OUR BLESSED HOPE!

Whatever problems you have had in your past, or struggles you have in the present, know this—a child of God has a glorious future—our blessed hope!  We see this in Revelation 7. Specifically, I understand these verses point to those who come to Christ in the future Great Tribulation, but spiritually these promises apply to all God’s people. 

There is the promise of SALVATION, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” (v. 14). Apart from Christ, there is no hope. We cannot wash away the stain of our sins by the sprinkling of water, or the sacraments we observe, or the self-effort in religion we exert. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us. Yet, Hallelujah, His blood does wash us, and we shall stand before a Holy God in white robes!

Further, we find the promise of SERVICE, “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them,” (v. 15).  When I was a child and heard preachers speak of Heaven, it seemed that all we would do is float around on a cloud, strumming a harp, and that seemed rather boring. Yet, heaven will be a place where we will employ the gifts God has given us, unencumbered by the toil and travail of thorns and thistles. It will be service without sweat! 

The promise of SATISFACTION, “They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat,” (v. 16).  This world is under the curse of sin, and so there is hunger, thirst, and  a scorching sun—paradise has become more like perdition. Nothing this world offers brings lasting satisfaction. Yet, there is coming a day when the curse is reversed. God’s people will be blessed with continual provision, and thus perpetual satisfaction!

The promise of SERENITY“for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (v. 17‬‬). What a beautiful picture of peace! These words remind us of Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” (v. 1-2).

In this fallen creation, we sometimes enjoy an oasis in the desert, but before long we find ourselves once more in the valley of the shadow of death. The tears flow like a river as we face the death of loved ones, and our own demise. Heartaches and disappointments abound. Yet, our hope is in knowing that God will personally wipe away our tears when we reach the glory of eternity! Suffering and sorrow will be supplanted by serenity!

What a blessed hope!  Press on weary pilgrim; the Celestial City awaits! “And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever,” (Ps. 23:6b).

LOVE, TRUTH, AND JOY

John was an old man—the last of the Twelve—who writes 2 John, this small, but substantive letter.  Was it literally written to a sister in Christ, or a church using symbolic language?  That debate will be for another time—for now, we recognize that it is eternal truth for us!  Three themes dominate the text: love, truth, and joy. 

We begin with LOVE, as John does. Love is used four times, (v. 1, 3, 5-6). In the first two, there is a connection to truth. Indeed, in the last two, there is the implication of truth, as love is spoken of as being commanded. Love and truth walk hand in hand. Love without truth is a toxic empathy—not really love. It is tolerating the intolerable, condoning the sinful, even celebrating the evil. It is tantamount to giving someone a pat on the back on their way to hell! Love cares enough to confront with truth, yet ever with a heart of compassion. I have never forgotten what John Maxwell said, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” You can have a mouth full of theological propositions, but a heart empty of real compassion. 

So, we move on to TRUTH. Truth is mentioned five times, (v. 1 [twice], v. 2-4).  We may add a term synonymous with Gospel truth, and that is “doctrine,” referenced three times (twice in v. 9 and once in v. 10). In addition, the core of the letter is a call to confront error, (v. 7-11). While we must be reminded that love without truth is toxic empathy, truth without love is cruel brutality. We must, however, equip our people to discern deception and reject it. It is not nit-picking about peripheral matters where genuine Christians may disagree, but it is holding to courageous convictions concerning the core of Christianity. John speaks particularly of the doctrine of Christ. Every cult and false religion denies the incarnation—the Only Begotten Son of God, fully God and fully man—and the only Way, the sole Truth, and the unique source of Life. We are to do all we can to defeat such deception by wielding the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!

