Author: looking2jesus13

No God = No Hope

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:1-5, 11-13

In the novel, “Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., an important book comes to light.  It is entitled, “What Can a Thoughtful Man Hope for Mankind on Earth, Given the Experience of the Past Million Years?”  The chief character in his book is anxious to read it, but when he does, he finds it doesn’t take long.  The whole book consists of one word, “Nothing.”  Apart from God there would be no good reason or legitimate basis for a certain hope (Ephesians 2:12).

Such was our previous estate, before we came to know Jesus and is the present estate of every lost person.  Without God, we had no good reason to be hopeful. Apart from God neither does anyone else!  Wait, you might argue, I’ve got unbelieving friends who seem to be pretty hopeful folks, what about them?  Though they might put on a good show, they’ve no reason to think about their future with a confident expectation of a good result.

These people may live with a relative degree of prosperity now, having good health and a comfortable income, but unless a person knows God, they’ve no right to claim His promises.  There is no guarantee any of the things they now possess will continue to be theirs.  Countless things often work to change everything in anyone’s life.  Such events can happen in an instant.  Even if their prosperity continues, they’ve no guarantee they’ll be in any condition to enjoy it.  Howard Hughes was regarded as one of the most influential and financially successful individuals in the world, yet in his later years he became no more than an eccentric recluse.  

Without God, a person has no guarantee of continued life.  When we are young we tend to think our lives will go on indefinitely, but then we grow older and know better.  Every step we take is one more step on a march to the grave.  Believers need not fear death because in Christ they’ve received the promise of heaven.  Sadly the lost person has no hope beyond the grave.  And what is even worse is there’ll be no second chance after death, to trust in Jesus.  There’ll be no glad reunion with family and friends who’ve gone on before.  A cold and dark and pain filled Christless eternity awaits those who refuse the gospel.  The person without God has no good reason to be hopeful with a confident expectation regarding his, or her future.  No hope for today.  No hope for tomorrow.  No hope in life.  No hope in death!

Somewhere amongst all my books I’ve got one entitled, “Last Words of Saints and Sinners.”  The book is a compilation of the contrasting last words of those who had faith in Jesus vs. those who didn’t.  People who knew God faced death with hopeful assurance.  Those facing death without God encounter death with fearful apprehension.  I’ve personally witnessed both responses.  But You, dear ones, have been saved by grace.  You once were far off and without hope, but now you’ve “been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).  Now You’ve good reason in Jesus to be full of hope, both in this life and regarding the life to come!  You have a supernatural message of hope to share with those who desperately need to hear!

No God = No Hope; Know God = Know and Possess Hope

Heavenly Father. We remember the way things were when we were without You and without hope in this world. Thank You for intervening in our lives, making known to us the good news of hope regarding Your Son! How blessed we now are to be Your children. We’ve good reason in You to be ever hopeful. We pray for those who don’t know You and are now living without hope. Convict them of their sin and open their blinded eyes to the truth about Jesus, that they might be saved–that they might be born again to the living hope!

Defining Hope Biblically

Bible Reading: Romans 8:18-25

In his book, “Hope Again,” Chuck Swindoll wrote, “Hope is something as important to us as water is to a fish, as vital as electricity is to a light bulb, as essential as air is to a jumbo jet. Hope is basic to life…Take away our hope, and our world is reduced to something between depression and despair… hope is more than wishful thinking.  Hope is a vital necessity of life–a gift that God wants to give to you. And in a world that regularly writes dreams off as foolish and drains the hope from the heart with dark pessimism (Biblical hope) “is a voice crying in the wilderness.”

Indeed, we have a desperate need for hope, but not just the ordinary kind. Many of our hopes are more of the wishing and hoping variety.  We hope for things.  Like, I hope the weather will be nice tomorrow.  Or, I hope this COVID pandemic will end soon.  Or, I hope I’ll get that new job, or new house, or a new friend, etc. etc. etc.  Webster defines hope as a “desire accompanied by anticipation or expectation.”  That’s how we commonly use the term.  The problem is there’s little certainty associated with most of the things we hope for.  

Biblical hope, on the other hand, has no measure of uncertainty associated with it.  Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines the term “elpis” (i.e. “hope”) this way: “in the New Testament, “favorable and confident expectation…It has to do with the unseen and the future.”  Biblical hope has to do with possessing a confident expectation regarding some unseen future reality.  Romans 8:24-25 speaks to this, “For in this hope we are 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.”

