Recently I was reflecting on Job's poignant observation recorded in Job 14:1, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble", and I was immediately reminded of the question posed in James 4:14b, "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." It occurred to me then that when each of us got out of bed this morning, there were many others who did not make it through the night. There are many who will not make it through to the end of today, whether through a timely or an untimely demise, but at some time or another, we all have an irrevocable appointment that we all must keep (Ecc. 3:2; Heb. 9:27a).
That God allowed us to be living in the moment, when He could have easily done otherwise, provokes the question, why? I firmly believe that we are all placed here for a reason. To the Israelites in Babylonian captivity the LORD said, "For I know the plans I have for you" (Jeremiah 29:11a), and I believe this knowing on God's part is applicable to each and every believer's life. It is no stroke of good fortune that God allowed our eyes to open this morning. He did it for a purpose, and lest we forget who we are and what that purpose is, Peter reminds us, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus told His disciples, and every disciple since, "You are the salt of the world ... you are the light of the world ... Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." (Matt. 5:13a, 14a; 28:19a).
It seems clear to me that our purpose for our allotted time here on earth has been clearly defined. Among other things We are to 1) be witnesses for Christ - wherever we are - in words and deeds, 2) show the way of Christ to a darkness filled world, 3) make disciples, and 4) to demonstrate the richness of a life that is fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. In the "few days" that you have been given, how effectively are you fulfilling your purpose? May God teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:10), and so commit ourselves to the fulfilling our true purpose.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Divine Favor
More times than not, knowing the right people can result in our being granted all kinds of favors. Even better when we know people of tremendous influence. We can bypass long line-ups, get access to places we normally wouldn't have, or couldn't afford, and the list goes on and on. Favor, obtained under the right circumstances, is not a bad thing.
I thought of this as I read the interaction between the LORD and Moses as recorded in Exodus 33. The LORD was speaking with Moses "face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend" (v. 11), during which time Moses said, "See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people." (vv. 12-13). I'm intrigued by the rest of the conversation as we are told the LORD said, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest", to which Moses replied, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth" (vv. 14-16). This was some serious negotiation, but the LORD was not to be outdone. He responded, "I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name" (v. 17).
The word translated "grace" in the verse could also be translated "favor". The LORD, Jehovah, the Self-Existent, Eternal One, granted Moses' request because of favor. Talk about knowing Someone of tremendous influence! The wonderful thing is that this was not something that was obtainable by Moses. All of us who are born into the family of God are intimately acquainted with the LORD, and as long as we are walking in His ways, we too can find favor with Him. Can you imagine at the end of your prayer, hearing the whisper in your ear, "I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name."? Let us keep making our request known to God, in faith. We can rest assured that He not only hears us, but stand ready to act on our behalf because of the intimate relationship we have with Him. That really excites me. How about you?
I thought of this as I read the interaction between the LORD and Moses as recorded in Exodus 33. The LORD was speaking with Moses "face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend" (v. 11), during which time Moses said, "See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people." (vv. 12-13). I'm intrigued by the rest of the conversation as we are told the LORD said, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest", to which Moses replied, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth" (vv. 14-16). This was some serious negotiation, but the LORD was not to be outdone. He responded, "I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name" (v. 17).
The word translated "grace" in the verse could also be translated "favor". The LORD, Jehovah, the Self-Existent, Eternal One, granted Moses' request because of favor. Talk about knowing Someone of tremendous influence! The wonderful thing is that this was not something that was obtainable by Moses. All of us who are born into the family of God are intimately acquainted with the LORD, and as long as we are walking in His ways, we too can find favor with Him. Can you imagine at the end of your prayer, hearing the whisper in your ear, "I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name."? Let us keep making our request known to God, in faith. We can rest assured that He not only hears us, but stand ready to act on our behalf because of the intimate relationship we have with Him. That really excites me. How about you?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Bowing The Knees
A couple days ago I was reflecting on the account of Daniel's friends - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - before King Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in Daniel 3. Those familiar with the passage will recall that the king made an image of gold, and amidst much pomp and ceremony at the image's dedication, the announcement went out: "To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace" (vv. 4-6). The people did as commanded, but not all of them. Three Jewish boys remained standing, much to the chagrin of some of the king's men. They quickly went to the king and reported, "These men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (v. 12b), and after ordering the boys appear before him, the king reiterated the command to the boys - fall down and worship the image or be thrown in the furnace.