Finally, John stresses JOY. Joy is referenced twice—once as “rejoiced,” (v. 4) and then as “joy,” in v. 12. Joy is the result of seeing the children of God walking in truth and love. Walking suggests progress—advancing in the things of God. Disciples have not arrived at perfection yet, for that awaits Heaven, but there ought to be progression in sanctification. Truth does not have to be taught with a scowl on the face and a growl in the voice. Doctrine ought to be declared with delight!  While, what I am sharing with you online I pray is helpful, there is nothing like being personally in the house of God with the people of God to hear the word of God as we engage in the worship of God for the glory of God!  John’s joy would be fully experienced as he saw his brothers and sisters face to face. May this be our reality on this Lord’s Day!

If you attend a liberal church where a false love is promoted to the exclusion of truth, get out as fast as you can!  Should you attend a legalistic church where truth is used to beat people down instead of lifting them up, find another church. If you attend a lifeless church, where it seems more like a funeral home than a joyful celebration, pray for revival to come, and if it does not, then go where you can rejoice in the Risen Lord! 

There are three other words that should claim our attention in John’s greeting: “Grace, mercy, and peace…from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ,” (v. 3). The bottom line is this: our capacity to express God’s love, to expound God’s truth, and to experience His joy springs from a genuine experience of salvation. Grace is receiving what we do not deserve—eternal life; mercy is not getting what we do deserve—no condemnation, being forgiven; peace is what results from these—peace with the Father through the Son!

LIVING IN THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is not meant to be only a holiday, but a holy devotion—not an event, but a lifestyle!  This is in contrast to the negativity we observe all about us these days. 

Negativity produces toxicity. There are many unhealthy churches because of the poisonous attitudes preached from pulpits and parked in pews!  

If ever a man had an excuse for complaining, it was Paul in the circumstances he finds himself in as he wrote to the Philippians. But, instead there is an expression of celebration!  Joy flows from the pages of this letter, and the crescendo is reached in 4:4-20. 

Paul calls us to PRAISE, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (v. 4-5). We make the choice to praise. While the circumstances may be bad, the Lord is good—and we rejoice in Him. Because He is always good, we can always rejoice. No matter how you feel, God is unchanging. 

A grateful heart toward God will gender a gentle spirit toward others. Ultimately, we know the Lord is with us and is literally returning soon!  It will be OK!  Hallelujah!

The Apostle commands us to PRAYER, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (v. 6). The formula is simple to say—though challenging to do—and that’s why few do it!  But, here it is: worry about nothing, pray about everything, be thankful for anything. 

Are you facing a challenge that is beyond you?  Then, why worry about it?  Will worry fix it?  Give it to the One who in His sovereignty permits it and in our supplication will help us. Indeed, we can express thanksgiving even before the situation changes—and this is faith verbalized. Do we believe Romans 8:28?

Those living in thanksgiving are promised PEACE, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (v. 7-9).  A supernatural peace flows from the Infinite God. You cannot explain it, but you can experience it. I am not sure how electricity works, but I’m not going to sit in the dark until I do!  In the dark times, claim the peace of God that will brighten your days. 

His peace will function as a sentry, so that when the devil seeks to make you doubt, that peace will drive the enemy away. When we choose to meditate on the true, noble, just, pure, lovely, the good reports, the virtuous, and praiseworthy, that peace of God will fill our soul!  

Paul is an example. He practiced what he preached!

Rely on God’s POWER,  “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (v. 10-13). No matter the physical state Paul found himself in, he had the spiritual power to rejoice in the Lord—and that not a little, but a lot!  Whether he was abased or abounding, famished or full, he knew the resources of the Almighty Christ. That same Savior is with us!  The promise is not of power to do what you want to do,  but what you ought to do—and that is truly only what we should want to do anyway.

Trust in God’s PROVISION, “Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound.  I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ” (v. 14-19).  The progress of the Gospel moves on the provision of support from God’s people.  God so loved the world that He gave, and if we love Him, and the church that is Christ’s bride, as well as the lost He died to save, then we must give also. 

Thank God for the faithful giving of His people across the centuries and that is why we are saved and have opportunity to continue investing in that which is of eternal significance. 

