LOOKING UP WHEN FEELING DOWN

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”  (Rev.4:1)

If your head is bowed and your heart is broken, it is time for a change of perspective.  We can choose to lift our head and incline our heart heavenward.  While it may not change the circumstances, it will alter our attitude.  We cannot always control what happens outside us, but we can choose what happens inside us.  

My mother-in-law, Louise Crayton—now in heaven—was one of the most radiant Christians I have ever known.  For the last years of her life she was debilitated by multiple sclerosis that left her immobile.  She couldn’t feed herself, clothe herself—she was like a baby who had to be diapered and cared for.  Despite this, you seldom heard her complain.  Here is what she did say: “It is good that I have been sick because it gives me more time to pray.  When you’re flat on your back, you have nowhere to look, but up!”  Louise had a choice—to wallow in a sickbed of self-pity or to soar by faith into heavenly places.  

The Apostle John, in the fourth chapter of Revelation, gains a new perspective.  He looks up when feeling down.  Remember, he was exiled on the prison island of Patmos.  His only crime was faithfulness to Jesus.  Then, Jesus shows up.  He is without human companionship, but in chapter one he encounters the glorified Christ.  Next, Jesus speaks up.  Chapters two and three record the messages Christ had for His churches.  They were having their struggles.  These seven prophetically point to the course of the age—from the apostles to the apostates—a downward direction.  Yet, even in the midst of decline, there was a faithful remnant—a bride preparing for the bridegroom to come.

Jesus showed up, spoke up, and now in chapter four, John is caught up.  This speaks figuratively of the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH (v.1-3).  At the end of Rev.3, the word “church,” is nor used again until 22:16.  During those chapters of tribulation—as judgments are poured out on a Christ-rejecting world—the church is missing on earth because she has been taken to glory.  John has seen a door opened in heaven and the invitation to enter has been given.  He has heard a trumpet voice that called him.  Maybe today, the trumpet will sound calling the dead in Christ from their graves and the living saints to be translated with them into the clouds (1 Thess.4:16-18). 

There follows the REWARD OF THE CHURCH (v.4-5).  The church will wear a righteous robe.  The soil of sin will be washed away, and we will be dressed fully in the righteousness of Christ.  The twenty-four elders represent the redeemed of all the ages—12 patriarchs of the Old Testament and 12 apostles of the New Testament.  They wear not only a righteous robe, but a royal crown.  We will wear a crown of victory some day!

This brings the REJOICING OF THE CHURCH (v.6-11).  The natural creation adores the Creator.  That is what the four living creatures represent.  The new creation acclaims Him, casting their crowns at His feet!

As the old hymn says, “Some golden daybreak, Jesus will come!”  As the darkness grows about us, look up dear brothers and sisters—a new day will dawn with the coming of the Son!

HOW TO WORK IN THE CHURCH AND LOVE IT

 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.  ‎Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!  (Philippians 4:3-4)

There is a line in traditional wedding vows that says, “for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”  Where there is love, there is service—and you stick to it through the ups and downs.  Church membership is about being in covenant.  We are in a covenant relationship with Christ and His Body—the Church.  How quickly some opt for divorce or move on to another “mate” when times get tough in the local church!  There are seven secrets for loving service given in Philippians 4:1-9.

CONSOLATION (v.1).  We are to console and care for each other—this is the ministry of encouragement and it is what Paul is doing here.  We are in a hostile world.  We daily face the relentless assault of the enemy of our souls.  That’s why Paul felt it necessary to call the Philippians to “stand fast.”  Paul was unashamed in expressing his affection for them, twice calling them “my beloved” in this one verse.  He was also unwavering in expressing his appreciation of them “my joy and crown.”  Love is more than words, but that doesn’t mean words have no power!  A word of encouragement might make the difference to someone today.

CONNECTION (v.2).  The devil is in the disconnecting business.  We see an example in these two women who had a falling out with each other.  Paul’s ministry to them is the ministry of reconciliation—trying to restore the connection.  Love enables us to be long-suffering and forgiving.