As I read the text, I greatly admired the boys' convictions and their response to Nebuchadnezzar: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (vv. 16-18). I camped on those verses for a while, after which certain words literally jumped out at me: "...our God whom we serve is able to...and he will". There was absolutely no doubt in their minds as to what their God could and would do, but even if He didn't do it, they would not serve the other gods. In the face of possible death, what steadfastness! What conviction!
It occurred to me then that we are faced with the same choices today, albeit of a different nature. As the world system builds its gods - those of self, pleasure, money, hedonism, to name a few - and as everyone dances to the music in celebration of those gods, how do you respond as child of God? Have you bowed the knees, or are you still standing? Standing for Christ in the face of adversity, especially when the consequences could include losing a job, one's life, friends, or whatever else, is not easy. But the child of God, firm in conviction as to what God can and could do, speaks with conviction: "our God whom we serve is able to deliver us ... and he will deliver us ... But if not, be it known ... that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image." That kind of conviction doesn't come without a cost. In an age of self-preservation and looking our for number one, are you willing to pay the price? That really is the cost of discipleship.
As I read the text, I greatly admired the boys' convictions and their response to Nebuchadnezzar: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (vv. 16-18). I camped on those verses for a while, after which certain words literally jumped out at me: "...our God whom we serve is able to...and he will". There was absolutely no doubt in their minds as to what their God could and would do, but even if He didn't do it, they would not serve the other gods. In the face of possible death, what steadfastness! What conviction!
It occurred to me then that we are faced with the same choices today, albeit of a different nature. As the world system builds its gods - those of self, pleasure, money, hedonism, to name a few - and as everyone dances to the music in celebration of those gods, how do you respond as child of God? Have you bowed the knees, or are you still standing? Standing for Christ in the face of adversity, especially when the consequences could include losing a job, one's life, friends, or whatever else, is not easy. But the child of God, firm in conviction as to what God can and could do, speaks with conviction: "our God whom we serve is able to deliver us ... and he will deliver us ... But if not, be it known ... that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image." That kind of conviction doesn't come without a cost. In an age of self-preservation and looking our for number one, are you willing to pay the price? That really is the cost of discipleship.
Send Me
It is not unusual to hear someone say they wished there were more than 24 hours in a day. That's usually because there's so much to do in what seem like so little time. The demands of life presses in on us so much so, that trying to find balance is like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. So many things and people calling for our attention, and to take on anymore responsibilities means that something else will have to give. For some of us, our lives are that full.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the believer's day, there's a call that often time goes unheard, or un-noticed. Maybe it's one that we hear but somehow ignore, not so much because we want to, but because it too requires that precious commodity, time, to get completed. It is the same call that echoed in the ears of the prophet Isaiah, who as he stood amidst the demands of his day, beheld the glory and holiness of the LORD and "heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" (Isa. 6:8a) Could any other call be any more important? The prophet certainly didn't think so, as he immediately responded, "Here am I; send me" (v. 8b). In the busyness of your day, and life, how would you have responded?
God is looking for men and women who are willing to make themselves available to Him for service. When Isaiah made himself available, the LORD directed him to "Go, and tell this people..." (v. 9a). Every day, in our sphere of influence - at work, at school, or play - there are those to whom God would send a word. As His representatives on the earth, we have the responsibility of making ourselves available to carry that Word. Our call may not come in the manner of a vision like Isaiah's, but if we ensure that the peace of God stand guard over our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7), we just might hear the Holy SPirit's whisper enquiring of our availability. We cannot afford for our lives to be so full that we become insensitive to the inner promptings of His work.
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" I pray God that every one of us who hears that question will respond, "Here am I, send me". Other than the call to salvation, there really is nothing else in this life that is more important.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the believer's day, there's a call that often time goes unheard, or un-noticed. Maybe it's one that we hear but somehow ignore, not so much because we want to, but because it too requires that precious commodity, time, to get completed. It is the same call that echoed in the ears of the prophet Isaiah, who as he stood amidst the demands of his day, beheld the glory and holiness of the LORD and "heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" (Isa. 6:8a) Could any other call be any more important? The prophet certainly didn't think so, as he immediately responded, "Here am I; send me" (v. 8b). In the busyness of your day, and life, how would you have responded?