Hope is an attitude.  It is a way of thinking about things which affects our whole being; our mind, our will, and our emotions. This Biblical hope is well founded on the “God of Hope.”  God, being eternal, knowing the end from the beginning, has no need for hope, yet He is well able to impart hope to His hope-needy creatures (Romans 15:13).  Because He is faithful, we can count on Him to do all He has promised.  His Word is true.  The Scriptures include countless promises pertaining to the believer in Christ, we can stand on them with the confident expectation that each will be fulfilled.  “Christ Jesus (is) our hope” and the focal point of our hope is His return for us (1 Timothy 1:1).  The “Spirit of Promise” is “the guarantee of our inheritance.”  He is well able to “open the eyes of your hearts” so you will “know what is the hope to which he has called you” (Ephesians 1:13-14, 18). 

Most would agree the days in which we live are characterized by a lot of uncertainty.  We have our own personal struggles and trials, yet there is also a growing palpable tension in our country, evident in the divisive climate and drastic changes we’ve all experienced.  If our vision is restricted to the here and now, we will hunger for hope.  But if we look to God, who is faithful, and His Word, which is true, we can possess both “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”   The uncertainty of these days has opened a door of unprecedented opportunity for God’s people, being filled with hope, to bear witness to Jesus (1 Peter 3:15)!  He is our shining hope!

Biblical hope is a confident expectation regarding some unseen future reality.

Heavenly Father, in the pursuit of earth bound hopes we’ve had our hearts broken way too many times.  Indeed we are prone to wander, seal our hearts to Thy courts above.  As we look to the glorious future, You’ve graciously worked to prepare for us, grant us that we might not be distracted on our journey.  By the Spirit, may our hearts rejoice, being filled up with the confident expectation of the future blessings that lie ahead.  May we be so filled with hope, that other hope-needy folks might see You in us and find their way to You, the God of Hope.  Amen.

Psalm 2; Isaiah 9:6-7

I HAVE CHRIST IN MY HEART

What though wars may come,
With marching feet and beat of the drum,
For I have Christ in my heart;
What though nations rage,
As we approach the end of the age,
For I have Christ in my heart.
God is still on the throne, Almighty God is He;
And He cares for His own through all eternity.
So let come what may, whatever it is, I only say
That I have Christ in my heart,
I have Christ in my heart.

I used to sing this song a lot. It was written by a man named Wendell Loveless.  Wendell was a Marine Corps officer during World War I.  Converted as a result of reading his Bible at home, he later became the director of the radio department at Moody Bible Institute from 1926-1947.  He wrote this wonderful song in 1940, as the dark clouds of World War II were gathering.  He knew something about the horrors of war, but he also knew the Savior.  The message of the song resonates because there have always been wars, even as we hear of looming conflicts in our own time.

Psalm 2 speaks to these realities.  To understand this Psalm we must realize it applied first to the writer, King David.  The schemes of the rulers against God’s anointed, spoken of in the Psalm, were rooted in the time of David’s reign, when the vassal nations sought Israel’s harm.  David, the anointed ruler of Israel, wrote the Psalm to speak of the folly of rebellion against God’s anointed to whom God had made promises.  Yet it is also obvious the Psalm stretches far beyond David’s experience.  In fact, Psalm 2 is quoted seven times in the New Testament.  Peter quoted from it in Acts 4:25-27 concerning the rejection of Jesus at His first coming.  So the passage clearly and ultimately speaks to the ongoing rebellion of the nations and their rulers and the people against God’s anointed Ruler, Jesus Christ.

There are three main truths taught in this Psalm.  1) The nations and their rulers have rebelled against God (Psalm 2:1-3).  You won’t hear about this on the news, but consider how little thought is given by any leaders in our day as to what our creator God thinks about anything.  Though they might pridefully reject God, plotting and taking counsel together in their pursuit of wealth and power, the reality is they are mere pawns on God’s chessboard (Daniel 2:21, 4:25).  2) God is sovereign over all.  He will fulfill His predetermined plan to judge man’s rebellion (Psalm 2:4-9).  In pride they plot and scheme, as from heaven God laughs. The One who works all things according to the counsel of His will, already has a plan in place.  All will be brought into subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ, who will reign over all!  Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him as Lord.  Whether as a loving worshiper destined to eternal glory, or as a rebel doomed to eternal destruction.  3) We must submit to Him while there is still time (Psalm 2:10-12).  The warning applies to all.  We need to show wisdom and take warning, by bowing in submission and fear before God, giving reverence to His Son.  We are to submit to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior lest we “perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled” (Psalm 2:12). As Matthew Henry put it, “Those who do not bow, will break!”