Our giving is not about fulfilling a grudging obligation, but a glad offering. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. It is a matter of the heart and an expression of worship. If you trust God by giving, He promises to supply all your needs. You cannot out-give God.

We are reminded in conclusion of our ultimate PURPOSE,  “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (v. 20‬‬). All the universe is moving toward the glory of God. It is all about Him—His praise and worship. Whatever happens, however we feel, no matter the conditions, we are assured that ultimately it all redounds to His glory. It is God’s proper desire and rightful due. Living in thanksgiving is about giving God glory. It will be the order of eternity, so it is time we start practicing on earth!

Let us choose to be living in thanksgiving!

YAHWEH OUR PEACE

“So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The- LORD - Is -Peace.” (Judges 6:24a)

God raised Gideon up to overthrow the Midianites that were oppressing Israel.  He felt inadequate—troubled and anxious—but, God gave him peace in his heart.  Thus, he memorializes that experience in constructing an altar and naming it Yahweh Shalom—the LORD our Peace.  It is a truth we ought treasure in our hearts today that leads us to worship that name!

Are you troubled today?  I think of the angelic announcement to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy….Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Lk.2:10a, 14).

God does not give peace apart from Himself. He gives Himself as our peace, “For He Himself is our peace,” (Eph.2:14).  Through Jesus we have “peace with God” (Rom.5:1) and in that reconciled relationship live in “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, [that] will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:7).

Here is the promise of Christ, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John‬ ‭14:27‬).  I pray, “Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.” (Rom.15:33).

THE GENTLENESS OF GOD: A PROMISE TO CLAIM

“For thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.’” (Isaiah‬ ‭66:12-13‬)

“I will…” is the assurance of God’s action. God cannot lie.  What He says He will do rest assured He will do.

There is the promise of peace as we rest in God’s arms, “I will extend peace...like a river...” (v.12a).  As a gentle river flows, creating a sound that soothes a troubled soul, thus God sends a stream of peace constant and comforting to His children. It is a lullaby to His child.

There is the promise of provision, “Then you shall feed...” (v.12b) fed as a mother feeds the babe with the breast, and carried on the hip as a mother carries her child, “On her sides shall you be carried...” (v.12c), and bounced on the knees as a mother plays with her young one, “and be dandled on her knees” (v.12d).

That is a picture of comfort, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you” (v.13a) and it is the promise of God!  “You shall be comforted...” (v.13b). Not all the powers of hate can diminish this promise of love!

OTHERS

Read Romans 15. 

If God is our Father, that makes all His children to be our brothers and sisters.  We are in the same family and are to relate to each other in love.

Those who are strong ought to bear with the tender souls of the weak.  “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” (Rom.15:1-2). We are not to drive the sheep like cattle, but lead them like lambs.  Those mature in faith are not meant to be arrogant and indifferent to the immature, but to lovingly lead them.  Our concern is to build others up in faith.

Those whom Christ has received need to be received into the church. “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” (v.7). The compassion of Christ has reached out to sinners with grace and mercy, and He has embraced us.  Even more, He has come to dwell in us.  When we receive others, we receive Him.  This, in turn, brings us into the purpose for which we have been redeemed—to glorify God. 

Those God has brought together in His family are meant to admonish one another. “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” (v.14). To admonish is to inform and correct, or as some translations render it, “instruct.”  As we grow in moral goodness and Biblical knowledge, we are meant to help others do likewise.  Someone else in the body is always farther along than us and can instruct us, while someone else is behind us and we can instruct them.

Those in the church can be at peace through the presence of the Prince of Peace. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (v.33). Here is the source of our unity.  The God of peace who has given us His peace can now enable us to abide in peace with one another in the church.

The Christian life is about others, not about me.

JUSTIFIED!

Read Romans 5.

What does it mean to be, “justified”?  Someone has said, “It is JUST AS IF I’D never sinned.”

