Blogger (which hosts this blog) recently switched to using Google-account log-in. For this blog, that change had a nasty side effect (due to a bug which permanently linked two separate user-profiles), which could be solved in only one way: delete the old blog, and create a new one.
So I got out the backup copies of this blog, and have republished everything. Unfortunately, the dates of the articles have been reset, and any comments have been lost. Apart from that (and a slight change in the colour-scheme), everything is back to normal.
Tuesday 13 March 2007
No leaven in Lot’s house
It was a surprise to me to discover, recently, that the first mention of unleavened bread in the Bible is in Gn 19:3: “… and he [Lot] made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.” Remembering that leaven, in the Bible, represents sin, and that unleavened bread represents something in which is no sin, I would have expected to find unleavened bread mentioned in chap. 18, when Abraham entertains the same angels that visited Lot. But it is Lot (and in Sodom!) that is first presented as having unleavened bread in his home.
This simple little detail suggests to us the surprising fact that Peter confirms: Lot was a righteous man (II Pe 2:7-8). He who started off walking with Abraham, the friend of God, then decided to sit at the gate of Sodom, and ended up lying in a cave practising immoral acts, was nonetheless a righteous man! Were it not for Peter’s inspired revelation, we would never have guessed!
The truths that this example of Lot teaches us are very solemn. May we ponder them, and take Lot as a terrible example of the depths of sin to which a true believer can plunge, if he wander away from the fellowship of God and God’s people.
This simple little detail suggests to us the surprising fact that Peter confirms: Lot was a righteous man (II Pe 2:7-8). He who started off walking with Abraham, the friend of God, then decided to sit at the gate of Sodom, and ended up lying in a cave practising immoral acts, was nonetheless a righteous man! Were it not for Peter’s inspired revelation, we would never have guessed!
The truths that this example of Lot teaches us are very solemn. May we ponder them, and take Lot as a terrible example of the depths of sin to which a true believer can plunge, if he wander away from the fellowship of God and God’s people.
“Have mercy upon me …”
“Have mercy upon me, o Lord; for I am weak …” (Ps 6:2); “Have mercy upon me, o Lord, for I am in trouble …” (Ps 31:9); “Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up …” (Ps 56:1); “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee …” (Ps 57:1); “Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily” (Ps 86:3).
There are five reasons David presents in the book of Psalms for calling unto God for mercy.
In the first two verses, when he calls upon Jehovah, he mentions his weakness (“… for I am weak …”) and his trouble (“… for I am in trouble …”). Notice his humble recognition of his own weakness.
In the next two occurrences he calls on Elohim, and mentions the opposition of men (“… for man would swallow me up …”) and his faith in God (“… for my soul trusteth in Thee …”). Men might oppose — David trusts in his God.
Finally, he calls on Adonai, mentioning his insistence before the throne of God (“… for I cry unto thee daily” — or “all the day” as Darby translates it).
In our weaknesses and troubles, may we remember the promises of Jehovah, our God. When men seek to destroy us, may we remember the majesty of Elohim, in whom we trust. May Adonai, our Lord and Sovereign, be the only one to whom we call for mercy, and may our call be constant.
May we manifest the same humble, trusting, and constant call for mercy that characterized David.
There are five reasons David presents in the book of Psalms for calling unto God for mercy.
In the first two verses, when he calls upon Jehovah, he mentions his weakness (“… for I am weak …”) and his trouble (“… for I am in trouble …”). Notice his humble recognition of his own weakness.
In the next two occurrences he calls on Elohim, and mentions the opposition of men (“… for man would swallow me up …”) and his faith in God (“… for my soul trusteth in Thee …”). Men might oppose — David trusts in his God.
Finally, he calls on Adonai, mentioning his insistence before the throne of God (“… for I cry unto thee daily” — or “all the day” as Darby translates it).
In our weaknesses and troubles, may we remember the promises of Jehovah, our God. When men seek to destroy us, may we remember the majesty of Elohim, in whom we trust. May Adonai, our Lord and Sovereign, be the only one to whom we call for mercy, and may our call be constant.
