When it comes to guarding my heart from deceiving spirits and lying tongues, I’m in. I am going to read and study God’s Word, pray and meditate, go to church and do all the ‘right’ things because I don’t want to be deceived. I wonder then, where will these deceiving spirits come from. Surely, they will be in bars and on the streets where crime happens. Maybe they will be in the secular news or college and university campuses.
“The Spirit clearly says that in the later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.” I Timothy 4:1-3
Well, that about brings my mind to a skidding halt! These deceiving spirits are not coming from the streets of crime or the universities, but from within the church itself. And they are coming through people “whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” They are coming from people who have decided what their ‘conviction’ is and are trying to force it on others. I’m shaking my head to try to clear my brain.
In Romans 14, Paul has more to say about how we handle our convictions within a fellowship of believers. “The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:3-4 “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way… If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died… For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” Romans 4:12-18
It seems then, that Paul is asking us to not only be aware of our own convictions, but also be aware of when our convictions may cause someone else to doubt theirs. His bottom line is whether or not we are acting out of love. Can I give up a freedom Christ has given me in order to not cause a fellow traveler in this life to stumble and/or fall? I wonder does that make me a hypocrite if I don’t always act on my beliefs and freedoms. Or does it make me a compassionate, loving servant to my community of faith.
What if I am one who has strong ‘convictions’ with a lot of ‘don’t do this’ and ‘don’t do that’ in my belief system? These rules help to keep me from sinning against God. How do I know when to confront another’s behavior based on my convictions and when to keep silent because my convictions are my convictions and they may not apply to them?
Now I Corinthians 13 is ‘gonging’ loudly in my ear. If I speak the most wonderful convictions and acts of God I know without love in my heart for the hearers of my words, “I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” I Corinthians 13:1 If I am extremely intelligent and have great theological knowledge and wisdom, “but have not love, I am nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2 If I am a very gracious and giving person and take care of all the poor around me with my wealth, “but have not love, I gain nothing.” I Corinthians 13:3
So back to I Timothy… I wonder what these deceiving spirits are and how they are misleading and misguiding believers. I wonder could it be that they are the very people among us who are the most vocal about their convictions – who have memorized many passages of Scripture and use it for rebuking regularly? Could it be the most giving people we know who give out of their wealth and quite possibly keep the recipients at arm’s length, groveling in continued need of love and friendship? Could it be that they are those who are lacking in their own knowledge of God’s love and mercy in their lives and, therefore, judge cruelly speaking harsh words of ‘conviction’ to others rather than speaking God’s love into the lives of those around them?
Oh that my understanding of God’s love for me would be greater so that I would not be caught deceiving others by withholding God’s love from them.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Pride Goeth Before a Fall
Proverbs 16:18 is often quoted [paraphrased] by gloating people watching a haughty person go down. But it is also at the heart of the story in I Chronicles 21. “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” I Chronicles 21:1 I used to read over that verse quickly and once in a while wonder what a census had to do with anything. But the chapter seemed to be about the choices God gave David and the fact that David chose to have Israel punished by the plague for three days because he would rather be in the hands of God then in the hands of men. However, as I read it today, it seems to be about David and pride.
Why would David take a census and what would be wrong with that? As I read the Old Testament, it seems that kings rise and fall based on the man power of their armies and how many chariots and horses they have. But David was different. His strength came from God and he knew it. He won battles that, by human standards, he should not have won. He conquered territories that he should not have been able to. But in taking that census, he turned his eyes away from God and began to look at how big his army was and would it be big enough to meet his next goal. He was becoming proud of the army he could muster and thinking that he was a great leader who could win any battle he put his mind to. That is when God sent Gad to David with the message of choices.
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Take your choice: three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the Lord – days of plague ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should answer one who sent me.’” I Chronicles 21:11-12
David chose the plague. I wonder why he didn’t say to God, “It was my sin. Why should the people be punished?” But he didn’t. He was still operating out of pride. Even his choice was prideful. To be chased by the sword of other armies would make him look incapable of leading his army to victory and famine would make him look incapable of providing for his people. But no one would expect him to be able to control a plague. It was also the shortest of the punishments – only three days rather than three months or three years.
Only after 70,000 people died from the plague did David finally admit his guilt and responsibility. “David said to God, ‘Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? O Lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.’” I Chronicles 21:17 David finally accepted responsibility for the situation and that is when God stopped the plague.
I wonder how many times the pride of leaders in the church has caused injury to the ‘sheep’ through the generations. And I wonder how many times my pride has caused injury to others in my sphere of influence. It gives me great comfort to know that God forgave David even for sins that harmed other people. And it spurs me on to understand what it means to be humble before God. When I get in trouble, it is pretty much always because of my pride in myself and wanting things my way. When I am humble before God and allow myself to be less and God to be more, good things happen – others are blessed and drawn closer to God’s heart.
