Hope of Righteousness

“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” (Ga 5:5 AV)

What a thought!  The hope of righteousness!  When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the debt for all the sins of mankind.  Those who have trusted in that gift have a clear and clean record before the Father in heaven.  Even those things which we have not done or those which we will fail to do are satisfied in the offering of Christ on Calvary’s cross.  There is a doctrine called imputation.  That is when, in a legal way, the sins of the sinner were place on dying Jesus, and His righteousness was placed on the sinner.  The righteousness of Christ is imputed to the sinner.  Legally speaking, the Father sees the saint in perfect righteousness.  There is nothing between the sinner and the Father as far as a status of relationship is concerned.  We are the righteousness of Christ insofar as our standing before a holy God.  However, we are still in a sinful state.  The old man of sin has to be crucified with Christ afresh.  Selfishness and rebellion are bad habits that need resolving.  In a doctrinal sense, we are perfectly righteous.  In a practical sense, we are still sinful.  This is why there is hope of righteousness.  We look forward to the day when God will glorify His children and take every atom of our sinful state from us, and we will become, in a practical sense, righteous and sinless.  This is the hope of everyone who knows and loves God.

I love a good orchestra.  My wife and I used to go all the time.  There was a time when one could do this rather inexpensively.  We would go to different places and hear different programs.  Some were open air venues.  Others were in classic opera houses.  We would go for all sorts of reasons and hear all sorts of composers.  I can only imagine the work that went into playing an instrument well enough to make the cut for a Philharmonic Orchestra or a Symphony Orchestra.  One motivation which I am sure all the musicians used was to follow a role model.  They may have learned of a master and listened to a performance.  They may have watched videos and emulated technique.  One thought goes through the mind of a student like that.  “If I work hard enough, I will play like the master.”  This makes mistakes all the more difficult to accept.  Hitting a wrong note, missing a cue, or playing in the wrong tempo would bother a musician.  He or she lives for perfection.  If only they could play like the master.

This is what the saint who loves and knows God faces every day.  As he or she learns more of Christlikeness through the life that Jesus lived, the more dissatisfied he or she is at failure.  The more guilt is part of the human experience, the more the child of God simply wishes to live perfectly.  The more he or she reads the word of God, the more he or she is well aware of how far short they truly are.  This is why the hope of righteousness is so important.  The desire of a sincere saint is to be free from sin.  He or she may have differing motives based on spiritual maturity, but ultimately, he or she wishes to love God with pure heart, knowing there is nothing that can be done to fail the God whom they love.  The saint who has repented of sin wishes to be forever free from it.  That is our hope of righteousness!  That is my hope of righteousness.  There is coming a day when perfection is the only way one can live.  Praise be to God!

Concluded But Not Hopeless

“But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Ga 3:22 AV)

The first part of our passage is not comfortable.  But it is absolutely necessary.  The law is often frowned upon.  Without it, we would not know of our need of the promise of Jesus Christ.  When Adam and Eve fell, there was a promise given to mankind.  God would come in the flesh and lift the curse inherited from that fateful day.  The curse of sin was conquered by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.  In order for the gift of salvation to be efficacious, the sinner must see him or herself as needing it.  This is where the first part of the verse comes in.  In order to be saved, we must see ourselves as under sin.  That is, we must see ourselves as totally lost by sin through the freewill choices of our hearts.  We cannot be saved from something of which we do not want to be saved.  Salvation is all about sin.  Heaven is the result.  The law concludes, or condemns totally, the souls of all people everywhere and at all times.  Only the grace promised to Adam and Eve can save us from it.

Only by admitting where or what we are can change occur.  Everyone goes through this.  Everyone who has visited the doctor for any reason has to go through a series of minor tests before the specific reason for the visit can be addressed.  The first stop is the scale.  We are weighed.  Sometimes, the attendant will review or weigh compared to former data.  We are either gaining or losing.  If we are not headed in the right direction, it may become a point of discussion.  Once we are embarrassed at the scales, then we go to the examination room.  It is there our nurse measures temperature, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and pulse.  It doesn’t matter if we are there for the flu, pulled muscles, or some internal problems.  The reason for our visit is immaterial to the collection of the vitals.  Once we sit with the doctor, he goes over our labs.  He looks at several factors.  He or she mentions our A1Cs, our cholesterol levels, and our kidney function.  He or she may look at gender-specific hormones, endocrine labs, and liver function.  All this is done so that the physician can review our general state of health.  Bases on these data points, treatment, lifestyle changes, or prescriptions are recommended.  The thing is, if we are sick, admitting that we are based on unbiased data points is the start of a healthy life.  Without acknowledging our state, change will come.  Yet in the wrong direction.  It starts with internalizing the truth.

The law is unbiased and unbending.  It is hilarious to watch people as they are weighed at the scale.  They say all sorts of things.  Some of which is directed at the scale.  Somehow, the patient things that the scale is deliberately misleading when they are weighed but is totally accurate when weighing all others.  The law is out to get us.  But only because we are not obeying it.  So, it does the next best thing.  The law condemns us.  It condemns us yet still offers hope.  That hope is in the grace of our LORD, Jesus Christ.  He knew before Adam and Eve were ever formed that mankind would need an out.  The law will not bend to accommodate anyone.  God’s law is perfect.  His do’s and don’ts do not change.  They do not give any space for mercy or grace.  We are condemned in and by them.  Therefore, another way had to be provided.  That other way is Jesus.  In order to enjoy the gift of free grace, we must first come under the condemnation of the law.  That is not comfortable.  It is humbling.  But that is the way it must be.  There is no grace to those who do not want it nor think they need it.  Only by being condemned can we be saved.  And that is the beauty of the law!  Praise God I was once condemned.  For now and forever, by God’s grace, I am no longer condemned!

Every Parent's Wish

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, [even] your perfection.” (2Co 13:8-9 AV)

It is that last phrase uttered by Paul that shows his heart for the people for whom he labored.  What makes this statement even more potent is that his closing remarks of this letter include encouragement toward continued sanctification.  Corinth had come a long way.  This letter was actually Paul’s third letter to the church at Corinth, which means the condition of the church may have been worse than it appears in his first letter.  One thing we do know is that this precious church made great strides to clean up their fellowship and walk in Christlikeness.  That brings us to Paul’s statement.  I think that is exactly where a pastor’s heart should be.  For all the ambition he could have, his first priority should be the Christlikeness of those whom he leads.  There may be a large congregation and invitations to speak.  There may be books published and titles to wear.  But if the people are not transforming into the image of Christ, then it is all in vain.  Paul’s heart is golden.  All he wants is for the saints in Corinth to enjoy the blessings from godliness.