May we manifest the same humble, trusting, and constant call for mercy that characterized David.
Asking for the obvious
Would you ask for something that’s already yours? Or plead for something you know, with absolute certainty, is going to happen? Most of us would answer “No!” — and, in normal situations, that answer is correct. However, when it is God to whom we are asking, we should have a different approach, constantly asking for those things that God has already promised to give us.
Consider an example. When there were only two years remaining to end the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, Daniel says: “I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes” (Daniel 9:2-3). When he understood that God was going to free His people in two years time, Daniel starts praying for their delivery. It seemed unnecessary — but “Daniel realized that when God is about to work, He begins by exercising His people that they may be restored in soul” (H. A. Ironside, Daniel, 2nd edition, 18th printing, pg. 157).
Another example. The Bible ends with a promise, a prayer, and a blessing. The promise is precious: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.” Immediately after that we have the prayer: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Have you ever prayed asking Him to come back? “But why? Hasn’t He just promised He will come?” It is obvious that He is coming, and it is obvious that our prayers will not hasten His coming. But when we pray asking for His coming we know that we are praying according to the Scriptures. We manifest our desire to receive that which God has promised to give us, and it is then that we can fully enjoy the blessing with which the Bible ends: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
Consider an example. When there were only two years remaining to end the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, Daniel says: “I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes” (Daniel 9:2-3). When he understood that God was going to free His people in two years time, Daniel starts praying for their delivery. It seemed unnecessary — but “Daniel realized that when God is about to work, He begins by exercising His people that they may be restored in soul” (H. A. Ironside, Daniel, 2nd edition, 18th printing, pg. 157).
Another example. The Bible ends with a promise, a prayer, and a blessing. The promise is precious: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.” Immediately after that we have the prayer: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Have you ever prayed asking Him to come back? “But why? Hasn’t He just promised He will come?” It is obvious that He is coming, and it is obvious that our prayers will not hasten His coming. But when we pray asking for His coming we know that we are praying according to the Scriptures. We manifest our desire to receive that which God has promised to give us, and it is then that we can fully enjoy the blessing with which the Bible ends: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
Silencing every opponent
In Matthew chapter 22 we read of a memorable day in the life of our Lord Jesus here on Earth. Three different classes of Jews came to Him with questions, seeking to “entangle Him in His talk” (v. 15). He not only left them all in awe at His answers, but also asked a question that “no man was able to answer”. As a result of that day of questioning, no one “durst … from that day forth ask Him any more questions” (v. 46).
First the Herodians (vs. 15-22), accompanied by some Pharisees, questioned Him about paying tribute to Caesar. “But Jesus perceived their wickedness”, and answered with words which have become famous: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” May we all live by these words!
“The same day came to him the Sadducees” (vs. 23-33) with a dishonest question about a resurrection they did not believe in. “Jesus answered and said unto them: Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” Then the Author of the Scriptures revealed, with divine power, some secrets about life in Heaven. “And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine.”
Last of all came a lawyer representing the Pharisees (vs. 34-40), and asked Him a question about the Law, “tempting Him”. The clear and simple statement from the Lord forced the lawyer to admit that the Lord had answered well (see Mark 12:32).
And now, after the religious Jews have all tried (and failed!) to find fault in the Lord, it’s His turn to ask them a question: “If David then call Him [Christ] Lord, how is He his son?” And silence was the loud response!
Matthew ends his description of that day with these words: “And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions.”
Truly we can say: “Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46). Make a point of listening to Him every day!
First the Herodians (vs. 15-22), accompanied by some Pharisees, questioned Him about paying tribute to Caesar. “But Jesus perceived their wickedness”, and answered with words which have become famous: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” May we all live by these words!
“The same day came to him the Sadducees” (vs. 23-33) with a dishonest question about a resurrection they did not believe in. “Jesus answered and said unto them: Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” Then the Author of the Scriptures revealed, with divine power, some secrets about life in Heaven. “And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine.”