Lord, keep my humble before you. Open my eyes to see when I am destroying others because of my pride. Forgive me and bring healing through your power, your mercy and your love. Amen.
Why would David take a census and what would be wrong with that? As I read the Old Testament, it seems that kings rise and fall based on the man power of their armies and how many chariots and horses they have. But David was different. His strength came from God and he knew it. He won battles that, by human standards, he should not have won. He conquered territories that he should not have been able to. But in taking that census, he turned his eyes away from God and began to look at how big his army was and would it be big enough to meet his next goal. He was becoming proud of the army he could muster and thinking that he was a great leader who could win any battle he put his mind to. That is when God sent Gad to David with the message of choices.
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Take your choice: three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the Lord – days of plague ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should answer one who sent me.’” I Chronicles 21:11-12
David chose the plague. I wonder why he didn’t say to God, “It was my sin. Why should the people be punished?” But he didn’t. He was still operating out of pride. Even his choice was prideful. To be chased by the sword of other armies would make him look incapable of leading his army to victory and famine would make him look incapable of providing for his people. But no one would expect him to be able to control a plague. It was also the shortest of the punishments – only three days rather than three months or three years.
Only after 70,000 people died from the plague did David finally admit his guilt and responsibility. “David said to God, ‘Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? O Lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.’” I Chronicles 21:17 David finally accepted responsibility for the situation and that is when God stopped the plague.
I wonder how many times the pride of leaders in the church has caused injury to the ‘sheep’ through the generations. And I wonder how many times my pride has caused injury to others in my sphere of influence. It gives me great comfort to know that God forgave David even for sins that harmed other people. And it spurs me on to understand what it means to be humble before God. When I get in trouble, it is pretty much always because of my pride in myself and wanting things my way. When I am humble before God and allow myself to be less and God to be more, good things happen – others are blessed and drawn closer to God’s heart.
Lord, keep my humble before you. Open my eyes to see when I am destroying others because of my pride. Forgive me and bring healing through your power, your mercy and your love. Amen.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Genealogy and Faith
As I read through names, “___ son of ___ son of ___,” my eyelids begin to droop. But wait, what is that name? Jabez? Why is his prayer in the middle of a genealogy? David, on the other hand, is listed as one of Jesse’s sons with no other comment. What’s with that?
There are many faith stories in the Old Testament. Maybe the prayer of Jabez is there because it is a faith story and there was no other good place to put it. Short and sweet, he is praying for his territory to be enlarged, for God’s hand to be on him, and to be free from pain. And it tells us God granted his request. (I Chronicles 4:9-10) Today, this is a well known prayer thanks to Bruce Wilkenson and the book he wrote regarding it. Unfortunately, it is an often misunderstood prayer. It has become a ‘mantra’ for many people thinking that if they pray this prayer, God will give them all the earthly pleasures they desire, totally missing the part of the prayer about God’s hand being on them. I wonder what Jabez meant when he asked for God’s hand to be on him and keep him from harm.
In order for God’s hand to be on him, they would need a pretty close relationship – God and Jabez. I wonder what God was doing with Jabez at that time. I wonder how much influence Jabez had on others as he related to God closely. And I wonder what was about to harm him that he was praying to be kept from harm.
And then there is David, who in the genealogy is simply a name. Yet because of other writings in the Old Testament, we know a lot about David. And the first story any of us learn about David is his fight with Goliath, the Philistine giant. One small stone placed in a slingshot, aimed and released at the giant’s head, a fallen giant who then is decapitated by his own sword. Great victory for the Israelites – gruesome story for the tender of heart.
It occurs to me that this faith story of David can also be my faith story – in a spiritual war where the giants of science and intellect are taunting me. The stone I place in my slingshot is the nugget of truth found in God’s Word. The slingshot is the conversation, writing, prayer, or speech with others. Carefully aimed at the giant, the nugget of truth knocks him off balance and he falls. I grab my sword, God’s Word (Ephesians 6) and cut off the head so the giant will not rise again. Another victory!
God helps me take down one giant at a time and enlarges my sphere of influence as I have more experiences and meet more people. As I experience victory, I am energized to keep going. Now I have a faith story to tell. It won’t show up in Chronicles. It probably won’t even make the local newspaper. But as I tell my story, others will be encouraged and will begin to pick up their nuggets, put them in their slingshot and go after the giants in their lives. And the kingdom will grow – God’s kingdom. He will expand our territory when we become his servants, fighting to help more people find their way back to God, their Creator and lover of their souls.
