Imagine the scene. Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, troubled and provoked by Peninnah, the other wife, because she was childless, praying fervently in the temple at the annual feast of the tabernacle. The narrative tells us that Peninnah "provoked her grievously, in order to make her tremble" (1 Samuel 1:6,MKJV), so much so that Hannah wept and did not eat (v.7). The intensity of her emotions were of such that "she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to Jehovah, and wept sorely" (v.10). Despite her state, we read that she "spoke in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard" (v.13). Hers was not just a prayer, but one of supplication with motion, tears, and passion. Because all of this was taking place after everyone had eaten and drank, it is no wonder that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.
We know of course that she wasn't. In those days a woman's ability to have children was seen as her being favored of God, and because of the stigma of childlessness, Peninnah, who had borne Elkanah children, would provoke Hannah every year around this time (v.7). Elkanah did his best to show his love and devotion, but the ache in her heart could not be satisfied by his words. She had one need, a son, and the only person who could fill that need was Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. The tabernacle was the place that housed His presence among the nation of Israel, and what better place to make supplication. When Eli reprimanded her for being drunk, she replied, "No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have neither drunk wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah. Do not count your handmaid for a daughter of wickedness, for out of the abundance of my meditation and grief I have spoken until now" (vv. 15-16).
There are many wonderful lessons in this narrative, but for our purposes we take note of Hannah's diligence in petitioning the Lord with her need. It is not enough that we become frustrated that our prayers are not answered after the first, second, third, or whatever number of times. While we do not know for how many years Hannah prayed, we know that on this particular occasion, her diligence and devotion bore fruit. After the family returned home, "Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and Jehovah remembered her. And it happened when the time had come around, Hannah conceived and bore a son and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of Jehovah" (vv.19b-20).
Jesus taught that we should be persistent in prayer (Luke 18:1-8). Paul encourages us to pray "always with all prayer and supplication" (Ephesians 6:18), and again in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Our God still answers prayers. He may not respond on the first, second, or third call, but in due season, we will have whatever it is that we pray for that is in accordance with His will. Be encouraged. Jehovah "remembered" Hannah; He will "remember" you.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
He's Still on the Throne
In Isaiah 6, we read the wonderful narrative of Isaiah's vision and commissioning. In this vision, he had a glimpse of the wonders of heaven - angels crying "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory" (v.3) as they flew with covered faces around the throne of God. On this throne was the Lord, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple, a sight so majestic that Isaiah wrote, "And the posts of the door moved at the voice of [H]im that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" (vv.4-5, KJV).
As I reflected on this portion of text, the profound truth of the first verse, and the implications for us as believers, came alive in my being. Isaiah's vision began with him seeing the Lord sitting upon a throne. The theology in this text is far greater than we need for our purposes, but what we can take way is the fact that the throne in heaven has not been abdicated, a word defined as to "give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations." Not only was the Lord sitting on his throne, but He was high and lifted up. The Apostle Paul spoke of this exaltation of Christ was he wrote that not only had God raised Him from the dead, but He "set [H]im at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under [H]is feet" (Ephesians 1:20b-22a).
Amidst the tough economic times, and the different challenges we all have to deal with, it is reassuring to know that the Lord is still on the throne. He has not abdicated, and despite Satan's best efforts, He has not been overthrown; nobody else but our Lord sits there. Yes, at times it seems like things are out of control, and the enemy of our souls would have us believe that God is unable to do anything about what is going on. Yet we can take comfort in knowing that our Lord is high above all else, His eyes is still watching over us, He sees our struggles, our tears, our fears, and He knows our pain. There is never a moment that we are out of His sight, there is never a time when we are without His love.
The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (4:15-16). The next time you approach the throne, isn't it reassuring to know that it is not empty?
As I reflected on this portion of text, the profound truth of the first verse, and the implications for us as believers, came alive in my being. Isaiah's vision began with him seeing the Lord sitting upon a throne. The theology in this text is far greater than we need for our purposes, but what we can take way is the fact that the throne in heaven has not been abdicated, a word defined as to "give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations." Not only was the Lord sitting on his throne, but He was high and lifted up. The Apostle Paul spoke of this exaltation of Christ was he wrote that not only had God raised Him from the dead, but He "set [H]im at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under [H]is feet" (Ephesians 1:20b-22a).