Of course, we are sinners—Scripture makes that clear.  In this chapter, we are referred to as, “ungodly” (v.6), “sinners” (v.8), and “enemies” of God (v.10). Yet, by God’s grace and through faith in the work of Christ, we can be declared, “justified,” and “have peace with God” (v.1).  Our sins are blotted out.  The record of our crimes against God’s law has been expunged.  We were guilty, but now pardoned by the Judge!

The Triune God has undertaken to bring salvation to us.  By God the Father’s initiative, He has sent His Son to be our Savior (v.1). God the Son paid the price for our sins and reconciled us to the Father (v.6, 8-11, 15-21). The Son of God became the Son of Man, that the sons of men might become the sons of God.  Further, God the Spirit, has been given to us (v.5), binding our hearts to God with love outpoured within us (v.5). His presence assures us of the unfailing hope of heaven.  It is not only the death of Jesus, but His life within us that assures us, “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, MUCH MORE, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS LIFE.” (v.10, emphasis added).

What a reason to rejoice!  We “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character; and character, hope.” (v.2b-4). “And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” (v.11).

Christ on the cross, suspended between eternity and earth, has connected the two.  His arms outstretched, with one reaching to Holy God, and the other reaching to sinful humanity—that cross becomes the great “plus sign,” that equals reconciliation in God’s equation of salvation.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Proverbs 17:1-2, 6, 14, 21, 25

Solomon shares with us many principles for family life throughout the Proverbs, and in this chapter there are several featured.  Sadly, he failed to abide by these truths in many ways, showing that it is easier to say it than to do it.  Yet, if we will apply these axioms, then family life can be the closest thing to heaven on earth.  Failing in the family will bring the closest thing to hell on earth.

1.  HARMONY IN THE HOME IS HEAVENLY. “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” (v.1, 14). You can live in a palace, but without peace in that home, you are impoverished. The presence of strife ruins the appetite. The best place to stop an argument is before it starts. A heart full of love, the spirit of forgiveness, humility, and self-control, exercised by one another, brings such heavenly harmony.  Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to descend as the Dove of Peace on our household. It isn’t my way or my spouse’s way, but God’s way that we ought to seek.

2. GROUNDING CHILDREN IN THE TRUTH BRINGS BLESSING.  “A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.  He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.  A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.” (v.2, 21, 25). Here we see the opposite.  There is shame and sorrow when children are not grounded in the Word of God.  Therefore, let us seek to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph.6:4). Solomon knew what he was talking about. His son Rehoboam failed to receive these truths. 

3.  HAVING CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CAN BE GLORIOUS. “Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” (v.6 NKJV). When children can glory in their father—watching him walk with God, love their mother, and lead them in truth, they may grow up to follow in his footsteps and enable him to know the glory of grandchildren.  Our children’s children can be such a source of delight!  As the old fellow said, “If I had known grandkids would be so much fun, I would have had them first!”

May the Lord help us build our home according to the Bible blueprint!  Let us study, submit to, and share these Scriptural principles in our family.

PASSIONATE PRAYING

Read Psalm 4.

There should be earnestness in our praying—not going through the motions, mouthing a few pious phrases, checking it off our “to do list” and then moving on.  Such praying is wasted breath.  It rises no higher than the ceiling.  It is like those who draw near to God with their lips, while their heart is far from Him.

David’s plea was urgent and passionate.  He needs an answer from God.  There is confidence God will hear because God has relieved him from distress before.  There is confidence, yet not the arrogance of a petulant, demanding child.  He begs for mercy.  Yet, there is boldness to come to the throne of grace.   He needs deliverance from his foes, and their diabolical schemes.

David was a man after God’s own heart.  That did not make him immune from the attacks of others.  In fact, it guarantees it.  If you please God, you will displease a lot of people.  Yet, David realizes that he is in God’s hands.