May God’s hand be on me and enlarge my territory and keep me from harm so his kingdom will come here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
There are many faith stories in the Old Testament. Maybe the prayer of Jabez is there because it is a faith story and there was no other good place to put it. Short and sweet, he is praying for his territory to be enlarged, for God’s hand to be on him, and to be free from pain. And it tells us God granted his request. (I Chronicles 4:9-10) Today, this is a well known prayer thanks to Bruce Wilkenson and the book he wrote regarding it. Unfortunately, it is an often misunderstood prayer. It has become a ‘mantra’ for many people thinking that if they pray this prayer, God will give them all the earthly pleasures they desire, totally missing the part of the prayer about God’s hand being on them. I wonder what Jabez meant when he asked for God’s hand to be on him and keep him from harm.
In order for God’s hand to be on him, they would need a pretty close relationship – God and Jabez. I wonder what God was doing with Jabez at that time. I wonder how much influence Jabez had on others as he related to God closely. And I wonder what was about to harm him that he was praying to be kept from harm.
And then there is David, who in the genealogy is simply a name. Yet because of other writings in the Old Testament, we know a lot about David. And the first story any of us learn about David is his fight with Goliath, the Philistine giant. One small stone placed in a slingshot, aimed and released at the giant’s head, a fallen giant who then is decapitated by his own sword. Great victory for the Israelites – gruesome story for the tender of heart.
It occurs to me that this faith story of David can also be my faith story – in a spiritual war where the giants of science and intellect are taunting me. The stone I place in my slingshot is the nugget of truth found in God’s Word. The slingshot is the conversation, writing, prayer, or speech with others. Carefully aimed at the giant, the nugget of truth knocks him off balance and he falls. I grab my sword, God’s Word (Ephesians 6) and cut off the head so the giant will not rise again. Another victory!
God helps me take down one giant at a time and enlarges my sphere of influence as I have more experiences and meet more people. As I experience victory, I am energized to keep going. Now I have a faith story to tell. It won’t show up in Chronicles. It probably won’t even make the local newspaper. But as I tell my story, others will be encouraged and will begin to pick up their nuggets, put them in their slingshot and go after the giants in their lives. And the kingdom will grow – God’s kingdom. He will expand our territory when we become his servants, fighting to help more people find their way back to God, their Creator and lover of their souls.
May God’s hand be on me and enlarge my territory and keep me from harm so his kingdom will come here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
When Leadership Fails
Jeremiah is often called the ‘weeping prophet’ because of the terrible message he had to give to the people of Israel. His heart was torn because no matter what he said, how emphatic he was or how much he shared with the people about what God was about to do, they would not repent and turn their hearts back to God.
As I read the book of Jeremiah, it becomes clear that the people ‘think’ they are honoring God. They go to the Temple, they celebrate the feasts, they make their sacrifices, and some of them even fast. But as they leave the Temple, they go on sinning, they go to their high places, make sacrifices to other gods, and even throw their children into the fire as sacrifices to other gods. Over and over, Jeremiah tries to call this to their attention and get them to turn around before it is too late.
Periodically, throughout the prophecies of Jeremiah, he addresses the leadership – the kings, the priests and teachers of the Law. “The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the Lord; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered.” Jeremiah 10:21 “Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar?... But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion.” Jeremiah 22:15 & 17 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” Jeremiah 23:1 “’Both prophet and priests are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness,’ declares the Lord. ‘Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. I will bring disaster on them in the year they are punished,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:11-12
Several things become clear as I look at Jeremiah, the leadership and the people. Jeremiah was a lonely man. He had a very difficult and strong message to give to the leadership and to the people. The leadership had failed miserably in keeping the people’s hearts turned toward God. Their own hearts had become hardened and unable to hear God’s voice. They and all the people had absorbed the sinful practices of the people groups around them, little by little, probably not even noticing how much they had changed over the years. Jeremiah tried to remind them where they had come from and show them how much they had fallen. But he also tried to remind them that they had a loving and forgiving God and that if they would turn their hearts and their faces back to God, he would be there for them.
God shows his tender heart over and over in his concern for the ‘scattered sheep’. “’I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:4
“Then the Lord asked me, ‘What do you see,’ Jeremiah? ‘Figs,’ I answered. ‘The good ones are very good, but the poor ones are so bad they cannot be eaten.’ Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. But like the poor figs, which are so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the Lord, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah, king of Judah, his officials and the survivors from Jerusalem, whether they remain in this land or live in Egypt. I will make them abhorrent and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach and a byword, an object of ridicule and cursing, wherever I banish them. I will send the sword, famine, and plague against them until they are destroyed from the land I gave them and their fathers.’” Jeremiah 24:3-10
God holds leadership responsible. I wonder, then, what causes leaders to fail? I wonder what causes some people to advance as leaders? Leadership carries with it things like popularity, money, power, and control. Popularity is kept alive by saying and doing what the people ‘think’ they want. More money comes in when popularity is kept alive. Position gives power and control. When we experience money, power, and control, we want more and more. That is the human state.