COMMUNICATION (v.3).  The Apostle commends those in the church who were communicating the Gospel.  When you love someone, you won’t mind talking about them.  If we loved Jesus as we should, we would freely share it.  Furthermore, the most loving thing you can do for anyone is to tell them about Jesus!  He’s the only Hope!

CELEBRATION (v.4).  When we meet together on Sunday morning, what do we call these times?  Worship….SERVICES!  How is worship a service?  It is rendering service to God as we praise Him and adore Him.  It's what He desires and deserves. If we would reflect on the goodness and greatness of God, we would have no difficulty rejoicing—always.  For even though our circumstances may change—God never does—so we can always rejoice in Him.  Our service should be joyful!

CONSIDERATION (v.5a).  We ought to be renowned for our gentleness—the consideration and compassion we show others.  This consideration is to be extended, “to all men” and that means that to even the inconsiderate, you are considerate.

CONFIDENCE (v.5b).  The Christian who serves most effectively is the one who is aware that the Lord is at hand—close by watching—and is confident that the Lord is at hand—as to His return—and we want to be found working when He comes again.  Jesus is coming—are you confident in that conviction?  It will stir you to get busy serving!

CALM (v.6-9.  St. Francis prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.”  That is a great service that we should all strive for.  We can bring the calm God has brought to our troubled heart into the disturbances of life that others are struggling with.

WHAT KIND OF CHURCH MEMBER ARE YOU?

 

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. (3 John 11)

On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being an embarrassment to the cause of Christ and 10 being a maximum impact Christian, how would you rate yourself as a church member?  Should someone ask your pastor, “What kind of member is (fill in the blank with your name)?” what would he say?  Let me help crystallize your thinking with a few more questions.

ARE YOU A DELIGHTFUL MEMBER?  Gaius was a member who brought joy to the heart of an old pastor, John the Apostle (3 John v.1-8).  Four times John refers to Gaius as “beloved.”  The obvious strong connection—the warmth and affection—they shared should be the goal of every pastor and member.  John wanted the best for Gaius—that he would prosper in every way.  His spiritual prosperity was evident.  John’s prayer is that his financial and physical well-being would be as healthy as that of his soul.  Would you want your pastor to pray that for you?  If he did, would you be bankrupt financially because you are destitute spiritually?  Would you be hospitalized in critical care because your soul is sin-sick?  Gaius was seeking God’s kingdom first, and then trusting God to care of the rest (Matt.6:33).  No wonder he brought delight to the heart of John.  Twice he is commended for walking in the truth.  The truth was in him, transformed him, and fleshed out in obedience.  He was not only marked by truth, but by his love.  Gaius was generous—willing to help anyone in need, but especially supportive of missions (v.5-8).

ARE YOU A DESTRUCTIVE MEMBER?  Diotrepehes was a destroyer (v.9-11).  Great damage has been done to the church because of church members like this.  He was a man ruled by ego. He would not yield to authority, but exerted his autonomy.  Diotrephes desired to be the dominator—a church boss, greedy of position and gorged with pride.  He rejected new people because they might prove to be a threat to his status.  He refused the Apostle John’s teaching.  He wouldn’t receive instruction.  You can’t teach a know-it-all anything, and that was Diotrephes.  Unlike Gaius who was a helper in spreading the Gospel, Diotrephes was a hindrance.  He had an agenda.  His attitude was, “My way or the highway!”  His tongue was a sword to hurt others.  We look at a member like this and question if they are even saved (v.11).  They may not be.

ARE YOU A DEDICATED MEMBER?  Demetrius was a dedicated disciple (v.11-14).  His testimony was credible because his lifestyle was consistent.  If someone mentioned his name in or out of the church, the reaction would be, “I know him!  He’s a good man!”  Is that what people say when your name is spoken?  It was more than reputation—for some can wear a religious mask that hides the reality—Demetrius’ life was in alignment with the truth of God’s Word.  Belief and behavior; character and confession—both matched up.  John knew he could count on Demetrius.  Can the church count on you?

Here are some examples of church members—two good and one bad—which one will you seek to be like?  Maybe you would say, “I’m not as good as the best, but not as bad as the worst.  I’m somewhere in the middle.”  That makes Christ sick!  Read Rev.3:16.

