THOSE WHO FEAR GOD WILL DO WELL - "Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity. Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God."
FEAR! What immediately comes to our minds? Are we afraid of anything in particular? Are we consumed by our fears? Truth be told, fear is a powerful motivator. The real question is whether our fear is healthy or unhealthy. Fear that is unhealthy restricts our ability to think rationally. In the moment unhealthy fear arises, our focus becomes narrow and we lose perspective quickly. We are overcome with apprehension, anxiety and uncertainty when it manifests itself. Our minds begin to expect the worst, causing us to shrink back and hide. Unhealthy fear can literally drive our minds into a state of schizophrenia if we allow it to consume our psyche. In contrast, healthy fear is born out of rational thought and sound mind. It motivates caution, respect and reverence, but is not a stronghold that leaves us incapacitated to function properly. For instance, we admonish our children to look both ways before crossing the street based on the potential fear of them getting hit by a car if they fail to abide by caution. Similarly, we respect the laws of physics and gravity and avoid situations where calamity can potentially occur if we're not wise in our decision-making. In either case, healthy and unhealthy fear can motivate our thoughts and actions, but we must discern the root of our fear in every situation if we are to live wisely.
The major premise Solomon outlines in Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 is simply that those who fear God will prosper, while those who do not will incur wrath and judgment. As Christians, we fear God out of reverence for who He is. "'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty'" (Revelation 1:8). We respect His power and majesty and consequently seek to live for righteousness that pleases and glorifies Him, rather than serving our flesh first and foremost and reaping the consequences of our actions. Scripture teaches, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7), in order to elevate our awareness of how foolish we are when we reject the Lord's divinity. When we lose focus of the chasm of holiness that exists between ourselves and God, we begin to think more highly than we ought of who we are. We diminish His majesty by creating false self-perceptions that we are ultimately in control despite our constant failure to resist sin and temptation throughout our lives. Therefore, we must hold firm to our healthy fear of the Lord as the foundation of our faith if we are to live in victory over our selfish, fleshly desires. We must embrace our identity in Christ as sons and daughters of God and declare in confidence, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them" (Psalm 139:13-16).
When we consistently bath our minds in the absolute truth of Scripture, we sift unhealthy fear from our hearts. In essence, our minds are cleansed and purified when Scripture is revered and respected as the ultimate authority in our lives. However, the world considers our trust in the supremacy of Scripture as bondage and religious brainwashing. But we who have a personal faith relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, believe that freedom is born out of healthy submission. We relinquish our personal rights because we know we are inept to save ourselves. We recognize how sin is ingrained in every fabric of our being and relinquish false perceptions that claim we can extract this cancer without the Lord's intervention. Therefore, we proclaim in full confidence: "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:7-11).
Yet the truth remains that evil persists in our world, the wicked prosper, and ungodly authority is allowed to exist in the sphere of God's sovereignty. Needless to say, this is incredibly confusing for many Christians. We struggle to see how the Lord is glorified while our world spirals violently down into greater depths of idolatry and depravity. It is in those moments we need to remind ourselves that we are not alone. Many prophets of old struggled with the same emotions we do today. Consider the words of the prophet Jeremiah: "Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. But you, O LORD, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and set them apart for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? For the evil of those who dwell in it the beasts and the birds are swept away, because they said, 'He will not see our latter end'" (Jeremiah 12:1-4). Jeremiah makes a profound statement that echoes what Solomon teaches in Ecclesiastes 8:10-13—those who do not fear God are immune to the reality of His impending judgment of man's sin. They fail to realize that their foolish thinking and prideful unbelief will incur the wrath of God. It is a sobering truth that should compel those of us who are born-again followers of Jesus Christ to proclaim the Gospel without reservation, because God has revealed to us the end of the story. We intimately know the fate of mankind because fear of eternal separation from God motivated our repentance and subsequent salvation—and that must be at the forefront of our minds as we lay aside our personal comforts and embrace the cross of Christ that will thrust us onto the front-line of persecution for the sake of the Gospel.
Perspective is key though, and our hearts must be grounded in Scripture if we are to resist the devil's schemes. For "the LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident" (Psalm 27:1-3). Just as with death and taxes, trials and tribulations will mark the lives of those who profess the name of Jesus as their salvation. That is why understanding the big picture of God's story is so important. The Lord is long-suffering, but there is a point when time will run out for us all if we do not repent and accept the free gift of salvation Christ offers. Because "the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed" (2 Peter 3:9-10). Therefore, let us allow fear to run its course in our lives and the lives of others as it relates to the Great Commission, so that God would use us as instruments of His grace and mercy to a lost world in desperate need the Father's love. "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
NOTE: For further worship and reflection, check out the following link "Last Word" by Elevation Worship as affirmation that we have nothing to fear because God has the final say, the last word!