If you are following the news, you are aware the end times predicted in the Bible appear to be close at hand.  Yet even if His coming is delayed, there’s no guarantee any of us will have another day on this earth.  If you do not obey the gospel and believe in Jesus before then, you will face the wrath of His judgment.  On the other hand, “blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:12).  The One who came first as a Lamb, is coming again as a Lion.  In times like these how good it is to “have Christ in my heart!”

Heavenly Father, the long war against You and Your anointed rages on.  It seems to us to be a never ending conflict, yet we know You are in control.  Though the wrong seems oft so strong, You are the ruler yet.  Your plan and your purposes will prevail and every person on this earth will be brought into subjection to Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we measure the news according to the truths of Your Word.  Wars and troubles may come our way.  Leaders may reject You and do much harm.  No one and nothing can work to stop You from fulfilling Your predetermined plan.  May our hearts rejoice in Your sovereign and loving purpose.  Help us to be careful to ensure we’ve turned to you for refuge.  And help us to rest in You, even as we eagerly await the coming of Your Son.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

Christ’s Return

Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12

When I was pastor in Astoria we had a regular attender who was led by a false teacher to deny the doctrine of hell.  He supposed it was impossible that a loving God would allow for such a place.  He was so adamant in his false belief that he purposed to share what he had “discovered” with others.  Members of the church lovingly admonished him, but he held on to his view and eventually decided to leave our church. 

Such thinking is nothing new.  Years ago C. S. Lewis wrote his classic fiction, “The Great Divorce,” in part to respond to a fellow who had written a book entitled “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.”  That man supposed “everything is good and everywhere is heaven.”  Dismissing the truth of the doctrine of hell is not uncommon.  There have been many who have taught such things. The reality is that two distinct destinies await two different groups of people.  2 Thessalonians 1:6-12 speaks to this matter as it puts forth the two alternatives in clear and concise fashion.  Unbelievers are destined to a place of “eternal destruction” called hell.  Believers are destined for the glory of heaven.

Those who will suffer “eternal destruction” are those who “do not know God” and “do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8).  There is but one way to avoid God’s righteous judgment of sin and that is to “obey the gospel” (1 Peter 1:22; John 6:29; Romans 3:23, 6:23).  It is through faith in Christ, a person receives the eternal life which constitutes knowing Him (John 17:3; 1 John 5:11-12).  Religious credentials—even if they include a proper profession, or impressive religious deeds—will avail no deliverance from hell for those who do not know Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Timothy 2:19).  “Eternal destruction” does not equate to annihilation.  A never-ending catastrophic destiny, “away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,” awaits those who refuse the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. 

The believer’s destiny, on the other hand, is of a glorious nature.  We possess it solely because the “testimony to (him) was believed” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).  The gospel works to save sinners from hell (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:16).  Instead of judgment, the believer lives with the confident expectation of being “glorified” with Jesus in heaven (Romans 8:17-18, 30).  Though we “do not now see him” the day is coming “we shall see him as he is” (1 Peter 1:8; 1 John 3:2).  On that day He will be “marveled at among all who have believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).  The term translated “marveled” means to wonder, admire, or be astonished” at something.  We might admire a beautiful sunrise, but how glorious will be the view “when the day dawns and the morning star rises in (our) hearts” (2 Peter 1:19)!  We will be awestruck by Him and will forever enjoy unimaginable blessings as we enter into His presence.

J. Vernon McGee once wrote, “Hell is ridiculed today, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.  Our beliefs are sometimes only wishful thinking…we might as well face the fact that there is a hell.  Christ is returning to this earth someday.  First He will take HIs own out of the earth, and then His coming will be a terror to the wicked; it will be a judgment upon those who ‘know not God, and that obey not the gospel of Lord Jesus Christ’…That is what the Word of God teaches.”

It is the response to the gospel which determines the eternal destiny of a person.  John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”  Heaven or hell, eternal life or eternal destruction, a glorious and intimate eternal fellowship with God, or a foreboding and tragic existence—all depends upon one’s response to the truth of the gospel (1 John 5:11-12).  It will do no good to wish the truth of hell away.  The reality of hell should motivate us all the more to be “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,” so others will have the means to escape God’s judgment (Philippians 1:27).