Anyone who has ever been a parent knows the feeling when your child excels.  Part of the challenge is to find the child's interests and abilities that will result in excellence.  Whether the arts, athletics, academics, or management, when he or she finds that niche, they have the chance to become the best version of themselves that they could be.  It doesn’t matter what that talent or ability might be, Mom and Dad simply want their child to be the best version of what they can be.  Who hasn’t sat through grade school dramatic productions?  Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, brothers and sisters; they all gather to watch their child, grandchild, or sibling star in the school play as a tree.  When he or she comes on stage, there are whoops and hollers.  There are flashes from cameras.  There are claps and whistles.  Why?  Because for that shining moment, Junior was the best tree on stage.  From the grade school stage to being among the thousands who walk the stage to receive a diploma, it is all the same.  They are growing, learning, contributing, and succeeding.  Perhaps they serve in the military, or become a worker in the trades.  Or maybe they are working a service-type job, a government career, or in the medical field.  It doesn’t matter what road they take as long as they try their hardest and succeed in who and what God made them to be, that is all that matters.

This is the heart of Paul.  Their continued spiritual growth was precious.  That is all he wanted.  He knows they will never be completely sinless.  But being further down the road from one day to the next is what he wanted.  He didn’t expect perfection overnight.  There were many battles that need fighting.  There was doctrine still unlearned.  Self-discipline doesn’t come easy.  Paul is willing to pay the price for their perfection.  He mentions weakness.  In context, it was the harsh criticism of those still fighting revival.  They accused Paul of being overbearing.  Well, wouldn’t you be?  Given the circumstances of that church, wouldn’t you go in there with spit and vinegar?  I would.  Paul took the hit so that others would turn toward perfection.  He wasn’t concerned over the fallout that would come his way.  It didn’t matter.  All he wanted; all he ever wanted; was the perfection of the saints.  That is a man who has a pastor’s heart.

Not More Than We Are Able

“For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.” (2Co 8:12 AV)

The context is giving.  More specifically, giving toward Paul’s need.  Accepting is done by the LORD.  Zeal according to ability is accepted by God.  Zeal without ability is not accepted.  For this little church with big problems, this was a good one to have.  In Paul’s first letter, he addressed many issues.  Some of them were very serious.  They had a common cause in carnal thinking and selfish living.  They competed with one another.  They abused one another.  They did what they could to wreak damage on the church they loved.  Above, that same energy was exhibited in self-sacrifice beyond their abilities.  Talk about a transformation.  It reminds me of Paul’s words in Romans chapter six.  In that chapter, he encourages the Romans to take vengeance on their sin to the same degree they pursued it.  Here is an example of a church that did a complete one-eighty.  When they were young and carnal, they pursued sin almost to their destruction.  Now, they are pursuing ministry with the same degree of commitment.  That is admirable.  However, if one does not have it, one cannot use it no matter how willing one might be. 

There comes a time when our bodies or minds tell us that we are over-committed.  We have it in our heads that what we did in our thirties can still be done in our sixties.  We have limitations.  We have restraints.  What was once possible is no longer doable.  And there is no shame in that.  In fact, if we are the younger and more able, we sometimes are inpatient with those who cause more damage than is necessary by trying to be someone they are not or do something that cannot do.  Ill-advised commitment on their part is often frowned upon.  Sometimes, it can get downright scary.  We see this all the time.  Especially with the elderly.  They try to do something that cannot be done.  Commitment is never in question.  Obviously by their actions, they are committed.  Having served as a hospital chaplain and pastor for decades, I have countless stories to tell.  And it is not limited to the elderly.  Many accidents happen because of overcommitment without ability.  One year, I got a chainsaw for Christmas.  The giver made me go through chainsaw training class before he would let me use it.  Even though I had used one as a kid, he still insisted a mutual friend of ours hold a class on the safe usage of such a tool.  That was a good thing.  I think the first time I used it, this trainer had to be present to be sure I was safe with it.

There is no doubt that the Corinthian church loved God and loved Paul.  They appreciated the blunt ministry of an Apostle who was willing to call them out for ungodly behavior.  They loved him and the LORD to the point that they were willing to do more than they could.  Paul reminded them that committing to more than is possible, even with the hand of God upon them, is not acceptable to the LORD.  It is not a matter of what God can or cannot do.  It is a matter of God’s will for you or a church.  Pragmatism is involved.  Not to the exclusion of God’s miracles or mighty hand, mind you.  But sometimes, common sense is part of our decision-making process.  If I committed to cycling from one end of our nation to the other, God will not make me forty years younger.  It is simply not in the cards.  To attempt such would be misguided and irresponsible.  The same is true with our commitment in all things.  Praying it through and getting the mind of God on the matter is the answer.  What is it that God wants us to do?  Sometimes, it takes just as much faith to let a mountain stand than to try to move it.  Wisdom, humility, and faith in God are the answers.

Resoluteness with Ability

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.” (2Co 4:16 AV)

The first statement Paul makes is telling.  After giving his testimony of resiliency and resolution, he makes the statement that he will not faint.  There are two factors that contribute to this statement.  The first consideration is what we have in Christ.  The hope and life of Christ indwell the believer as well as the Holy Spirit.  We move and have our being by the power of our God.  We have no strength by which we can promise the above without the resources provided by our Creator.  So when Paul states that he will not faint, he is relying on the strength of the divine that resides within.  But I also think his statement manifests a decision.  I think his statement is one of resolve.  Regardless of how hard life gets, he will not faint.  He will go down with every ounce of strength spent for the glory of God.  He will depart this life in as much service as God allows.  What I see is the very definition of the character of Paul and why God used him.  He was resolved not to faint.  He will not quit.  He decided as much in the statement above.

When we think of resiliency, we often think of an athlete who pushes themselves beyond their limits to finish a race.  We admire the resolve.  We admire the commitment.  Yet this is not the type of resolution to which Paul is speaking. Much of that is ego-driven.  Rather, note how Paul remains vital and relevant. He is renewed day by day.  To put the analogy of the runner in perspective, imagine that there are two runners.  The first is more concerned with time rather than distance.  If so, he or she will not take the time to hydrate along the way. The ego is further fed by adding adversity when adversity is not necessary. Running and finishing a race without hydrating is considered heroic.  He or she pushes through and ignores basic human needs just to prove it can be done. There is another type of runner who is more interested in distance than time.  He or she is well aware of the toll that distance running can take on the body and is conscientious and practical.  He or she will hydrate along the way.  He or she may slow down and then speed back up.  The runner will listen to what the body is saying and adjust to go the furthest he or she can with the time allotted.