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 (Devotion)
KEEP THE KING'S COMMAND - "Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. I say: Keep the king's command, because of God's oath to him. Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, 'What are you doing?' Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt."
Respect for authority is a controversial topic in our world today. As we look around and see our secular culture spiraling further downward into a state of moral depravity and debauchery, it is evident that decisions made by authoritative figures in our sphere of governmental rule are greatly influencing the world around us. In most cases, the premise behind such decisions is justified as a protection of civil rights which are assumed as being violated. Therefore, regardless of minority influence we are to abide by such verdicts whether we agree or not...or should we? Ecclesiastes 8 sheds great light on this question and others like it. The ESV Study Bible summarizes Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 as simply, "Wisdom in Dealing with Foolish Authorities," which is an accurate description of the wisdom Solomon shares in order to address whether our hearts are content or discontent with decisions being made all around us. More importantly, Solomon sifts through the clutter of our hearts to reveal the greater underlying issue—not whether we agree or disagree with a particular issue, but whether we are willing to submit to the various authorities over us who may indeed be evil, immoral or unjust. For opportunities abound to bristle at the proclamations and edicts instituted by those in positions of authority, but our response must always be influenced by Biblical truth rather than emotional outrage and discontentment.
To begin, we must understand clearly what the Bible's stance is regarding authority, which the apostle Paul defines for us without hesitation. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment" (Romans 13:1-2). There are many of us who identify ourselves as Christians yet struggle mightily with this teaching. We question whether what Paul teaches is universal or restricted. Are we truly supposed to sit back and allow sin to be legally defined as moral and protected? It is a loaded question indeed! For as our world and culture continue to evolve, defining how we should respond to governing authorities who mandate legislation we vehemently oppose as Christians is a struggle. We must keep in mind though that at the core of these issues are two foundations our culture desperately seeks to redefine: Truth and Identity. Truth is simply a debate between what we as Christians trust as the absolute truth of the Bible, God's holy and inerrant Word, and relative truth which is not binding but ebbs and flows with our ever-shifting culture. Relative truth exists without boundaries and is discretionary in application. Absolute truth is defined by God and unwavering. That is why Jesus said, "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice" (John 18:37b).
Identity similarly mirrors the truth debate. Are we inherently good or evil? Are we born as righteous or sinners? Is our identity linked to our Creator? Are we lost or born again? Questions such as these force us to discern whether who we are is dependent on God or independent from Him. Again, many would argue their identity is not a choice but ingrained in their physical DNA, regardless of what the Bible has to say. Let us be clear though on what our Biblical response should be to that argument: THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! The Bible 100% endorses that statement...just as a matter of spiritual identity, not physical. Scripture affirms, "For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me" (Psalm 51:5 NLT). As Christians, we believe we are born eternally separated from God. Our natural instincts and propensities serve our flesh to the extent we obey our selfish desires and justify our behavior without apology. Therefore, we need intervention. We need salvation from our identity at birth, for we did not choose who we are—that decision had already been made in the garden of Eden. However, many would argue it seems cruel and ridiculous to believe and accept that our identity from birth is sinful. The simple truth is that the Bible declares such, again bringing us full circle to the truth debate and whether we believe Scripture is absolute or not. No one said believing was easy though. Surrendering our personal will to God's will as revealed in His Word is a sacrifice, but it pales in comparison to the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf to free us from our bondage and slavery to sin. Therefore, when those we love live their lives so as to believe their sinful choices are deemed righteous as part of their God-given identity, we are reminded that self-deception is perhaps man's greatest adversary. We cannot convince ourselves that we are justified to live as we please and assume those decisions are endorsed by God when the pages of Scripture clearly define our behavior as sin, otherwise we are destined to suffer the immeasurable consequences of our pride and disobedience.
But what of our culture? Per Solomon's exposition, it is apparent God's Word is no longer the supreme standard of righteousness our government uses to make its decisions and write laws into action. The wisdom we are given is simply to obey the authority entrusted by God to our governing authorities. Keep in mind, we are not hindered from executing our ability to peacefully protest and oppose legislation and rule that undermines Scriptural truth, but we must be willing to suffer the consequences of our actions. In the United States, we have freedom of speech and the ability to voice our displeasure for decisions made by higher authorities, but we are nonetheless required by God's Word to do so respectfully in order to draw our opposition into a discussion of the issues we disagree with and not fuel animosity. For instance, there is no reason why the LGBT and Christian communities cannot come together and peacefully discuss our conflicting theologies and beliefs. In theory our beliefs would constitute us as enemies, but as Christians we must remember the instruction Jesus gave regarding how we respond to those who oppose the authority of Scripture and/or our Biblical doctrine. "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28). At times, this may require us to step forward in faith and speak truth in love. But as Solomon reminds us, we must discern the proper time and way to convey that we love our fellow man/woman enough to share the Gospel and hold one another accountable as brothers and sisters in Christ.