Lord Jesus, what a glorious day it was when You opened our hearts to the good news of Your death for sins and resurrection from the dead!  By grace You delivered us from the domain of darkness and brought us into Your loving Kingdom.  We eagerly await Your return and that wonderful day when we will all marvel at You!  In the meantime, You’ve warned us in Your word of the tragic destiny which awaits those who refuse to obey the gospel!  Open the hearts of our loved ones that they be convicted of their sin and need for You!  Open their blinded eyes to the glory of who You are and all You have done for them.  We pray they will trust in You before the door closes!  Help us, as Your ambassadors, to be faithful in sharing the good news in every opportunity You give to us.  Amen!

RESCUE THE PERISHING

Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.

Refrain:
Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.

Though they are slighting Him,
Still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.

The Rapture of the Church

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The passage for today’s Bible reading has to do with what is commonly referred to as the “rapture.”  The term “rapture” itself does not appear in the text, but is from the Latin Vulgate translation of the Greek harpazo (translated “caught up” in verse 17).  Harpazo means to “catch or snatch away.”  The term speaks of something which Jesus will one day do for His church.  At some point in the future the Lord will come and snatch away from earth all those who belong to Him.  This “rapture” is imminent (i.e. it could happen at any time inasmuch as there is no other event in God’s prophetic timetable which must precede it).

The context of the passage indicates the believers in Thessalonica had not been informed of this important truth, because Paul hadn’t yet had the opportunity to instruct them about it (1 Thessalonians 3:10, 4:13).  Some of their fellow believers had died and those still alive wondered about the status of their loved ones with respect to the Lord’s coming.  So Paul instructed them to alleviate their concerns.

The passage represents the ultimate basis for the hope of the believer in Christ.  The “blessed hope” is the hope (“confident expectation”) of Christ’s return (Titus 2:13).  It is that to which we are to “set our hope fully” (1 Peter 1:13).  Two separate groups of believers are referred to in the passage, the rapture applies to both.  As the hymn puts it, “I know not when my Lord may come, At night, or noonday fair, Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him, Or ‘meet Him in the air’” (“I Know Whom I Have Believed”).  There are those “church-age” believers who will have died previous to the time of Christ’s return.  They have walked “the vale with Him” (i.e. “those who are asleep;” 1 Thessalonians 4:13).  Yet there are those who will “meet Him in the air” (i.e. “who are alive” at the time of His return; 1 Thessalonians 4:17).  A great heavenly reunion of both groups will take place on that day—“so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

It is because of this truth we as believers do “not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).  Yet this does not mean we do not grieve.  Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus.  Paul was spared from “sorrow upon sorrow” when God showed mercy towards Epaphroditus who was “ill, near to death,” but recovered (Philippians 2:27).  There is a difference between those who grieve having no hope and those who grieve possessing it.  In one way or another the Lord will bring those who belong to Him “safely into his heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). 

There is a genuine and abiding reason for hope bound up in the glorious truth represented to us in this passage.  There are troubles and trials in this life, yet they quickly fade from view as the assembly of believers takes flight.  As the hymn “I’ll Fly Away” puts it, “Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away, to a land where joys shall never end.”  No longer will they experience death or mourning or crying or pain or tears (Cf. Revelation 21:4).  Face to face with Christ, He will then be “marveled at among all who believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 John 3:2). 

“Therefore encourage one another with these words,” the passage says (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  John Walvoord commented on the comfort we find (and can share) in the expectation of Christ’s coming: “Oh the prospect, the joy of looking forward to the coming of the Lord, and of resting in these precious truths!  There are so many ills of life that nothing can heal except the Lord’s return.  How many loved ones are on the other side and how many problems of this life, incurable diseases, pain, sorrow, difficulties will be made all right. As we face the duties and the challenges and the trials of life, God has given us this blessed hope, this hope of the Lord’s return.  May we take it to our bosoms, may we live in its reality, and may our hearts be refreshed by this precious truth!”

Lord, it is because of You we have strength to face our tomorrows, possessing this certain hope of future blessings!  There is much sorrow in this world, yet You are coming again to take us home–to a place where there will be no more sorrow or tears.  The greatest of all reunions lies just beyond the horizon and in that reunion there will be no more parting.  Amidst our sorrows, grant us the grace and wisdom to encourage one another as we eagerly await Your return!  Help us to set our minds on things above, not on things upon the earth.  Help us to weigh our present troubles against the eternal weight of glory You’ve prepared just for us!  Amen.

