He denies one desire, it is only that He designs something better.  When God does not let David build Him a house, He encourages David by saying He will build him a “house.”  That is, God will establish a dynasty for David—a line of kings that would be unending (v.8-17).  Jesus Christ, the Eternal King, would be a descendant of David.  Ultimately, not only for David, but for each believer, the promises of God are all wrapped up in Jesus Christ.  He is everything.  Jesus is all we need.  Only He can meet the deepest desires we have.  No true fulfillment can be found apart from Him.  Is He enough for us?

David responds to God’s, “No,” with worship (v.18-29).  There is not a hint of bitterness, but only blessing offered to God.  David does not sulk, but submits.  When God denies our request, choosing to answer our prayer in an inexplicable way, it will make us bitter or better, depending on how we respond.  David did not roll on the floor in a temper tantrum, but sat down in reverent submission.  This is the attitude God is wanting.  Is that what you do when God says, “No”?

THE POTTER AND THE CLAY

“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the LORD. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!”  (Jeremiah 18:6)

I took two years of art in High School, and then a couple of years in distance learning beyond that.  It has been a long time, in the hectic pace of life, that I have used that ability.  I spend much of my hours painting word pictures rather than landscapes!  One of the areas of study was pottery.  We had the opportunity to sit at a wheel with a lump of clay and shape a vessel.  Little did I know at the time that the experience would afford an illustration of spiritual truth, but that is the substance of these devotional thoughts. 

In the eighteenth chapter of Jeremiah’s prophecy, we take a trip to the potter’s house because God has a word for His messenger—and for us (v.1-2).  Jeremiah observes the potter sitting at the wheel, shaping the clay, with the pressure of his hands as it spins.  Suddenly, it begins to come apart.  The moist clay will have to be broken down and reformed—nothing else will do (v.3-4). 

I can recall the feel of that wet clay as I applied the pressure, and up and up the walls of the vessel would begin to rise as I pumped the wheel with my foot to make it spin.  Then, to much disappointment, it began to unravel before my eyes!  There was a small piece of grit—an impurity in the clay—that necessitated removal.   After breaking down the vessel, the process started all over.

Do you see the illustration?  God is the Potter.  Israel is the clay.  His intent for His people has been marred because of their resistance to His shaping.  The only way the Jews could be mended is by breaking them down and beginning again.  God will use the Babylonian empire to accomplish that painful discipline (v.5-17).

Do we understand that this is eternal truth and speaks to us today?  Certainly, the unchanging character of God means He will deal with our nation as He did with rebellious Judah, for He consistently judges any nation that resists His will, while offering blessing to the people who submit to His hands (v.7-10). 

Let me be even more direct.  I am a lump of clay in the hands of a sovereign God.  He has an intended result He wants to accomplish as He shapes me.  The pressure of God’s hands molds us.  Those pressures come in many forms.  The circumstances of life whether physical affliction, difficult people, financial stress, and a host of other possibilities may be used of God to shape us for His purposes.  I find myself to be as dull of understanding as a lump of clay, however.  I want the pressure gone—without realizing I cannot be what God intends apart from it.  When I resist His work—when an unyielding lump results—He will break me down.  It is not that He is cruel—quite the opposite.  Impurity in my life will necessitate that God break me down and keep working with me. The Potter is intent on molding us into a vessel to use here and display as a trophy of grace and glory for all eternity.  We live life forward, but understand it backward.  Today, may we be pliable clay, praying, “Not my will, but Yours be done!”

GOD OF ETERNITY, LORD OVER HISTORY

That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting

That there is none besides Me.

I am the LORD, and there is no other….  (Isaiah 45:6)

Isaiah 45 is one of the most remarkable prophecies that is seldom discussed.  You may have never heard a sermon about Cyrus.  Yet, Isaiah tells us this man’s name, predicts his reign, and speaks of his greatness and conquests around 150 years before Cyrus was born!  Furthermore, he is a pagan whom God will appoint to deliver His people.  Astonishing is it not?  There is no record that the king ever submitted to the King of glory, but he was not without ample testimony to the God of eternity.  Cyrus would be the Persian monarch who would bring down the Babylonian empire that had subjugated the Jews, freeing them from captivity.  His decree would assure their eventual liberty and afford those who desired the opportunity to return and rebuild Jerusalem.

