Rejection to Acceptance

"My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"  The greatest evil known to man is to be excluded and separated from God, the source of life.  We were designed to be connected, to be in relationship as part of the family, part of the team where we work, involved in what God is doing, a signficant person that gains value from connecting to the lives of others.  However, man's fallen nature separates us from God, and ultimately others.  This is due to the nature of the fallen man, our flesh, which is a rebel that cannot be reformed or submit to God (Romans 8:7) and continually resists the very purposes of our creation. There is only one solution to the old man, the flesh, and that is to put it to death.    

Notice how Ephesians 2:12 describes the old man "that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." We were without Christ, clearly sin separated us from God and we did not have Christ who is the only One who could bring us back to God.  We were aliens or strangers to the family of God where there is love, joy, and peace.  The promises of God did not apply to us, so we had no hope or future.  We were without God in the world so our entire existence was without purpose or meaning. 

Let's reflect for a second.  Nobody likes to feel like the black sheep of the family.  Often displaced people groups forced to leave their country suffer from a sense of not belonging and no place they can call home.  We may have been at gatherings, parties or meetings where we just simply didn't fit in and nobody even bothered to talk to us.  No one wants to be the odd man out.  How much worse when we consider such a state of total rejection and alienation for eternity. 

Good News: Jesus came to rescue and restore.  He became sin so we could become the righteousness of God.  He paid the just punishment for sin so we could be holy and blameless before God (Ephesians 1:4) and broke down the barrier that separated us from God.  His good pleasure, His perfect will, was to take upon Himself all the misery, pain, and rejection that sin caused, and cause us to be "accepted in the Beloved."  He makes all things new.  When we accept what Jesus has done for us, the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, declaring that our life is now hidden in Christ.  We are eternally joined to Him.  In other words, through faith we have died (I have been crucified with Christ.). Through faith, we have been buried with Him in baptism (Romans 6), and finally "were raised with Him through faith in the working of God." (Colossians 2:12).  We are united with Him in His death (death to self, the old man, the rebellious flesh) and then united with Him in the resurrection.  What an awesome God whose amazing love has taken us from rejection to acceptance in the Beloved!

Secondly, He has given us the Spirit and the Word to reveal and establish this truth in our hearts and lives.  The Holy Spirit teaches us all truth and brings to our remembrance what Jesus taught.  Romans 8:11 declares that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead gives life to our mortal bodies.  Likewise, by the Spirit we have power to put to death the deeds of the body. (Romans 8:13)  In other words, He enables us to put away all thoughts and feelings of rejection and the guilt that separates us from God and others.  Now we can walk on the earth with the life and love of Jesus, or as Galatians 2:20 says "the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."  Nothing can separate us from this abundant life.

Today, Good Friday, as we gratefully acknowledge Jesus taking our place on the cross, may the Spirit freshly reveal to each of us that everything that separated us from God has been removed, and that we have total acceptance before God forever.  God's ultimate purpose for us has been accomplished and it is His pleasure to unite us to His resurrected life where we experience perfect love and acceptance.  Isaiah 43:1 decribes Jesus' heart toward you this way, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine."     

 

It is not the bunny, it's the Lamb!

 One of the devastating effects of the fall of mankind is that we focus on the trivial and miss the major issue.  I have always thought that if we realized how important and crucial it is for each person to accept what Jesus has done for us, the message would be on the front page of every newspaper and email.

Unfortunately, just as Santa Claus and gifts get primary focus at Christmas, people try to emphasize colored eggs, pretty Easter outfits, and the infamous Easter bunny, rather than the awesome love of the Lamb of God who willingly suffered and shed His blood to save us.   

Guess we should not be surprised.  Several key passages in Scripture speak of the Satanic enemy as deceiving the nations of the world.  2 Corinthians 4:4 reveals that the god of this world has blinded the minds of men from seeing the light of the Gospel.  Likewise, 1 Peter 5 declares he is a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.  If he can decieve people into thinking life is about trivial things, or even become foolish enough to trust our human reasoning to conclude there is no God and no consequences for violating God's rules, he can claim one for which Jesus died out of His infinite love. 