Godly leadership looks very different than worldly leadership. Godly leadership is humble, drawing wisdom from God, not concerned with gaining more wealth, power, or control, but understanding that God is their wisdom, God is their strength, and God is in control. Godly leadership looks more like a servant – like a shepherd caring for the flock entrusted to him/her. That means leading them to good food and water, binding their wounds, and keeping evil wolves and lions and bears away so they are not harmed. When leaders forget that they are a servant and believe they are a king, parading in fine clothes and showing off their gains, that is when they fail. And when they fail, many people are hurt. And so we find God stepping in over and over to rescue his people. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14
If I am called to be a leader, the most significant thing I can do is keep my heart in tune with God’s heart. I need to put blinders on to the world’s enticements and keep my eyes on my heavenly Father. He will show me whose wounds need binding and whose hearts are ready to be taught to follow him. False humility won’t cut it. Only true humility, knowing who my God is and what he has done for me and where my righteousness comes from, will keep me from failing as a leader.
Lord, please help me to keep my eyes on you, to live as your humble servant. You are my King. I give my life in service to you. Amen.
As I read the book of Jeremiah, it becomes clear that the people ‘think’ they are honoring God. They go to the Temple, they celebrate the feasts, they make their sacrifices, and some of them even fast. But as they leave the Temple, they go on sinning, they go to their high places, make sacrifices to other gods, and even throw their children into the fire as sacrifices to other gods. Over and over, Jeremiah tries to call this to their attention and get them to turn around before it is too late.
Periodically, throughout the prophecies of Jeremiah, he addresses the leadership – the kings, the priests and teachers of the Law. “The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the Lord; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered.” Jeremiah 10:21 “Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar?... But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion.” Jeremiah 22:15 & 17 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” Jeremiah 23:1 “’Both prophet and priests are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness,’ declares the Lord. ‘Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. I will bring disaster on them in the year they are punished,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:11-12
Several things become clear as I look at Jeremiah, the leadership and the people. Jeremiah was a lonely man. He had a very difficult and strong message to give to the leadership and to the people. The leadership had failed miserably in keeping the people’s hearts turned toward God. Their own hearts had become hardened and unable to hear God’s voice. They and all the people had absorbed the sinful practices of the people groups around them, little by little, probably not even noticing how much they had changed over the years. Jeremiah tried to remind them where they had come from and show them how much they had fallen. But he also tried to remind them that they had a loving and forgiving God and that if they would turn their hearts and their faces back to God, he would be there for them.
God shows his tender heart over and over in his concern for the ‘scattered sheep’. “’I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:4
“Then the Lord asked me, ‘What do you see,’ Jeremiah? ‘Figs,’ I answered. ‘The good ones are very good, but the poor ones are so bad they cannot be eaten.’ Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. But like the poor figs, which are so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the Lord, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah, king of Judah, his officials and the survivors from Jerusalem, whether they remain in this land or live in Egypt. I will make them abhorrent and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach and a byword, an object of ridicule and cursing, wherever I banish them. I will send the sword, famine, and plague against them until they are destroyed from the land I gave them and their fathers.’” Jeremiah 24:3-10
God holds leadership responsible. I wonder, then, what causes leaders to fail? I wonder what causes some people to advance as leaders? Leadership carries with it things like popularity, money, power, and control. Popularity is kept alive by saying and doing what the people ‘think’ they want. More money comes in when popularity is kept alive. Position gives power and control. When we experience money, power, and control, we want more and more. That is the human state.
Godly leadership looks very different than worldly leadership. Godly leadership is humble, drawing wisdom from God, not concerned with gaining more wealth, power, or control, but understanding that God is their wisdom, God is their strength, and God is in control. Godly leadership looks more like a servant – like a shepherd caring for the flock entrusted to him/her. That means leading them to good food and water, binding their wounds, and keeping evil wolves and lions and bears away so they are not harmed. When leaders forget that they are a servant and believe they are a king, parading in fine clothes and showing off their gains, that is when they fail. And when they fail, many people are hurt. And so we find God stepping in over and over to rescue his people. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14
If I am called to be a leader, the most significant thing I can do is keep my heart in tune with God’s heart. I need to put blinders on to the world’s enticements and keep my eyes on my heavenly Father. He will show me whose wounds need binding and whose hearts are ready to be taught to follow him. False humility won’t cut it. Only true humility, knowing who my God is and what he has done for me and where my righteousness comes from, will keep me from failing as a leader.
Lord, please help me to keep my eyes on you, to live as your humble servant. You are my King. I give my life in service to you. Amen.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Path of Least Resistance
Hitler and his army moved into one country after another. They threatened, intimidated, and made examples of people and people bowed in fear. As we look back in history, we say, “Why didn’t they stand up to him right from the beginning? Why did they let him have control? What were they thinking?”