We must also remind ourselves that while earthly authority may be sinful or corrupt, we can rest assured that our supreme authority in heaven is holy, just and worthy to trust with our lives. Both righteous and unrighteous authority exist under the supreme control of God. Therefore, we can trust Him at His Word because "the heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Nothing we encounter or experience this side of heaven is a surprise to God, for He is all-knowing and all-powerful. The key for us is to not intellectualize our faith to the point where not understanding all the intricacies of His sovereignty fuels discontentment, doubt and inevitably unbelief. Rather, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones" (Proverbs 3:5-8). True discernment in the Spirit is allowing God to work even in the difficult circumstances and situations we experience personally and within the world around us. Therefore, no matter how challenging it may be to respect the various authorities over us, our response as Christians is to always submit unto God through the authority of man He has ordained and instituted in His sovereignty. "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7b), and the Lord will bring to fruition the day of judgment for all mankind where all will be held accountable to the choices they have made.
Respect for authority is a controversial topic in our world today. As we look around and see our secular culture spiraling further downward into a state of moral depravity and debauchery, it is evident that decisions made by authoritative figures in our sphere of governmental rule are greatly influencing the world around us. In most cases, the premise behind such decisions is justified as a protection of civil rights which are assumed as being violated. Therefore, regardless of minority influence we are to abide by such verdicts whether we agree or not...or should we? Ecclesiastes 8 sheds great light on this question and others like it. The ESV Study Bible summarizes Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 as simply, "Wisdom in Dealing with Foolish Authorities," which is an accurate description of the wisdom Solomon shares in order to address whether our hearts are content or discontent with decisions being made all around us. More importantly, Solomon sifts through the clutter of our hearts to reveal the greater underlying issue—not whether we agree or disagree with a particular issue, but whether we are willing to submit to the various authorities over us who may indeed be evil, immoral or unjust. For opportunities abound to bristle at the proclamations and edicts instituted by those in positions of authority, but our response must always be influenced by Biblical truth rather than emotional outrage and discontentment.
To begin, we must understand clearly what the Bible's stance is regarding authority, which the apostle Paul defines for us without hesitation. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment" (Romans 13:1-2). There are many of us who identify ourselves as Christians yet struggle mightily with this teaching. We question whether what Paul teaches is universal or restricted. Are we truly supposed to sit back and allow sin to be legally defined as moral and protected? It is a loaded question indeed! For as our world and culture continue to evolve, defining how we should respond to governing authorities who mandate legislation we vehemently oppose as Christians is a struggle. We must keep in mind though that at the core of these issues are two foundations our culture desperately seeks to redefine: Truth and Identity. Truth is simply a debate between what we as Christians trust as the absolute truth of the Bible, God's holy and inerrant Word, and relative truth which is not binding but ebbs and flows with our ever-shifting culture. Relative truth exists without boundaries and is discretionary in application. Absolute truth is defined by God and unwavering. That is why Jesus said, "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice" (John 18:37b).
Identity similarly mirrors the truth debate. Are we inherently good or evil? Are we born as righteous or sinners? Is our identity linked to our Creator? Are we lost or born again? Questions such as these force us to discern whether who we are is dependent on God or independent from Him. Again, many would argue their identity is not a choice but ingrained in their physical DNA, regardless of what the Bible has to say. Let us be clear though on what our Biblical response should be to that argument: THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! The Bible 100% endorses that statement...just as a matter of spiritual identity, not physical. Scripture affirms, "For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me" (Psalm 51:5 NLT). As Christians, we believe we are born eternally separated from God. Our natural instincts and propensities serve our flesh to the extent we obey our selfish desires and justify our behavior without apology. Therefore, we need intervention. We need salvation from our identity at birth, for we did not choose who we are—that decision had already been made in the garden of Eden. However, many would argue it seems cruel and ridiculous to believe and accept that our identity from birth is sinful. The simple truth is that the Bible declares such, again bringing us full circle to the truth debate and whether we believe Scripture is absolute or not. No one said believing was easy though. Surrendering our personal will to God's will as revealed in His Word is a sacrifice, but it pales in comparison to the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf to free us from our bondage and slavery to sin. Therefore, when those we love live their lives so as to believe their sinful choices are deemed righteous as part of their God-given identity, we are reminded that self-deception is perhaps man's greatest adversary. We cannot convince ourselves that we are justified to live as we please and assume those decisions are endorsed by God when the pages of Scripture clearly define our behavior as sin, otherwise we are destined to suffer the immeasurable consequences of our pride and disobedience.