However, God is not mocked.  He knows our frame, that we came from dust, so He has not left us helpless.  Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, Satan was defeated once and for all.  God's infinite love is so great that the very act of man (inspired by Satan) to kill His Son is the very act by which Jesus rightfully is able to rescue all men for God.  If God can turn the worst thing man has done into victory, then God can surely works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)  He can overcome all the temptations and distractions that the enemy presents.  

Secondly, Jesus promised He would not leave us orphans, but would send the Comforter, the Paraclete (One who pleads for us), to guide us into all truth.  The Spirit bears witness to Jesus, brings things to our remembrance that Jesus taught, and opens our hearts to cry "Abba Father."  We are the most blessed (Psalm 21:6) who know the joy and strength of our relationship with God.  

Through the Word of God, the authority given to us in the name of Jesus, and the spiritual armor provided, we can resist the enemy who then has to flee.  "They overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death." Revelation 12:11  God invites us to embrace the Lamb, choose life in Him, and live according to the perfect law of liberty of His Word.  So please, ignore the bunny, focus on the Lamb.  Rejoice forevermore.

 

 

  

Punish Evil, Praise Good

"Punish evil and praise good" is a key God gives to those in authority (1 Peter 4:12), and is a strong guideline for how parents should bring up children "in the nurture and admonition" of the Lord.  Therefore it follows that God, who is a perfect father, would follow these principles in raising up His godly children.  However, it is also important to realize there is a source of all rebellion. 

Jesus called the devil a thief and a murderer, a liar and the father of all lies.  Both in Ezekiel and in Revelation he is declared the deceiver of the whole world.  In Ephesians 2 there is a description of mankind living in the lusts and desires of the flesh, that we are actually walking according "to the prince of the power of the air" and as a result were "by nature children of wrath."  Fallen human nature is not aware of how far he has fallen and how serious the consequences of our rebellion against God actually are.  We glibly say sin deserves death, but do we understand that what we deserved is the kind of suffering and death Jesus endured for us.  Because God is all just, it had to be paid, but because He is all merciful, He paid it for us.  Even the well-known John 3:16 points out that "whoever believes in Him should not perish."  Those who refuse to receive His free gift of salvation, or choose to reject His infinite love in dying for our sins, will perish. 

Our flesh is like the prodigal son that thinks he can live a wild, carefree, sinful life and have no consequences.  However, if instead of admitting his failure when destitute and hungry, what if this person decided to attack and try to overthrow his father to get what was not his.  Lucifer, or Satan, is described as created perfect in beauty (Ezekiel 28) but when iniquity entered his heart he arrogantly declared "I will be like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14) and began a concerted campaign to overthrow the throne and plan of God.   

God ejected him from heaven, but in revenge and pride, he now does everything in his power to thwart the plan of God.   And the amazing part is that Satan thinks he is winning...when he entered Judas to betray Jesus, when he led the Pharisees and Pilate to condemn Him to death.  Obviously part of his long-range plan is to set up the antichrist and rule all nations on the earth.

Many people don't like to read Revelation because they don't want to think about the judgments of God. Clearly our finite limited minds do not understand the wisdom and judgments of God (Romans 11:33).  There is good reason why God says vengeance is mine.  He only can handle it and do it correctly.  However, from the eternal perspective of heaven (Revelation 19:2-3) the multitude cry out, "For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.'  Even the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fall down and worship God who sits on the throne, "Amen! Alleluia!" when His judgments are executed.  God righteously and in truth does judge Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and all those who choose to rebel against the love of God.  God punishes evil.  

What a glorious joy to see that God cleanses the earth of all that hinders love and truth.  He likewise opens the books of life and praises the good of all those who faithfully have received and obeyed the Lord Jesus.  The book of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus that God has given to ensure faith and hope that His good will triumph over the enemy's evil.  God's perfect plan shows the nature and character of the Lord Jesus in establishing a perfect kingdom of love and the complete recovery of all Adam and Eve lost in the fall.  Praise God forever!  