As I read Isaiah’s version of Sennacherib and Assyria threatening Hezekiah and Jerusalem, it sounds very familiar. Sennacherib shouts to the leaders of Jerusalem in the language that the people can understand in order to intimidate them. But he coats it with honey. “Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says; make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, until I come and take you to a land like your own – a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.’” Isaiah 36:15-17
It sure looked tempting – not too sure about the resettling in another land – but at least it would be without bloodshed. The people had been under siege for some time and were getting hungry and in need of supplies. Sennacherib knew this. What he didn’t know was that God had a better plan for Jerusalem at that time. Hezekiah called for Isaiah to come and asked God for wisdom. Isaiah told Hezekiah’s envoy, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard – those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Listen! I am going to put a spirit in him so that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’” Isaiah 37:6-7
Hezekiah laid out Sennacherib’s threats before God and asked God to save them. He put all his trust in God and not in the words or history Sennacherib put out before him and his people. Through Isaiah, God told Hezekiah, “I will defend this city and save it for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!” Isaiah 38:35 And God did save them by sending an angel to put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. Sennacherib withdrew and was killed while worshiping his god Nisroch.
We know the end of the story and we assume it was easy for Hezekiah and the people to follow what God said at that time. But when you have an army of 185,000 camped outside your city threatening to destroy you if you don’t give in to their demands, it would be easy to give in. The easy way to peace would be to not fight it. I imagine Hezekiah was in anguish when he went to the Lord and asked him to save them from the Assyrians. He had to decide if he would trust Isaiah’s words and God or if he would take the easy way out and cave in to the demands of Sennacherib. He was responsible for all the people in his kingdom as well as he made that decision.
Where did Hezekiah get the strength to stand up to Sennacherib and the Assyrians? I think it started in the early years of his life. II Chronicles tells us that his first official action as king was to open the doors of the temple of the Lord and repair them. He restored the priests and Levites to positions in the temple and taught the people from the wisdom of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. He led them in rededication of themselves to the Lord. He invited them all to celebrate Passover and remember what God had done for them. (II Chronicles 29-30) It is from that basis, then, that Hezekiah could stand up to Sennacherib in spite of all Sennacherib had done to other nations. Hezekiah had rebuilt the relationship between his people and God. He trusted God in the good times and he trusted God in the hard times.
I wonder how many times I take the path of least resistance and miss what God is ready to do for me. I wonder how many times I listen to the false wisdom of Sennacherib’s in my life and miss the true wisdom of God. Lord, please help me to keep seeking your wisdom and discern the times when you are destroying the Sennacherib’s in my life. I put my trust in you. Help me to hear your voice.
As I read Isaiah’s version of Sennacherib and Assyria threatening Hezekiah and Jerusalem, it sounds very familiar. Sennacherib shouts to the leaders of Jerusalem in the language that the people can understand in order to intimidate them. But he coats it with honey. “Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says; make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, until I come and take you to a land like your own – a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.’” Isaiah 36:15-17
It sure looked tempting – not too sure about the resettling in another land – but at least it would be without bloodshed. The people had been under siege for some time and were getting hungry and in need of supplies. Sennacherib knew this. What he didn’t know was that God had a better plan for Jerusalem at that time. Hezekiah called for Isaiah to come and asked God for wisdom. Isaiah told Hezekiah’s envoy, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard – those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Listen! I am going to put a spirit in him so that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’” Isaiah 37:6-7
Hezekiah laid out Sennacherib’s threats before God and asked God to save them. He put all his trust in God and not in the words or history Sennacherib put out before him and his people. Through Isaiah, God told Hezekiah, “I will defend this city and save it for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!” Isaiah 38:35 And God did save them by sending an angel to put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. Sennacherib withdrew and was killed while worshiping his god Nisroch.
We know the end of the story and we assume it was easy for Hezekiah and the people to follow what God said at that time. But when you have an army of 185,000 camped outside your city threatening to destroy you if you don’t give in to their demands, it would be easy to give in. The easy way to peace would be to not fight it. I imagine Hezekiah was in anguish when he went to the Lord and asked him to save them from the Assyrians. He had to decide if he would trust Isaiah’s words and God or if he would take the easy way out and cave in to the demands of Sennacherib. He was responsible for all the people in his kingdom as well as he made that decision.
Where did Hezekiah get the strength to stand up to Sennacherib and the Assyrians? I think it started in the early years of his life. II Chronicles tells us that his first official action as king was to open the doors of the temple of the Lord and repair them. He restored the priests and Levites to positions in the temple and taught the people from the wisdom of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. He led them in rededication of themselves to the Lord. He invited them all to celebrate Passover and remember what God had done for them. (II Chronicles 29-30) It is from that basis, then, that Hezekiah could stand up to Sennacherib in spite of all Sennacherib had done to other nations. Hezekiah had rebuilt the relationship between his people and God. He trusted God in the good times and he trusted God in the hard times.