Amidst the tough economic times, and the different challenges we all have to deal with, it is reassuring to know that the Lord is still on the throne. He has not abdicated, and despite Satan's best efforts, He has not been overthrown; nobody else but our Lord sits there. Yes, at times it seems like things are out of control, and the enemy of our souls would have us believe that God is unable to do anything about what is going on. Yet we can take comfort in knowing that our Lord is high above all else, His eyes is still watching over us, He sees our struggles, our tears, our fears, and He knows our pain. There is never a moment that we are out of His sight, there is never a time when we are without His love.
The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (4:15-16). The next time you approach the throne, isn't it reassuring to know that it is not empty?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Following Jesus
It is hard for Christians in Western countries to really appreciate the level of self-denial required of true disciples of Christ. We live in a society where emphasis is on the self and individual rights, a message so ingrained in our psyche that though we sing "All to Jesus I Surrender", some of us really have no intention of surrendering control of our lives, and all that pertains to us, to Him. We admire those who take charge of their lives, make the decisive decisions that needs to be made, and who are successful as a result of their efforts.
Yet in the kingdom of God things work in the opposite way. Jesus told His disciples, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?" (Matthew 16:24-26, The Message). In other words, the principles that work in our society have no place in God's scheme of things because once we accept Jesus as Lord, our lives are no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are subject to a different set of principles. In commenting on this portion of text, Bible Commentator Adam Clarke noted the principles of the Christian life Jesus put forth: 1) Having a sincere desire to belong to Him; 2) A renouncing of self-dependence and selfish pursuits; 3) To embrace conditions (troubles and difficulties) God has appointed for us to meet in walking the Christian road; and 4) To imitate Christ and do and suffer all in His Spirit.
No one could accuse Jesus of sugar-coating the cost of discipleship, but the disciples were not to be denied; they stood their ground. It was the same conviction with which Paul wrote, "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ--God's righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself" (Philippians 3:8-10).
As it was with the first century believers, so it is with us today. We are called to surrender our lives, our goals, our aspirations, all that we hold dear, to the cause of Christ. He has to lead, He has to be in control, for our union with Him to be effective. How much of you, and everything to do with you, are you still in control of?
Yet in the kingdom of God things work in the opposite way. Jesus told His disciples, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?" (Matthew 16:24-26, The Message). In other words, the principles that work in our society have no place in God's scheme of things because once we accept Jesus as Lord, our lives are no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are subject to a different set of principles. In commenting on this portion of text, Bible Commentator Adam Clarke noted the principles of the Christian life Jesus put forth: 1) Having a sincere desire to belong to Him; 2) A renouncing of self-dependence and selfish pursuits; 3) To embrace conditions (troubles and difficulties) God has appointed for us to meet in walking the Christian road; and 4) To imitate Christ and do and suffer all in His Spirit.
No one could accuse Jesus of sugar-coating the cost of discipleship, but the disciples were not to be denied; they stood their ground. It was the same conviction with which Paul wrote, "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ--God's righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself" (Philippians 3:8-10).
As it was with the first century believers, so it is with us today. We are called to surrender our lives, our goals, our aspirations, all that we hold dear, to the cause of Christ. He has to lead, He has to be in control, for our union with Him to be effective. How much of you, and everything to do with you, are you still in control of?
Marvin Sapp's "Thirsty" & "You Are God Alone"
The first time I heard "Thirsty", I cried. Every time I hear it, my heart breaks. It so reflects my heart's cry, and a longing that Christ alone can satisfy. I pray it blesses you as much as it has blessed, and continue to bless, me.
I also enjoy his "You Are God Alone". Our God is God all by Himself, and that is just AWESOME! Be blessed...
I also enjoy his "You Are God Alone". Our God is God all by Himself, and that is just AWESOME! Be blessed...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
"What Doth The Lord Require of Thee?"
For most people, the nature of prayer is of such that it inevitably includes a "shopping list" of requests for God to tend to. We are acutely aware of His ability to meet our every need, and though we are taught that the elements of prayer are Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS), the last element is usually the dominant theme. We all know what it is that we require from the Lord, but very few seem to know what He requires of us.