THE PERFECT RECIPE

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.... (Hebrews 10:24)

Would you like to eat a couple of cups of flour?  What about three teaspoons of baking powder?  Maybe if you added a half teaspoon of salt?  How tasty would a half cup of shortening be?  I just ate some of that with a cup of buttermilk--and it was great!  By the way, it had all been stirred together and baked into biscuits!  The stirring makes a big difference!  In Hebrews 10:24, we are commanded “to stir up love and good works” by being blended together.  This is the perfect recipe for encouragement!

We need encouragement because of THE CHALLENGE THAT WE FACE (v.23).  For years an enormous oak tree stood on the road to our church.  Think of all the storms it stood, the seasons it saw, the sicknesses that come to trees that it survived.  But eventually it could not stand there alone--it died and was cut down.  The storms of life are fierce, the seasons of change relentless, the sicknesses of the soul ever seeking to get under our bark or destroy our roots.  We need the encouragement of other saints in order to stand!  

Knowing this, there is THE CONSIDERATION THAT WE FURNISH (v.24a).  It is so easy to turn inward and just consider ourselves--what we need, what we want.  But if everyone does that, then no one is going to have what they need or want.  That kind of describes the current mentality of our nation doesn’t it?  There’s this sense of entitlement where everyone is demanding what they believe is coming to them—and there’s not enough people to pay for it.  That’s not good—but what’s worse is when this spirit invades the church.  There is a story of a man who dreamed about eternity.  In hell, there was a great banquet table of food, people had forks tied to their arms—and the forks were 4 feet long!  Try as they might, they couldn’t get food into their mouths—and were starving—mad with hunger—weeping, wailing and gnashing teeth.   In heaven, there was the same food, the same table, the same forks—but everyone was fed, and laughing—they were reaching across the table feeding each other!  The church is meant to be like that picture of heaven—but it may often resemble that vision of hell!                        

There must be THE COURAGE THAT WE FIND(v.24b-25).  To encourage is to put courage into someone.  This is the whole point of this passage.  We need to encourage each other!  As we do, love is stirred up and good works are mixed in—the perfect recipe is put together to enable us to hold fast to our hope.  There will always be challenges in life, but let us not be so consumed with our own troubles that we fail to consider others and what they are going through.  The genius of the church is that we have a support group that can give courage to one another.  Who needs your encouragement today?

COMFORTING WORDS IN A DISTRESSING WORLD

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11)

The country preacher said, "The pastor's job is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."  God's Word has a way of doing both.  In the context of 1 Thessalonians 5, and Paul's teaching concerning the return of Christ, there is great comfort to be found in that blessed hope—but it can also make us uncomfortable as we know we will stand before Christ in judgment and give an answer for the work we have done, or neglected to do.

Going to sleep in Jesus, when we die, is a good thing, but sleeping on duty is a bad thing!  With that in mind, Paul issues a call to URGENCY (v.1-3).  I heard of an old farmer and his wife jolted awake when the clock struck thirteen!  He jumped out of bed yelling, "Wake up Ethel, it's later than it's ever been!" Indeed, it is.  There is an urgency about our assignment. As we observe all that is happening in our world today, we must ask are we witnessing the labor pains of the coming Kingdom of God soon to be birthed?  There will be a man coming into the growing turmoil who promises peaces, but will bring perdition.

The approaching return of Christ should also inspire FERVENCY (v.4-6). While we ought to ever be motivated to serve Christ, the nearness of His coming should stir us as never before.  We ought to seek to be like the Sons of Issachar, "who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do."  (1 Chron.12:32). Looking up to heaven, ought to move us to roll up our sleeves—inspiration leading to perspiration!

Paul closes the chapter with a word about SUFFICIENCY (v.7-11).  We are Christian soldiers on the battlefield for our Lord.  Our equipment is sufficient for the strife.  The Apostle calls us to dress for combat by putting on the armor of faith, hope, and love.  The blood of Christ is sufficient—it will save to the uttermost. Trust Him!