Last of all came a lawyer representing the Pharisees (vs. 34-40), and asked Him a question about the Law, “tempting Him”. The clear and simple statement from the Lord forced the lawyer to admit that the Lord had answered well (see Mark 12:32).
And now, after the religious Jews have all tried (and failed!) to find fault in the Lord, it’s His turn to ask them a question: “If David then call Him [Christ] Lord, how is He his son?” And silence was the loud response!
Matthew ends his description of that day with these words: “And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions.”
Truly we can say: “Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46). Make a point of listening to Him every day!
First things first (from the Sermon on the Mount)
“Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift … But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you … Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Mat. 5:24, 6:33, 7:5).
Only three times in the Sermon on the Mount does the Lord Jesus use the little word “first” (proton, in Greek). A consideration of these verses will help us to get our priorities right.
Remember — reconciliation comes before worship. How can you think of offering anything to God while your sin is still with you? How can your lips praise the Father of Mercies while your heart despises your brother? “Should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord” (Mal. 1:13). No — first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Then again, the things of God must come before our own needs. How much we lose due to our failure to really appreciate this truth! How can we expect to grow in our knowledge of God and of His will while we worry first about the things of this world? How can we hope to please Him while we don’t give Him first place? Let’s get out priorities right — seek first the kingdom of God, and trust Him to take care of your earthly needs.
Last, but not least, there’s the problem of hypocrisy — correction must start with me! How can we try to help our brethren while we ignore our own faults? How can we be so soft on ourselves, and so hard on our brethren? Oh, hypocrites that we are! Let us first examine our own lives before God, in the holy solemnity of His presence, and then we will have the humility and grace necessary to help our brethren.
Lord, help me to remember — first things first!
Only three times in the Sermon on the Mount does the Lord Jesus use the little word “first” (proton, in Greek). A consideration of these verses will help us to get our priorities right.
Remember — reconciliation comes before worship. How can you think of offering anything to God while your sin is still with you? How can your lips praise the Father of Mercies while your heart despises your brother? “Should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord” (Mal. 1:13). No — first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Then again, the things of God must come before our own needs. How much we lose due to our failure to really appreciate this truth! How can we expect to grow in our knowledge of God and of His will while we worry first about the things of this world? How can we hope to please Him while we don’t give Him first place? Let’s get out priorities right — seek first the kingdom of God, and trust Him to take care of your earthly needs.
Last, but not least, there’s the problem of hypocrisy — correction must start with me! How can we try to help our brethren while we ignore our own faults? How can we be so soft on ourselves, and so hard on our brethren? Oh, hypocrites that we are! Let us first examine our own lives before God, in the holy solemnity of His presence, and then we will have the humility and grace necessary to help our brethren.
Lord, help me to remember — first things first!
Personal post — dad (2)
Dad and Mum are now back home (and mighty glad to be out of hospital :-)
Many thanks to all who prayed.
Many thanks to all who prayed.
Personal post — dad
“Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick” (John 11:3).
Yesterday evening dad (Ronnie Watterson) was admitted into hospital. Please pray for him, as we feel he is still much needed amongst us. But we rest in the knowledge that our God and Father knows best, and loves him best. We trust in Him to do whatever He desires.
Yesterday evening dad (Ronnie Watterson) was admitted into hospital. Please pray for him, as we feel he is still much needed amongst us. But we rest in the knowledge that our God and Father knows best, and loves him best. We trust in Him to do whatever He desires.
Personal post — scleroderma
Just a quick little note to let you all know that I've been diagnosed with Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and, in some cases, some internal organs. I went to the doctor this morning with some exams done a few days ago, and these exams show that, at the minute, the disease is localised (just one oblong patch of skin, about 7 x 2 cm, in my waist).
So at the minute it’s nothing to worry about, but your prayers will be much appreciated.