But what of our culture? Per Solomon's exposition, it is apparent God's Word is no longer the supreme standard of righteousness our government uses to make its decisions and write laws into action. The wisdom we are given is simply to obey the authority entrusted by God to our governing authorities. Keep in mind, we are not hindered from executing our ability to peacefully protest and oppose legislation and rule that undermines Scriptural truth, but we must be willing to suffer the consequences of our actions. In the United States, we have freedom of speech and the ability to voice our displeasure for decisions made by higher authorities, but we are nonetheless required by God's Word to do so respectfully in order to draw our opposition into a discussion of the issues we disagree with and not fuel animosity. For instance, there is no reason why the LGBT and Christian communities cannot come together and peacefully discuss our conflicting theologies and beliefs. In theory our beliefs would constitute us as enemies, but as Christians we must remember the instruction Jesus gave regarding how we respond to those who oppose the authority of Scripture and/or our Biblical doctrine. "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28). At times, this may require us to step forward in faith and speak truth in love. But as Solomon reminds us, we must discern the proper time and way to convey that we love our fellow man/woman enough to share the Gospel and hold one another accountable as brothers and sisters in Christ.
We must also remind ourselves that while earthly authority may be sinful or corrupt, we can rest assured that our supreme authority in heaven is holy, just and worthy to trust with our lives. Both righteous and unrighteous authority exist under the supreme control of God. Therefore, we can trust Him at His Word because "the heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Nothing we encounter or experience this side of heaven is a surprise to God, for He is all-knowing and all-powerful. The key for us is to not intellectualize our faith to the point where not understanding all the intricacies of His sovereignty fuels discontentment, doubt and inevitably unbelief. Rather, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones" (Proverbs 3:5-8). True discernment in the Spirit is allowing God to work even in the difficult circumstances and situations we experience personally and within the world around us. Therefore, no matter how challenging it may be to respect the various authorities over us, our response as Christians is to always submit unto God through the authority of man He has ordained and instituted in His sovereignty. "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7b), and the Lord will bring to fruition the day of judgment for all mankind where all will be held accountable to the choices they have made.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 (Devotion)
THE CONTRAST OF WISDOM AND FOLLY (Part #2) - "In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them. Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. All this I have tested by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. That which has been is far off, and deep, very deep; who can find it out? I turned my heart to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know the wickedness of folly and the foolishness that is madness. And I find something more bitter than death: the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is taken by her. Behold, this is what I found, says the Preacher, while adding one thing to another to find the scheme of things—which my soul has sought repeatedly, but I have not found. One man among a thousand I found, but a woman among all these I have not found. See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes."
At times when we read a passage of Scripture, there is temptation to quickly disregard and brush past verses which are difficult to wrap our minds around. Be encouraged though, for even the greatest Biblical scholars the world has ever known have personally come to a point where they could not reconcile all the mysteries of God through mere intellect. Why? Because the Bible was never intended by God to answer every question and address every issue in life, otherwise we would have no need for faith. We would have all the answers and be God's equal, for we'd know as much as He does. No, God's Word was given to man by the power of the Holy Spirit in order to provide assurance that God is almighty, sovereign, loving and just. We trust the Bible because it is the cornerstone of our faith and the foundation of truth which reveals God's sovereign will for mankind to be reconciled unto Himself. That is why we believe, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), because it acknowledges that we choose whether we believe what the Bible says or not. Those who place faith in Jesus trust in His Word cover to cover because "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Those who are skeptical remain distant from God, risking eternal separation through prideful arrogance. That is why the decision of faith is the most important decision in every human's life, for it sets the stage for how selfish or selfless we truly are.
Assuming we've reconciled our need for salvation, we must direct our attention toward understanding how to live for Christ by seeking divine wisdom and resisting foolish temptations. Ecclesiastes 7 is a prime example of how we can begin shaping our thoughts and decision-making by recognizing God's wisdom and man's foolishness. In this particular 15-verse section, we are confronted with specific scenarios Solomon presents to contrast wisdom and folly. He begins by warning those who are consumed with being proven right (not "righteous" as we would assume) to relinquish their obsession so as not to destroy one's psyche. For it is undoubtedly true that in many cases the wicked prosper, but that fact is held within the sovereignty of God's omniscient control. We may struggle and question God at times just as the prophet Jeremiah did, but in the end God works all things according to His will. "Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart" (Jeremiah 12:1-2). In all sincerity, we must remind ourselves we are not God. We cannot see what He sees nor bear the infinite weight of knowledge that transcends time, but we can choose to admit our knowledge is limited and our fate determined by recognizing our sinful nature, receiving forgiveness through repentance, and accepting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection.