Encourage those who encourage you (5:12-13).   As a Pastor, it is my duty to encourage the people of God—to give you a pat on the back, or a kick in the seat, as needed.  Believe it or not—I could use some encouragement too!  In fact, pastors are on the front lines, where the fire is the heaviest—and Satan trains his artillery on God's leaders.  If he can bring them down, then others are made vulnerable.  Those encouragements include praise, prayer, thanksgiving, prophesying, discernment of error,  and abstinence from evil (5:14-28).

Let us spur one another on!  We may well be heading down the homestretch, the finish line approaching—and then to be with Jesus forever and ever!  These are comforting words in a distressing world!

  

CHEER UP!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

Watch an hour of two of cable news before you go to bed, and you are sure to toss and turn with a troubled heart.  Imported right into your home will be all the carnage and destruction from near and far, burning graphic images into your mind, and driving peace from it.  While believers are not to succumb to naiveté, neither should we to yield to gloom and doom.  Just listen to how we talk!  So much of our conversation is about how bad things are, and anticipating worse.  Indeed, the world is careening toward judgment, but THAT IS NOT THE END!  The end of it all is Christ on the throne, paradise restored, and eternal joy for the people of God!  A woman knows the birth pains are part of the joy of childbirth (John 16:21).  She can look beyond the contractions to the celebration of new life—and this is the attitude that Jesus calls us to have in John 16:33.

We can cheer up because of Christ’s CRUCIFIXION (John 16:16-22, 29-33).  Here we observe this dichotomy—the darkness that would descend upon the disciples due to watching Jesus be seized and slain, but the light that would arise because of His atoning work on Calvary.  There would be no possibility of real peace in our hearts without experiencing peace with God—and that was only possible through putting away our sins.  This is what Jesus would accomplish in the horror of the cross; He would bring us the hope of forgiveness.  We are reconciled to God by the blood He shed so cheer up!

We can cheer up because of Christ’s RESURRECTION (John 16:16-22).  If the cross and the cemetery were the end of Him, then that would be the end of hope, yet He assured His followers repeatedly that He would see them again!  The lifeless eyes that closed in death would pop back open on the third day, as up from the grave He arose!  Jesus called them to look beyond the tribulation He would suffer, and see the triumph that He would secure.  We serve a risen Savior who has defeated death so cheer up!

We can cheer up because of Christ’s INTERCESSION (John 16:23-28).  After His resurrection, the disciples would face another disappointment—Jesus would leave them after forty days and they would watch Him ascend back into heaven.  Even in this, there would be a glorious purpose—He would be the intercessor for us to the Father—praying for us continually—and consider this: because of our relationship secured by Him, the way of bold access has been opened where we may come directly to the throne of grace!  Are you facing troubles today?  Take it to the Lord in prayer.  He is listening.  Cheer up!

We can cheer up because of Christ’s REVELATION (John 16:22).  We need not limit this promise to His resurrection, but see it extending to His revelation at His second coming.  There is no need to wring our hands and pace the floor today, when I know all will be well some glorious day!  Jesus has overcome the world!  The war is won and all that remains is the mopping up of some pockets of enemy resistance—and that day is approaching.  Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!  Hallelujah!  Cheer up!

OUTLAWS OR IN-LAWS?

and Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God.  (Exodus 18:5)

What is the difference between outlaws and in-laws?  Outlaws are wanted!  We laugh because it is too often true.  The real difficulties dealing with blood relatives may be even more immense in having a good relationships with those connected through marriage.  Exodus 18 shows the way to productive rather than painful relationships in family life.

ENJOY your family (v.1-6).  Jethro desires to see Moses.  We should find it a blessing to be around our kin, instead of a burden.  Love is a choice.  Jethro and Moses chose to love one another.  You’ve heard the old definition of mixed emotions?  Seeing your mother-in-law drive over a cliff in your new car!  That wasn’t true with my late mother-in-law, Louise Crayton.  She loved me like a son.  We enjoyed each other and now that she and husband Bob are in heaven, I still miss them so much!