So at the minute it’s nothing to worry about, but your prayers will be much appreciated.
Friends
“… there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Pr 18:24).
Some people think friends are conveniences. If it is convenient for them they will be glad to embrace you, but if your actions (or inaction) start to cause any inconvenience, you will be put to one side. I personally find this type of friend inconvenient.
Others choose their friends by their convictions. Your character (or lack thereof) doesn't matter — it's your beliefs that count. I tend to respect more this type of people — up to a point. I respect their strong convictions, and their courage to make their convictions know (at least you know where they stand!). But I abhor their double standards. They are willing to condemn an “opponent” (with sadistic pleasure) for the smallest of faults, while defending a "brother" for greater sins. "Where's the glory in that?"
Last, but certainly not least, are those who choose their friends by their character. They are themselves people of character, and they prefer an honest “opponent” to a cheating “brother”. These are the ones you can count on — the ones who are willing to go against the status quo in their community for the sake of justice, equity, and truth. They might disagree with you, but they’ll respect your qualities. What more could you want from a friend?
If you have a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, count yourself blessed indeed. And if your earthly friends disappoint you, remember the words of our blessed Lord and Saviour: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:13-14).
Some people think friends are conveniences. If it is convenient for them they will be glad to embrace you, but if your actions (or inaction) start to cause any inconvenience, you will be put to one side. I personally find this type of friend inconvenient.
Others choose their friends by their convictions. Your character (or lack thereof) doesn't matter — it's your beliefs that count. I tend to respect more this type of people — up to a point. I respect their strong convictions, and their courage to make their convictions know (at least you know where they stand!). But I abhor their double standards. They are willing to condemn an “opponent” (with sadistic pleasure) for the smallest of faults, while defending a "brother" for greater sins. "Where's the glory in that?"
Last, but certainly not least, are those who choose their friends by their character. They are themselves people of character, and they prefer an honest “opponent” to a cheating “brother”. These are the ones you can count on — the ones who are willing to go against the status quo in their community for the sake of justice, equity, and truth. They might disagree with you, but they’ll respect your qualities. What more could you want from a friend?
If you have a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, count yourself blessed indeed. And if your earthly friends disappoint you, remember the words of our blessed Lord and Saviour: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:13-14).
The God of peace
God is called the God of peace five times in the New Testament. Twice we read the comforting words: “The God of peace be with you” (Rm 15:33 and Php 4:9). The three remaining verses present three things that the God of peace worketh on our behalf.
He makes us perfect (Heb 13:20-21). “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus ... make you perfect in every good work to do His will.” Are you growing in good works? With all our faults and failures, there must be progress in our lives, each day nearer to perfection.
He sanctifies us (I Th 5:23). “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ...” In this immoral and wicked world in which we live, are we allowing the God of peace to sanctify our spirit, soul, and body?
He’ll give us victory (Rom 16:20). “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” What a blessed promise. Satan shall be defeated, and shortly (ie. in a little while; soon). Marvel of marvels, it will be under our feet! The God of peace shall exercise His judgment over evil to acquire for us a perfect and everlasting peace. The evil that grieves us so much today will soon be trod under our feet, and we will have peace in every sense of the word.
Know God, and find peace.
He makes us perfect (Heb 13:20-21). “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus ... make you perfect in every good work to do His will.” Are you growing in good works? With all our faults and failures, there must be progress in our lives, each day nearer to perfection.
He sanctifies us (I Th 5:23). “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ...” In this immoral and wicked world in which we live, are we allowing the God of peace to sanctify our spirit, soul, and body?
He’ll give us victory (Rom 16:20). “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” What a blessed promise. Satan shall be defeated, and shortly (ie. in a little while; soon). Marvel of marvels, it will be under our feet! The God of peace shall exercise His judgment over evil to acquire for us a perfect and everlasting peace. The evil that grieves us so much today will soon be trod under our feet, and we will have peace in every sense of the word.
Know God, and find peace.