How do you feel when people lie about you?  It angered David—and that is an emotional response, altogether proper.  But, he speaks within his heart a warning not to allow that anger to be sinfully expressed.  He will not take matters into his own hands, but trust in a sovereign God to whom vengeance properly belongs.  He calms his soul by meditating on the Lord while he lies in bed.

David directed his heart from looking around him at his enemies, to looking above him at his God.  He worships.  He trusts.  Having been attacked, he puts it in the hands of the Lord.  The anger then dissipates.  The potential fear dissolves.  Instead, David expresses joy and experiences peace.  Despite his circumstances, and the threats of men, he reposes in the arms of God.  Can you find a safer place?

THE KINGDOM COME

So the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on, even forever.  (Micah 4:7b)

Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father, “Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  (Matt.6:10)  He means to literally answer that petition that has been countlessly offered for two thousand years.  The fourth chapter of Micah tells us of a future time—much closer now than ever—when the kingdoms of men are supplanted by the kingdom of God.

Our Lord was born into this world to be Lord and Savior, yet rejected by man.  Jesus presented Himself to Israel as their Messiah.  He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, but within days they demanded His crucifixion.  There is coming a day, when the King who rode on a donkey into the city of David will the next time ride into Jerusalem on a white horse as King of kings.  The return of Jesus to Jerusalem will usher in earth’s golden age (v.1-2).  The nation of Israel that last saw Him crowned Him with thorns will see Him crowned with glory!  A new temple will be built, with all people flowing into it for worship.  Jews and Gentiles will be gathered to study His Word and submit to His will.

This violent, war-wracked world will see an industry of selling arms, transformed into supporting agriculture (v.3-5) for the Prince of Peace will reign in Zion.  At the outset of the Millennium—the thousand year reign of Christ—the nations will be gathered for judgment.  The sheep will be divided from the goats—the saved separated from the sinners.  All who enter that kingdom will be those who are God’s redeemed.  Tragically, the rest will be cast into hell.  

The lame will be made to walk, the outcast will be welcomed, the afflicted will be healed—all that Jesus previewed in His first coming will be realized fully in His second coming (v.6-8).  That thousand year reign on earth will give way to the eternal state, voiced in the Hallelujah Chorus, “and He shall reign forever and ever!”  (Rev.11:15b).  

The Jews—now hated and across the ages persecuted—will in that day be delivered.  The suffering brought on by rejecting Christ will be reversed when they receive Him.  A new world order will be birthed, but first the labor pains of the tribulation will be experienced (v.9-10).  Following the rapture of the church, there will come seven years of God’s wrath being poured out on a Christ-rejecting world.  The last half will be the Great Tribulation—three and one half years of unprecedented horror.  The effect on the Jews, however, will be to drive them to cry out for their King—and Christ will return to save the seed of Abraham.

At the climax of those seven years, all the nations will encircle Jerusalem—the battle of Armageddon will ensue (v.11-13).  In their folly, the rulers of earth will gather to war against Christ—and the battle is over as soon as it is begun.  Israel is delivered as God’s wheat by the threshing of tribulation, while the sinners are as chaff to be blown away.

Looking about at what is happening now—seeing the suffering wrought by sin—wrings from my throat a cry to the skies, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”  (Rev.22:20b).  With great expectation, may we join our prayer to those voiced across the centuries and repeated in churches around the globe today, “Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

REAL WORSHIP

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  (Colossians 3:16)

Remember the movie, "Groundhog Day"?  Bill Murray kept reliving the same day, over and over.  Do you ever feel that way about a church service?  That ought not be!  Before I point any fingers anywhere else, I must ask myself, "Is it the preacher's fault?"  Sometimes it is.  If I’m not prayed up and fired up—can I really expect anybody else to be?  So, I'm willing to look into the mirror of God's Word and do the hard evaluation--what about you?  Will you again leave the worship service saying, “Well, I didn’t get anything out of that!”   Maybe there's the problem--we think worship is about us.  Many churches succumb to this pressure and try to put on a show--man-centered entertainment.   Our focus instead is to be God-centered, Christ-exalting, Spirit-empowered, and Gospel-driven.  

