The Ax of Righteousness Will Fell the Sin of Wickedness

“Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” (Da 4:27 AV)

 

Daniel was called upon once again to interpret a dream for Nebby.  Nebby dreamt of a great tree that was cut down leaving only a stump.  After seven years, the stump grew again into a mighty tree.  The interpretation is that God was about to humble Nebby.  Nebby would be inflicted with a psychological affliction wherein he thought and acted like an animal grazing in the open fields.  This torment would continue for seven years until Nebby humbled himself before the God of heaven.  Daniel’s advice here is very bold.  To tell a world dictator that he as a sin issue is very bold.  However, Nebby is about to go crazy.  So what could Nebby really do?  The advice is good advice for everyone.  Our sin is horrible and robs us of the blessings of God.  To overcome sin is very simple.  One must break off sin by righteousness.  Sin cannot be seen apart from righteousness.  They are not mutually exclusive.  They are polar opposites.  One must replace the other.  There is no neutral position between the two.

I grew up in apple country.  The western half of N.Y. state is replete with apple orchards.  It is not uncommon to see more apple orchards than cornfields.  During my childhood, one of our school field trips was to a cider factory.  We were treated to a tour of the orchard and witnessed the process of peeling, crushing, and squeezing out the cider.  Nothing like fresh cider!  From time to time, as one is driving around, an orchard would be seen with nothing but stumps.  These stumps were about four to six inches in diameter.  All cut to about six to twelve inches from the ground.  Fields of them.  Seemed very odd.  However, once discovering the purpose for such a sight, it made complete sense.  The farmer would grow crab apple trees.  As the crab apple tree got to a certain size, he would cut it down and leave the stump.  Then, he would graft in a variety of trees that would produce far more edible fruit.  Being familiar with crab apple trees, I know they grow like weeds.  They are extremely hardy.  Hence the grafting in of more delicate trees.  The root system of the crab apple withstands attacks by insects and disease.  However, the fruit is extremely sour and only attractive to wildlife.  The evil crab apple tree had to be broken off by the good tree of the Macintosh.  If not completely broken off and replaced by a better tree, the crab apple would return.  The only way to defeat the crab apple is to break it off and replace it with something far better.

The same is true with our sin.  It isn’t enough to just quit.  Sin must be broken off by doing the opposite.  If we want to overcome an evil disposition, then being kind is the only way to do it.  If we want to overcome sins of the flesh, then using our time and resources to feed the spirit is the only way.  If we want to overcome sins of the heart, cutting off evil desire and feeling by seeking that which pleases God is the only way to have success.  Think of chopping down that crab apple.  Write ]righteousness’ on the handle.  Note that every blow of righteousness causes the sin of the crab apple to grow weaker.  Eventually, it will fall and a permanent state of righteousness will take its place.

Drive In The Tent Stakes

“And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD.” (Eze 47:23 AV)

 

The tribes of Israel were assigned specific territory in which to settle and homestead.  These boundaries were strictly enforced.  There was no marring the tribal inheritance.  In other words, a Jewish man was free to marry anyone he wanted regardless of tribal affiliation.  However, if a daughter of a family with no sons were to marry, she had to marry within her tribe.  This would keep her land within the tribal territory.  If she married outside her tribe, her land would revert to her new husband and transfer to another tribe.  If land were bought or sold, it had to remain in the tribe to which it was assigned.  Even more stringent was the principle of land transfer transferring to the nearest blood relative only.  This way, family territories within a tribe were also safeguarded.  When we look at the verse above, we see the stranger who has more liberty than the Hebrews in choosing where to settle.  The Gentile, who settled in the land, had a bit more liberty than the Jew, born in the land.  To be clear, sojourning here does not mean the Gentile simply shows up and desires a plot of land.  The verse previous stipulates that sojourning meant he committed by bearing children and raising a family.

It is important for people to put down roots.  Having worked with military personnel in the context of church ministry, I understand just how important, and difficult, this could be.  We worked with primarily navy families.  These families, because of the nature of their duties, were transitory.  Every three years they would transfer to a new base or would go to sea.  There were many problems associated with this lifestyle, primarily a confusion of roles in marriage and the inability to establish deep and lasting relationships.  This took an emotional toll on the children more so than the adults.  What we found is the longer a spouse stayed in that branch of service, the more it affected their children and families.  When they retired, it was difficult for them to adjust to staying put.  They would often retire near to where their extended family lived.  Sometimes, not.  A warmer climate seemed to be their first choice.  And, even though Mom and Dad eventually adjusted, it would take the children a great deal of more time.  Growing up, they never knew what it was like to have a long-term relationship.  Stability is absolutely necessary for emotional and spiritual health.