The Most High and the Almighty
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
The Most High (Elyon) is the God who is above every other being, the One whose glory, honour, majesty and power have no rival. This title is used for the first time in the Bible when Melchizedek came to bless Abraham in the name of “the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth” (Gn 14:18-24), the God who gave Abraham victory (vs. 1-17). The Most High God is the God of all resources, of all glory — no one (and nothing!) is above Him.
As to the title Almighty (Shaddai), there are three suggestions as to the root word it is derived from (see Wikipedia’s definition): shadad (“destroy” — thus indicating the warrior power of God), shadda u (“mountain dweller” — a high and mighty God), or shadaim (“breast”). I prefer this last option, as it suggests a gentle and loving care, like the care of a mother. Where can a baby feel safer than in his mother’s arms? Where can it find more peace, warmth and love than in it’s mother’s bosom? Someone might be more capable of protecting a baby, but no one will care for it with more love and dedication than the baby’s mother! El Shaddai is the Bountiful God, the Father who cares for us with a mother’s love.
In this Psalm we have both titles. Our God is El Elyon, the Most High God, but He is also El Shaddai, the Bountiful God. We can never doubt His power to protect us — He is El Elyon. We can never doubt His interest in protecting us — He is El Shaddai.
The Most High (Elyon) is the God who is above every other being, the One whose glory, honour, majesty and power have no rival. This title is used for the first time in the Bible when Melchizedek came to bless Abraham in the name of “the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth” (Gn 14:18-24), the God who gave Abraham victory (vs. 1-17). The Most High God is the God of all resources, of all glory — no one (and nothing!) is above Him.
As to the title Almighty (Shaddai), there are three suggestions as to the root word it is derived from (see Wikipedia’s definition): shadad (“destroy” — thus indicating the warrior power of God), shadda u (“mountain dweller” — a high and mighty God), or shadaim (“breast”). I prefer this last option, as it suggests a gentle and loving care, like the care of a mother. Where can a baby feel safer than in his mother’s arms? Where can it find more peace, warmth and love than in it’s mother’s bosom? Someone might be more capable of protecting a baby, but no one will care for it with more love and dedication than the baby’s mother! El Shaddai is the Bountiful God, the Father who cares for us with a mother’s love.
In this Psalm we have both titles. Our God is El Elyon, the Most High God, but He is also El Shaddai, the Bountiful God. We can never doubt His power to protect us — He is El Elyon. We can never doubt His interest in protecting us — He is El Shaddai.
Dare to be a Daniel!
These words, which have been an incentive to many Christians, were written by Phillip B. Bliss in 1873 (link). They capture beautifully the courage and determination of this servant of God, taken from home and family at a young age, and willing to stand firm for God amongst the idolatry of Babylon.
It is interesting to note, however, that Daniel’s faithfulness also led him to go against his own brethren. When he and his three friends decided not to defile themselves with “the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Dn 1:8), they were set apart from the group of young men being prepared for royal service. This group of young men was composed of Israel’s children, not gentiles (Dn 1:3). The young men who continued to eat the king’s food were Daniel’s brethren!
I wonder what their reaction was? Did they resent Daniel’s attitude? Did they despise him? The Bible is silent in this respect. It also fails to mention any insistence, on Daniel’s part, that his brethren needed to follow his example, or any tendency to look down on those who didn’t. Daniel and his three friends walked the path that the Lord put before them, without compromise and without pride.
How hard to be a Daniel! If our brethren are not willing to follow the lonely path that the Lord has put before us, how easy to retreat, unwilling to go on alone. When we do go, how easy to do so with a spirit of pride and superiority.
Dare to obey the Lord in every little detail, without compromise and without pride! Dare to be a Daniel!
It is interesting to note, however, that Daniel’s faithfulness also led him to go against his own brethren. When he and his three friends decided not to defile themselves with “the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Dn 1:8), they were set apart from the group of young men being prepared for royal service. This group of young men was composed of Israel’s children, not gentiles (Dn 1:3). The young men who continued to eat the king’s food were Daniel’s brethren!