I wonder how many times I take the path of least resistance and miss what God is ready to do for me. I wonder how many times I listen to the false wisdom of Sennacherib’s in my life and miss the true wisdom of God. Lord, please help me to keep seeking your wisdom and discern the times when you are destroying the Sennacherib’s in my life. I put my trust in you. Help me to hear your voice.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Whose Church Is It?
I wonder, why do we go to church on Sunday? Is it to see friends? Is it to hear a good sermon? Is it because we have responsibilities to lead worship or teach Sunday School? Is it to keep a good image among friends and acquaintances? Is it because that’s what we’ve always done? What do we expect to happen on a Sunday morning in church?
The Israelites had Sabbath rituals and routines. They continued these even as they worshipped other gods. “’The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to me?’ says the Lord. ‘I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen.’” Isaiah 1:11-14
The Israelites thought they were keeping all the Sabbath laws and ‘honoring’ God with their festivals as they were set up back in the days of Moses. But God does not sound very happy with them. “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” Isaiah 29:13 It seems that God isn’t so interested with what we do as to where are hearts are at when we are doing it. It is not the gift or sacrifice that pleases God, but rather it is the giving and sacrificial heart of the giver that pleases him. It is not the person who attends a worship service, but the person who comes to worship with all his/her heart that pleases God.
With that understanding of God in my mind, I begin to wonder about our churches today. I wonder if God is weary of our Sunday morning routines. We compete with sports, water parks, and picnics, and in order to keep people coming, we have become a consumer oriented church – providing programs for children, teens and adults. We provide show – I mean worship bands to lead us in singing. We hire charismatic speakers who tell people all the wonderful things God will do for them if they put their money in the offering plate.
Isaiah said of the people, “These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction. They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!’” Isaiah 30:10-11
I wonder if that is what we are telling our pastors. “Don’t teach us from Scripture – that is too boring or out of date.” Or, “Don’t make us too uncomfortable with our wealth or our lifestyles.” And if a pastor crosses the line and begins to challenge people to change, he or she may soon be looking for a new position since they are paid positions and can be voted out just as easily as they are voted in.
Are we any different from the Israelites? Are we trying to follow the ways of the world while pretending to worship and honor God?
“’Woe to the obstinate children,’ declares the Lord, ‘to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit.’” Isaiah 30:1
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it… Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:15 & 18
I wonder if I listen more closely for God’s voice, if I will hear him saying, “I’m weary of all your going through the motions. I want your heart. I want all of you!” And I wonder how I will respond when I hear that voice? Will I drop all my pretenses and come to God’s altar to honor him with my life? Will I sing joyfully as I praise the gracious and compassionate God who saves me? Will I give freely – even sacrificially – because he has blessed me so much and I know that he will supply my needs – I don’t have to hold on to things so tightly?
May God continue to shape my heart into one that loves and honors him with my life and with all that I have.
The Israelites had Sabbath rituals and routines. They continued these even as they worshipped other gods. “’The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to me?’ says the Lord. ‘I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen.’” Isaiah 1:11-14
The Israelites thought they were keeping all the Sabbath laws and ‘honoring’ God with their festivals as they were set up back in the days of Moses. But God does not sound very happy with them. “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” Isaiah 29:13 It seems that God isn’t so interested with what we do as to where are hearts are at when we are doing it. It is not the gift or sacrifice that pleases God, but rather it is the giving and sacrificial heart of the giver that pleases him. It is not the person who attends a worship service, but the person who comes to worship with all his/her heart that pleases God.
With that understanding of God in my mind, I begin to wonder about our churches today. I wonder if God is weary of our Sunday morning routines. We compete with sports, water parks, and picnics, and in order to keep people coming, we have become a consumer oriented church – providing programs for children, teens and adults. We provide show – I mean worship bands to lead us in singing. We hire charismatic speakers who tell people all the wonderful things God will do for them if they put their money in the offering plate.
Isaiah said of the people, “These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction. They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!’” Isaiah 30:10-11
I wonder if that is what we are telling our pastors. “Don’t teach us from Scripture – that is too boring or out of date.” Or, “Don’t make us too uncomfortable with our wealth or our lifestyles.” And if a pastor crosses the line and begins to challenge people to change, he or she may soon be looking for a new position since they are paid positions and can be voted out just as easily as they are voted in.
Are we any different from the Israelites? Are we trying to follow the ways of the world while pretending to worship and honor God?
“’Woe to the obstinate children,’ declares the Lord, ‘to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit.’” Isaiah 30:1
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it… Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:15 & 18
I wonder if I listen more closely for God’s voice, if I will hear him saying, “I’m weary of all your going through the motions. I want your heart. I want all of you!” And I wonder how I will respond when I hear that voice? Will I drop all my pretenses and come to God’s altar to honor him with my life? Will I sing joyfully as I praise the gracious and compassionate God who saves me? Will I give freely – even sacrificially – because he has blessed me so much and I know that he will supply my needs – I don’t have to hold on to things so tightly?