Don’t ENVY other family (v.1).  Are we excited or envious when other family members succeed?  Jethro was thrilled over what God had done through his son-in-law.  Recall how Joseph’s brothers envied him (Gen.37) and wanted to kill him, setting off a chain reaction of heartache?  Thankfully, there was reconciliation in their relationship.  Can we celebrate the achievement of other relatives?

ESTABLISH your family (v.2-5).  Jethro brought his beloved daughter and precious grandsons to Moses.  He knew the Biblical command, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife…” (Gen.2:24).  We have to love enough to let go.  We cannot form secure bonds of love in marriage, until we loosen those with our parents.  It isn’t that we ever stop loving and honoring them, but that our priority becomes the establishment of our new home.  Parents can help or hinder that process. 

EDUCATE your family (v.3-4).  The names given to Moses’ sons were full of meaning.  They conveyed the Scriptural truth and testified to Moses experience that we are pilgrims in this world, and that to make it through we need God’s help.  As God had guided and guarded Moses, so He would be faithful to his sons.  Don’t leave the instruction of your children with the church.  We can support parents in teaching, but cannot supplant them!

EMBRACE your family (v.7). Their was a genuine affection expressed.  Make it a point to tell your family that you love them and hold them close.  There will come a time when distance—and ultimately death—will separate you.  Love them while you can.

EDIFY your family (v.8-27).  You can build each other up, or tear one another down.  Moses’ family was bound together in worship (v.8-12).  The family that prays together stays together.  They were bound together through wisdom (v.13-27).  Jethro is concerned for his son-in-law, but doesn’t come across as a know-it-all. The result would be that Moses would not be a “workaholic,” and damage his family relationships, as so often happens.  Be a loving in-law and not an outlaw!

CONFIDENT HOPE DESPITE FRAILTY

“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”  But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”  (Exodus 3:10-11)

 

If a cat ever sits on a hot stove that cat will never sit on one again!  In fact, he won’t even sit on a cold one! 

 

Have you ever been burned?  You tried to do something good and it blew up in your face.  It’s hard to see yourself as anything but a failure and in your mind promise, “I’m not doing that again!”

 

So it was with Moses.  God showed up in dramatic fashion to arrest his stumbling servant’s attention.  But, Moses began to question whether he was the man for the job.  His past failure accentuated his present frailty and he began to make excuse after excuse.  “Who am I?” he incredulously responded to God’s re-commission.   The Lord let Him know—and we must grasp this—it isn’t who we are, but Who God is that makes the difference!

 

God answered each objection Moses presented.

 

He answered by giving SIGNS.  In Exodus 4:1-9 there are three supernatural signs offered to Moses. 

 

Here’s the first:

 

Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’ ” ‎So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.”  And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.  Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), “that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” (4:1-5)

 

God doesn’t call us without equipping us.  If He has a work for us, then He provides the tools.  This shepherd staff would nevermore be the rod of Moses, but would be called, “The rod of God.”  It is a symbol of the power of God committed to the hand of man.   In the hand of Moses, that staff could only do what Moses could do—and that’s not much—but surrendered and reclaimed in faith it could do what the great I AM could do!  But what we have must be surrendered to Him or it has the nature of the Serpent about it!

 

Moses was also given SUPPORT.

 

Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”  So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?  Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.”  So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.  Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do.  So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.  (Exodus 4:10-16)

 

Moses had limitations.  He worried about his speech impediment.  Plain and simple, none of us have all the gifts, but all of us have some of the gifts, so that together we can do all God has for us despite our own frailty.  God gives people to assist us. 

 

Hope has been reborn!   Look at this:

 

Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel.  ‎And Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the people.  ‎So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped. (Ex.4:29-31)

 

There would be more challenges to be sure.  Still God would overcome and fulfill His promises.  Human frailty does not short-circuit His omnipotent ability.

 

So you’re messed up.  You think God wouldn’t have you.  How many fail to come to Christ because they think they have been too bad or waited too long?  While there’s breath, there’s hope—but don’t delay another day!  God can give you a brand new start in life, and a brand new destination for eternity.  You can be reborn spiritually. 