Must Have a Word from God!

When all is said and done, more is said than done!  A man of God said this truth about prayer.  However, something very similar could accurately be said about hearing the voice of God.  Will all of you who heard from God today please stand up?

Hebrews 4:8 says, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."  Obviously the first foundation principle of hearing from God is to know and believe that God wants to speaks to you.  In John 10 Jesus declares that He calls His sheep by name,  My sheep hear my voice,  He leads them in and out and they find green pasture.  Jesus showed this same principle when He told His disciples that they were not servants, but friends, "for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."  From the time God walked in the garden with Adam and Eve, His heart is to commune with those who love and follow Him. 

As Jesus was about to complete His ministry, He further promised to send the Holy Spirit who would guide you into all truth, "for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."  (John 16:13)  In Romans 8, Paul likewise points out that those who are led by the Holy Spirit are sons of God.  The Lord will cause His glorious voice to be heard. (Isaiah 30;30)

Once we have settled the fact that God wants to speak to us, we have to want it enough to seek it.  Do you remember, in John 5, when Jesus asked the sick man by the pool of Siloam, "Do you want to be made well?" He waits to be gracious to us, for us to desire and seek His promises.  God states that when we seek Him with our whole heart, He will be found (Jeremiah 29).  We need the attitude "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul thirsts for You, O God." (Psalm 42).  So the second principle to hear God's voice is to desire it enough to seek it.  As long as we can live without hearing God's voice, we will.  The Amplified version makes this case even stronger in Psalm 53 "God looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood and who sought (inquired after and desperately required) God"  When we understand that we must have a word from God, we will seek it until we obtain it.  

The third principle which opens our hearts to hear God's voice is the Word of God.  Jesus is the Word, the divine Logos, the complete expression of God and His nature.  However, the written Word of God is given as "precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little" (Isaiah 28) to reveal to us the knowledge of who He is.  On the other hand, faith comes by hearing, and hearing the "rhema" Word of God.  Rhema is the specific phrase or message that God wishes to communicate to us this moment. As we grow in the Word (Logos), our knowledge of Him and His truth sets us free, and causes us to be more open to the rhema Word that God gives for our edification, exhortation, and comfort. 

Many times the "rhema" word comes from letting the Holy Spirit highlight the written "Logos" Word of God.  However, this requires a heart that waits upon Him, allowing that still small voice to penetrate the thoughts and intents of the heart that fill our soulish minds.  The Holy Spirit is willing to speak and teach, more so that we are willing to listen and learn.  If we earnestly desire to hear His voice, if we truly must hear from God, we need a "Jacob wrestling with God" attitude that won't let go until we are blessed.  God honors those who wait upon Him. 

Finally, there is an amazing challenge in Psalm 35:27.  Those who love God's salvation and favor His righteous cause are told to say continually, "Let the Lord be magnified" who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.  If our whole Christian life can be accomplished without God's voice and intervention, then aren't we suggesting that God just as well retire, we don't need Him.  When our vision only goes as far as what "we" can do and does not depend upon or expect God to do "great things" for us, we are hardly living the faith-filled life that pleases God.  We "let" the Lord be magnified by hearing His voice and allowing Him to show us great and wonderful things.  Then as we obey He can confirm His Word and be glorified in and through us.  We must have a word form God in order to accomplish His plan for our lives.      

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all, according to Psalm 34:19.  It doesn't take long to realize that the spiritual battle is real, and right here now.  Paul describes the inner spiritual conflict in Romans 7, and the truth about the battle not being flesh, but spiritual in Ephesians 6.   Everyone who desires to overcome has to learn how to let God fight for them to win.  Faith overcomes the world because it depends upon the victory of the Lord Jesus.  On one hand He "trains our hands for war" and on the other hand, having done all in the armor of God (Ephesians 6), we stand until the Lord "perfects, establishes, and strengthens you." (1 Peter 5:10)  Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph. 