Real worship requires real PREPARATION (Col.3:12-15)  You need to put on your, "Sunday go to meetin' clothes"!  I'm not talking about outer garments, but inner  graces!  These are attitudes of the heart that prepare us to meet with God corporately.  Such is befitting a child of God, chosen out of the world by the Father’s love. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” We need to cut each other some slack.  Put on a kind disposition.   The proud church member wants the spotlight on them, but the humble want it on God.  The meek are nor demanding, insisting on their own way and compromise preferences where no principle is involved.  The long-suffering are patient with people and not bitter toward God.  Those ready for worship are forgiving (v.13).  You can’t offer acceptable worship otherwise—Jesus said to leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled to your brother.   It's hard to sit on a pew and worship God with someone you are mad at.  Love is the belt that holds all together (v.14).  Then there will be peace inside us, that leads to unity in the Body.  We'll also have a thankful spirit.  Don’t come to be a critic!

Real worship requires real PARTICIPATION (v.16).  Here’s what we do when we get to church.  The Berkley translation renders this, “Let the enriching message of Christ have ample room in your lives.”  Our minds will not be cluttered by distraction or our hearts choked by disobedience.  The wisdom of God is available in the Word of God.  I have made a commitment to be a Bible preacher and not an ear-tickler.  You say, “I don’t like that kind of preaching!” Neither does the Devil!  I have a responsibility to God to feed you.  Don’t impoverish your soul!  We need both instruction on what to do and admonition about what not to do.  As to singing—the text is more important than the tune.  It's not about an entertaining melody, but an edifying message.  You can draw a crowd with gimmicks, but you can only disciple a congregation with the Gospel.

Real worship requires real PRACTICE (v.17).  The real test of whether we have met with God is what happens when we leave.  Feelings are like the tides that ebb and flow.  Commitment stays solid.  This is a daily surrender on the altar of all we are—in conduct and conversation to exalt the Savior.

This is real worship!

THE WAY OF THE WICKED

But the wicked are like the troubled sea,

When it cannot rest,

Whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 

“There is no peace,”

Says my God, “for the wicked.”  (Isaiah 57:20-21)

We have seen the restless sea.  Swept by storms, the tide surges, the waves build to a crescendo and crash upon the shore.  Flotsam rides the tides and jetsam litters the beach.  As far as the eye can observe, the ocean is a boiling cauldron, whipped by the winds.  Such is the description of the wicked man’s soul.  His thoughts are cluttered with debris and his heart churns like the waves.  Peace eludes him—tossing and turning on his bed, rising to pace the floor—to and fro, ebb and flow—to find some meaning in life.  He reaches out to seize it as it drifts by, only to have it swept away by the next wave.  This inner turmoil characterizes the sinner.  It is the way of the wicked.  A shot of whiskey, a hit of weed, a sexual tryst, a stock market trade—something, anything to numb the pain and mask the disillusionment—with such efforts only adding to the mire and dirt within.

It isn’t that the righteous are immune from struggle (Isa.57:1-2).  They too know sickness and sorrow.  Death will come to all.  The difference—that the wicked ignore—is that when the righteous dies, he is at rest.  His ship sails through the storm tossed waters of this world, but he has an anchor of hope, and ultimately reaches the haven of heaven.  The godly close their eyes in the darkness of death, and then open them in the light of glory!  They exhale one last feeble breath and with the next inhale celestial air!  The heart slows and then stops, only to begin racing with joy again as the beauties of eternity are unveiled!  The wicked are insensitive to all that—consumed with their own problems.  Little do they know that the sorrows of this life are but a prelude of the weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth to come.

The way of the wicked is the way of worshipping gods of their own design (Isa.57:3-9).  It is sorcery and harlotry—an orgy of futility (v.10-14).  Only weariness is found in the pursuit of worldliness.  There is no hope available in false gods—idols who cannot respond for they have no life.  Their only, “power,” is to make the worshipper weak.