May God continue to shape my heart into one that loves and honors him with my life and with all that I have.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Choosing God's Best
As Moses neared the end of his life, he gathered the people and gave them one last strong encouragement to follow God. He laid out the covenant between Israel and God before them including all the blessings and all the curses depending on the choices they made. Moses had given nearly his entire life to leading these people. He put himself between God’s wrath and their foolishness imploring God to give them another chance. Now, as he was about to die, he gave them all the wisdom he had gathered through the years of leading them. He wanted so much for them to experience God’s blessings, yet he was aware they would make wrong choices and experience God’s judgments on them.
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
While this is a direct covenant between Israel and God, I wonder if there may also be wisdom for me today. I wonder how many times I have walked away from God’s blessings – his best for me – because I was distracted by other things. Every day I make a ‘kazillion’ choices. First thing in the morning I choose if I will take time to read and meditate on God’s Word before getting into the business of my day. I choose whether I will take time to pray, send a note of encouragement to someone I know is struggling, spend time with and/or do something special for my spouse, make a phone call, send a check to an agency serving the poor and needy among us, or go myself and serve the poor and needy among us. And all of those choices may occur in my first waking hour of the day.
How do I know if I am making the right choices? What wisdom guides me? I don’t have a Moses standing before me telling me what to do. Ah, but I do have the Holy Spirit within me guiding my thoughts if I am open to that. And I do have the ‘Big Ten’ recorded in Scripture as well as the teachings of Jesus regarding those commandments. As I gather all this wisdom together and apply it to my day, it may change the focus and what determines success at the end of the day.
It would be easy to say that I had a good day if I was able to check everything off my ‘to do’ list. And it is easy to kick myself around if I don’t accomplish my list. But what about God’s list for me on any given day? When I get to the end of my day, what does God count as a successful day? “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
As I have pondered and meditated through Deuteronomy, I have found a God who is concerned with what wisdom we are following. He is concerned for the poor, the fatherless, the widow – those who are vulnerable in society around us. It seems that he blesses us in order for us to share his blessings with others, not for us to horde it all for ourselves. He is concerned with justice, yet he shows mercy to us when we fall short of living holy lives. It seems that he wants to delight in us and give us everything we could desire – a land flowing with milk and honey – yet, we are so quickly ‘spoiled’ by his goodness and turn to serving ourselves instead of others.
And I wonder, when will I get it? When will I understand that this God who wants to delight in me will provide everything I need and more if I turn my heart to him and follow his wisdom? When will I get over my selfish desires and my self-centered ways and become his ‘adopted child’ who desires to be like him. I am, in Moses’ words, a stiff-necked people. And I wonder how many blessings I miss because I am focused on ‘saving myself’ instead of trusting God’s wisdom and leadership to save me.
It seems Moses understood all of this and he left this world with these words, “Choose life!” Today, Lord, I choose life! I choose to love you and to follow you. Open my eyes to see your agenda, not mine, and to give freely to others because you have given so freely to me, whether it is financial, emotional, or just time. Amen.
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
While this is a direct covenant between Israel and God, I wonder if there may also be wisdom for me today. I wonder how many times I have walked away from God’s blessings – his best for me – because I was distracted by other things. Every day I make a ‘kazillion’ choices. First thing in the morning I choose if I will take time to read and meditate on God’s Word before getting into the business of my day. I choose whether I will take time to pray, send a note of encouragement to someone I know is struggling, spend time with and/or do something special for my spouse, make a phone call, send a check to an agency serving the poor and needy among us, or go myself and serve the poor and needy among us. And all of those choices may occur in my first waking hour of the day.
How do I know if I am making the right choices? What wisdom guides me? I don’t have a Moses standing before me telling me what to do. Ah, but I do have the Holy Spirit within me guiding my thoughts if I am open to that. And I do have the ‘Big Ten’ recorded in Scripture as well as the teachings of Jesus regarding those commandments. As I gather all this wisdom together and apply it to my day, it may change the focus and what determines success at the end of the day.
It would be easy to say that I had a good day if I was able to check everything off my ‘to do’ list. And it is easy to kick myself around if I don’t accomplish my list. But what about God’s list for me on any given day? When I get to the end of my day, what does God count as a successful day? “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
As I have pondered and meditated through Deuteronomy, I have found a God who is concerned with what wisdom we are following. He is concerned for the poor, the fatherless, the widow – those who are vulnerable in society around us. It seems that he blesses us in order for us to share his blessings with others, not for us to horde it all for ourselves. He is concerned with justice, yet he shows mercy to us when we fall short of living holy lives. It seems that he wants to delight in us and give us everything we could desire – a land flowing with milk and honey – yet, we are so quickly ‘spoiled’ by his goodness and turn to serving ourselves instead of others.