I wonder what their reaction was? Did they resent Daniel’s attitude? Did they despise him? The Bible is silent in this respect. It also fails to mention any insistence, on Daniel’s part, that his brethren needed to follow his example, or any tendency to look down on those who didn’t. Daniel and his three friends walked the path that the Lord put before them, without compromise and without pride.
How hard to be a Daniel! If our brethren are not willing to follow the lonely path that the Lord has put before us, how easy to retreat, unwilling to go on alone. When we do go, how easy to do so with a spirit of pride and superiority.
Dare to obey the Lord in every little detail, without compromise and without pride! Dare to be a Daniel!
Only one!
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none” (Ez 22:30).
Only one man would be sufficient to preserve the city. We tend to think that it takes a lot of people to make a difference, but the Word of God reveals, time after time, the importance of the individual. Or rather, it reveals the wonders that God can accomplish even with only one instrument. The power is always His.
Who am I? No one important! What am I? Nothing! But if I am willing to serve as a stopgap in the hedge, God can be glorified — even if I’m alone. All it takes is one person willing to be used by God.
Only one man would be sufficient to preserve the city. We tend to think that it takes a lot of people to make a difference, but the Word of God reveals, time after time, the importance of the individual. Or rather, it reveals the wonders that God can accomplish even with only one instrument. The power is always His.
Who am I? No one important! What am I? Nothing! But if I am willing to serve as a stopgap in the hedge, God can be glorified — even if I’m alone. All it takes is one person willing to be used by God.
Choosing weakness
God doesn’t choose as we do. Even a cursory glance at the human instruments He has used to accomplish His will confirms the truth of the Spirit’s word: “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world … and God hath chosen the weak things of the world … and [the] base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen” (I Corinthians 1:27-28). Note that it was His choice, not His only option! To have at your disposal only weak tools, and do the best you can with them, is one thing — but to choose weak tools is completely different!
But why choose weakness? Why choose the foolish, the weak, and the despised? The Spirit Himself answers: “That no flesh should glory in His presence … That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:29-31). “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (II Corinthians 4:7). By choosing the weakest instruments available, God emphasizes His power. Regarding Elizabeth’s barrenness (Luke 1:7) Darby wrote: “It was according to the ways of God to accomplish His work of blessing while manifesting the weakness of the instrument which He was using” (The Man of Sorrows, Pickering and Inglis, page 10).
We understand that — but how hard to enjoy it! We want to be used by the Lord for our glory. We want to be praised for the sacrifices, the trials, and the hardships we endure. We want our brethren to marvel at our humility. We want to be remembered as powerful tools in God’s hands. We want to think that if we are humble, the Lord will make everyone honour us — if we suffer loss for Him, everyone will admire us for it. We want the Lord to accomplish His work of blessing while manifesting how useful we are in His work.
Yet we know, deep down, that for God to receive all the glory, I must be truly unnoticed! As John the Baptist said: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). It must happen — it is necessary! For God to be glorified, the vast majority of those who look on must marvel at my foolishness, my weakness, and my inappropriateness for the task at hand.
Do I really want that? Can I say “Amen” to the words of the Lord: “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25)? Or do I still cringe at the thought of being despised and unnoticed? Do I want the Lord to receive all the glory — or do I want a little part in it?
I know God chooses the weak and foolish — do I want Him to choose me? “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).
But why choose weakness? Why choose the foolish, the weak, and the despised? The Spirit Himself answers: “That no flesh should glory in His presence … That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:29-31). “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (II Corinthians 4:7). By choosing the weakest instruments available, God emphasizes His power. Regarding Elizabeth’s barrenness (Luke 1:7) Darby wrote: “It was according to the ways of God to accomplish His work of blessing while manifesting the weakness of the instrument which He was using” (The Man of Sorrows, Pickering and Inglis, page 10).