I’LL FLY AWAY

Some glad morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To a home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away

I’ll fly away, oh, Glory
I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I’ll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end
I’ll fly away

I’ll fly away, oh, Glory
I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly away

John’s Vision of the Exalted Christ

Bible Reading: Revelation 1:9-18

Somewhere amidst all my paraphernalia boxed up from my office at the church in Astoria, is an old cassette tape.  As a relatively new believer in Christ, I treasured that tape and listened to it many times.  It was of my uncle, Pastor Bob Emrich, preaching at the installation service for his brother, Pastor Frank Emrich, some 40 years ago, at Valley Bible Church in Sumner, Washington.  The Scripture text for the message was Revelation 1:10.  The heart of the message was the need for us to be attentive by the Spirit to hear the voice of Jesus speaking to us through His word!  So we’ve read in today’s text…Jesus spoke to the Apostle John and revealed Himself to John in all His glory.  Jesus had a message for John and John listened attentively and wrote down what Jesus said.

Revelation was written around AD 94-96, near the end of the Emperor Domitian’s reign.  John is an elderly man, the last surviving Apostle.  He was, as he self-identified himself to be, “the Apostle whom Jesus loved.”  He wrote in his gospel account of how he and his fellow apostles beheld the glory of Jesus–in the miracles that Jesus did and in the person He is.  John had witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration.  He was witness to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.  In fact, as Jesus hung dying upon the cross, He placed the care of his Mother into John’s hands. John was present on the day of Pentecost when the church was born and later witnessed the growth and expansion of the church.  For all these decades John faithfully served Jesus, leading and teaching and writing his epistles.  At this point in his life he’s witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and has likely heard of the martyrdom of his fellow Apostles.  He alone is left.  He’s on the island of Patmos “on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9).  Both Jews and Christians were severely persecuted during the end of Domitian’s reign, and John was no exception.

Now John is old.  His fellow apostles are gone.  Jerusalem was long ago destroyed.  An evil emperor and Christian-hater reigns over the land.  It was a needy world, as it is to this day.  It’s in this context Jesus’ revealed Himself to John.  Which is, by way, the meaning of the term “revelation” (and it is singular “revelation,” not plural “revelations”).  The book of Revelation has to do with the ‘unveiling’ of the Lord Jesus Christ in His majestic glory!  What exactly did John see?  He saw Jesus, not as the humble servant Savior, but as the Coming King and Judge, with flaming eyes and feet of brass, who has come to execute judgment, destroy evil and establish His kingdom.  He saw Jesus standing in the midst of His church, intimately aware and actively involved in all their doings.  He saw Jesus, the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5), who will ultimately one day bring all things into submission to Him.  He saw Jesus, the One holding the “keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18).  The risen Lord and Savior Jesus, unveiled Himself to John in order to unveil to us the truths related to His glorious return. No matter how evil or troubled things become, Jesus is coming soon and He will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords forevermore.  In the meantime, it’s good to be attentive to His voice, as He speaks to us through His Word.  “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

Lord Jesus, how thankful we are, that no matter how dark things get here in this world, we know You are coming again in all Your glory to establish Your Kingdom for eternity.  Even now You stand in the midst of Your church, preparing us for Your return.  You work all things together to accomplish Your purposes in Your timing.  Nothing will prevent that from happening.  We praise You now as our glorious Lord and Savior and pray that You will grant us ears to pay attention, and tender hearts to respond to what You say to us in Your holy word!

AT THE NAME OF JESUS

At the name of Jesus
ev’ry knee shall bow,
ev’ry tongue confess him
King of glory now;
’tis the Father’s pleasure
we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning
was the mighty Word.

Christians, this Lord Jesus
shall return again
in his Father’s glory,
with his angel train;
for all wreaths of empire
meet upon his brow,
and our hearts confess him
King of glory now.

Christ, Our Example, Part 2

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:21-25

Ray and Doris attended our church in Astoria.  They were both well into their 80s, Ray having pastored many churches in various places over the years, as Doris faithfully served along his side. One day I received the news that Doris had suffered a serious fall, getting into the elevator at their apartment building, and was in some severe and debilitating pain. So I went to visit her.  It was obvious she was hurting, so I expressed to her my concern and asked her about how she was coping. I’ve never forgotten her response: “My pain is small in comparison to all that Jesus suffered for me.”  She had no complaints, and blamed no one, instead she kept right on trusting in Jesus.

Maybe it’s just because I’m getting old.  Or, maybe it’s because I’ve witnessed the chronic pain and suffering my wife, Laura, has gone through in her five-year battle with cancer.  To which she has, by God’s grace, responded with such courage.  Or, maybe it’s because I’m a hospice chaplain and have recently witnessed so many grieving in their personal loss.  Or, maybe it’s because these past couple of years have been especially difficult for everyone.  Maybe it’s a combination of all these things, but to me it’s become ever more apparent that there is much suffering in this world!  Suffering is an unavoidable reality we all face.  We can’t change that fact, but we can do something about the way we respond to it.