There is a way to find peace—and that is to trust in God (v.13), to remove the impediment of iniquity (v.14), in contrition and condescension to seek the Lord (v.15).  The repentant soul can experience revival.  God knows we are sinners and has made provision for forgiveness (v.16).  The pain from our problems is sent by a loving God as goads designed to prod the stubborn ox and move him where his master wills (v.17-18).  It is in the pigpen that the prodigal may come to his senses and return to the Father.

We stand at the helm.  We may chart a course for the peace of mind that comes from peace with God (v.19).  The other way is to sail into the perfect storm and sink to our doom (v.20-21).  No peace now—and no peace for eternity—this is the way of the wicked.

HE LIVES!

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  (John 20:19)

It is Holy Week—the calendar has brought us to recall the passion of Christ on Good Friday and how the darkness of the tomb yielded to the dawn of hope on Sunday.  Death has been defeated—Jesus lives!  While the morning had brought this startling news to the despairing disciples, we find that they were still wrestling with doubts that evening.  Then the Risen Lord arrives to greet them and His words spoken then still have profound implications for us today.

Jesus lives and that means we can have PEACE (v.19, 21a).  These are the first words He greets them with—and He repeats them to underscore their significance.  His resurrection meant His followers now had peace with God.  Jesus came to die—paying our sin debt of death by His crucifixion and demonstrating the purchase price accepted in His overcoming death by His resurrection.  Jesus shows them the scars from the nails in His hands and spear in His side (v.20).  This peace with God enables us to know the peace of God.  They were barricaded in the Upper Room, “for fear of the Jews,” who had crucified their Master.  Jesus calls them to courage.  “Because He lives I can face tomorrow; Because He lives all fear is gone.”  (Bill and Gloria Gaither)

Jesus lives and that means we can offer PRAISE (v.20).  Their sorrow was swept away by the resurrection reality.  Gloom was replaced by gladness.  Christians have a reason to rejoice.  We can sing the happy chorus of 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”  It makes me want to jump up and shout!  We worship on the first day of the week because He lives.  The people of God do not gather for a funeral, but a festival!  Hallelujah, Christ arose!

Jesus lives and that means we now have PURPOSE (v.21).  Because death is not the end of life, what we do in this life counts for eternity!  This gives us a purpose for this world that extends to the world to come.  We are not simply animals surviving day to day until the last breath in a meaningless pursuit of mere existence, but as we obey heaven’s mandate we are living for eternal reward.  In the same way that Jesus had a purpose in coming into this world, He has commissioned us to share the message of redemption!

Jesus lives and that means we can experience POWER (v.22).  His call to go to the ends of the earth with the Gospel is too large an assignment for human strength alone.  The good news is He has breathed His Holy Spirit into us—all the power we need to be all He wants us to be and accomplish all He wants us to do.

Jesus lives and that means we have a PROCLAMATION (v.23).  There is good news to announce.  The church can authoritatively decree that if a person believes in the Risen Christ their sins are remitted.  The converse is true also—if Christ is rejected then sins are retained bringing judgment.  How have you responded to this proclamation?

A HARVEST OF HOPE

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 15:13)

Today, we may gather a harvest of hope—and a bumper crop at that!  This hope is rooted in “the God of hope.”  He offers the certitude of His promise because of the character of His person.  Only God can bring such unfailing assurance because He has unlimited abundance—having both the means in His infinite might and the motive in His immeasurable love to bring to pass this hope.  Accompanying that hope is “all joy and peace,” which are also given in abundance.  This joy and peace are cultivated “in believing.”  This is how we, as God’s children, should all live at all times.  So, why don’t we?  Why does my life seem more like a crop failure when it comes to having hope, when it ought to be a rich harvest?  The soil of my soul, in its natural state, is under the curse of sin.  It grows weeds easily—complaining instead of joy, anxiety rather than peace, doubt where there should be faith, and despair in the place of hope.  All those weeds may be uprooted and my soul made fertile to receive the seed of God’s promises, however, because there is a new normal I can now know: “that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  He will generate this bumper crop of hope in my heart by giving me a new perspective and power to see and seize hope where the natural man does not!  Reach out now, and lay hold of the hope God has for you!