When Paul speaks of being renewed day by day, he is not limiting himself to devotions, reading, preaching or other such necessary things.  He is speaking of the whole man.  Taking care of oneself is important.  This morning, I was reminded that praying specific prayers first thing in the morning is important. Anticipating what might come and praying for God’s power and guidance is important.   If there are tasks that need to be done, ministry that needs tending to, or battles that loom ahead, praying beforehand makes all the difference.  But I think the Spirit wants us to consider other venues of refreshment as well.  A walk in the park with your dog, sitting on the porch as the rain softly falls, or taking a drive for half a day may be just what the doctor ordered.  When Paul speaks of daily renewal, of course, he is speaking primarily of the spiritual.  But the body and soul need tending to as well.  A resolute spirit that faints not does not stand under its own power.  It needs help.  It needs refreshing.  Making a determinate commitment sounds all good and well, but unless there is provision to renew that spirit day in and day out, we will quit the race early, and we will not finish well.

A Better Glory

“For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.” (2Co 3:10-11 AV)

The book of Second Corinthians is a difficult one.  Paul’s style of writing is different than all his other letters.  In Second Corinthians, his thoughts don’t always carry naturally into succeeding entries.  They are grouped into smaller thoughts that are sometimes disconnected.  In the above entry, Paul is referring to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as far more glorious than the glory that came to God by His justice through the law.  He speaks of the glory of Moses as he came from the mount with the two tables of stone upon which the law was etched.  This law was given, in part, to condemn mankind as wicked.  The principles upon which the law rested are eternal.  These principles and laws were written on the heart of man since our inception.  The two tables of stone were the written record.  They were the legal entry in a court proceeding that condemned mankind and glorified the Creator.  This is why a condemnation is referred to as a glory.  But salvation in Jesus Christ and the sealing of the soul by the Holy Spirit of God is far more glorious.  Paul states the former had been done away.  Simply, the condemnation under the law.  Not the law.  It was done away by the grace of God in the ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let us follow Paul’s statement very closely.  The former, that is the letter of the law, had glory.  The glory, at least as Paul’s argument goes, is the glory of condemnation from a holy God.  The law served more than mere condemnation.  It declared the righteousness and holiness of God.  Even if man did not fall and obeyed the law, the law would still have a purpose.  But we want to reflect on the importance of the role of the law that condemns sin.  We want to understand and accept that a law that condemns is not a bad thing.  What we want to see is that the law, in that it is a standard to which all must comply, is a glorious thing.  That which violates that law must suffer for that violation.  Again, that is a beautiful thing.  Order, law, and absolutes govern our universe.  The universe itself forces conformity.  It could not function otherwise.  Things run as they should and must.  Life comes from order.  Disorder destroys.  A clock that never loses time is impressive.  An AI generated image that is indistinguishable from the real thing is astounding.  A bird that flies in the air because of the laws of aerodynamics is mind-boggling.  To see and study the order of things is fascinating.  If our universe did not function in an orderly manner, it would chaotic and unsettling.  Therefore, law and the consequences of law are glorious things.  Even if there are consequences we would rather not witness, one must admit that order is far better than chaos.  So as distasteful as it is to witness some hard things, one must admit that order is far better than disorder.

Yet there is a greater thought here.  Paul says that because mankind has failed and the order of law is upheld, there is no hope.  Man needs saving.  As glorious as it is for God to see His creation function by order and law, it is far more glorious to redeem from condemnation that which has failed.  It is like restoring a clock.  Over time, the gears of the clock wear out, and the clock ceases to keep perfect time.  The owner can be pleased that time is absolute, and the clock has ceased to function.  It is time to act.  What does he do?  Does he rejoice that regardless of the clock's ability to tell time, time does not change?  The law of time stands apart from the instrument that declares it.  Absolute time wins.  But in repairing the clock to ‘as new’ condition, time continues to be absolute.  However, there is greater joy in repairing the clock than there is that time does not change.  In this sense, the highest glory is the redemption of our souls.  Not the absolute nature of the law.  This is to what Paul is referring.  The law still stands.  It has not been replaced.  But the God of love and grace sees a greater glory than establishing and enforcing law.  He sees the redemption of those who have failed His perfect law as the greater glory!

Thank You

“For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.” (1Co 16:18 AV)

This is not foreign to Paul.  Many times he mentions people for whom he is grateful.  We know it is spoken of much, but seldom practiced.  When A famous person receives an award, he or she usually mentions those who made it possible.  They thank the supporting staff or players who did what they did, so the one who is honored could be recognized.  The thing is, we should do it far more than we do.  Paul mentions something interesting here.  He mentions several people who refreshed his spirit.  In so doing, they also refreshed the spirit of the church.  Those who are a blessing to the man of God will also, by extension, be a blessing to those who attend.  It is their nature to do so.

October is pastor appreciation month.  My church is no exception.  They are the best.  Each member and attender is special to this man of God.  Just tonight I was sitting in the song service and was grateful for the opportunity to minister the word of God to hungry souls.  I don’t have a large church.  Only a handful.  But to me it is the world.  They are awesome.  They bear this preacher up by prayers and encouragement.  They meet our needs and seek our welfare often.  They are blessed people.

We serve by the encouraging words of other people.  Sure, the Holy Spirit is our power behind our ministry.  But it is also the Holy Spirit working through the people who surround us that gets us through the hard times of ministry.  For them I am eternally grateful.  So, thank you dear saints, for who and what you are.  And thank you for what you do.  This preacher is so very blessed, and it is by your faithfulness that I am able to help you.  May God continue to use us all for His glory and our welfare!

Never On Empty

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1Co 10:12-14 AV)

Verse thirteen is often used as a standalone verse.  We usually apply it to any temptation that may come alone.  We use it for trials of faith.  We use it for temptations toward sin.  The promise is that regardless of what we face, with God’s help, we can and do overcome.  Keeping it the direct context of idol worship and self-reliance, it appears as though the temptation from which God can deliver us is the sin of self-sufficiency.  Our temptation is to max out our resources, and then when we are empty, we go to God.  Sometimes the LORD asks us to do just that.  But not always.  The better part of wisdom is to go to God first.  Let Him show us, guide us, teach us, and empower us to overcome the trials and temptations of self-sufficiency.  The idol of what we struggle is our own ego!  Having established the context, there is a piercing thought to consider.  God will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able.  Think on that for a moment.  If the temptation to which He is referring is self-reliance, then the LORD will not allow us to get so empty that we cannot survive!