Scripture reminds us, "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil" (Proverbs 3:7). There is infinite wisdom to understanding that wisdom is a gift God bestows upon His children to guide them in their decision-making throughout life. Wisdom is not intended to inflate man's ego and consume his heart with pride. For with great strength comes great responsibility to ensure that God's favor is not being abused or used for evil. Jesus stated, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more" (Luke 12:48b). When we lose sight of who we are and who God is, we begin to live independent from Him and transition into a state of comfort and laziness. Our guard is lowered, making us susceptible to temptation because we think we have complete self-control over all circumstances. As Solomon reminds us though, only a fool looks in the mirror and has the audacity to believe he is universally righteous without a single fault. We all sin and make mistakes, but the wise never lose perspective that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7).
Self-deception lingers when the word of man supersedes the voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Solomon paints a picture of a man who is consumed by what he hears others saying about him, while at the same time living hypocritically by gossiping and tearing down others. The key takeaway is that those under our care and supervision are influenced by our words and actions. Therefore, it is imperative we set a good example for those we lead/manage in our daily lives (i.e. children, employees, etc.), guarding our hearts, taming our tongues, and ensuring we are drawing others closer to Christ rather than the alternative. Yet in many cases, we are drawn away by our own self-deception to taste the poison our flesh desperately craves. We fall victim so easily to the blunt reality, "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11). Do we recognize though what Solomon describes as the hand of the temptress in our lives? Are we aware of the devil's schemes? Are we spiritually blind to our own blindness? The Bible reminds us, "As it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one'" (Romans 3:10-12). Not a single man, past or present, can proclaim he is/was without fault or blemish. For only one man was worthy and able to make such a claim, and that was superseded by the fact that He was the Son of God Himself!
Why then is man so obsessed with figuring out alternative routes to heaven? For the most part, pride and lust play a predominant role in luring our allegiance away from God to trust in the empty promises the world manufactures at an alarming rate. That is why Scripture warns, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:16-17). When we place our eternal fate in seeking salvation apart from placing faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we choose to be held captive by our flesh. And when the day of judgment comes, blame-shifting and creating excuses will fall on deaf ears. God will separate wheat and weeds, the righteous from the unrighteous, even though He allows both to live together on this earth till the day of our impending judgment. "Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, 'Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn'" (Matthew 13:30). That is why the Bible is full of warnings for us to repent of our sins and seek first the kingdom of heaven so that we would be made righteous through the shed blood of Jesus on our behalf. Pride will destroy from within and our love of self hinder us from receiving the absolute truth of the Gospel if we hold fast to foolishness and resist wisdom the Lord freely gives to those who place their eternal hope and trust in Him. Therefore, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned" (Romans 12:3).
At times when we read a passage of Scripture, there is temptation to quickly disregard and brush past verses which are difficult to wrap our minds around. Be encouraged though, for even the greatest Biblical scholars the world has ever known have personally come to a point where they could not reconcile all the mysteries of God through mere intellect. Why? Because the Bible was never intended by God to answer every question and address every issue in life, otherwise we would have no need for faith. We would have all the answers and be God's equal, for we'd know as much as He does. No, God's Word was given to man by the power of the Holy Spirit in order to provide assurance that God is almighty, sovereign, loving and just. We trust the Bible because it is the cornerstone of our faith and the foundation of truth which reveals God's sovereign will for mankind to be reconciled unto Himself. That is why we believe, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), because it acknowledges that we choose whether we believe what the Bible says or not. Those who place faith in Jesus trust in His Word cover to cover because "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Those who are skeptical remain distant from God, risking eternal separation through prideful arrogance. That is why the decision of faith is the most important decision in every human's life, for it sets the stage for how selfish or selfless we truly are.
