In the fields of Boaz

Loved, and gave Himself

2011-11-10T13:51:00.001-03:00

To wrap up this little trilogy on the love of our Lord (see posts one and two), consider the only three times in the NT that we read of His love linked to the phrase “and gave Himself”:

In Ephesians 5:25 we read that He “loved the Church, and gave Himself for it”. His Bride and Body, bought with His life.
But His love was not just toward a collective entity; He also loved the individual believers that make up that Church. In v. 2 of the same chapter we read: “Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us”.
Ah, but read this: “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20)! Can you get closer to the heart of God than that? Can you find a more amazing truth in the whole Universe?

It is glorious to think of His sacrificial love for His Bride, and precious to think that that love reached out to each individual in that Church. But my heart thrills with these precious, powerful, and personal words: He (the Son of God) loved me (poor, worthless me), and gave Himself for me!

The old hymn captures the sentiment beautifully:

Was it for me, for me alone,
The Saviour left His glorious throne,
The dazzling splendours of the sky?
Was it for me He came to die?

It was for me, yes, all for me,
O love of God, so great, so free,
O wondrous love, I'll shout and sing,
He died for me, my Lord and King!

Was it for me, sweet angel strains
Came floating o'er Judea's plains
That starlit night so long ago?
Was it for me God planned it so?

Was it for me the Saviour said:
"Pillow thy weary, aching head
Trustingly on thy Saviour's breast"?
Was it for me? Can I thus rest?

Was it for me He wept and prayed,
My load of sin before Him laid,
That night within Gethsemane?
Was it for me, that agony?

Was it for me He bowed His head
Upon the cross and freely shed
His precious blood, that crimson tide?
Was it for me the Saviour died?

The love of Christ

2011-11-02T14:34:00.000-03:00

Having considered the love of our Lord Jesus, look with me now at the three times the NT uses the expression “the love of Christ”. All three are in the epistles, and the use of the name “Christ” emphasizes His deity:

Our security in Christ. In Romans 8:35 we learn that a Christian can be eternally sure that nothing, and no one, can ever separate him from the love of Christ. How can I think of losing my salvation if the Saviour loves me? A Christian is eternally sure of his salvation because he rests in the eternal love of Christ.
Our service for Christ. In II Corinthians 5:14 the emphasis is on our responsibility to proclaim the “ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18), because “the love of Christ constraineth us”. How can I not live for Him, if He died for me (v. 15)? How can I not talk about such love? The Christian is compelled to preach the ministry of reconciliation, because the love of Christ constrains him.
Our satisfaction in Christ. In Ephesians 3:19 the apostle speaks about the need to know the love of Christ in a personal, practical way. If we be strengthened with might by His Spirit (v. 16), and if by faith Christ dwell in our hearts (v. 17), we will know the love of Christ, which passeth all understanding. The Christian should desire, down here, to know the love of Christ.

The love of Christ is what gives me present and eternal security, stimulates me to dedicated and constant service, and satisfies the deepest aspirations of my heart.

Jesus loved …

2011-10-14T16:00:00.000-03:00

Consider with me, briefly, the three different contexts in the New Testament where we read of the love of our Lord for individuals, in all of which He is called by the name “Jesus”.

An unquestionable love (John 11:3, 5). We read that “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus”, and the recipients of that love had no doubt of it. How touching is their message to Him: “Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick”. The Lord loved them, and they knew it!
An unchanging love (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:17, 20). Five times in his gospel John describes himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved”. Not that John was the only one, nor even the special one — he simply appropriates for himself what was true of them all. But read the five passages, and notice how the circumstances are different one from the other. Whether the Lord is at the Supper or at Calvary, whether He looks on John at the foot of the cross, or away fishing with the others; no matter what the circumstances, no matter where John was, he was always “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. The Lord loved him, and loved him to the end!
An unmerited love (Mark 10:21). Here we have a different situation; a young man who loves his riches more than he loves the Lord Jesus. How tragically sad! Yet Mark tells us that “Jesus, beholding him, loved him”. What gracious, merciful, divine love!

He loved us when we had no merit, deserving only eternal condemnation. He loves us today with an eternal, unchanging love. May we rest in that love, secure in the knowledge that nothing can “separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

Three foreign words

2011-07-22T11:34:00.002-03:00

The Bible was mostly written in Hebrew (the Old Testament) and Greek (the New Testament) — although there are some exceptions to that rule. When we read from the King James, or a similiar version, these different languages are translated for us into English; except for some stray words (usually place-names) which the translators decided to transliterate (“write using the closest corresponding letters in another language”) rather than translate (“express the sense in another language”).