 

A lot of Christians aren’t doing what they might because of allowing past failures to hold them back.  Let me ask you, “What’s in your hand?”  You may think it nothing, but God can transform it into something.  Surrender to the will of God.  There is hope for you to yet fulfill His purpose for your life.

 

 

 

THERE IS HOPE!

From my morning devotions in “A Leader’s Heart” by John Maxwell, August 22, 2013

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

There is surely a future hope for you,

And your hope will not be cut off.

(Prov.23:18 NIV)

One of the greatest gifts leaders can give to those around them is hope.  Never underestimate its power.  Winston Churchill was once asked by a reported what his country’s greatest weapon was against the Hitler’s Nazi regime. Without pausing for a moment he said: “it was what England’s greatest weapon has always been—hope.”

People will continue working, struggling, and trying if they have hope. …It is a leader’s job to hold hope high, to instill it in the people he leads. …Battle of Verdun hero Marshal Foch observed, “There are no hopeless situations: there are only men who have grown hopeless about them.” (p.245)

It is my prayer that I can lead you to look up to Jesus, and that whatever challenge you are facing today, no matter how deep the valley, and dark the path you walk, that God’s promise of hope will break through to light your way and lift your spirit.

May Pole Creek Baptist Church ever be a place where you can find hope!

MINISTRY MARATHON

[This is a re-post from last year.  I think it a timely topic to address.  Maybe it will help some preacher of the Gospel.]

“So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah the king's son, which was in the guard's courtyard, lowering Jeremiah with ropes. There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.” (Jeremiah 38:6 HCSB)

Ministry is a marathon. It isn’t a sprint to the swiftest, but a grueling race of endurance to the strongest.

As Paul was coming to the conclusion of his marathon, he challenged the next runner who will take up the baton of truth—young Timothy—that he must run with endurance. He let him know that he can forget about being popular with the crowd, if he is going to be pleasing to Christ. The Apostle spoke from experience. Paul wrote of the marathon of his own ministry with vivid detail in a letter to the church at Corinth:

“But as God's ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardship, by difficulties, by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors,
by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the message of truth, by the power of God; through weapons of righteousness on the right hand and the left, through glory and dishonor, through slander and good report; as deceivers yet true; as unknown yet recognized; as dying and look—we live; as being disciplined yet not killed; as grieving yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing yet possessing everything.” (2 Cor.6:4-10)

He knew the race would require great rigor, but in the end there would be glorious reward. The servant of the Lord must maintain that view, if he is to complete his race.

There will certainly be hardships that will test his endurance. That is the nature of a marathon. Jeremiah is a case study on this topic.

There was a CRITICAL ACCUSATION.

“Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard the words Jeremiah was speaking to all the people: ‘This is what the Lord says: “Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live. He will keep his life like the spoils [of war] and will live.”

This is what the Lord says: “This city will most certainly be handed over to the king of Babylon's army, and he will capture it.”’

The officials then said to the king, ‘This man ought to die, because he is weakening the morale of the warriors who remain in this city and of all the people by speaking to them in this way. This man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but disaster.’ King Zedekiah said, ‘Here he is; he's in your hands since the king can't do anything against you.’” (Jeremiah 38:1-5)

Jeremiah told the uncomfortable truth they did not want to hear—a message of judgment. He didn’t originate it; he only proclaimed it. If he would be faithful to God, he could not tell them what they desired to hear. Love demanded that he tell them what they needed to hear. That is not the path to popularity, but it is the pathway to persecution.

So, they basically accused the prophet of treason—and called for the death penalty. It sounds like what they did to Jesus, doesn’t it? Jesus said He was a King, and they branded him an enemy of the state. Pilate’s response paralleled that of Zedekiah—washing his hands of it—and letting the mob have its murderous way. Let justice be hanged on the cross of expedience. Remember, Jesus warned the servant is not greater than his Master. If He was so treated, we can expect no different. The marathon takes you up the Calvary Road.

There was a CRUEL CONDEMNATION.