There will always be trials, until the Lord returns.  James, in chapter 1, tells us to count it all joy when trials come.    1 Peter reminds us that it is through trials that we grow in patience, which complete work is to perfect us to lack nothing.  Faith and patience inherit the promises.  What the enemy meant for evil, Joseph declares, "God uses for good."   

Focus is everything.  Romans 8 strongly encourages us to not set our mind on the flesh which cannot please God, but rather to set it on the spirit which is life and peace.  Not every thought or feeling needs to be entertained or expressed.  We can choose to think about what is true, just, pure, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy according to Philippians 4:7-8.  We can give thanks in all circumstances because no weapon formed against us will prosper.  Jesus, in His mock trial before the Pharisees and then Pilate, knew when to stay quiet and when to speak.  Likewise, in Psalm 38, David also reinforces this truth, "But I, like a deaf man, hear not; and I am like a dumb man who opens not his mouth," with the explanation, "For in You, O Lord, do I hope.  You will answer, O Lord my God." 

We don't belong to the world and do not have to cater to its demands.  Paul confessed that he gloried in "the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world."  Our life is hidden in Christ and the world cannot steal our peace and joy.  We win by staying in the spirit and trusting in the overcoming power available to us through Jesus' death and resurrection.  

It is finished. The battle is won. One of the exciting and encouraging effects of reading Revelation is seeing the dominion and power of the Lord Jesus rightly applied to all who reject His leadership.  The sounding of the seventh trumpet of the seventh angel declares that "the mystery of God would be finished."  The kingdoms of the earth have become the kingdoms of our Lord.  We are united with the Lord Jesus to reign with Him forever. 

We only see this total victory by faith now.  Hebrews 2:8-9 points out that all things and powers are subject to Him, but we don't see that now.  But we see Jesus.  The work of God according to John 6:29 is to believe in Him who He sent, in other words, believe the authority and victory of the Lord Jesus is complete to redeem all mankind.  Lets personalize that last comment, to make me overcome every trial.  We fight the good fight of faith by acknowledging Jesus' triumph and refusing to abdicate the incredible glory and honor He has given to us, to be one with Him in this complete victory.   Praise God forever, He is worthy!  

  

Well done, good and faithful servant!

At school this week our K through 3rd graders stood with poise, and with expression, as they presented their pieces at the all school speech meet.  Just as I deliberately spoke to each one by name, "Josiah, well done good and faithful servant," the day is coming when we will stand before the Lord Jesus, King of Kings, who will direct these powerful words to you and all who serve Him.  My goal clearly was to plant a seed within each one to seek that glorious moment when Jesus honors their Christian work.  

The Holy Spirit is emphasizing today the study of the book of Revelation because it is not too early to have a solid understanding of the greatest move of God where He establishes His Kingdom of love on the earth.  Christians who grasp the revealed biblical plan are not afraid, but rather are filled with boldness, confidence, and love. God is calling His people to prepare, not physically with food or guns, but spiritually so we are not "children shaken by every wind of doctrine" or threats to are well-being.  

The 7th seal releases the 7 trumpet judgments which are an effective attack on the evil antichrist empire.  We repeat, it is not an attack on believers.  At the onset the prayers of the saints are united with the incense or prayers of heaven from the golden altar, which further demonstrates Jesus' desire for partnership with His body in all He does.     

All heaven is overwhelmed into silence by the glorious and terrifying judgments coming to the earth.  Glorious, not only because it will effectively stop all injustice, but also because it describes the defeat and destruction of the greatest oppressor through out all history, the anti-Christ.  

God is the master of giving us fore-types of what will happen through prior events in Old Testament. The first five judgments parallel the plagues of Egypt that Moses called down.  Upon entering the promised land, Joshua blew the 7th trumpet to bring about the destruction of the great city Jericho.  Micah 7:15-16 declares that greater miracles than the wonders that happened in Egypt will occur in the God's deliverance of His people, which will cause the nations to be ashamed of their might and fear the living God.    