Consider three examples of foreign words that were not translated in our English Bible. They outline a life lived in fellowship with God.

The past: Ebenezer (“stone of help”, I Sam 7:12). Samuel said: “Hitherto [thus far] hath the Lord helped us”. The name given to the stone was a testimony to the faithfulness of God in helping His people.

The present: Mizpah (“watchtower”, Gen 31:49). Laban and Jacob recognized that the Lord would be continually watching over them and between them (neither of them trusted the other).

The future: Maranatha (“Come, Lord!”, I Cor 16:22). The epistle ends the same way as the Bible ends, with our blessed Lord’s coming as our hope, and His grace as our portion.

As we survey the past we can trace the faithfulness of a caring, loving Father carrying us in the arms of a wonderful Saviour through the power of the Holy Spirit. Granted, it hasn’t always been easy sailing! Many have been the difficulties, deep have been the valleys, frightening have been the storms, lonely have been the deserts; but Ebenezer! Thus far hath the Lord helped us! See Psa 34:19.

As we look around us today, may we never forget that the Lord is watching over us. Think of the grace and the glory involved in this. Consider the security and the solemnity of being under His constant gaze! Let your moderation be known unto all men, but be not bowed down with care for the morrow (Phil 4:5-6). Remember Mizpah — the Lord is watching!

As we try to pierce the darkness that lies ahead, all we see is this glorious hope, shinning in all the fresh beauty that only eternal truths possess: Maranatha! The Lord is coming! “Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20).

Ebenezer: He has brought me to this day; Mizpah: He will carry me through; Maranatha: He is coming to take me home!

Note: the examples above are transliterated in versions like the KJV, Darby, ASV, NASB, but translated in modern versions.

"Woman, …"

2011-01-04T17:07:00.001-03:00

Only seven times in the Gospels do we read of the Lord Jesus calling a woman by this title. In various other occasions He uses the word “woman” in a general sense, but only seven times does He directly address a woman in this manner.

In four of these occasions the Lord is speaking to sinners; in the other three, He speaks to saved women. The first group of women present to us a picture of human nature in its relationship to God; the second group gives more emphasis to the virtues of the Lord in His relationship with us.

We in relation to God

a) Great perplexity and confusion (John 4:21), linked to our spirit. The natural man or woman does not know how to worship or serve God.
b) Great bondage and captivity (Luke 13:12), linked to the soul. Satan has humanity in his claws.
c) Great sin and guilt (John 8:10), linked to the body.
d) Great persistence and confidence (Matthew 15:28), resulting in salvation. What a precious example in this woman!

The Lord in relation to us

a) His purpose (John 2:4). His hour was not yet come; He came for the cross.
b) His provision (John 19:26). Even on the cross He had time, strength and interest enough to take car of the woman who had cared for Him during His infancy.
c) His care (John 20:15) in relation to a beloved disciple. Certainly He cares for us today also.

Afflicted in our afflictions

2010-08-05T11:36:00.000-03:00

“In all their affliction He was afflicted” (Is 63:9).

In days of affliction and pain, we tend to think that the Lord has forgotten us. When the days turn into weeks, and the weeks become months, and still the pain remains, our flesh becomes bolder. After eight or nine hours of intense, uninterrupted pain, we hear the tempter whisper: “Where is your God now?” (Ps 42:3).

During the last months I have experienced a little of this. So you can imagine my joy at reading these words this morning: “In all their affliction He was afflicted”. I am not alone in my pain. The Lord is near, and knows, because he suffers with me. Only He can truly say: “I know thy tribulation” (Rv 2:9).

I will guide thee with Mine eye

2010-05-05T09:57:00.000-03:00

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee” (Ps 32:8-9).

Psaml 32, one of the seven penitential Psalms, portrays the blessing of walking in fellowship with the Lord. We can divide the Psalm in five beatitudes (five, in the Bible, is the number of grace):

a) the blessing of conversion to God (vs. 1-2);
b) the blessing of confession to God (vs. 3-5);
c) the blessing of care from God (vs. 6-7);
d) the blessing of God’s course (vs. 8-9);
e) the blessing of confidence in God (vs. 10-11).