And I wonder, when will I get it? When will I understand that this God who wants to delight in me will provide everything I need and more if I turn my heart to him and follow his wisdom? When will I get over my selfish desires and my self-centered ways and become his ‘adopted child’ who desires to be like him. I am, in Moses’ words, a stiff-necked people. And I wonder how many blessings I miss because I am focused on ‘saving myself’ instead of trusting God’s wisdom and leadership to save me.
It seems Moses understood all of this and he left this world with these words, “Choose life!” Today, Lord, I choose life! I choose to love you and to follow you. Open my eyes to see your agenda, not mine, and to give freely to others because you have given so freely to me, whether it is financial, emotional, or just time. Amen.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Engaging in Battle
Deuteronomy begins with a quick summary of the Israelite’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. When they began their journey, God told them, “You need only to be still. I will fight the battle for you.” Exodus 14:14 paraphrased. They were a defeated people at that time. They had been enslaved to the Egyptians for some time and were weary and confused. God was strengthening their faith and their trust in him and the leadership of Moses.
Now, after many years wondering in the desert and the passing of the older generation, God has a different message for them. As they are about to enter the Promised Land, he says, “Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his country. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle.” Deuteronomy 2:24. God says, “I have given,” but you need to “begin to take possession.”
Suddenly, I wonder if this is just the history of Israel or if there is more here in understanding how God works. Might this message be for us today? In the Old Testament, we see a physical battle of Israel taking possession of the land God has given them. In the New Testament, we see a spiritual battle as the Kingdom of God comes lead by King Jesus. I wonder then, since I am part of this Kingdom since I am a follower of King Jesus, am I being told to look around me and notice the ‘sphere of influence’ I might have in my surrounding community? I wonder if God might be saying, “I want you to engage in the spiritual battle in this community you live in. I have already given it to you. You need to engage in the spiritual battle for the souls of those around you.”
This sounds very much like I need to be doing something – not just sitting around waiting for God to do it all. And if I need to be doing something, I am going to do far better if I am tuned into God’s wisdom. God gives the Israelites his wisdom as they set out. “Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Deuteronomy 4:1-2 He goes on to tell them, “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Deuteronomy 4:6
As I engage in the spiritual battles around me, my wisdom comes from obedience to God’s commands. In living a life that honors my Commander in Chief, others will take notice and will be drawn to his wisdom and understanding as well. And as they choose to come under the Kingship of Jesus and as they learn to become obedient to his commands, they will influence those around them, and the Kingdom of God will continue to grow.
It is an interesting battle we are engaging in. The war is already won. Jesus made sure of that when he died on the cross and rose again. But we are to engage in battle – in the spiritual warfare that is occurring around us – with those who ‘didn’t get the memo’ and continue to act as though there is no God or the battle hasn’t been won.
Our marching orders have been given. Go forth! Engage in the battle and take possession of the land God has given you!
Now, after many years wondering in the desert and the passing of the older generation, God has a different message for them. As they are about to enter the Promised Land, he says, “Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his country. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle.” Deuteronomy 2:24. God says, “I have given,” but you need to “begin to take possession.”
Suddenly, I wonder if this is just the history of Israel or if there is more here in understanding how God works. Might this message be for us today? In the Old Testament, we see a physical battle of Israel taking possession of the land God has given them. In the New Testament, we see a spiritual battle as the Kingdom of God comes lead by King Jesus. I wonder then, since I am part of this Kingdom since I am a follower of King Jesus, am I being told to look around me and notice the ‘sphere of influence’ I might have in my surrounding community? I wonder if God might be saying, “I want you to engage in the spiritual battle in this community you live in. I have already given it to you. You need to engage in the spiritual battle for the souls of those around you.”
This sounds very much like I need to be doing something – not just sitting around waiting for God to do it all. And if I need to be doing something, I am going to do far better if I am tuned into God’s wisdom. God gives the Israelites his wisdom as they set out. “Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Deuteronomy 4:1-2 He goes on to tell them, “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Deuteronomy 4:6
As I engage in the spiritual battles around me, my wisdom comes from obedience to God’s commands. In living a life that honors my Commander in Chief, others will take notice and will be drawn to his wisdom and understanding as well. And as they choose to come under the Kingship of Jesus and as they learn to become obedient to his commands, they will influence those around them, and the Kingdom of God will continue to grow.
It is an interesting battle we are engaging in. The war is already won. Jesus made sure of that when he died on the cross and rose again. But we are to engage in battle – in the spiritual warfare that is occurring around us – with those who ‘didn’t get the memo’ and continue to act as though there is no God or the battle hasn’t been won.
Our marching orders have been given. Go forth! Engage in the battle and take possession of the land God has given you!
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