We see that God is the Lord over history.  People make decisions.  Powerful persons arise to reign and for a season they exert influence in human affairs.  Standing above and orchestrating all things, however, is the Sovereign God.  Man proposes, but God disposes.  People are responsible for their choices, good or bad, but guiding all is the great God who only does good, overruling human rulers—and all for His glory!

There is none like our God!  As Gospel singer Sandi Patti put it,

For He's more wonderful than my mind can conceive
He's more wonderful than my heart can believe
He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams.

The Lord over history is the God of eternity.  He stands before history commences and will go beyond when it consummates.  From everlasting to everlasting, He is the great I AM.  He transcends time and space, but is not aloof—intervening as master of both.  Even events that we would consider to be bad—dark times and calamities are no surprise to Him and, in fact, are used for His righteous purposes.  Resisting His will is like the folly of clay trying to resist the potter or a baby seeking to resist conception.  The Creator does as He pleases and what He pleases is always glorious!

There are many things mysterious about the ways of God, but we are to ask Him to reveal His purposes and He will show us much.  When our petitions are grounded in His purposes then our prayers have power to move His hand, for what He is accomplishing is already in His heart.  Amazing!  The infinite Maker chooses to partner with finite man is working His will.  He has ordained it, and so it must be!

The deliverance and preservation of Israel is a testimony to the greatness of God.  Against overwhelming odds, the Jews have survived.  That is because God has decreed it, and no man can thwart it.  This is not a testimony to the ingenuity of the Jews, but the sovereignty of God!

Eventually, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Isa.45:23b), encompassing both Jews and Gentiles.  For now the gracious offer is extended,

Look to Me, and be saved,

All you ends of the earth!

For I am God, and there is no other.”  (Isa.45:22)

Have you looked in faith to the cross?  Will you look to Him for salvation?

VEXED AND PERPLEXED

 

“Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him”  (Job 23:8)

“Why?”  Young children ask that—a lot.  You share with them some information and they want to know why it is so.  You tell your little son or daughter to do something and they ask, “Why?”  The reality is that as an adult we may know far more than they do—but it is not always easy to explain to their little minds.  Since we are the parents, we may try to, but we are not obligated to do so.  Numbers of times I answered, “Because I said so.”  Where did I learn that?  My father told me the same thing.

Job found himself in horrible misery.  He was vexed by the suffering he went through, and perplexed by the silence he encountered from God.  Job wondered why all this had happened.  Of course, his three friends were convinced they knew—this was a punishment for Job’s sins.  They freely shared such “comforting” words—repeatedly—which not only failed to correctly answer the perplexity, it compounded the vexation.

Have you ever felt that way?  There are inexplicable events that happen to the children of God, and we instinctively ask our Father in Heaven, “Why?”  He may answer.  Since He knows far more than we know, even when He answers we may not grasp it.  God’s mind is so superior to our thoughts and His ways beyond ours that it would be akin to a nuclear physicist trying to explain complex chemical processes to a gnat.  The Lord graciously at times gives us some truths to help us, but He is not obligated to do so—He is God.

Job was vexed and perplexed about his UNANSWERED PRAYER (Job 23:1-7).  Job had been pleading for a response from God, and had received no answer to his prayer.  He knew God could answer prayer, believed God did answer prayer, but had not a clue why God was not hearing him.  There have been times we have all felt that way.

Job was vexed and perplexed about God’s UNAVAILABLE PRESENCE (Job 23:8-12).  He searched desperately for God, and did not find Him—even though he believed God knew he was looking.  Job is convinced the Lord understood the whole story, but just wouldn’t let him in on the secret.  He had faith in the character of God—that the result of this fiery trial will be that his faith would be revealed as pure gold.  Where God was in the midst of this mess at the moment was another matter.  He was not sure.

Job is vexed and perplexed despite God’s UNALTERABLE PROVIDENCE (Job 23:13-17).  God never changes.  His purposes are fixed.  Job submitted to the sovereignty of God in His providential dealings.  He has truth in his head, but terror in his heart.  Should we feel that way about God?  We may feel worse by feeling guilty about the feelings we have rather than venting our vexation.  Express it!  God knows what you are thinking anyway.  Expressing your frustration can give some relief from the pressure.

In your heartache cling to this, “We will understand it better by and by.”  Then earth’s question mark will be replaced by eternity’s exclamation point!