All these things are very precious for the Christian; but I’ll only emphasise the secret to knowing the blessing of the course God has charted for His children. The Psalm shows that God desires to guide us, not like a horse or mule is driven, with bit and bridle — He desires to guide us with His eye! He wants us to be in such a close fellowship with Him, so well instructed and taught by Him, that there will be no need for bit nor bridle, for whip nor rod. He wants us to be able to discern the direction He desires, without needing to force and drive us like animals “which have no understanding”. He doesn’t want us to follow blindly the rein in His hand, but that we may look in His eyes, discerning there His heart and his desire!

What a precious picture! But how can we know this way and this course, unless we look in His eyes? May we learn with the psalmist: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him … Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord” (Ps 25:14-15).

May we look ever to Him, so that we may know the blessing of the course He has charted.

Watch and pray

2010-04-12T09:55:00.000-03:00

“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night” (Ne 4:9).

Some Christians think that to properly trust in God we need to sit back and expect Him to do everything. But it is important to remember the words of our Lord to His disciples: “Watch and pray” (Mat 26:41). Not “pray and rest”, but “watch and pray”!

We should understand that God deals with us as He dealt with Israel in the case of Balaam; if we trust in Him, He will preserve us from those things that are beyond our power (as He did not allow Balaam to curse Israel, Deut 23:5), but He expects us to be on our guard against those things which are within our power (as He did allow Balaam to cause Israel to stumble through sensual immorality, Num 31:16).

May we follow the example of Nehemiah, praying to God to preserve and protect us, but also watching carefully, lest we fall prey to the enemy.

Pray always; never stop watching.

No other way but through

2010-04-05T13:58:00.000-03:00

I have just come across a lovely poem by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932), entitle “A Red Sea Place”; a place where “there is no way out, there is no way back, there is no other way but through”. It’s beautiful, and refreshingly encouraging.

See for yourself:

A Red Sea Place

Have you come to the Red Sea place in your life,
Where in spite of all you can do,
There is no way out, there is no way back,
There is no other way but through?
Then wait on the Lord with a trust serene
Till the night of your fear is gone;
He will send the wind, He will heap the floods,
When He says to your soul "Go on."

And His hand will lead you through - clear through –
Ere the watery walls roll down,
No foe can reach you, no wave can touch,
No mightiest sea can drown;
The tossing billows may rear their crests,
Their foam at your feet may break,
But over their bed you shall walk dryshod
In the path that your Lord will make.

In the morning watch, ‘neath the lifted cloud,
You shall see but the Lord alone,
When He leads you on from the place of the sea,
To a land that you have not known;
And your fears shall pass as your foes have passed,
You shall no more be afraid;
You shall sing His praise in a better place,
A place that His hand has made.

Annie Johnson Flint

Powerful, Gentle Shepherd

2010-03-29T21:02:00.000-03:00

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11).

Sometimes (like here) the Bible surprises us. The Holy Spirit inserts an unexpected word or phrase, which doesn’t seem to have any link to the context. But the contrast makes the beauty of God’s Word shine even brighter.

Notice the context of this verse. Chapter 40 of Isaiah presents the awesome and amazing power of God. Note the richness of the poetical language, the beauty of the comparisons which portray the power of a God to whom the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance, a very little thing. All nations before Him are as nothing; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity. He calleth all the stars by their names and, sitting upon the circle of the Earth, He fainteth not, neither is weary.

There are not many portions of the Bible that describe in such richness of detail the power of God. But how does the section begin? With the thunder of His awesome power? No; with the gentleness of a Shepherd who gathers the lambs in His arms, and gently leads those that are with young! The same arms that manifest the great power of God, carry the little lambs gently.

How precious to rest in the arms of this Gentle, Powerful Shepherd and God!

Much more than this ...

2010-03-18T09:44:00.001-03:00

“And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents …? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this” (II Chronicles 25:5-13).

King Amaziah had to chose: obey the clear order of the Lord and lose one hundred talents of silver, or keep what he had purchased and disobey God. Amaziah made the right decision, even though it brought him short-term loss: he lost the silver, lost the friendship of his brethren from Ephraim (v. 10), lost various cities, three thousand lives, and “much spoil” (v. 13). What a loss! There is no doubt, however, that God was pleased with his obedience. His infidelity in latter years doesn’t annul the promise of God through the prophet: “The Lord is able to give thee much more than this”.

What would I have done in a similar situation? Would I move to another town to be useful to God, even if it meant a lower wage at the end of the month? Would I do something the Lord told me to do in His word, knowing that my obedience would cost me the friendship of some of my brethren? Would I obey God, whatever the cost?