“So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah the king's son, which was in the guard's courtyard, lowering Jeremiah with ropes. There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.” (Jer.38:6)

They didn’t want to just kill him; they wanted him to suffer first. Picture this old prophet, in a dark hole, waste deep in cold mud, shivering—it was torture. He would not die quickly, but would wish to die every second that seemed like an eternity. Such is the hate of those who hate God. That is the rage against the preacher that is rooted in the rejection of the Word.

We have brothers and sisters who are being brutalized this very hour. In dark places in our world, they are incarcerated in horrid conditions. Torture is inflicted on them in an attempt to cause them to deny Christ. There is no mercy, just mockery—no sympathy, just scorn. The wicked cannot reach up to heaven and attack Christ, so they reach out and afflict His ambassadors. They can’t stop the message, so they silence the messengers. The word martyr literally means witness. We associate it with those who have died for their faith. That is because the price of witness may result in a death sentence—it has for many.

What if the finish line for our faith is in a cistern? What if our marathon takes us waist deep into mud? Will we still speak out? The spiritual depravity of our world today—should it continue on this steep decline—makes intense persecution seem likely.

There was a COMPASSIONATE INTERVENTION.

“But Ebed-melech, a Cushite court official employed in the king's palace, heard Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Benjamin Gate, Ebed-melech went from the king's palace and spoke to the king:

‘My lord the king, these men have been evil in all they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have dropped him into the cistern where he will die from hunger, because there is no more bread in the city.’

So the king commanded Ebed-melech, the Cushite, ‘Take from here 30 men under your authority and pull Jeremiah the prophet up from the cistern before he dies.’ So Ebed-melech took the men under his authority and went to the king's palace to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them by ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern. Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, ‘Place these old rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.’ Jeremiah did so, and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern, but he continued to stay in the guard's courtyard.” (Jer.38:7-13)

Life and death are in the hands of God. Pontius Pilate thought he was deciding the fate of Jesus. He wanted Jesus to give him a reason to spare Him.

“So Pilate said to Him, ‘You're not talking to me? Don't You know that I have the authority to release You and the authority to crucify You?’

‘You would have no authority over Me at all,’ Jesus answered him, ‘if it hadn't been given you from above.’”  (John 19:10-11a)

The Lord still had more work for Jeremiah to do. We are immortal until our ministry is complete. Only God knows where the finish line of the marathon ends. He determines it. Jeremiah thought he was all alone, but the Lord had someone to stand with him.

God bless old Ebed-melech! The compassionate, courageous black man was in the right place, at the right time, with the right words. Then look how tenderly, he helps lift the old preacher out of the pit. The eunuch would be rewarded for his kindness.

“Now the word of the Lord had come to Jeremiah when he was confined in the guard's courtyard: ‘Go tell Ebed-melech the Cushite: This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill My words for harm and not for good against this city. They will take place before your eyes on that day. But I will rescue you on that day’-- this is] the Lord's declaration—‘and you will not be handed over to the men you fear.
Indeed, I will certainly deliver you so that you do not fall by the sword. Because you have trusted in Me, you will keep your life like the spoils [of war].’ [This is] the Lord's declaration.” (Jer.39:15-18)

God marks down every good deed done for His servants. It is an investment with eternal dividends. Jesus promised:

“The one who welcomes you welcomes Me, and the one who welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he's righteous will receive a righteous person's reward.

And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple—I assure you: He will never lose his reward!" (Matt.10:40-42)

Ministry can be tough. We may think of dropping out. I know I have—numerous times. But, God has always sent someone to lift me out of that darkness. When I was in a waterless well, someone placed a refreshing cup of water to my lips. So, I preach on! Thank you to all those who intercede for me with the King, and who intervene for me when I am attacked. You have made a difference in my life on earth and your compassion will make a difference in your life in eternity!

There was a CONTINUED REJECTION.

“King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance of the Lord's temple. The king said to Jeremiah, ‘I am going to ask you something; don't hide anything from me.’

Jeremiah replied to Zedekiah, ‘If I tell you, you will kill me, won't you? Besides, if I give you advice, you won't listen to me anyway.’” (Jer.38:14-15)

The king did not listen. Jeremiah told him to surrender and the city would not be burned, his household would be spared, but if not, there would be no escape. Zedekiah resisted the will of God, made a run for it—but did not escape. Judgment fell on Jerusalem.