THE PROBLEM OF PAIN

 

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.  And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.”  (Job 1:20-21)

On the one hand you have a God of infinite love and immeasurable power, yet people die of starvation everyday—even little children.  Why doesn’t God do something?  That is a problem.  On the other hand you have a Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy Empire who as far as I know has lived in health and wealth—a long life of luxury built on selling sin.  Why doesn’t God do something?  That is a problem.  When a tornado tears through the Midwest a beer joint may be spared, but then a church building might be smashed.  Why?  That is a problem.  Don’t be ashamed if you struggle with these questions.  I know a man of great faith and superior devotion to God who wrestled with doubt and depression over the problem of pain.  His name is Job.  He didn’t find all the answers, but he did find God and that was enough! 

Consider first JOB’S CHARACTER (1:1-5).  He wasn’t a sinless man, but he was a man who sinned less—morally blameless.  He loved God and loathed evil.  We find him blessed of God with a precious family and a life of luxury (v.2-4).  He knew that providing for the material well-being of his children wasn’t enough and so consistently prayed for them (v.5).  Yet, Job’s character would not exempt him from pain.  A heart surrendered may still be heart suffering.  Eventually, all of us will find a time of blessedness becoming brokenness.  “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Pet.4:12).

This led to JOB’S CHALLENGE (1:6-12).  The challenge to Job’s faith would be the result of a challenge from God to Satan (v.6-8).  God is sovereign and even the Devil must check in and is limited in what he can do (v.9-12).  There was a protective hedge around Job and that is true of every believer. Satan would destroy us all if he could.  But God will only permit him to do so much and we may be sure that if God allows it, the ultimate result will be His glory and our good.  This reminds us that when a Christian suffers, there is more than meets the eye.  God draws back the veil and lets us see into the unseen world.  We view what happened, though we are not certain why it happened.

Then came JOB’S CALAMITY (1:13-22).  Wave after wave of disaster broke upon Job.  One scarcely receded until another larger one struck—in rapid succession the bad news comes of losing his flocks, his finances and worst of all his family—all his children dead.  He expressed his grief, crumpled to the ground in sorrow, but still worshipped the Lord!  Job’s response is such a lesson for us.  He acknowledges the sovereignty of God.  All we have comes from Him and belongs to Him.  Pain will either cause you to run from God or run to Him.  We cannot control what happens to us, but can control what happens in us.   When all is gone and all we have is God, we can find that God is all we need!

OUR APPOINTMENT

Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b)

The name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, yet He is on every page—offstage, directing this Divine drama according to His will.  God is conspicuous by His absence—His unseen hand guiding events to His intended purpose.  It is a fascinating epic: a palace party; a drunk despot demanded his wife to do a dirty dance; her refusal, removal and replacement through a beauty contest; Esther, a Jew who hides her identity and becomes the new queen; her cousin Mordecai overhearing a plot to assassinate the king and exposing it; the villain Haman, working to not only kill Mordecai, but all the Jews, not knowing Esther’s race—the stuff of a Hollywood story, but this is Holy Scripture!  It is at this point that Mordecai appeals to Esther to take action.  She is risking death to approach the king unbidden, yet to remain quiet is to face not only her death, but the death of all her race.  She throws caution to the wind, and replies, “and if I perish, I perish!” (4:16b)  It wasn’t coincidence that brought her to that place and time—it was Providence.  So God  has an appointment for you and for me!

We have AN APPOINTED TIME.  Ours are perilous times, but it is no quirk of fate that these dark days are our destiny.  It was not 200 BC, nor the first century AD, neither the Middle Ages, but the twenty-first century that is our time.  It seems that human history is moving to its climax and the Lord’s return rapidly approaches.  So, Jesus called us to work diligently for “the night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4b), and Paul commanded us to be, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  (Eph.5:16).  Time is a precious commodity allotted to us in a specific number of days.  We must invest it wisely, for someday we will stand before God and give an account of this stewardship.

We have AN APPOINTED TASK.  God strategically placed Esther for an assignment to carry out.  You may be sure that the Lord has a plan for you!  As a potter shapes the clay, so He has molded you according to His master plan through circumstances and experiences with your unique blend of capacities, gifts and talents in preparing you for His sacred mission.  Moses and David were readied to shepherd God’s people by tending a flock of sheep.  Peter, James and John were fishermen before being summoned to fish for men.  Paul was a Jewish scholar, conversant with Greek thought, and born a Roman citizen, qualifying him as no other to bridge the gap between Jew and Gentile in the church and spread the Gospel to all people throughout the Roman Empire.  Thus, God has been preparing you for your work in this world.