May God help us to understand that the Lord is able to give us much more than anything we lose for Him. If we suffer loss to do His will, we will be amply rewarded. Maybe not today, maybe not in this life; but through all eternity we will rejoice over the “loss” we suffered here on Earth, remembering how much, much more the Lord gave us!

There were good things

2010-03-15T10:34:00.000-03:00

When Rehoboam, son of Solomon, forsake the Lord, God brought upon him the Egyptians. But the sacred text tells us: “And when he humbled himself, the anger of Jehovah turned away from him, that he would not destroy him altogether; and also in Judah there were good things” (II Ch 12:12, Darby’s translation).

Judah wasn’t totally destroyed on that occasion not only because Rehoboam humbled himself, but also because there were “good things” in Judah. What were these good things? Who were they? How many? We don’t know; but we do know that anonymous servants, serving God faithfully, preserved Judah in that day.

Brother or sister, remember that “if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; and if one member be glorified, all the members rejoice with it” (I Co 12:26). Note that this is not an exhortation (“if one member suffer, all the members should suffer with it”), but a declaration: what happens with one member of the body will affect the whole, for better or for worse.

What a solemn truth! With what care should I walk, so as not to bring loss to the assembly where God has put me!

What a glorious truth! If I, by the grace of God, can be a “good thing” before Him, I can influence the whole assembly!

Even if no one sees what I do, and I be one of God’s many anonymous servants, may He be pleased by my walk in this world. Thus I will be bringing glory to His name and, maybe, helping to preserve other of my brethren! Amen!

A small demonstration of God’s great power (Mt 26:1-5)

2009-10-30T08:57:00.003-03:00

In my daily reading this morning I came across this passage, which I’ve appreciated for years. Two days before the Passover, the Lord tells His disciples that He would be crucified on the day of the feast. In the next verse we are told how the authorities in Jerusalem (“the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas”) arrived at an opposite conclusion: “Not on the feast day”!

The human authorities make their decision, without knowing that God has already decided the exact opposite. Time is short: only two days to prepare the capture and death of the Messiah — only two days for the authorities to change their mind, and act. Is it possible? Whose will shall prevail? Who will be victorious?

We hardly need to be reminded that the decision of the authorities was abandoned, and the word spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ was fulfilled. After all, He had said short time before: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Mt 24:35).

Explaining my silence

2009-10-30T08:56:00.004-03:00

At the end of 2007 I had some health problems. Nothing serious, just some little difficulties that bothered me until August of 2008. After spending 17 days in hospital, when I saw how small is my faith (and I used to think it was quite strong!), God granted me a complete recovery.

During the year of 2008, due to these health problems, I only posted three little meditations to this blog (actually, three parts of one meditation). For a long time I’ve been wondering whether I should restart, or abandon this little occupation. I believe, however, that the effort to maintain these meditations is profitable for my spiritual life. If it be of help to anyone else, so much the better.

I make no promises regarding frequency of posts. This blog will only be updated when I have time (i.e., not often), and when I have something to say (i.e., rarely :-)

Your brother, Billy.

Ointment poured forth (iii)

2008-09-14T07:38:00.000-03:00

“… Thy name is as ointment poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3).

Completing this little triad of posts, I’d like to mention the sacrifice involved in pouring forth ointment. Ointment in a bottle can be preserved for years — but once poured forth, it is gone forever.

Our God and Father had a bottle of most precious perfume. One little drop from that bottle would have satisfied us for thousands of years. But there was no holding back with God — the ointment was poured forth! His Son was given without reserve, given even to death, and the death of the cross. In giving us His only begotten Son, God gave us His all!

With true hearts this morning, as we gather around the bread and the cup with His people to remember Him, may we pour out hearts overflowing with praise to this great Saviour and Lord, who is worthy of eternal glory. His name is truly as ointment poured forth.

Ointment poured forth (ii)

2008-02-19T08:54:00.000-03:00

“… Thy name is as ointment poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3).

Ointment poured forth differs from ointment in a bottle not only because it influences all those who are near, but also because, in being poured, it reveals itself as it really is. If you have a bottle of cheap perfume, you can claim that perfume is one of the best in the world. And, as long as the bottle remains closed, you might fool many. But once the ointment is poured forth, it will be know for what it really is — without lies, without deceit, without hypocrisy.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to Earth to reveal the true fragrance of Deity, and God was pleased to reveal Him in all His perfection. Confronting Satan in the wilderness, answering the hypocritical religious leaders, preaching to the ungrateful multitude, or watching in silence the unjust trial by the political authorities — in every circumstance, there was never any fault in Him that God had to hide. It is as if God said to men and demons: “Here is my beloved Son, dwelling on Earth amongst men. Examine Him. Prove Him. Analise Him from every angle. There is no fault in Him!”