Assuming we've reconciled our need for salvation, we must direct our attention toward understanding how to live for Christ by seeking divine wisdom and resisting foolish temptations. Ecclesiastes 7 is a prime example of how we can begin shaping our thoughts and decision-making by recognizing God's wisdom and man's foolishness. In this particular 15-verse section, we are confronted with specific scenarios Solomon presents to contrast wisdom and folly. He begins by warning those who are consumed with being proven right (not "righteous" as we would assume) to relinquish their obsession so as not to destroy one's psyche. For it is undoubtedly true that in many cases the wicked prosper, but that fact is held within the sovereignty of God's omniscient control. We may struggle and question God at times just as the prophet Jeremiah did, but in the end God works all things according to His will. "Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart" (Jeremiah 12:1-2). In all sincerity, we must remind ourselves we are not God. We cannot see what He sees nor bear the infinite weight of knowledge that transcends time, but we can choose to admit our knowledge is limited and our fate determined by recognizing our sinful nature, receiving forgiveness through repentance, and accepting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection.
Scripture reminds us, "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil" (Proverbs 3:7). There is infinite wisdom to understanding that wisdom is a gift God bestows upon His children to guide them in their decision-making throughout life. Wisdom is not intended to inflate man's ego and consume his heart with pride. For with great strength comes great responsibility to ensure that God's favor is not being abused or used for evil. Jesus stated, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more" (Luke 12:48b). When we lose sight of who we are and who God is, we begin to live independent from Him and transition into a state of comfort and laziness. Our guard is lowered, making us susceptible to temptation because we think we have complete self-control over all circumstances. As Solomon reminds us though, only a fool looks in the mirror and has the audacity to believe he is universally righteous without a single fault. We all sin and make mistakes, but the wise never lose perspective that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7).
Self-deception lingers when the word of man supersedes the voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Solomon paints a picture of a man who is consumed by what he hears others saying about him, while at the same time living hypocritically by gossiping and tearing down others. The key takeaway is that those under our care and supervision are influenced by our words and actions. Therefore, it is imperative we set a good example for those we lead/manage in our daily lives (i.e. children, employees, etc.), guarding our hearts, taming our tongues, and ensuring we are drawing others closer to Christ rather than the alternative. Yet in many cases, we are drawn away by our own self-deception to taste the poison our flesh desperately craves. We fall victim so easily to the blunt reality, "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11). Do we recognize though what Solomon describes as the hand of the temptress in our lives? Are we aware of the devil's schemes? Are we spiritually blind to our own blindness? The Bible reminds us, "As it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one'" (Romans 3:10-12). Not a single man, past or present, can proclaim he is/was without fault or blemish. For only one man was worthy and able to make such a claim, and that was superseded by the fact that He was the Son of God Himself!
Why then is man so obsessed with figuring out alternative routes to heaven? For the most part, pride and lust play a predominant role in luring our allegiance away from God to trust in the empty promises the world manufactures at an alarming rate. That is why Scripture warns, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:16-17). When we place our eternal fate in seeking salvation apart from placing faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we choose to be held captive by our flesh. And when the day of judgment comes, blame-shifting and creating excuses will fall on deaf ears. God will separate wheat and weeds, the righteous from the unrighteous, even though He allows both to live together on this earth till the day of our impending judgment. "Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, 'Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn'" (Matthew 13:30). That is why the Bible is full of warnings for us to repent of our sins and seek first the kingdom of heaven so that we would be made righteous through the shed blood of Jesus on our behalf. Pride will destroy from within and our love of self hinder us from receiving the absolute truth of the Gospel if we hold fast to foolishness and resist wisdom the Lord freely gives to those who place their eternal hope and trust in Him. Therefore, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned" (Romans 12:3).
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 (Devotion)
THE CONTRAST OF WISDOM AND FOLLY (Part #1) - "A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity. Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart. Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Say not, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him."
At times in our lives, we need nuggets of truth reserved for specific moments. The increasing speed with which we live places a premium on ensuring we grasp wisdom as quickly as possible, otherwise we miss out on absolute truth we need to survive. The imagery Paul describes in his dissertation on the armor of God in Ephesians 6 provides insight on the importance of God's Word and why nuggets of truth (such as written by Solomon) are vital to our sanctification. Therefore, it is important we understand each point Solomon makes in order to glean a harvest of righteousness that fuels our Christian faith walk. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes 7 in the same fashion as the book of Proverbs. Each verse has a specific purpose with the intent to convict, admonish, and sanctify the heart, regardless of whether it seems logical at first glance. Therefore, if we are to understand Ecclesiastes 7 we must examine each verse both individually and collectively.
First, we must understand that our character speaks volumes, just as a good name is far more valuable than precious ointment. It defines who we are as men and women of faith. Even the poorest man can be identified with high character because character is not confined by material wealth or social status. Rather, it is the legitimacy with which we live for Christ that proves whether we are shallow in faith or composed of substantive integrity. In other words, what we say and do must be genuine, honest and reliable. Jesus put it this way, "Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37). Similarly, James reminds us, "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:14-17). Let us be clear: The legitimacy of our faith is proven by our words and actions through frequent consistency as the measuring tool which testifies to whether our faith is authentic. We cannot say we believe in the transforming power of the Gospel and not apply it in our thoughts, words and deeds. It would be hypocritical to live as such otherwise!