We have AN APPOINTED TERRITORY.  It wasn’t luck that located Esther in Persia.  You might have been born somewhere else, but God has you where you are to make a difference on the spot of soil you occupy with the family, friends, fellow workers and students, and in the community where you reside.  There is a circle of relationships we connect with—and do so for the cause of Christ.  We are here, “for such a time as this!”

THE FIRST NEW YEAR’S DAY

 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.  Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.  And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.  God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night.  So the evening and the morning were the first day.  (Genesis 1:1-5)

The best place to begin is the beginning!  Here we are in a brand new year, and launching into a year of reading our Bible through.  Our point of departure is the first chapter of the first book of the Bible.  On this New Year’s Day, we consider the first New Year’s Day—and it starts out with a bang!

In the first sentence, we are introduced to the Author and Subject of this Holy Book.  There is no attempt to prove His existence—logic would dictate that everything made was made by someone—and this Someone is God.  When the beginning began, He was already there—eternal and uncreated.  There is no hint of a spontaneous explosion, where nothing became something, and through eons of time, random events and mutations brought this vast complexity of the universe and all it contains into being.  Rather, we have the determinative act of an Almighty and Sovereign Designer, fashioning all things.  He does as He pleases and directs as He purposes.  Nothing inspired Him but His own will and nothing can thwart that will—and every bit of it for His glory.

From the formless mass, chaos becomes cosmos—the Spirit of God brooding over the primeval oceans as a mother hen hatching her chicks.  Suddenly, by the sheer power of His spoken Word, light erupts from the darkness.  Happy New Year!  Happy new everything!  God said it was good—and so it was.

There would come a day of cosmic sorrow, however.  From bright beginnings, sin’s curse would degrade this good creation—life yielding to death—Satan the usurper claiming dominion relinquished by man’s disobedience.  Remember this, however:

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.  (Maltbie D. Babcock)

Some golden daybreak, there will be the dawn of paradise regained, “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’”  (Rev.21:5a)  Happy Eternal Day!

THE STEPS OF GOD’S MAN

 

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,

And He delights in his way.  (Psalm 37:23)

Our business is to seek by the grace of God to show the goodness of God in our walk, and the business of God is to provide His guidance in our way.  The good man or woman is godly—and the Lord finds pleasure in establishing our path.  This road is ever a good road, but is not always an easy road.  The beloved old hymn puts it like this:

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain  (George A. Young)

Joseph is a classic case.  His serene stroll through flowering fields on mission for his father, in search of his brothers, suddenly turned to trouble.  It took him into a pit, sold as a property, facing a sinful peril, forgotten in a prison—but, then elevated to a palace!  God was ordering that good man’s steps, but, surely, he must have wondered at times.  I know I do.

God knows what we do not.  We live life forward, but understand it backward—how the way of difficulties faced is the way of dreams fulfilled.  This is the providence of God, that calls for patience that we might ultimately see the promises realized.  “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”  (Romans 8:25)  By patience we possess the promises.  Disappointments are His appointments, if we are His.  Never forget that delays are not denials—journey on in faith.  Spurgeon said it well, “By patience the snail reached the ark!”  The way of the good man is the way of the cross—but, the way of the cross leads home!

It is an old cliché: “Haste makes waste.”  Most often it is true.  “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise”  (Hebrews 10:35-36).  We are too quick to discard our confidence as being worthless, when had we persevered we would have been richly rewarded.

Lord,

I can be so impatient!  That is sin.  I am sorry that I have sometimes been so quick to quit when the path became dark, steep, just creeping along, and even brought to a standstill.  Had I continued on, what blessing I might have known!  You know I chafe at the unexpected traffic jam on the highway of life, or the detour that I think diverts me from my destination, when it is directed by You to take me to my goal.  I do not know what this day will bring.  Remind me that its events are in Your sovereign hands.  What is in my hands is to pursue being a good man, and then I will be a guided man and a graced man.  You have promised to direct and delight in one who desires the Highway of Holiness.  Best of all, You will walk with me!  What more could I want?

In the Name of the Good Shepherd, Jesus,

Amen!