With what confidence the Almighty poured forth His ointment on this Earth! He knew that the perfect fragrance of Deity would bring glory and honour to His name. May we appreciate again, today, the wonderful perfume of the absolute holiness and purity of the Son of God.

Ointment poured forth (i)

2008-01-16T17:45:00.000-03:00

“… Thy name is as ointment poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3).

In a recent conversation with a friend and brother who lives on the other side of the pond, we spoke about some of the precious thoughts that come to the mind of the Christian who compares the precious name of Christ to ointment. But we specially dwelt on the significance of the ointment, in this verse, being poured forth, and thought of three peculiar characteristics of ointment poured forth.

First, ointment poured forth influences everyone who is near. A bottle of perfume can be stored in a drawer for years without drawing attention. But try pouring out the perfume inside the drawer — all those who come into that room will notice the smell. They might not see the perfume. They might not know where the smell comes from. They might not enjoy it. But they will certainly know that perfume was poured forth in that room!

The name of our blessed Lord is ointment poured forth that influences every human being. They don’t all know Him. They don’t all seek Him. They don’t all love Him. But He influences all, in time or eternity, and all will have to recognize the majesty of His name. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11). When He was lifted up on Calvary, He drew all men onto Himself (John 12:32). His name is so glorious that no one can be indifferent to Him — His name is above very name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph. 1:21).

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believers ear …” (read the rest of this lovely poem here).

Pay attention!

2007-10-09T07:58:00.000-03:00

“… stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14). Reading though the book of Job this morning, these verses seemed to jump out at me. They present one of the most basic and well-know truths of our Christian experience, and yet one of the most difficult to practise on a daily basis. How easy to get so caught up in our work (even work for God!) and forget about simply paying attention to Him, basking in the light of His glory and grace. When we’re running around and getting nowhere, may we pay attention to these words — may we pay attention to our God, and consider His wondrous works!

God had prepared …

2007-08-20T10:31:00.000-03:00

II Chronicles chap. 29 describes a wonderful revival. The spiritual situation in Judah was terrible: Ahaz, the father of Hezekiah, “made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the Lord” (28:19), going so far as to close the doors of the Temple (28:24). Then Hezekiah appears on the scene, and begins the work of restoration on the first day of his reign (compare vs. 3 and 17 of this chapter). Just slightly over two weeks later (29:17), everything is ready — what had been broken is restored, and everything cleansed and sanctified — and the people of Judah gather before the Lord to serve Him according to His will (29:25).

The chapter ends telling us that “Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly” (29:36). They understood that the revival was possible only because God had prepared the people for it.

May we also be able to see the good hand of our God preparing us for every good work we do for Him. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17) — all glory and all merit are always (and exclusively) God’s.

The Shepherd of High Degree

2007-08-01T07:56:00.000-03:00

Praying to God, David said: “Thou … hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Lord God” (I Chr 17:17). He recognized the enormous grace that took him “from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep, that [he] shouldest be ruler over … Israel” (I Chr 17:7) — not treating him according to his merits, but filling him with blessings he never expected to receive.How like him are we! Deserving death, we received life. Being worthy of eternal damnation, we were made sons of God and “blessed … with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”. Yes, God has certainly regarded us according to the position of great ones! To Him be all the glory.

Naught have I gotten but what I received;
Grace hath bestowed it since I have believed;
Boasting excluded, pride I abase;
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!

Only a sinner, saved by grace!
This is my story, to God be the glory,
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!

Eli — the tragedy of weakness

2007-05-30T09:51:00.000-03:00

What a sad picture Eli presents us! In him we see a man sincerely desiring to honour the Lord, but failing miserably to put that desire into practise.

We see his sincere fear of the Lord in the way he at least tried to talk to his sons (I Sm 2:23-25), in his calm acceptance of the Lord’s prophesied discipline (I Sm 3:18), and especially in his death. He fell off his seat in shock, and died, not when the messenger told him that both his sons had died, but “when he [the messenger] made mention of the ark of God” (I Sm 4:18). Here we get a glimpse into Eli’s heart, and see that the ark of God was what really mattered to him.