Sometimes we suffer simply because we live in a sin-cursed world where bad things happen.  Sometimes we suffer as a direct result of the poor sinful choices we make.  And sometimes we suffer, and unjustly so, simply because we are followers of Jesus and the world doesn’t like that.  It’s the last kind of suffering that Peter was addressing in 1 Peter 2:21-25.  

There are many passages in Scripture that speak to the need for us to follow Christ’s example in how He responded to His sufferings.  This passage in 1 Peter 2:21-25 highlights several key aspects of His response.  The word “example” translates a term which literally means an “underwriting,” as if there is a top line on a page which is to be duplicated below.  Jesus’ suffering is the top line.  Our response is to copy Him.  He’s marked out the path for us to follow.  So, how did He respond when He suffered unjustly?  He didn’t do any of the things we are tempted and prone to do.  He didn’t sin (Isaiah 53:9b).  He didn’t grumble or complain.  Through it all–the betrayal, the arrest, the beatings, the unfair trial, the crucifixion, the insults–he neither threatened or retaliated.  There are “seven saying” Jesus uttered from the cross.  They were all expressions of love–for the Father, for his mother, for his enemies, for the lost.  Through it all–He “continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).  The word entrusted has the idea of “handing over.”  He continually handed over the matter to the Father.  

Incumbent in Jesus’ response was His awareness that the Father knew all about His situation.  Did the Father know about Jesus’ sufferings?  Not only did He know, they all happened according to the Father’s predetermined plan.  We need to think about life in a similar way.  The challenges that we face in life are not matters of mere happenstance.  God is fully aware of all.  He is intimately involved in the affairs of your life.  It is He who “causes all things to work together for good” (Romans 8:28).  Nothing, not even death, can work to separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39).  You can trust Him amidst your sufferings, and thereby follow in Jesus’ steps in your response!  In so doing, you will not only honor God, you will bear a credible and appealing testimony before the lost!   

Heavenly Father, we are much saddened by all the suffering in the world we see.  And sometimes the weight of it seems too much to bear.  But when we remind ourselves of Your love, revealed to us at Calvary, we find hope.  And when we think of how Jesus Himself suffered for us, and would not be moved from the cup You had set before Him, we find in Him a perfect example to follow.  Amidst our sufferings, grant us the grace to avoid the temptation to take matters into our own hands, and instead to respond by trusting You, knowing that You cause all things to work together for good in the lives of those who love You!  Amen!

HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Refrain:
Have faith in God, He’s on His throne,
Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
He cannot fail, He must prevail,
Have faith in God, Have faith in God.

Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He’ll answer yet.

Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

Christ, Our Example, Part 1

Bible Reading: John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:32-5:2; 1 John 3:16

“In His Steps” is a best-selling Christian fiction novel written by Charles Monroe Sheldon. First published in 1896, the book has sold more than 50,000,000 copies, and ranks as one of the best-selling books of all time.  Written by a pastor, it tells the story of a small town who resolved to take no action without first considering Christ’s example.  The book was subtitled, “What Would Jesus do?” and popularized that expression, which later adorned Bible covers and Christian paraphernalia with the acrostic WWJD.

So what would Jesus do?  And how are we to know?  And how is it even possible that we could think or live or do or speak according to the example of Jesus?  He is after all, no mere man, He is the Divine Son of God who was (and is) perfect in every way.  There’s arguably no loftier aspiration than to follow Christ’s example.  There are many Scriptures which speak to the need for us to imitate Christ (you’ve read a few of them today).  I wrote my master’s thesis on this topic, some 32 years ago.  It was entitled “The Imitation of Christ: A Proposed Doctrine.”  I was glancing through it the other day, I’m thinking it could use some revision.

The problem is that we don’t have it in us to follow in His steps.  Not in our own wisdom or strength.  In fact, the very thought of “what would Jesus do” in any given situation is beyond our human capacity to even discern, let alone do.  A better question might be to prayerfully ask “what would Jesus have me to do,” but there’s still the need to be led and empowered by the Spirit for that to happen.  The flesh has no power to do that which Jesus would do, it is only as we walk by the Spirit that Christ-like virtues are borne in us, which are in turn expressed in Christlike deeds and words (Galatians 5:16-26).  The imitation of Christ then becomes possible as the Spirit of God mediates the presence of Christ to us, in us, and through us.  The key then to following in Jesus’ steps is walking closely with Him!