Solomon also points out that our spiritual posture must resemble a funeral rather than a celebration. Why? When we reflect upon Jesus' sermon on the mount, we hear similar language. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:3-4). What Jesus emphasizes is that we must look in the mirror and honestly assess who we are as sinful men and women. Is our identity found in Christ or in our flesh? Consider the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector as proof. "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:9-14). When we think more highly of ourselves than we ought, we lose touch with reality. We forget that we are habitual sinners. We minimize sin in lieu of relative truth which is ever-changing and shifting. Consequently, that is why we are to adorn ourselves in ashes and sack-cloth as those in mourning, for we who mourn over our sin will be blessed because we recognize and understand how often we fail God and how gracious and merciful He is to forgive us unconditionally when we humbly repent of our wicked ways.
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing" (James 1:23-25). Accountability is our method of overcoming the temptation to live foolishly. Accountability forces us to weigh our decisions and sift foolish thinking till all we are left with is wisdom. That is the essence of being a doer and not a hearer of the Word. When we are rebuked in our faith walk and shown the path of righteousness, we are thankful for the accountability God has provided regardless of the consequences. A man or woman whose heart is teachable can embrace reality that God will use whatever means necessary to get our attention, convict our selfish behavior, and draw us unto himself. For we must ask ourselves, "What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory" (Romans 9:22-23). The Lord pursues us because He loves us; not because we deserve it, but because He loves us far more than we will ever comprehend.
Patience is yet another theme Solomon addresses, both in terms of time and behavior. If we reflect upon what patience is designed to do, we understand more clearly why the end of a thing is better than its beginning. Patience would be akin to hopeful trust, leaving room for the Spirit to work in and through a given situation. In other words, patience is a healthy means to an end that guards our hearts from being consumed by fear, worry and doubt. For example, we cannot predict the future whether a loved one will repent and come to Christ; or perhaps if medical treatments/therapy will cure a life-threatening disease; or if seasons of unemployment or job uncertainty will come to fruition; or if continual miscarriages will result in pregnancy, etc. What we can be certain of is in whom we place our hope, which allows us to look back with perspective at how God has always been at work in our lives despite us realizing it. As Christians, we do not have to patiently wait for God to hear our cries for grace and mercy. He already has because we have been provided a foundation of faith where hope resides in the decisions we face each day. That is why the apostle Paul encouraged his brethren, "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" (Romans 8:24-25). We endure trial and suffering with patient expectation that the Lord will meet our needs because His Word promises such. Whether we realize He already has is another issue in and of itself, but we can rest confidently in truth that our patience and hope in the saving power of Jesus Christ is worthy to be trusted. "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:31-33).
In the end, whether we face seasons of harvest or famine, prosperity or adversity, the Lord calls upon us to trust His sovereignty. Knowledge of who God is in the pages of Scripture teaches us this truth, but wisdom applies it to the heart so that we live out what we believe. That is why we cannot continue to starve ourselves day in and day out from being washed by the water of the Word. For when we read our Bibles we understand more clearly that God's hand is never without mission and purpose, and that He intimately knows every thought and fabric of who we are. "O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it" (Psalm 139:1-6). If we're being truly honest with ourselves though, does this truth make a difference in our hearts regardless of where we are in our personal faith walk? Do we see how knowledge, wisdom, character, perspective, patience, accountability, etc, all derive their origins from our spiritual identity (whether in Christ or in the world)? Can we trace back throughout our lives and see how God's hand has infinitely touched our lives without us ever knowing it? If we can't, perhaps our pride is holding us back which we need to reconcile immediately. But if we can, let us walk confidently in the love of our Savior knowing that come what may, we will live out our faith publicly and share the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ with lost souls desperate for salvation. "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
At times in our lives, we need nuggets of truth reserved for specific moments. The increasing speed with which we live places a premium on ensuring we grasp wisdom as quickly as possible, otherwise we miss out on absolute truth we need to survive. The imagery Paul describes in his dissertation on the armor of God in Ephesians 6 provides insight on the importance of God's Word and why nuggets of truth (such as written by Solomon) are vital to our sanctification. Therefore, it is important we understand each point Solomon makes in order to glean a harvest of righteousness that fuels our Christian faith walk. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes 7 in the same fashion as the book of Proverbs. Each verse has a specific purpose with the intent to convict, admonish, and sanctify the heart, regardless of whether it seems logical at first glance. Therefore, if we are to understand Ecclesiastes 7 we must examine each verse both individually and collectively.