Nonetheless, the Lord leaves us is no doubt as to His assessment of Eli’s life: “Wherefore kick ye at My sacrifice and at Mine offering … and honourest thy sons above Me? … them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed” (I Sm 2:29-30). Eli was guilty of “kicking” at God’s sacrifices, and despising the Lord. He loved the Lord, but he loved his sons more — and God must have the first place in our hearts.

Oh, how we need to examine our hearts! Loving the Lord, and sincerely desiring to honour Him, is not sufficient. Good intentions will never get us anywhere! We must be sure that our love for the Lord overflows into our lives, and that our good intentions manifest themselves in good works. Oh, the tragedy of preaching to others, and I myself becoming a castaway (I Co 9:27).

You love the Lord? Excellent — but before you boast, prove it!

The cross of Christ

2007-04-14T13:39:00.000-03:00

After my grandfather, William Maxwell, went home to glory, I was privileged to receive some of his notes on the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (one of his favourite subjects) — that cross “by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gl 6:14). How often to we think of this double separation which the cross represents? How clearly is it seen in our lives?

The second part is maybe easier: “… I unto the world.” For as soon as I proclaim my love for the crucified Lord, the world turns it’s back on me, and despises me. I don’t really have much say in this — it is inevitable.

But maybe we forget that, by the cross, the world is crucified unto me — in all its aspects. Its wisdom (“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect” — I Co 1:17), its religion (“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ” — Gl 6:12) and its materialism (“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” — Ph 3:18-19). Those are the only three times that the expression “the cross of Christ” occurs in the NT.

While the world proclaims the perfections of its wisdom, the power of its religion, and the pleasures of its “earthly things”, our Lord presents to us His cross. Which attracts us more? Are we wiling to embrace the cross, and crucify the world?

“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gl 6:14).

Fear gives place to longing

2007-04-05T11:04:00.000-03:00

Sidney Collett (The Scripture of Truth, 17th impression, Marshall, Morgan and Scott, 1945, page 100) mentions an interesting detail about the Word of God when he contrasts the first and the last words of man to God recorded in the Bible. The first words are in Gn 3:10: “I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” The last are in Rv 22:20: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

What a contrast! In the beginning of the Bible, man is afraid of God — when he hears that God is coming, he runs away and hides. At the end of the Bible, man longs for God — when he hears God saying: “Surely I come quickly”, his glad response is: “Come!”

This is the message of the Bible: God, by His Son Jesus Christ, removed the root of sin that separated us from Him, so that the fear and shame that we felt in His presence might be replaced by a happy longing for Him. How great is His grace! How unspeakable is His gift (II Co 9:15)!

A fresh start

2007-03-13T14:49:00.000-03:00

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.

No leaven in Lot’s house

2007-03-13T14:46:00.001-03:00

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.

“Have mercy upon me …”

2007-03-13T14:44:00.000-03:00

“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.

Asking for the obvious

2007-03-13T14:43:00.000-03:00

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.”

Silencing every opponent

2007-03-13T14:42:00.000-03:00

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 things first (from the Sermon on the Mount)

2007-03-13T14:40:00.000-03:00

“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!

Personal post — dad (2)

2007-03-13T14:39:00.001-03:00

Dad and Mum are now back home (and mighty glad to be out of hospital :-)

Many thanks to all who prayed.

Personal post — dad

2007-03-13T14:38:00.002-03:00

“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.

Personal post — scleroderma

2007-03-13T14:38:00.001-03:00

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.

Friends

2007-03-13T14:36:00.000-03:00

“… 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).

The God of peace

2007-03-13T14:35:00.000-03:00

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.

The Most High and the Almighty

2007-03-13T14:33:00.000-03:00

“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.

Dare to be a Daniel!

2007-03-13T14:32:00.000-03:00

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!

Only one!

2007-03-13T14:30:00.000-03:00

“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.

Choosing weakness

2007-03-13T14:27:00.000-03:00

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).

The heart’s secrets

2007-03-13T14:25:00.000-03:00

“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!

Diminish not a word

2007-03-13T14:23:00.000-03:00

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!

His ways and His acts

2007-03-13T14:18:00.000-03:00

“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?

The swelling of Jordan (Jeremiah 12:1-6)

2007-03-13T14:17:00.000-03:00

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)

Glorying in the Lord

2007-03-11T18:01:00.000-03:00

"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!