CONNECTED IN UNITY: The Struggle for Unity

 

 

“endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

Anything worth having demands a price to be paid.  The old exercise mantra transcends every dimension of life: “No pain; no gain.”  If you want a successful business, you must work for it.  If you want a baby, you must deliver it.  If you want to lose weight, you must discipline yourself.  If we want unity in the church, we must fight for it!

That sounds like a contradiction doesn’t it?

But unity doesn’t come without endeavor.  God wants it, and so Satan fights against it.  The Spirit is in a war with our self-centeredness, to overthrow the flesh and have a victorious fellowship.  Jesus died an indescribable death to yield this precious fruit—connecting us to God and to one another.  Shall we not invest our energies in getting and guarding unity?

It is worth fighting for—and strive for it we must!

Our world is coming apart.  The result of sin is, “We have turned, every one, to his own way.”  (Isa.53:6b).  Insisting on our own way turns us away from God’s way, and isolates us from each other.  The ultimate expression of this is, “wars and rumors of wars…nation will rise against nation” (Matt.24:6a, 7a).  The dissolution of our society is witnessed in every conceivable manner: fragmented by ethnicity, gender, age, class, politics, and on and on.

The church is to be different.  We have only one King—and one law—the law of love.  Any threat to the union of saints is to be met with a rapid and forceful response.  Our defenses cannot be relaxed for a moment.  The smallest disagreement over the most trivial of matters confined to only two church members may be the tiny virus that enters the Body and kills it!

By battling and beating strife, we maintain the bond of peace.  The peace in our church is the best advertisement for the Prince of Peace, Who claims our absolute allegiance. 

In a war-weary world, there will be sinners seeking some solace.  Too often they turn to drugs, drink or some other means to numb the pain.  That is only a temporary relief—and in the end only produces more heartache.

What if instead we offered an oasis of peace in a desert of divisiveness?  What if our church were a refuge of harmony in this hate-filled environment?  Perhaps the empty pews that too often result from brothers and sisters wickedly warring against one another would be filled with those seeking the peace that Jesus brings.  It’s worth fighting for!

THE CONFESSION CELEBRATING HOPE

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”   (Luke 2:9-14) 

God’s messengers are sent to flood the Judean hillside with the light of hope—and it would be shepherds who heard this celestial confession of Christ.

It was a confession of THE GLORIOUS PERSON (v.9-12). 

That such a lofty announcement would come to such a lowly assembly is incredible.  Shepherds were despised—they were dirty and smelled of sheep.  It was a job you didn’t want.  Yet such are the very ones who would be receptive.  A message of hope is most appreciated by the hopeless. 

The good news is about a glorious Person—a Savior, Christ the Lord.  As Savior, He is the Son of Man who came to give His life as a ransom.  As Christ, He is the Son of David who is rightful heir to David’s throne.  As Lord, He is the Son of God, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  (John 1:14)

This confession was not only about the Glorious Person, but was in and of itself A GLORIOUS PROCLAMATION (v.13-14). 

It was all about giving God glory.  The glory of God is the chief end of all things.  It is preeminent.  The universe is moving to this ultimate goal of the glory of God.

When we give ourselves to His glory, we experience His peace. Sin is when we seek to give ourselves His glory—of being our own god.  God’s goodwill comes when we repent and submit to Him.  When we are elevating ourselves, we are assailing Him and are at war with God—and that is always a losing proposition.  But, when we bow to Him, and promote His glory, then we are a peace with God.