THE CHALLENGES CONFRONTING HOPE

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.  So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.  Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.  So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  (Luke 2:1-8) 

Why is it so hard to maintain hope?  That it is difficult is apparent.  Hopelessness is an epidemic today.  There are challenges to hope which on the surface may seem insurmountable.  This is nothing new.  That was true in the first century, even as it is in the twenty-first. 

One of those challenges is OUR WORLD.  In the time when Mary would give birth to the Hope of the World, there was a tyrant on the throne.  When Caesar Augustus spoke, the whole planet moved at his command.  The iron legions of Rome had their boots on the neck of Israel.  Taxes were high and about to get higher.  People were struggling to survive under oppressive conditions.  It sounds very much like our political and economic climate.  We are trying to sail ahead into gale-force winds, stinging rain and ominous clouds.  That can be a challenge to hope.

Couple this with OUR WEAKNESS.  In Luke chapter two, we see two people in the royal line of King David, but they are ordered around like slaves.  Mary is in no shape to travel—she’s nine months pregnant—but she must anyway.  The common man struggled to survive, and the powerful controlled him.  People felt helpless to do anything about it.   We can identify, can’t we?   It is easy for us to be blinded to hope. 

Yet, hope is there—in operation in the invisible, spiritual realm.  God was up to something.  Scripture opens the veil to Heaven’s activity behind the scene.  All the world was put in motion, not merely because of government’s insatiable appetite for more money, but due to God’s zeal for His Word!  There was an obscure prophecy found in Micah 5:2 that must be fulfilled.  It said this, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Mary carries that Baby in her womb.  But there’s a problem with the prophecy—she’s miles and miles away in Nazareth, and Micah said the Child would be born in Bethlehem.  No problem!  God whispers into Caesar’s ear, a new government program is initiated and God’s promise is vindicated!  A human despot makes a decree, but a Sovereign God has already issued the directive.  Man rules and God overrules!  Always remember when you look around and things seem hopeless, that there is more than meets the eye!

WHY WOULD A HOLY GOD LOVE US SO MUCH? OF ALL THE PEOPLE THAT YOU COULD PICK TO BE SO BLESSED TO BE ALLOWED TO SERVE YOU, WHY DID YOU PICK ME? HOW CAN WE, THE CREATED, WRAP OUR MINDS AROUND HOW TRULY GREAT AND LOVING THE CREATOR IS?

More from the series, "Every Bible Question You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask":

  

1)      WHY WOULD A HOLY GOD LOVE US SO MUCH?

If you’ve ever had a kid ask, “Why?” you may have answered, “Because…” and many would think that isn’t an answer.  In the case of the question, “Why would a Holy God love us so much?” it is absolutely an answer—and God gave it in His Word.  Look at this text:

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.  The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face.” (Deuteronomy 7:6-10, emphasis added)

Why does He love us?  BECAUSE!  He chooses to do so based on His nature—He is love itself and immutable in His promises.  Since He has in sovereign grace (clearly we are undeserving) chosen the dregs of the earth and promised to deliver us—He will!  That way he gets all the glory!

Another question is akin to the last one:

2)       OF ALL THE PEOPLE THAT YOU COULD PICK TO BE SO BLESSED TO BE ALLOWED TO SERVE YOU, WHY DID YOU PICK ME?

Sheer grace!  There is no other explanation!  God didn’t choose us because He was compelled to—as though we can add anything to Him, the self-existent One.  Rather, in His infinite wisdom and glorious purposes, He chose us in Christ.  While we may not be able to explain it, we can embrace it and exult in it!

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!  ‎“For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?”  ‎“Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”  ‎For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Rom.11:33-36)

Then there is this follow-up question:

3)       HOW CAN WE, THE CREATED, WRAP OUR MINDS AROUND HOW TRULY GREAT AND LOVING THE CREATOR IS?

Well, can you comprehend the incomprehensible and expect me to explain the inexplicable?  Can we measure the immeasurable or fathom the unfathomable?  How can we define that which is beyond our vocabulary?  If you can wrap your mind around the infinite, then it is no longer infinite and you would be omniscient, which you aren’t and cannot be or you would be God!

This is why we will need eternity and not be bore in an endless exploration of the matchless and boundless love of God—and all His attributes and being!  We will be ever-learning and growing in knowledge of God.  Each experience will bring delight and expand our capacity to know more—and we don’t wait for heaven to begin the quest.  Make this your prayer:

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.  ‎And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Eph.1:17-23)

And this:

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  ‎Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph.3:14-21)