Imagine a hiker off on an adventure without doing his due diligence to plan for all contingencies.  He starts out just fine.  His goal is to reach the summit of a well-known peak.  He knows he will meet some adversity, so he packs a few things.  He has some cold weather gear.  He has a few food items.  He even has fresh water.  But not having traveled this path before, every possibility was impossible to forecast.  The weather was supposed to be favorable.  The way before him had been well trod by those preceding him.  Everything looked like it could go perfect.  However, as he ascended the slopes, he quickly found that not everything could be anticipated.  The further he climbed, the more committed he became and returning the same way became more of a challenge.  For hours he climbed.  The air was getting thinner.  The temperature was dropping quickly.  He was running out of water.  He was tired.  Thinking he could climb to the summit and return the same day, he brought no shelter.  If an emergency occurred, he had an ax and some fire-starting supplies.  However, because of the thinness of the air, his strength was almost gone.  If an emergency happened, he did not possess the strength to wield the ax, gather wood, or build a shelter.  Thinking he wasn’t going to make it, he slowly crawled around a corner and came upon a waystation.  It was the prettiest sight he had ever seen.  There was a cook cabin and six small heated cabins.  He had no idea that they would be there.  But there they were.  Why?  Because the provider knew hikers better than they knew themselves.  This man was not the first to arrive, nor would he be the last.  Before he started out, his benefactors knew he couldn’t make it.  So they made provision of which he could not foresee.

God works in much the same way.  We often rely solely on our own ability, resources, and resolve.  We are also brought to the end of ourselves far more than is necessary.  If we started our journey knowing there was a waystation that awaited, the journey would be much easier to bear.  That is what the LORD is giving us.  In verse thirteen, there is a promise of a waystation.  There is relief.  We just cannot see it.  Faith assumes it.  This is to what Paul is pointing us.  Corinth was a very carnal church.  It was overly humanistic.  All the troubles that church had could be pointed to one problem.  They elevated man above the God who saved them.  There is no reason to attempt anything without God.  It is actually downright foolish.  There is a waystation.  Look for it.  Expect it.  And when it appears, take advantage of it.  Without God we are stuck on the side of a mountain with no strength to continue.

More Than We Could Ever Do

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1Co 6:20 AV)

Not an easy task.  Considering we were born in iniquity.  Our nature is to do just the opposite.  Adam partook of the fruit of the tree the knowledge of good and evil.  He passed upon all men the nature to live in rebellion and self-pleasure.  It is only by the new birth that we have hope of overcoming the Adamic curse.  Jesus died to purchase our bodies, spirits, and souls.  The process of glorification takes time.  We must learn things that can only come by a lengthy process.  The discipline of self-denial cannot be learned in heaven.  Once we have the permanent and full image of Jesus Christ, sin will be impossible.  There will be no choice, per se.  Our only desire will be to exist for the glory of our Creator.  Which brings us to our verse.  The struggle for holiness is as much a privilege and opportunity as it is a frustration.  The motive is clearly stated.  Because we are bought with the precious price of another person’s life, we owe it to Him to glorify the Father in both body and spirit.

We live in a culture that tempts us in the opposite direction.  Most advertising is designed to entice us to please self.  It doesn’t matter if the ads on our viewing device or the ads in the middle of our apps are playing, the all are designed to do the same thing.  Most are an enticement for something we do not need and perhaps may even cause great harm.  There are the occasional ads promoting a better quality of life, but those are not the majority.  We are encouraged to follow our hearts.  That has led to a culture that expresses their emotions, feeling they are entitled to rather than filtering emotional expression through social responsibility and appropriate behavior.  All one has to do is view a real-time law enforcement show to see how out of control we really are.  Everything in the world encourages us contrary to the admonition above.  But the command still stands.

Paul’s words come after the rebuke of a improper physical relationship between a Stepmother and her Stepson.  The Corinthian church had boasted about this relationship as though it was normal and acceptable.  Even if the stepmother was widowed before this relationship blossomed, it was still against scripture.  A man is not allowed to take up with his father’s wife.  No exceptions.  There is a moral standard set for humanity.  Regardless of a person’s standing before God, the rules are the same.  If it is immoral for the believer, it is also immoral for the unbeliever.  There are not two sets of rules.  But Paul is giving us a greater motive than mere law.  He is giving us the motive of reciprocal love.  Not paying a debt, mind you.  We never can repay what Jesus has done for us.  Rather, there is an ethical and moral obligation the show our appreciation for what Jesus has done for us.  We owe Him more than we could ever repay.  It only stands to reason we should do what we can.  If Jesus bought us with His blood, the least would can do is to say thank you by living a holy life.  The least we could do is to strive against sin and toward Christlikeness.  His love would demand no less.

No Other Foundation

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Co 3:11 AV)

Paul is competing with those who believed that Jesus Christ was insufficient.  Either insufficient for the saving of the soul, or insufficient once the soul was saved.  The Corinthian church struggled with the doctrine of the resurrection and the discipline of holiness.  They put way too much stock in earthly things and carnal thinking.  They valued that which could be easily seen and devalued spiritual treasures that could not be seen.  Hence, you have the Paul, led of the Holy Spirit, comparing Jesus to the foundation of a building.  Although Paul is primarily speaking to Christians here, the truth above applies to all.  How our lives rise or fall is totally dependent on the foundation upon which they are built.  And there is no other foundation for a life that works other than the LORD Jesus Christ. The important truth for us this morning is the foundation is not open to individual preference or taste.  There are no other foundations that can be laid.  There is only one!

If you look at most buildings today, they share a common component.  They share the cinder block foundation.  This material is rather new to the building industry.  The machine that forms them was invented in 1900.  At that time, cement was used as the sole material for binding and form.  Then in 1917, another man came along and added the byproduct of coal mining called cinders to the mix, and cinders became the binding agent in building blocks.  Since that time, cinder blocks became the go-to for building foundations.  They are solid, strong, and do not decay.  Once sealed against moister, they need little maintenance.  Shifting ground is about the only threat to the integrity of a cinderblock foundation.  They are so common that cinderblock foundations have gone well beyond the industry standard.  Outside of very special situations, cinderblock foundations are the only foundations builders will or can use.  When looking at a home, rarely does one see the importance or beauty of the cinderblock foundation.  It is the house that rises above that people notice.  But without that foundation, the house has nothing upon which to rest.  If a different type of foundation is used, collapse becomes a real possibility.  If one does not have the right foundation, the security of the building above is in jeopardy.  It may not be flashy.  It may not be the selling point.  But without it, the house collapses.

My heart breaks for the human race.  Far too many have lives absent of the only foundation upon which one can be built.  Freedom from foundation seems to be the pursuit.  Yet ruin lies at the end of a life like that.  Jesus Christ is the very definition of life.  There would be no reason to exist outside of our relationship with the One who made us.  What other purpose would there be?  We were created to know the Creator.  We were created to please the Creator.  This purpose can only be met if He is our foundation.  If He is the one who gives the floor plan, then He is the one for whom the house is built.  If He is the one who bears the weight of the house above, then He is the source of strength to stand.  There is no other foundation upon which a life can be built.  At least not a fulfilling one.  There is no other foundation upon which a life can be built if the life is going to live with purpose and joy.  He is the only foundation.  He is not one among others.  He is the only one!