I have noticed an alarming trend in the last thirty or so years of ministry.  There is a lack of long-term commitment to a church family.  There has also been a trend where attendees outnumber actual members.  We are glad to have them.  But attending church faithfully without being a member is akin to having a relationship without the public acknowledgment of commitment.  Almost like living together without the security and commitment of the marriage vow.  The above application goes two ways.  The Hebrews were to give the sojourner who proved himself willing to subject his family to Jewish law and participate in Jewish tradition and custom and permanent home.  There was to be no prejudice.  The stranger was to be treated as one of their own.  But the stranger had to express a commitment to the process of proselytization into Jewish society.  This meant circumcision and adherence to the word of God.  Membership and commitment are at an all-time low.  We have people in the pews.  However, the church needs to pursue a more permanent commitment and the attendee must be convicted to join.

One last thought.  When they received their inheritance, they ceased to be transitory.  Church hopping was not an indication of long-term commitment. When the stranger received his inheritance, it was forever.  He didn’t hop from one tribe to the next as it pleased him.  He stayed put! 

Lightened Eyes

“The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.” (Pr 15:30 AV)

 

There is no small dispute over the first part of this proverb.  Some take it to mean the light which enters the eyes, i.e., the sun or fire.  Other, the light which exudes from the countenance of a face which has hope despite the receiver have little or none.  I tend to favor the second merely because of the second half of the verse.  The idea of the verse is that good news or a good report affects the hearer.  What we want to do, is focus on that first half.  The book of Proverbs also states,  “In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.” (Pr 16:15 KJV)  In a couple of other places, the Bible says,  “There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.” “For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.” (Ps 4:6, 21:6 KJV)  In other words, I get the distinct impression if someone bears the light of hope and joy in his heart, it will come out in his eyes, and the one who needs it will be encouraged.

The LORD has been good to me and gave me plenty of opportunity to minister to the hurting.  Hospital visits were one of my favorite things to do.  It was of the utmost importance that no matter how dire a situation might be, the chaplain never wore it on his face.  Not that the chaplain should give false hope where no hope can be given.  Rather, the joy and hope that are founded upon his faith are what the patient should see.  I have had a few of those visits.  One of my last ones we with a good friend of mine, Lawrence Barret.  His wife passed away from brain cancer and he began to decline.  We had gone turkey hunting together and had gotten close.  So, after his wife died and he was checked into a nursing home, I went to see him every week.  I knew what was coming.  He knew what was coming.  That didn’t mean we needed to dwell on it.  As we sat, hour after hour, we reminisced of the many adventures we had in the turkey fields.  How he had deliberately set me at the edge of a field with a bull not thirty yards from me.  As we spoke of the good old days, he was able to see the light of life in my eyes and it eased his burden even if the inevitable was around the corner.  What our eyes say can affect others more than we realize.

People will have a tough time in life.  It is faith in the LORD and strength by His spirit that eases those burdens.  If we are downcast and with little hope, trying to help someone worse of then we will not work.  They can see it in your eyes.  However, like Lawrence, I knew where he was going and that I would see him again someday.  I knew his suffering would be short-lived and considered it a privilege to help him graduate into eternity.  What Lawrence didn’t need is someone to come in with eyes full of pity and sorrow.  He needed hope and joy.  We had a good time, Lawrence and I.  One of the greatest blessings of ministry the LORD gave to me.  There is always hope.  There is always a reason to have light behind the eyes.  When others need it, you will have the strength they need to press on through.

Fear For The Fountain

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” (Pr 14:27 AV)

 

The search for the fountain of youth is a reoccurring theme in many movies or TV shows.  In a cursory reading of the fountain of youth at Wikipedia, I learned the myth of the fountain of youth dates back to the 5^th century BC.  The legend of such a fountain is found in most cultures today.  Of course, it was Ponce De Leon who put the legend on the map, so to speak.  His explorations of South America and the Caribbean had an interest in finding this evasive fountain of youth.  It is said that if one could bathe in, and ingest waters from the fountain of youth, such a person could extend their life and live a healthier life.  What is never explored is the extra trouble an extended life might bring.  This legendary fountain of magical waters doesn’t make a person’s problems go away.  He may live longer.  He may live healthier.  But when he returns from the fountain of youth all his troubles of life are there to greet him.  The fountain of youth could be a great blessing.  But it could also mean great cursings as well.  A life full of troubles is no life at all.

Above, our writer observes the fountain of life is in the fear of God and the result is to avoid or depart from the evil that ends in death – the opposite of life.  This fountain of life is not necessarily a longer physical life.  We will all die eventually.  No, this life is a life of meaning, purpose, blessing, and contentment.  Yes, there will still be troubles.  Man is born unto them.  But with the fear of the LORD, life will be as full as possible.