First, we must understand that our character speaks volumes, just as a good name is far more valuable than precious ointment. It defines who we are as men and women of faith. Even the poorest man can be identified with high character because character is not confined by material wealth or social status. Rather, it is the legitimacy with which we live for Christ that proves whether we are shallow in faith or composed of substantive integrity. In other words, what we say and do must be genuine, honest and reliable. Jesus put it this way, "Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37). Similarly, James reminds us, "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:14-17). Let us be clear: The legitimacy of our faith is proven by our words and actions through frequent consistency as the measuring tool which testifies to whether our faith is authentic. We cannot say we believe in the transforming power of the Gospel and not apply it in our thoughts, words and deeds. It would be hypocritical to live as such otherwise!
Solomon also points out that our spiritual posture must resemble a funeral rather than a celebration. Why? When we reflect upon Jesus' sermon on the mount, we hear similar language. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:3-4). What Jesus emphasizes is that we must look in the mirror and honestly assess who we are as sinful men and women. Is our identity found in Christ or in our flesh? Consider the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector as proof. "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:9-14). When we think more highly of ourselves than we ought, we lose touch with reality. We forget that we are habitual sinners. We minimize sin in lieu of relative truth which is ever-changing and shifting. Consequently, that is why we are to adorn ourselves in ashes and sack-cloth as those in mourning, for we who mourn over our sin will be blessed because we recognize and understand how often we fail God and how gracious and merciful He is to forgive us unconditionally when we humbly repent of our wicked ways.
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing" (James 1:23-25). Accountability is our method of overcoming the temptation to live foolishly. Accountability forces us to weigh our decisions and sift foolish thinking till all we are left with is wisdom. That is the essence of being a doer and not a hearer of the Word. When we are rebuked in our faith walk and shown the path of righteousness, we are thankful for the accountability God has provided regardless of the consequences. A man or woman whose heart is teachable can embrace reality that God will use whatever means necessary to get our attention, convict our selfish behavior, and draw us unto himself. For we must ask ourselves, "What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory" (Romans 9:22-23). The Lord pursues us because He loves us; not because we deserve it, but because He loves us far more than we will ever comprehend.
Patience is yet another theme Solomon addresses, both in terms of time and behavior. If we reflect upon what patience is designed to do, we understand more clearly why the end of a thing is better than its beginning. Patience would be akin to hopeful trust, leaving room for the Spirit to work in and through a given situation. In other words, patience is a healthy means to an end that guards our hearts from being consumed by fear, worry and doubt. For example, we cannot predict the future whether a loved one will repent and come to Christ; or perhaps if medical treatments/therapy will cure a life-threatening disease; or if seasons of unemployment or job uncertainty will come to fruition; or if continual miscarriages will result in pregnancy, etc. What we can be certain of is in whom we place our hope, which allows us to look back with perspective at how God has always been at work in our lives despite us realizing it. As Christians, we do not have to patiently wait for God to hear our cries for grace and mercy. He already has because we have been provided a foundation of faith where hope resides in the decisions we face each day. That is why the apostle Paul encouraged his brethren, "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" (Romans 8:24-25). We endure trial and suffering with patient expectation that the Lord will meet our needs because His Word promises such. Whether we realize He already has is another issue in and of itself, but we can rest confidently in truth that our patience and hope in the saving power of Jesus Christ is worthy to be trusted. "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:31-33).
In the end, whether we face seasons of harvest or famine, prosperity or adversity, the Lord calls upon us to trust His sovereignty. Knowledge of who God is in the pages of Scripture teaches us this truth, but wisdom applies it to the heart so that we live out what we believe. That is why we cannot continue to starve ourselves day in and day out from being washed by the water of the Word. For when we read our Bibles we understand more clearly that God's hand is never without mission and purpose, and that He intimately knows every thought and fabric of who we are. "O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it" (Psalm 139:1-6). If we're being truly honest with ourselves though, does this truth make a difference in our hearts regardless of where we are in our personal faith walk? Do we see how knowledge, wisdom, character, perspective, patience, accountability, etc, all derive their origins from our spiritual identity (whether in Christ or in the world)? Can we trace back throughout our lives and see how God's hand has infinitely touched our lives without us ever knowing it? If we can't, perhaps our pride is holding us back which we need to reconcile immediately. But if we can, let us walk confidently in the love of our Savior knowing that come what may, we will live out our faith publicly and share the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ with lost souls desperate for salvation. "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)