Sweet As Incense

“«A Psalm of David.» LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice.” (Ps 141:1-2 AV)

As a retired altar boy (I got saved, praise God) I know a bit of what incense smells like.  It is a fragrance you never forget.  Your nose tells you that you shouldn’t like it.  Your nose tells your brain that this is a fragrance that should be avoided.  You cannot help it.  The odor is so captivating.  It lingers forever.  The only thing that got it out of the hair, skin, and clothes was a good washing.  Incense was very serious to the Old Testament tabernacle and temple.  God provided the recipe for the incense, and it was not to be duplicated nor improved.  When two priests offered their own concoction, God killed them.  This recipe was not to be sold in the market.  The priests made up the batches, and they were reserved solely for temple worship.  If the incense of the altar was commercialized, God would kill those responsible and bring judgment on the nation.  This incense was unique.  There was nothing else like it.  For the writer to ask that his prayers be like the incense of the temple, that was no small thing.

Remember that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray.  One would think this odd.  After all, prayer is a conversation with God.  Why would grown men need to learn how to have a conversation.  That is for another time, but suffice it to say, they didn’t know how to have one with God.  So, Jesus gave us the LORD’s prayer as a pattern to follow.  Not a prayer to be repeated.  It is an outline.  It contains the main ideas of what daily prayer should contain.  This shows us that prayer that God appreciates does not come naturally.  It must come from God to man then return to God again.  Incense that has gone bad does not smell very well.  Only a master could concoct a perfect recipe for a memorable fragrance.  Jesus showed us how to pray.  This brings us to our main thought.  How much of our prayer is filled with things that do not please God?  Not that He would refuse all prayer unless it were perfect.  He listens to us all the time.  If we have confessed our sin, then He hears us. What the writer is driving at is purposely offering pray to God which would smell sweet and pure.  Free from the contaminates of our own mind or selfishness, these prayers would be offered to honor God first and foremost.

The older I get, the more self-conscience I am becoming when offering prayer to the LORD.  It is a battle.  No wonder Paul tells us the Holy Spirit must help us pray because we rarely know how to.  He assists us in checking our heart and choosing proper words.  I don’t know about you, but I want my prayers to be that sweet-smelling incense.  May the Holy Spirit help me to empty self from the words that are offered and only give my LORD the best!  Pure prayer, free from any self-interest, has to be the sweetest thing God can hear.

How Would You Like that Love?

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (Joh 14:21 AV)

This verse has the potential of being contradictory and confusing when compared to other truths.  We know the Bible tells us that we love God because He first loved us.  If we forget this point, we may be led to believe that God only loves when He is loved first.  That love, as stated above is proven by obedience.  However, it would be good to also remember there are different types of love and different levels to those different types.  God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.  He did this even while the world hated Him.  God loves with an everlasting love.  Paul tells us that we cannot be separated from the love of God.  Nothing can come between the love of the Father toward His children.  So, what is the meaning to Christ’s words?  There is obviously some type of love that is withheld from the child of God if he or she does not love God by obedience to His commandments.  The type of love spoken above is agape love.  Agape love is the highest form of love.  It is faithfulness and sacrifice toward an object or person without expectation of reciprocation.  Just when we thought we had it figured out!  But this type of love can only work this way.  From the saint to the Father, agape love is the purest form of love by which we obey Him without the demand for love to be shown in return.  So, how does that figure into the seemingly conditional love above?  Perhaps we are not seeing it quite right.

A child can obey his father for several reasons.  The motive is not limited to one.  Perhaps the father made a promise that if he picked up his room, then would go fishing.  He is motivated by the reward that comes from obedience.  Perhaps the child straightens his room because if he doesn’t, he will bear the consequences of disobedience.  That motive is fear.  If the child picks up his room because he wants his father to acknowledge and affirm him, then the motive is for the emotional benefits of obedience.  Maybe he sees that picking up his room is a good idea because he would know where everything is, his room would be safe and clean, and he could entertain others in his room.  There is the motive of risk and reward.  It benefits the child in a practical way.  Regardless of any motive stated above, his father loves him no less or more for his obedience.  His love for his son does not diminish if he disobeys.  His love is manifested by rebuke rather than gratitude for his disobedience.  But Dad still loves his son still the same.  However, what if the child knew his father was going to tell him to straighten his room, and before his father told him to, he did it?  The only motive was to show his father how much he was appreciated.  He obeyed his father before being told because he knew the look on his face that was forthcoming.  What would be the father’s ethical obligation to a son who lived to please him?  Would in not be to love him in a different and deeper way?  Dad loves his son.  Nothing would change that.  Now that the son had pleased dad without being asked, dad is moved to show his love toward his son in newer and deeper ways.

This is the understanding Jesus is conveying.  As a child of God, we are loved with an everlasting love.  Nothing will change that.  However, if we live in obedience to His word and seek to please Him with our whole life, the moral nature of God dictates a more intimate relationship will be the result.  God will not love us any less if we live in disobedience.  He will love us still the same.  However, there is a level of intimacy that can be had by the child of God as he or she learns to love God with the whole mind, heart, soul, and body.  As we learn and strive toward pleasing the Father for no other reason that it pleases Him, there awaits a relationship we cannot comprehend.  It is beyond words.  The question is: how do we want to be loved and how much do we want to be loved?

Mindful Peace

“For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.” (Ro 8:6 AV)

That second half is precious to me.  Not that I have always been spiritually minded, but knowing that if I am, then life and peace are to follow.  It is the peace that is of particular interest to this saint.  Peace is a vaunted treasure to me.  Life is great.  But life without peace may be worth living.  It just won’t be enjoyed as much.  If I had to pick one or the other, peace it would be hands down.  Paul tells us the secret of this peace.  It is to be spiritually minded.  But what does it mean to be spiritually minded?  To be spiritually minded is for the mind to be acclimated toward spiritual truth and reality more so than carnal things.  When we speak of carnal things, we usually limit them to issues of gross immorality.  But that is not the biblical understanding of the term.  To be carnally minded means to think as a natural beast.  The natural beast is limited to things of this life.  It is limited to natural things that are not necessarily eternal and absolute.  To be carnally minded is to limit one’s thinking to only that which can be observed with the five senses.  Therefore, to be spiritually minded is to free the mind beyond what can be observed and think on that which cannot be naturally defined.