Christ is our perfect example in every virtuous way: in His love, His leadership style, His subjection to the Father, His obedience, His willingness to suffer, His servanthood, His deeds, His Words; the list goes on and on. But it is His example with respect to love that Scripture speaks to the most.  John 13:34-35 is notable in this regard.    There are two striking truths we find in these verses.  Jesus calls the command to “love one another” a new commandment.  In what sense?  Wasn’t there already a command to love (Matthew 22:39)?  Indeed.  But the new commandment differs in that the standard is new.  By nature we love ourselves, orienting our lives and decisions based on what we deem best for us, and we were commanded to love our neighbors in the same way.  The new standard is not to love others as we love ourselves, but to love according to the example set before us in Jesus and His selfless sacrifice–“just as I have loved you” (John 13:34; Ephesians 4:32-5:2; 1 John 3:16).  The term “love” is used in society’s vernacular in all kinds of different ways, but God has demonstrated and defined love for us in terms of Jesus’ sacrifice.  In following Jesus’ example we are called to that same kind of selfless, sacrificial love which works to put the needs of others ahead of our own.  The other notable thing we find in this passage is how the practice of Christlike love relates to our testimony.  “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  Francis Shaeffer called love “the mark of the Christian,” undoubtedly in part because of this passage.  The practice of Christlike love is a distinguishing characteristic of the followers of Christ. In following Christ’s example of loving and forgiving, we bear a credible and appealing testimony before the lost, directing folks to the source of love, God Himself (1 John 4:7-8)!  There’s no better example to follow than His!

Lord Jesus, how incredible is the example of love You have set before us.  That you would undertake to transform any of us, sinful and selfish as we were, to make us to be like You–indeed Yours is a salvation to the uttermost!  We are forever prone to looking out for ourselves first, but You’ve unveiled to us a radically different manner of life that is altogether pleasing to You, and of great benefit both to ourselves and others.  Grant us that by the Spirit that we might put off the old sinful and selfish ways and put on Christlikeness, that we might be channels of the love You revealed to us and Calvary and shed abroad in within our hearts!  

MAY THE MIND OF CHRIST, MY SAVIOR

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me,
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

A Salvation to the Uttermost

Bible Reading: Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:20-21

Hebrews 7:25 speaks of a “salvation to the uttermost.”  Billy Sunday, that great baseball player turned evangelist of the late 1800s, once spoke in a sermon of how God saved him from the “guttermost” to the “uttermost” because he was gutter-drunk when God saved Him.  Which reminds me of the Psalmist’s experience of having been saved from “mire” to the “choir” (Psalm 40:1-3).  If you are a believer in Christ, you are the recipient of so great a salvation!

What’s this salvation to the uttermost all about?    The term translated “uttermost” means either “forever” or “completely” (the Greek term used can mean both).  The context tends towards the “forever” interpretation of the term, but the “complete” aspect of His salvation is both implied here and spoken of elsewhere.  The salvation provisioned by God through Christ to the believer is no half-hearted salvation!  In every respect salvation has to do primarily with salvation from sin.  It includes three tenses—justification (past), sanctification (present), and glorification (future).  There is justification (freedom from the penalty of sin).  The repeated sacrifices of the former priests were of limited value.  But by His “once for all” sacrifice, Christ has worked to secure an internal and eternal cleansing from sin (Hebrews 9:12-14).  Then there is sanctification (freedom from the practice of sin).  By His sacrifice the believer is cleansed of conscience “from dead works to serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:14).  Finally, there is the glorification (freedom from the presence of sin), in which our humble bodies are transformed to be like Jesus’ glorious one (Philippians 3:21).  The work of salvation is a miraculous thing.  Something that man could never hope to devise or accomplish.  We all need a Savior, and in Jesus we have One who is preeminently qualified and able!  

That’s looking at the matter of salvation primarily from one angle–what we are saved from.  But what are we saved to? Ephesians chapters 1-3 have a lot to say about that.   By grace we who were dead in our trespasses and sins, have been made alive and seated in the heavenlies with Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6).  We’ve been chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, enlightened, enriched, and sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:3-14).   Ephesians 3:20-21 summarizes the matter by stating that what God is doing in us is beyond what we could possibly imagine or even have the wherewithal to ask for.  Indeed, it is His plan to fill us up with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19)!  A salvation to the uttermost indeed!