We understand that — but how hard to enjoy it! We want to be used by the Lord for our glory. We want to be praised for the sacrifices, the trials, and the hardships we endure. We want our brethren to marvel at our humility. We want to be remembered as powerful tools in God’s hands. We want to think that if we are humble, the Lord will make everyone honour us — if we suffer loss for Him, everyone will admire us for it. We want the Lord to accomplish His work of blessing while manifesting how useful we are in His work.
Yet we know, deep down, that for God to receive all the glory, I must be truly unnoticed! As John the Baptist said: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). It must happen — it is necessary! For God to be glorified, the vast majority of those who look on must marvel at my foolishness, my weakness, and my inappropriateness for the task at hand.
Do I really want that? Can I say “Amen” to the words of the Lord: “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25)? Or do I still cringe at the thought of being despised and unnoticed? Do I want the Lord to receive all the glory — or do I want a little part in it?
I know God chooses the weak and foolish — do I want Him to choose me? “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).
The heart’s secrets
“The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy” (Proverbs 14:10, NKJV).
Every heart has its secrets. There are bitter drops no one else has tasted, and blissful joys no one else can know. There are tears that no one sees, laughter that no one hears. There are things that we cannot share, even if we try.
You think you know the pain I feel for a loved one’s death? “Yes”, you say, “I have also lost loved ones”. Forgive me for disagreeing, but no — you didn’t lose whom I lost! You think you can appreciate the joy and happiness my wife and daughters give me? “Yes — I also have a lovely family”. Sorry, but it’s not the same! The people involved, the circumstances, the time — everything is unique! You might be able to come close to what I feel, but no matter how well you know me, there will always be the secret things!
Lord, help me to remember that I do not know the secrets of the hearts I meet. When I try to console a heart that cries, make me remember that I do not know its bitterness, lest my insensibility make its pain greater. When I face a singing heart, help me remember that I cannot share its joy, lest my insensibility rob it of some precious smile.
Lord, help me to remember that no one knows the secrets of my heart. If it seems that no one cries with me, it is only because they have not felt the lash that struck me. If it seems no one is enthusiastic about that which brings me joy, it is only because the gleam I saw is hidden from their eyes.
Help me to respect the secrets of other’s hearts, and to accept that no one knows the secrets of mine!
Every heart has its secrets. There are bitter drops no one else has tasted, and blissful joys no one else can know. There are tears that no one sees, laughter that no one hears. There are things that we cannot share, even if we try.
You think you know the pain I feel for a loved one’s death? “Yes”, you say, “I have also lost loved ones”. Forgive me for disagreeing, but no — you didn’t lose whom I lost! You think you can appreciate the joy and happiness my wife and daughters give me? “Yes — I also have a lovely family”. Sorry, but it’s not the same! The people involved, the circumstances, the time — everything is unique! You might be able to come close to what I feel, but no matter how well you know me, there will always be the secret things!
Lord, help me to remember that I do not know the secrets of the hearts I meet. When I try to console a heart that cries, make me remember that I do not know its bitterness, lest my insensibility make its pain greater. When I face a singing heart, help me remember that I cannot share its joy, lest my insensibility rob it of some precious smile.
Lord, help me to remember that no one knows the secrets of my heart. If it seems that no one cries with me, it is only because they have not felt the lash that struck me. If it seems no one is enthusiastic about that which brings me joy, it is only because the gleam I saw is hidden from their eyes.
Help me to respect the secrets of other’s hearts, and to accept that no one knows the secrets of mine!
Diminish not a word
The Lord said to Jeremiah: “Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak … all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” The Bible records Jeremiah’s faithful obedience, and the price of that faithfulness: “Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die” (Jeremiah 26:2-8).
Of course, it’s not always wise to say everything — Solomon teaches us that “in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). It is a precious virtue indeed to refrain your lips, and remain silent!
But there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). If God reveals to us His will, and tells us to transmit it to His people, will we have the courage to tell all, diminishing not a word? Or will we omit the harsher parts of the message, not to cause offence to our audience?