God is looking for men and women who are willing to make themselves available to Him for service. When Isaiah made himself available, the LORD directed him to "Go, and tell this people..." (v. 9a). Every day, in our sphere of influence - at work, at school, or play - there are those to whom God would send a word. As His representatives on the earth, we have the responsibility of making ourselves available to carry that Word. Our call may not come in the manner of a vision like Isaiah's, but if we ensure that the peace of God stand guard over our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7), we just might hear the Holy SPirit's whisper enquiring of our availability. We cannot afford for our lives to be so full that we become insensitive to the inner promptings of His work.
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" I pray God that every one of us who hears that question will respond, "Here am I, send me". Other than the call to salvation, there really is nothing else in this life that is more important.
He Is Faithful
The year was 1998, and there I was sitting in the lobby of a well-known company, a bit early for my scheduled interview. As I was thumbing through a "Times" magazine, minding my own business, from deep within my being and into my mind came the word of God to Joshua: "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you" (Joshua 1:3). At the very moment, I was absolutely convinced the job I had applied for was mine, but little did I know the surprise I was in for.
After four interviews, I received a call that the company had decided to hire a bilingual person instead. I fully understood the reasons as it was explained to me, but as I put the phone down, my spirit spoke to my mind: "Are you going to take that for an answer?" I immediately recalled God's promise in the lobby and I responded with a verbal "No", as if speaking to a visible person. I then prayed, "Lord this wasn't what you told me. I have no idea how you're going to fix it, but you'll have to because you were the one that promised!" For seven days, every day, God heard those words from me. The following week, the company called to ask if I was still interested in the position. They had in fact hired the bilingual person, but someone else had just resigned and I was the preferred candidate. I could barely contain my excitement, not only at the offer but moreso because God had once again proven Himself faithful. Three more interviews later, I signed the job offer.
What promise has God spoken to your heart lately? What is your level of trust in the Word? David wrote: "O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame ... Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame" (Psalm 25:1a, 2a). In Joel 2:27, God reminded Israel through the prophet that "I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed." The writer of Hebrews declared, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (10:23). Webster defines 'faithful' as "firm in adherence to promises", and of God, Jeremiah declared, "Great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:23b). He will keep His promises (Numbers 23:19).
On that day sitting in the lobby, I chose to believe the promise and I proved God faithful. Regardless of what we are each faced with, the same God speaks a Word to us in those situations. There is absolutely nothing that He cannot do. When the word of the Lord regarding the promised seed came to Abraham, of him it was simply said, "And he believed the LORD" (Gen. 15:6a). What about you? Do you believe?
After four interviews, I received a call that the company had decided to hire a bilingual person instead. I fully understood the reasons as it was explained to me, but as I put the phone down, my spirit spoke to my mind: "Are you going to take that for an answer?" I immediately recalled God's promise in the lobby and I responded with a verbal "No", as if speaking to a visible person. I then prayed, "Lord this wasn't what you told me. I have no idea how you're going to fix it, but you'll have to because you were the one that promised!" For seven days, every day, God heard those words from me. The following week, the company called to ask if I was still interested in the position. They had in fact hired the bilingual person, but someone else had just resigned and I was the preferred candidate. I could barely contain my excitement, not only at the offer but moreso because God had once again proven Himself faithful. Three more interviews later, I signed the job offer.
What promise has God spoken to your heart lately? What is your level of trust in the Word? David wrote: "O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame ... Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame" (Psalm 25:1a, 2a). In Joel 2:27, God reminded Israel through the prophet that "I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed." The writer of Hebrews declared, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (10:23). Webster defines 'faithful' as "firm in adherence to promises", and of God, Jeremiah declared, "Great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:23b). He will keep His promises (Numbers 23:19).
On that day sitting in the lobby, I chose to believe the promise and I proved God faithful. Regardless of what we are each faced with, the same God speaks a Word to us in those situations. There is absolutely nothing that He cannot do. When the word of the Lord regarding the promised seed came to Abraham, of him it was simply said, "And he believed the LORD" (Gen. 15:6a). What about you? Do you believe?
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