Rather than just a book of information, the plan and sequence of judgments will become a prayer manual for the praying church to step by step agree with God and call forth the judgments which will severely hinder the resources and control of the anti-Christ.  This will be the church's finest hour. Not only do we not want to just be gone, we will be used mightily by God and be the greatest source of warning, stability, and peace to unbelievers who are in chaos wondering what is going on.  As Daniel 11:33 declares, those who understand will instruct many, even at the cost of their lives.  

Some people dread the book of Revelation because of the fear of persecution.  Yes, there is persecution, but only 12 verses out of the 400 verses speak of persecution. The overwhelming theme is preparing the earth for the coming and majestic reign of the Lord Jesus, and the perfection of all He has planned for mankind.  The presence and perfect love of Christ casts out fear, even of persecution, and the privilege and honor of glorifying Him will be paramount in all believers.  

Scripture also gives us information about the use of trumpets.  In Numbers, the trumpet was both a warning to prepare for battle and a call for the congregation to come together.  We see both these features in the seven trumpets.  The church will rise to stand in the full armor and authority of Jesus Christ and do great exploits, even greater things that Jesus promised to those who believe.  It will be the greatest uniting of Christians into the oneness and maturity of character suitable to be a bride for the Lord Jesus.  What a glorious day!      

In Darkness Come to the Light

 One of the most depressing truths about human nature is our pride.  John 3:16-19 reveals Jesus came to save the world so that we don't perish, but men loved darkness -- their evil deeds -- and refused to come to the light.  Jesus didn't come to judge, but to save and yet men will choose to be separated from God and His goodness FOREVER rather than humble ourselves and admit we need His forgiveness. 

In our walk through of Revelation, chapters 8 and 9, we see God seals the tribes of Israel and has a multitude of people from every nation and tongue rejoicing before His throne that salvation belongs to the Lord.  There is and always has been a divine seal and protection over His people.  Instead of being fearful and defeated, the people of God rejoice greatly to see the perfect plan of God and declare "blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever."  Just as a policeman by the road may incite fear in every heart, those who are driving the speed limit can have peace.   

At the opening of the seventh seal, the magnificent masterplan of establishing the Kingdom of God on earth brings overwhelming awe and speechlessness from all of heaven.  All the prayers of the saints, who throughout the ages cried out for God's justice and praised His goodness, were mingled with the coals on heaven's fire to yield a pleasing incense before the throne.  The harvest is ripe and God's unstoppable power and majesty are to be shown. The seven angels with the seven trumpets are ready and this dramatic climax begins.  

Unlike the more "natural" events of the first six seals, this final seal releases significant supernatural consequences.  Hail and fire, mingled with blood destroy a third of trees and grass.  A mountain on fire hits the ocean turning a third of the sea into blood.  A burning star from heaven turns a third of the rivers and springs of water into a bitterness that kills many. The fourth trumpet sounds and a third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened.  Amazingly, just as Goshen was still in the light when all Egypt was darkened, the camp of the saints will continue to be unaffected.  What a call to "Wake up and repent!"

Even the angels know and declare that the 3 remaining trumpets bring woe to those on the earth.   The angel opens the bottomless pit releasing a horde of supernatural locusts that inflict great scorpion-like torment to those who do not have the seal of God, with such pain that they wish they could die.  Following this, the next angel releases the supernatural beings held by the Euphrates river with their two million army that kill one-third of earth.

At this point, the heart of God, in the midst of these judgments, is revealed.  The purpose of all these catastrophic events was to open the hearts of men to repent, but unfortunately many did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or thefts. 

God has planted something deep inside of each of us that desires all thing to be right, and to execute His promise that all will reap what they have sown.  As the body of Christ matures and hears the voice of God, the united Church will stand with Jesus calling forth the revealed judgments of Revelation so His purpose can be fulfilled.  Thy kingdom come! Yet God is merciful and even in the midst of judgment longs for all to receive what Jesus has done on the cross.  What a beautiful picture to show us the heart of God.  Count if joy when trials come that we may be perfect lacking nothing.