What we must consider this morning is the nature of this fountain.  First, a fountain is stationary.  It does not move.  Like a well, it is located in one place and will always be there.  As long as the water lasts, those in need of it know where to find it.  A village does not venture too far from the fountain lest thirst is their undoing.  Reverencing God, or fearing God, is the center of life.  It is the anchor which keeps the soul from venturing out into danger.  Next, wells have a habit of never running out.  Some do, of course.  Most do not.  Especially those dug very deep.  Jacob’s well spoken of in the word of God is still active today.  Thousands of years later, it still supplies water to those coming to its brink.  Dug more than one hundred feet down, this water will be there day in and day out without ever diminishing its supply.  The fear of the LORD is the same.  Worship, reverence, respect, and love for God are a fountain that leads to life.  As we appreciate who and what the LORD is, His supply to our spiritual needs never runs dry.  Thirdly, because the water in a fountain is fed through underground sources filtered through rock and sand, the water of a deep fountain is pure and clean.  There is nothing like it.  One of the places we used to frequent was Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen, NY.  It is a beautiful place where the attendee hikes up or down the gorge, taking in the wonderful sculpture created by the hand of God.  Towards the bottom of the hike, there is a fountain coming from the side of the mountain.  It is a tube from which fountain water flows filtered by the foothills of the Alleghany mountains.  When we visited there, we would take empty canteens or water bottles and fill them up at the mountain fountain.  It is the clearest, purest, and most delicious water you will ever taste.  The fear of the LORD is the same.  Pure, clean, refreshing.  Nothing like it.  Those who fear God quickly learn the joy of living!

With a worldwide population looking for the meaning of life or a life of abundant contentment, they seem to ignore the one fountain that can bring them the life they seek.  That being, the fear of God.

Victory for Team God

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.” (Eze 36:37 AV)

 

The contest tells the whole story.  From about chapter 33 to this point, the LORD uses Ezekiel to encourage backslidden Israel that God will forgive and restore them as He has promised to Abraham and David.  Chapter 36 deals a little bit more on the motive God has for restoring Israel.  It is well worth the read of all the promises which the LORD affirms with His chosen people.  Promises of restoration, redemption, and conversion.  Israel will abandon all the false religion and wickedness in favor of a relationship with God.  They will be given a new heart that will love God like never before.  They will be restored to a physical kingdom, but more importantly, spiritual prosperity which they have never known.  These promises are not given first and foremost for the benefit of the people.  As the context of this verse reveals, God will do this for His name’s sake.  Thinking on the verse, a question came to mind.  How often do I seek victory in my life solely because it would bring honor to the LORD versus seeking it for my own benefit?

There are elements of playing sports that carry over into the realm of the spiritual.  For instance, we can work, practice, and learn to improve our personal stats.  Or, we could do all this for the glory of the team.  Recently, there have been two Olympian athletes whose purpose for winning is to embarrass their native country.  One turned her back on her national anthem.  The other promised to burn his flag if he medaled.  These two Olympic athletes are not competing for the honor of their nation.  They are competing for selfish attention.  The entire meaning of the Olympics is to compete for the honor of one’s country.  If these two are so embarrassed for their nation, they should move and transfer their citizenship to a nation that meets their approval.  How hard is that to understand?  When I played sports, we were first and foremost motivated for the glory of the team.  I came across an old picture of me in my baseball shirt.  I played for the Moose lodge.  We wore those uniforms with the team name on the front.  Not on the back.  The player’s name went on the back.  Or, no name at all.  The point being, we played for ourselves second.  The team, first.  If we wanted to overcome a lack of skill, it would be for the team’s sake.  This is what every good coach teaches their players.

When it comes to victory over sin or faithlessness, why do we intercede?  Do we seek God’s hand of blessing because it will personally benefit us?  Do we seek victory over sin because we don’t like the feelings of guilt or shame?  Do we seek the power of the Holy Spirit because we fear consequence?  These are good motives.  But they are not the best.  Do we seek more faith because we don’t like the emotion of fear?  Do we seek more faith so we will have a story to tell?  Do we seek increased faith that we might do a work for God that we might gain a feeling of accomplishment?  Why do we seek answers to prayers?  It is for the glory of God first?  Do we seek an answer to prayer that His name is uplifted, glorified, and honor among all men?  Why do we seek that for which we pray?  God told Israel by the mouth of the prophet they would receive showers of blessings.  What a promise!  However, lest they misuse the blessings of God, it is understood the showers come that God may receive what He rightly deserves.  That being, the praise, and glory due His name.

Refinement By Reproof

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” (Pr 12:1 AV)

 

Brutish here is a comparison with a brute – or a common large animal.   Like an ox or bovine in the field the brute is not intelligent nor does he care to be intelligent.  He has neither the inclination nor ability to do anything but to pull a large load.  Any skills he may have learned were done so the hard way.  Being brutish speaks of being dull of mind and hard-headed.  However, there is another way of thinking about brutishness that couples with the animal's nature more so than his mind.  That is, a brutish animal really has no class.  There is little to admire, esthetically, from a brute.  We admire the power and strength of a brute.  Not his mane, horns, or physique.  The brute is not the most picturesque animal in the field.  He is used for more base purposes.  He is used for labor or meat, but not for pursuits of a more grandeur nature.