May the Lord give us the faithful obedience of the prophets!
Of course, it’s not always wise to say everything — Solomon teaches us that “in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). It is a precious virtue indeed to refrain your lips, and remain silent!
But there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). If God reveals to us His will, and tells us to transmit it to His people, will we have the courage to tell all, diminishing not a word? Or will we omit the harsher parts of the message, not to cause offence to our audience?
May the Lord give us the faithful obedience of the prophets!
His ways and His acts
“He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel” (Psalm 103:7). There is a world of difference between knowing the ways of the Lord, and knowing His acts.
To know His acts is to see what He does — to see the effectual workings of His will, to understand what comes from His hand, and what comes from the enemy. To know His acts is to know His work.
To know His ways is to see what He thinks — to see the workings of His heart and the mysteries of His mind, to understand what He desires, to love what He loves and hate what He hates. To know His ways is to know His heart!
It is surely a great privilege to know the acts of God — but oh, the blessed joy of knowing His ways! The children of Israel were more blessed than the Gentiles, for they knew His acts — but Moses was doubly blessed, for he also knew His ways!
What do I desire today? Can I say, with Paul: “I count all things but loss ... that I may know Him” (Philippians 3:8-10)? Am I seeking after the only knowledge that truly satisfies?
To know His acts is to see what He does — to see the effectual workings of His will, to understand what comes from His hand, and what comes from the enemy. To know His acts is to know His work.
To know His ways is to see what He thinks — to see the workings of His heart and the mysteries of His mind, to understand what He desires, to love what He loves and hate what He hates. To know His ways is to know His heart!
It is surely a great privilege to know the acts of God — but oh, the blessed joy of knowing His ways! The children of Israel were more blessed than the Gentiles, for they knew His acts — but Moses was doubly blessed, for he also knew His ways!
What do I desire today? Can I say, with Paul: “I count all things but loss ... that I may know Him” (Philippians 3:8-10)? Am I seeking after the only knowledge that truly satisfies?
The swelling of Jordan (Jeremiah 12:1-6)
There are times when all our rivers seem to overflow. I feel the swelling these days: everything seems difficult. Therefore, it was with much joy that I read, yesterday, about Jeremiah’s doubts, and the answer he received from the Lord.
“Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?” Does no one ever oppose them? Is everything always easy for them? Why?
God answers: “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” The little problems that I face today are preparing me to race against horses. The little adversities of this present day mould our character in such a way that, when Jordan overflows all his banks, we will stand firm.
He who never had trouble is weak. He who never suffered, never grew. The wicked (pity them!) will be the first to be washed away by Jordan. But those who learned to trust in God in all their tribulations will not be taken by the swelling of Jordan.
Therefore, let us gladly accept the tribulations that come our way — may we glory in them! (Romans 5:3-5)
“Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?” Does no one ever oppose them? Is everything always easy for them? Why?
God answers: “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” The little problems that I face today are preparing me to race against horses. The little adversities of this present day mould our character in such a way that, when Jordan overflows all his banks, we will stand firm.
He who never had trouble is weak. He who never suffered, never grew. The wicked (pity them!) will be the first to be washed away by Jordan. But those who learned to trust in God in all their tribulations will not be taken by the swelling of Jordan.
Therefore, let us gladly accept the tribulations that come our way — may we glory in them! (Romans 5:3-5)
Sunday 11 March 2007
Glorying in the Lord
"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
In what do I glory? In the wisdom I think I possess? In my feeble strength? In fleeting riches? All these things are futile! But if I understand and know my Lord, and if I can grow in this knowledge day by day, then will I have something to be proud of!
Time spent in getting to know the Lord is certainly time well spent!
In what do I glory? In the wisdom I think I possess? In my feeble strength? In fleeting riches? All these things are futile! But if I understand and know my Lord, and if I can grow in this knowledge day by day, then will I have something to be proud of!
Time spent in getting to know the Lord is certainly time well spent!
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