When looking at a clock, what does one see?  We see the lovely woodwork that encases such an instrument.  We see the brilliant colors of the polished metalwork.  We see the antique-looking numbers, lines, and symbols etched on the dial.  We hear the tick-tock of the movement.  We might even hear the chime every hour, half-hour, or quarter-hour.  We know the history of the piece.  Perhaps it is a family heirloom.  To this day, I remember my grandparents’ clock sitting on a shelf, and for the size of it, the chime was rather loud.  You could hear it throughout the house.  It chimed every quarter hour.  I still remember the tune.  It is a classic and in many timepieces still produced today.  Upon further inspection, one might notice a little corrosion around the edges of the dial.  He might notice a nick or two.  But to a clockmaker, what he sees is far more.  When taken apart, this once lovely timepiece lay in dozens of pieces.  A master clock maker knows what each part does as it relates to other pieces.  I am amazed when watching a master work.  There are dozens of dials and a few flywheels.  The master clock maker doesn’t need blueprints or plans to put it back together.  What he sees is far more than what most of us see.  He sees relationships.  He sees things that cannot be seen with the eye or touched with the fingers.  He sees the concept of time, which all the pieces, once assembled, broadcast to the viewer.  He knows things that give definition to what can be seen.  To be spiritually minded is to be minded on things beyond normal observation.  Truth is such a construct.

Paul promises us that the more mindful we are on things that cannot be seen, the more we enjoy life and peace.  The more our minds are acclimated toward the LORD and the things of spiritual reality, the more peace will rule in our hearts.  If we are worried, frustrated, anxious, envious, or any other disquieting emotional state, it is because our minds are not spiritually acclimated.  If we cannot enjoy life amid the troubles and trials that come upon us, our minds are not spiritual.  We are failing to remember things that matter far more than anything that happens in this life.  Perhaps this is why Paul ends the eighth chapter of Romans as he does.  We have to be reminded of one of those basic truths that is hard to observe.  The love of God keeps us and blesses us.  Nothing can separate us from that love.  If God loves us, then no matter what is happening, we will be ok!

No Longer Servants

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” (Ro 6:17 AV)

Note the tense of Paul’s words.  The past tense implies a present tense.  We were the servants of sin.  However, we have obeyed the doctrine of salvation from the heart and are no longer servants of sin.  Period.  Not that we are perfect servants of righteousness.  But we are definitely not the servants of sin. We don’t always feel this way.  We have bad days, bad weeks, bad months, or even bad years.  We often feel far more of a failure than we are a success.  Yet Paul states we are no longer servants to sin.  Mic drop.  There is no debate here.  If we cannot get over our sin, it isn’t because we are enslaved.  Some feel trapped not realizing they have been freed.  What wonderful news to know we are no longer a slave to that which destroys the soul.  Whether we feel it or not, we have been liberated.

We have a dog.  This dog is awesome.  The best breed ever!  We put a fence up between the living room and the upstairs.  There is carpet there, and we didn’t want him to piddle on the carpet.  Once that gets into the carpet, it is hard to get out.  It has been up for eight years.  It is retractable, so we can come and go.  But Toby stays put.  Lately, the screen has become a bit tattered.  It seems like it has met its end of life.  The thing is, I still don’t want Toby on my carpet.  It might remind him far too much of the grass outside.  The funny thing is, habit has become the way of life.  With or without the fence up, Toby will go no further until he is called.  Whether the barrier is there or not, he stays.  He doesn’t realize there is an entire upstairs he could explore.  He has to be given permission, and the new reality of liberty has to be trusted.  Then Toby can live a life he never lived before.

Not that we are dogs, but we have learned behavior as well.  We have lived so long in sin that it is hard to remember we are no longer servants to it.  Like a dog chained to a tree his whole life, if the chain is not there, he lives as though it were.  The saints often live the same way.  We live in sin because we have not learned as yet just how free from it we truly are.  The fence has been retracted.  The chain of restraint has been snapped.  We are free to live a life of righteousness.  We are no longer entrapped.  We are free!  The challenge is to accept that truth by faith.  Part of being entrapped is a lack of faith in the liberty to which Christ has called us.  We had become comfortable in the box called wickedness.  We have become familiar with the dark side.  Now the door of God’s righteousness has been thrown open, and the light of God’s holiness beckons us.  Yet we are a bit apprehensive.  What lies ahead?  What kind of life would God grant?  What if I leave that to which I have grown accustomed and trust the righteousness that comes by God’s grace?  Living holy is a step of faith.  The first step is to accept we are free from sin!  Period!  It is finished.

Fear In The Balance

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.” (Pr 16:6 AV)

This is one of my favorite verses.  Partly because it is so poetic and succinct.  But what really speaks to me is the beautiful simplicity coupled with the hope it brings.  It is right and common to read the verse as a rebuke or challenge.  But being a simple statement of fact with little to no emotion contained therein, the truth above can be taken in several ways.  One of them is hope.  There are two ingredients to holy living and the definition of those two combined into one.  There is mercy and truth.  Combined they become the fear of the LORD.  Working backwards, the fear of the LORD is not mere terror at His greatness and our vileness.  Rather, to fear the LORD here means to understand Him in such a deep and profound way that we become undone, yet full of faith all at the same time.  To have the fear of the LORD as stated above, one must hold mercy and truth as equal in quantity and application.  In other words, if iniquity is to be purges and evil to be departed from, then the saint must understand God as a God of both mercy and truth.  He must understand it far more than academically.  He must understand it practically and in its fullest.

Mercy and truth, while at first seem opposed, cannot exist without each other.  Truth may seem like an independent construct with no need for mercy.  It is plain to see that mercy cannot exist without truth.  If there was no truth, then there wouldn’t be a violation of that truth.  If there is no violation of truth, then mercy need not exist.  Herein we see the dependent relationship between the two.  When God alone existed without any created universe or beings in that universe, truth was inactive.  God is truth.  Truth is God.  God and truth remained possessed within the Godhead, yet not reaching the fullest potential of truth.  For truth to reach its fullest potential, there must be objects upon which to apply truth.  The concept of gravity exists with or without celestial bodies.  But it took God to create the universe for gravity to be active.  This is true of all truth.  Truth needs application.  If truth is applied to creation, then there must of necessity be mercy.  Truth is not always followed by virtue of self-determinate beings dwelling in God’s creation.  Therefore, truth and mercy are dependent upon one another for their application.

Now that we got our theology in order, let us consider the real-time application to the saint.  Both mercy and truth must be seen as equally important.  We often err toward one and away from the other.  Balance is the key.  It is hard for some to accept God’s mercy and live in the reality of truth.  We are overly condemned and do not give God the fear that comes from exercised humility and mercy.  We live in the truth and, at times, being condemned through it.  Because we are constantly condemned, we have no motive to purge iniquity.  However, if we are the saint who abuses God’s mercy, then we see no reason to change.  After all, God forgives and forgets everything, right?  Keeping these two in balance is what is needed.  God possesses all of His attributes equally and infinitely.  Because He does, truth cannot be seen as more important that mercy, nor mercy more valuable than truth.  But are equally indispensable.  As we strive toward Christlikeness, the fear of the LORD (holding truth and mercy equally) is the only way to attain it.