The sinful heart of man is as stubborn as ever. Noah begged the people to flee to the refuge of the ark before the judgment descended. They mocked him—and drowned. Prophet after prophet was sent to warn Israel to repent and they beat them and butchered them—and Israel was carried into captivity. John the Baptist called for repentance and they cut his head off—but Herod is in hell today. Jesus took up the same message and they crucified Him—and Jerusalem was ravaged in AD 70 as the Lord predicted would happen if they rejected Him. So, the story goes. Men of God still cry out to flee the wrath to come. Their message is still that salvation is found in surrender to the will of God. Yet, man relies on his own wisdom. He follows his own twisted reason and seeks his own way of salvation. All he finds is judgment.

“At Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered Zedekiah's sons before his eyes, and he [also] slaughtered all Judah's nobles. Then he blinded Zedekiah and put him in bronze chains to take him to Babylon. The Chaldeans next burned down the king's palace and the people's houses and tore down the walls of Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan, the commander of the guards, deported the rest of the people to Babylon-those who had remained in the city and those deserters who had defected to him along with the rest of the people who had remained.” (Jer.39:6-9)

Imagine—the last visual image forever burned into Zedekiah’s mind was the memory of his sons being killed.  He would carry that horror for the rest of his days. One of the worst things about hell will be memory—to recall forever with regret what might have been had one listened to the preacher.

There was a COMFORTING LIBERATION.

“[Speaking] through Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon gave orders concerning Jeremiah, saying: ‘Take him, look after him, and don't let any harm come to him; do for him whatever he says.’ Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer the Rab-mag, and all the captains of the king of Babylon had Jeremiah brought from the guard's courtyard and turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, to take him home. So he settled among [his own] people.” (Jer.39:11-14)

The pagans appreciated Jeremiah’s ministry more than the people of God did! I can verify this paradox. There have been a few occasions where sinners have attacked me, but the greatest hurts I have ever endured have been delivered by church people. The attack of the world is a frontal assault, when it comes, and can be anticipated. The knife in the back, through the treachery of those you considered friends, plunges in the deepest.

Jeremiah was nevertheless vindicated and liberated! He was free to pursue his ministry. God’s man acknowledged God’s hand. The Sovereign God was in control and moved even a heathen king’s heart to provide for his welfare. There is great freedom in knowing that God is in charge—whether we are in the darkness or in the daylight, safe at home or stuck in mud. Paul, in prison for preaching the Gospel said it this way,

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in [the cause of] Christ. Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly. To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others out of good will. These do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me anxiety in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith [that comes from] the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance-and this is from God. For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.” (Philippians 1:12-30)

His hands were in fetters—yet his heart was utterly free! He finished his race with joy! So can you. Pray that I will…many have stumbled and fallen.

BE ENCOURAGED AND BE AN ENCOURAGER

There are a lot of good people serving in our churches that are struggling.  They are just ground down.  I want to be someone to encourage them--a lifter of leaders!

We need to be people who are putting courage into people, rather than sucking it out!  AND I WANT TO PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH!  All of us get weary in the work, but let us not grow weary of the work.  We may not always get it perfect, but we can surely make progress!  Remember, that the bottom line is about loving God and loving people.  Let us ask ourselves, “Am I applying 1 Cor.13 prayerfully and persistently?”  

Thanks for your efforts and may each of us embrace our responsibility to be a load lifter today--and especially of those in leadership who are on the front lines and under the hottest fire!  For our church volunteers, may we inspire rather than tire, so they don’t just retire. J  With that in mind, here is a neat link if you haven’t had a chance to read it.

Please let me know what you think of these ideas.

http://toddrhoades.com/how-to-lead-an-exhausted-team/

"Out in the highways and byways of life,

  Many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

  Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,

Out of my life may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,

  Make me a blessing to someone today."

Great song!  Do you know it?  That’s what I want to be.

Grace and Peace,

Dennis