Living only a mile from our state fairgrounds, going to the fair every year is a foregone conclusion.  As state fairs go, a  state fair would not be a state fair without livestock judging.  Our state fair is no exception.  Several outbuildings are segregating different types of animals.  Bovines might be in one build.  Goats and sheep in another.  Swine still in another.  Fowl also claim their own pavilion.  When we go with my inlaws, they get into all that stuff.  Me?  Only two types of animals I am willing to peruse.  I enjoy the fowl building only because of the obvious variety of the same species.  What I really enjoy is the horses.  My wife and I will sit in the stadium and watch the horse judging for hours.  Draft horses to painted horses.  It doesn’t matter.  These beasts are majestic.  They are trained to show well.  As the handler struts the beast around the arena, the majestic horse trots along knowing that all eyes are on him.  What I find common between show horses and show fowl is their nature to be majestic.  They are not common by any means.  These beasts are not brutes.  They have class.  Their intelligence level is higher than the brute and can be trained to perform certain tasks.  The higher the intelligence, the more majestic.

When the Spirit led me to meditate on this verse I couldn’t help but ask the question of how much class does a person have if he repeatedly refuses instruction and correction?  When I was a child, my parents were big on table manners.  No elbows on the table.  Knowing which fork to use or how the table was to be set was earnestly taught.  My father was really big on teaching us the proper way of eating spaghetti.  Don’t ask me why.  That was his thing.   My parents were trying to teach us life skills of appropriateness.  These table manners may not seem like much, but the idea of learning the finer things in life does mean something.  It makes all the difference in becoming a painted stead running the open field versus a mud-slung ox chewing the cud.  The more we are willing to be corrected, the more we will learn to represent the King of Kings well.  As a famous African-American preacher used to say, “Get you some learnin’ so that others don’t look down on ya.  Then get ya some more learning so that you don’t look down on other people.” 

Man's Plans - God's Hand

“Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” (Pr 11:21 AV)

 

Another word of the phrase, ‘hand join in hand’, would be a conspiracy.  The wicked plan to overthrow the righteous, but it never works.  A conspiracy had a very short half-life.  Eventually, conspiracies are discovered because no one believes coincidence can be that well-orchestrated.  Common sense would tell us that fate does not organize itself into a grand scheme.  As Solomon put it, time and chance happeneth to them all.  But these are small and quick events.  They may work to the interests of the wicked, but to have a conspiracy work, deception, and the ability to permanently hide it is necessary.  That is never the case because truth will always prevail.  The suggestion above is the wicked will conspire to punish the righteous.  The LORD does not promise us a life free of trouble.  Part of being a Christian is to suffer for the name of Christ.  Yet, the LORD will not allow the church to be consumed by the wicked.  The conspiracy will not work.

David is a perfect example of this verse and maybe he is whom the writer had in mind when he penned these words.  In the early years of David, he didn’t have it easy.  For thirteen years, David fled from the face of his father-in-law, Saul.  Shortly after Saul assumed the office of king, God proclaimed he would lose the throne and it would pass to David.  This would cease the practice of passing the crown to one’s son with Saul.  Jonathan would not sit on the throne of Israel.  This did not sit well with Saul.  From cave to cave and from wilderness to wilderness, Saul pursued after David that a javelin might be thrust through his heart.  Saul wanted David dead so that Jonathan could reign in his stead.  Along the way, David suffered for his calling.  He occasioned the death of the priests at Nob.  He was betrayed by a city in his own tribe’s territory.  He had to send his parents away into a pagan land that they might not be used as bait to get to him.  Towards the end of his reign, David suffered a conspiracy of his own son Absalom.  All these efforts to end the ministry and life of David eventually fell apart.  God protected David.  He had troubles.  That is for sure.  But he survived because the conspiracies failed.

The church is guaranteed victory.  The gates of hell will not prevail against the church.  We see the beginnings of persecution on the church similar to the persecutions during the first century AD.  These persecutions will grow and become more common.  These persecutions will climax during the reign of the AntiChrist.  During those seven years, professing Christ will cost the saint his head.  What the Devil and the world do not understand is the church is a spiritual kingdom.  You cannot kill it by temporal means.  We are seeing the fire-bombing of church buildings in the western world.  Something that was only seen in third world countries with predominate secular or religious zealots who hate God.  The world is joining hand-in-hand that the righteous might be destroyed.  But it won’t work.  The church will prevail because the church is eternal.  Though hand join in hand, no matter how strong the alliance, the righteous will prevail!  Guaranteed.