No Shows Show No Harm

“And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.” (Ac 28:21 AV)

Paul came hot and ready to defend himself in the courts of Rome.  However, when he finally arrived, the Jews which resided there told Paul there was neither letter nor individual from Israel ready to prosecute him.  Lysias, Felix, nor Agrippa sent letters to Caesar’s court to accuse Paul of insurrection or any other crime.  The simple reason would be there was no crime committed.  If any of the three sent baseless accusations against Paul, they would be guilty of wasting the time of the royal court.  It would have been better for them to merely send Paul along with no record and let Rome sort it all out.  What is surprising to me is that no one else made the trip to Rome to stir up the Jews who resided there.  No one came and made Paul the lightning rod for Rome to kill the Christians.  Perhaps that was the design.  If they limited the problem of Christianity to one man’s ministry, it would continue even if that one man were dead.  By letting Rome deal with it, they made Christianity the problem and not Paul.  Either way, we can take comfort in that perhaps the threatenings of the enemies of God are not as dramatic as they might seem.

There is a subtle pattern throughout the book of Acts.  It is founded upon the declared mission of the church.  Jesus tells His saints that they ‘shall be’ witnesses throughout the world.  He does not tell them they might be if they want to be.  Rather, the statement is a statement of fact.  Not a statement of probability.  So, there must be divinely sent circumstances that bring this statement of fact to pass.  Therefore, there are many times we see the saints fleeing from one threatening situation to the next.  In the interim, the LORD uses them to build ministry.  In fact, if we were to read a bit further in our passage, Paul’s ministry in Rome was successful because he fled to Rome.  Since there were no official charges regarding his behavior in Jerusalem, many Jews came to him to hear of the good news regarding their Messiah.  What seemed like a huge problem and one to fear turned out to be an opportunity for Paul.  It is typical of the enemies of God.  The react far more then they need to in order to accomplish what they think was a desired end only to help the saint along the way.

This reminds me of a situation my partner and I faced while knocking on doors.  In fact, this happens quite a bit.  One evening, we knocked on a door, and a drunken man answered.  He was madder than a wet hen.  He went off on us with a profanity-laced tirade and threatened physical harm.  It was very violent language.  We did what we were told to do and brushed the dust from our feet.  We went to the next house.  The next house has a group of about six or seven people enjoying the outdoors.  They were drinking, but they were not drunk.  They saw and heard the whole thing.  Rather than jump on board, they apologized and allowed my partner and me to give them the gospel.  Down the street, a young man was walking.  He saw the whole thing too.  He was headed for the home of the drunken Nabal.  He saw what happened and stated he was not about to go into that house and continued to walk.  I don’t know why he was going there, but it appeared the LORD used the whole incident to open the door for the gospel to others and save a young man from great harm.  The point is simple.  Sometimes the enemies of the cross don’t want to destroy you.  They just want you gone!  Look for opportunities.  They will come.

All of It

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” (Ac 24:14 AV)

This is Paul’s confession before Felix.  He has been brought from Jerusalem to Caesarea to stand trial before Felix the governor.  Having been accused of insurrection, which is interesting in and of itself, he is harbored to Felix because Felix is the next in line of authority.  The accusers also threatened to have Paul killed on his way to Lysias, chief captain of Jerusalem.  They were feigning a false trial and then planned to have him killed as he was being brought to Lysias.  Knowing this, Lysias arranges a force of 480 men to escort Paul to Felix.  It is the details of Paul’s remarks that stand out this morning.  Note here the definition of heresy.  Paul states that any deviation from the entire word of God that causes division among God’s people is considered heresy.  Now the definition of heresy does not necessarily make a belief heresy.  Paul believed the truth.  Those accusing him of heresy did not.  Because they made the accusations, then they define what is and is not heresy according to their system of belief.  Being labeled a heretic is only bad when considering who it is that is labeling you!  Second, note exactly what it is that Paul is accused of.  He believes everything written in the law.  And there is the rub.  Any time a saint strives to believe it all, there are those even of their own stripe who will not agree.  To be clear of conscience before God, this cannot matter.

It amazes me how those who choose to believe God in all things are ridiculed by those who do not.  And I am not writing about the lost versus the saved.  The word of God is relevant from the first word to the last.  The word of God is perfect.  It was inspired perfectly and without error.  It was and is preserved perfect and without error.  And since we have many instances of active translation occurring within the pages of scripture itself, we can say with certainty that God can and does provide His word perfect and without error even in the process of translation.  Yet the scholars will ridicule those who hold to these scriptural and self-evident truths.  The same is also true of other tenants of the faith.  Separation is perhaps one of the major stumbling blocks for the uncommitted saint.  Scripture itself teaches separation from day one!  Adam and Eve were told to separate from the one tree they were forbidden to eat.  They failed, and all of mankind fell with them.  The dietary laws of the Old Testament speak loudly of separation.  The production of clothing, the sowing of fields, and the alignment of the twelve tribes of Israel all show a separation and distinction between things.  Yet if today’s believer chooses to teach and live according to these standards of separation, he or she will be labeled with unkind titles.

Paul chooses to believe all the Bible.  Not just those parts important to his accusers.  All of it.  Like us, he did not always live it.  He made one of the biggest blunders of his life toward the end of it.  But success in living according to the Bible is related, but not fatally so.  One can believe all the Bible and still fail to live it from time to time.  However, if we do not believe it, then we definitely will not live it.  I admire old Paul.  He has a lot of courage.  He had nothing to lose.  He was willing to stick his neck out for those truths of the Bible that his colleagues refused to embrace.  If you’re going to believe the Bible, you may as well believe it all!

The Unseen Hand

“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” (Ac 18:9-10 AV)

It is important to believe in the unseen help which the LORD has already provided.  The phrase “the unseen hand” has uncertain origins and has a wildly different application.  The phrase was popularized in a speech during WWI to describe a hypothetical German force undermining British stability.  The phrase is altered a bit when referring to other unseen forces influencing outcomes.  The unseen hand of God is a theological term used to describe the workings of God that are noticed on their face, yet the details of how it came to pass are unseen.  Because God is infinite and His works follow, by definition most of what God does is unseen.  It is faith in the unseen which gives strength to endure.  We place much value on what can be seen, and we limit the possibility of what cannot be seen.  The opposite should be true.  There should be more faith and value in what cannot be seen than what can be seen.