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are for saving us, and not just from the depths of sin and despair of our previous estate, but in saving us to heights that even now transcend our ability to comprehend.  We praise You, for it is entirely by Your amazing grace that we’ve experienced so great a salvation!  May we be ever mindful not only of that which we’ve been saved from, but by the Spirit may our eyes be opened to the glory of that which we’ve been saved to–that we might walk in a manner worthy of the high calling we have received!

He Lifted Me

In loving kindness Jesus came
My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me.

Refrain:
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me,
From shades of night to plains of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me!

He called me long before I heard,
Before my sinful heart was stirred,
But when I took Him at His word,
Forgiven He lifted me. [Refrain]

His brow was pierced with many a thorn,
His hands by cruel nails were torn,
When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
In love He lifted me. [Refrain]

Now on a higher plane I dwell,
And with my soul I know ’tis well;
Yet how or why, I cannot tell,
He should have lifted me. [Refrain]

His “Once For All” Sacrifice

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:10-25; 1 Peter 3:18

You likely know of John Newton as the pastor and author of the great hymn “Amazing Grace.”  What you may not know was that long before he was a pastor, he was a slave ship captain. Yes, John Newton had captained slave ships and oversaw the inhumane treatment of slaves in conditions which were beyond appalling.  The male slaves were packed together below deck and were secured by leg irons. The space was so cramped they were forced to crouch or lie down. Women and children were kept in separate quarters, sometimes on deck, allowing them limited freedom of movement, but also exposing them to violence and sexual abuse from the crew.  The air in the hold was foul and putrid. Seasickness was common and the heat was oppressive. The lack of sanitation and suffocating conditions meant there was a constant threat of disease. Epidemics of fever, dysentery, and smallpox were frequent. Captives endured these conditions for about two months, sometimes longer. In good weather the captives were brought on deck and forced to exercise. They were fed twice a day and those refusing to eat were force-fed. Those who died were thrown overboard. The combination of disease, inadequate food, rebellion and punishment took a heavy toll on captives and crew alike. Surviving records suggest that until the 1750s one in five Africans on board ship died.  The Pastor John Newton had formerly been a party to all that!

One wonders how much John Newton thought about those former days and those heinous sins he had committed.  The Apostle Paul likewise had a former life filled with dreadful sins.  He had persecuted Christians and  caused many believers to be sent to prison, casting his vote against them when they were condemned to death (Acts 26:10).  As an apostle he referred to himself as the foremost of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He once wrote, “Wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24)”

In spite of those former sins, both men experienced the grace of God in salvation, and were much used by God!!  And though their sins seem to us to be especially appalling, the Scriptures remind us that we are all born sinners!  Jeremiah 17:9 speaks to this reality: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”  We are born into this world “alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds” (Colossians 1:21).  According to Romans 6:23, the deserved punishment for such behavior is death!

Christ died “once for all” for sins.  That’s the truth reiterated throughout the passages in today’s Bible reading.  John MacArthur commented on this: “But the good news is Christ died for sins. This is the greatest, joyous, most blessed, hopeful, comforting truth ever. His suffering was ultimate. He died. Why? Why did He die for our sins? He was without sin. Why did He die for our sins? Because that was what God required. The wages of sin in death. Somebody has to die, either the sinner or a substitute. And so Christ died for sins. Not His, ours. Sins put Him there. Not His sins, He didn’t have any. Ours. And I want you to notice that He died for sins once – hapax in the Greek – hapax. Important word, it means one time only. It means an event that occurred one time with perpetual validity without requiring repetition. It’s very rare that some event, some act is hapax. That is to say, done once, never needing to be repeated. And securing by that one act all that was intended. But that is exactly what happened in the death of Christ.”

As he was dying at the age eighty-two, John Newton whispered to a friend, “My memory is nearly gone. But I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”. In his epitaph Newton summed up his life in these words, “John Newton, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”

Christ died “once for all” for sins.  A complete pardon, of all one’s past, present, and future sins, is availed to anyone who trusts in Jesus. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Indeed, we are all great sinners, but Christ is a wonderful Savior!

Lord Jesus, Your grace is indeed amazing! That you would save any of us out of the depths of our depravity is an incredible thing!  That You would so work on the cross to make a “once for all” sacrifice for our sins, is a precious truth indeed!  That you would take a man like John Newton, or Paul, and so incredibly transform them, bringing good out of their bad, speaks to the glorious nature of Your salvation!  May we remain ever thankful, overflowing with gratitude, and not just with our lips, but with our lives!  Amen.

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.