If you’ve ever had surgery, you know the support staff that tends to your needs is represented by a fraction of those who are in the ER.  I have had a few and I can tell you, the hospital provides many people who are advocating for your health and safety beyond what can be observed.  In the ER you have the doctor and the anesthesiologist.  There is the surgical tech and perhaps a nurse.  Maybe there is one other person.  The most I have had at any one surgery is five medical workers.  Behind them and not directly involved in every detail is the recovery team.  There is the recovery doctor who monitors you as you come out of anesthesia.  There are the nurses who monitor your vital signs and make you comfortable.  Then there are the pharmacists who cross-check all your medications.  These people assure you that no matter the prescription, side effects will be held to a minimum. There are the kitchen staff that prepare your meals, the vendors who provide all the material support needed for your care, and there are the administrators who pay for it all.  There are maintenance people who keep everything running as it should.  There is janitorial staff that provides germ-free environment for your surgery.  In other words, a simple tonsillectomy involves hundreds of people who assure your surgery is successful and safe.

Why is it when it comes to the LORD, we limit what He can do?  We limit him to things that are seen and forget the vast amount that in not seen.  The unseen hand of God bears us far more than we want to credit Him for.  Paul’s life was threatened if he refused to stop preaching about Jesus.  This tempted him to refrain from preaching.  It was the assurance of the unseen hand of God that gave him the courage to preach.  This preaching changed a city.  Paul was bold enough to take for granted God had his back.  God always has our backs.  Regardless of what can or cannot be seen, the LORD is always there.  He is always working.  He is always active even when we cannot see that activity.  Paul was unaware of the help that was waiting for him.  The LORD did not name names.  He did not tell Paul the specifics of who these people were.  The only assurance God gave Paul was that the help existed.  Paul was required to take that by faith and serve Him with courage.  The LORD may never tell us the details of our pending help.  But it is real nonetheless.  Let us presume upon the grace and help of God, going on to victory rather than cower in defeat.

It'll Do The Soul Some Good

“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh.” (Pr 11:17 AV)

I like how Adam Clarke defines merciful.  He defines it as a gracious disposition.  Somehow, we think that having a critical mind and a gracious spirit are not possible.  We think they are diametrically opposed.  They can be if we allow our critical mind to affect our spirit.  It is right and proper to ask questions and discover the truth.  It is ok to question much in search of truth.  However, if we are not careful, the mind that is critical can also produce a spirit that is soured.  When it comes to people, this is especially important.  The implication of the king is that if we are merciful to others, it does wonders for the soul and spirit.  It is one thing to discern the actions and character of others.  It is entirely something different to allow opinions of facts to change our love for them.  They are people, just like us.  They have hurts and concerns much like we do.  We have character flaws, sins, and downright objectionable personalities just like everyone else.  We are no different.  Having eyes and a heart of mercy not only helps those upon whom we show mercy, but it also helps us deep down inside.

In a few short weeks, many will be watching holiday movies.  One of the favorites of the current generation is The Grinch.  It follows a being who was once soured by the cruel actions of his middle school fellow students.  They mocked him tirelessly for being different.  This led to his escape into a mountain cave and the life of a recluse.  Many years later, a young girl invited him to a town-wide annual Christmas celebration.  It went as expected.  They mocked, as they did many years ago.  He went on a tirade and stole their Christmas.  Everything was gone.  What changed this creature's heart was the cry of the little girl who invited him in the first place.  The lines the Grinch speaks when he hears the cries for help of his little friend are classic.  One of them is “I feel all warm and toasty inside”.  All those years he held on to bitterness and envy.  All those years kept him closed up in a cave.  All those years brought misery and loneliness.  But he never knew how hardened he truly was.  Not unto the felt and exercised mercy did he begin to live again.  Mercy did much good to his soul.

Mercy is not an easy exercise.  At least at first.  What I have noticed is that those who are merciful are merciful as a pattern of life.  They were not born that way.  They chose to live that way.  It took time.  It took a discipline of the mind and heart.  Once it became a pattern, it became instinctual.  What I have also noticed it the more merciful, compassionate, and understanding a person is, the happier they tend to be.  This is to what Solomon is referring.  He is trying to tell us that living a life of mercy toward others will not only benefit others, it will also benefit our own souls.  The kinder we are to all around us, the greater the glow and warmth in our own hearts.  Mercy takes a commitment.  Mercy takes an investment.  Mercy means the welfare of others is more important than our own.  Mercy is a well of life to those who live by it.  Solomon knew of what he spoke.  Now, he is trying to teach his children that kindness and mercy do the soul some good.

But Prayer Was Made

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Ac 12:5 AV)

But prayer was made!  It has become cliché, but it is no less true. Prayer changes things.  Even if Peter was not miraculously freed from an unjust prison, prayer was still the most important thing to do.  Prayer has become ineffective because it is treated as a religious exercise rather than that which it truly is.  Prayer is a conversation with God.  Although prayer is effective in a prayer closet, it is just as effective outside of one, too.  Prayer is having a conversation with our Creator regarding things that concern us or others.  It is one of the means by which we grow more intimate with our Creator.  Relationships require communication.  The more communication, the more intimate the relationship.  Those four words speak volumes!  Just because it seems as though a certain event is set in stone and nothing can be done, prayer is the sledgehammer that breaks open the prison bars.  The young church’s instinct was to go to prayer.  They didn’t stand around and wonder what would happen.  They didn’t console one another with tears flowing down the cheeks.  They went to prayer.  The single word ‘but’ tells us that if prayer is involved, a situation is not certain.  Prayer is more powerful than the circumstances of life.  That is the lesson here.

Those four words are not only words of hope.  They are words of action.  There is little to nothing they could have done to help their leader.  He was a pawn in the game of Herod the king.  Seeing that the death of James, brother of John, brought much joy to his subjects, he determined to continue the slaughter by taking Peter, next.  The way he figured it, if he could rule Israel with peace and happiness from his subjects, that would only help him politically.  There was nothing personal here.  Peter was the next one in line to help Herod ascend the ladder of leadership.  There was no trial planned.  There was no due process offered.  As far as Herod was concerned, the only thing that stood in the way of Peter’s death was the planning a public execution would take.  In a matter of hours to days, Peter would have been the next martyr for Jesus Christ.  The prison in which he was held was impenetrable.  The guards stood fast.  The disciples ran a great risk by trying to intervene.  If they did try, they would end up in prison along with Peter.  There was nothing they could physically do.  But prayer was offered, and God intervened.

By going to prayer, the church was not giving up.  They were going up.  They were not hopelessly addressing the throne of God because they felt they would see a funeral within the next few days.  Rather, they went to prayer because they were hopeful.  The word ‘but’ means that prayer was offered because God was greater than the prison house.  God was greater than Herod.  To God, Peter’s situation was nothing.  That is why they went to prayer.  They went to prayer not because they lacked faith.  They went to prayer because they had faith.  Even Rhoda and the rest of the prayer group believed it was Peter’s ghost and not Peter himself standing at the gate only meant that they prayed in faith.  Whether Peter was delivered by life or by death, of that they had no doubt.  They went to prayer because they believed God to be greater than all things.  Therefore, rather than sit and wait for the outcome, they went to prayer until God answered!