It is not unusual for Christians to misunderstand the nature of God and what He requires. We engage in various activities "working for the Lord", and if we're not careful, we risk believing that our service is good enough. Yet as satisfying as it is to be engaged in the things of God, despite the things we offer as "proof" of His working in our lives, and despite our tithes and offerings, these are not at the core of the heart of God's expectations of His people. In Micah 6 we read of God's response to another of Israel's efforts to be reconciled to Him. As a people they asked, "Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? (vv.6-7, KJV). Here we see they were prepared to do just about anything, but none of what they thought reflected the mind of God for in the next verse we read, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (v.8).
As noble as the people's request seemed, they knew what was required for God has told already told them what was good (Deut. 10:12-13). As it was with them, so it is with us; God is not looking for things. Albert Barnes stated, "God seeketh not thine, but thee; not thy substance, but thy spirit; not ram or goat, but thy heart.” : “Thou askest, what thou shouldest offer for thee? Other thyself. For what else doth the Lord seek of thee, but thee? Because, of all earthly creatures, He hath made nothing better than thee, He seeketh thyself from thyself, because thou hadst lost thyself.”
Matthew Henry wrote, "We must, in the whole course of our conversation, conform ourselves to the will of God, keep up our communion with God, and study to approve ourselves to him in our integrity; and this we must do humbly (submitting our understandings to the truths of God and our will to his precepts and providences); we must humble ourselves to walk with God (so the margin reads it); every thought within us must be brought down, to be brought into obedience to God, if we would walk comfortably with him. This is that which God requires, and without which the most costly services are vain [offerings]."
The next time you approach the throne of grace with your list, it is worth considering how you are doing with His list: to do justly (give to all their due), and to love mercy (do what mercy, kindness, benevolence, and charity require), and to walk humbly with thy God (acknowledge thy iniquity, and submit to be saved by his free mercy).
It is not unusual for Christians to misunderstand the nature of God and what He requires. We engage in various activities "working for the Lord", and if we're not careful, we risk believing that our service is good enough. Yet as satisfying as it is to be engaged in the things of God, despite the things we offer as "proof" of His working in our lives, and despite our tithes and offerings, these are not at the core of the heart of God's expectations of His people. In Micah 6 we read of God's response to another of Israel's efforts to be reconciled to Him. As a people they asked, "Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? (vv.6-7, KJV). Here we see they were prepared to do just about anything, but none of what they thought reflected the mind of God for in the next verse we read, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (v.8).
As noble as the people's request seemed, they knew what was required for God has told already told them what was good (Deut. 10:12-13). As it was with them, so it is with us; God is not looking for things. Albert Barnes stated, "God seeketh not thine, but thee; not thy substance, but thy spirit; not ram or goat, but thy heart.” : “Thou askest, what thou shouldest offer for thee? Other thyself. For what else doth the Lord seek of thee, but thee? Because, of all earthly creatures, He hath made nothing better than thee, He seeketh thyself from thyself, because thou hadst lost thyself.”
Matthew Henry wrote, "We must, in the whole course of our conversation, conform ourselves to the will of God, keep up our communion with God, and study to approve ourselves to him in our integrity; and this we must do humbly (submitting our understandings to the truths of God and our will to his precepts and providences); we must humble ourselves to walk with God (so the margin reads it); every thought within us must be brought down, to be brought into obedience to God, if we would walk comfortably with him. This is that which God requires, and without which the most costly services are vain [offerings]."
The next time you approach the throne of grace with your list, it is worth considering how you are doing with His list: to do justly (give to all their due), and to love mercy (do what mercy, kindness, benevolence, and charity require), and to walk humbly with thy God (acknowledge thy iniquity, and submit to be saved by his free mercy).
Thursday, February 05, 2009
For the Glory of God
Lazarus of Bethany was sick, and his sisters Mary and Martha had sent an interesting message to Jesus to let Him know. According to Luke's gospel the message was simply, "Lord, behold he whom thou lovest is sick" (11:3, KJV), and without even being told a name, Jesus not only knew exactly who it was, but He also knew the exact nature of the illness. There are many profound truths in the realization of that truth, but for our purposes we note Jesus' immediate response - "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (v.4).
In a time when Christians are tempted to think that their walk with Christ should be characterized by material blessings and a life free of illnesses and difficulties, Jesus' statement is a sobering reminder of our place in the unfolding of the plan of God. While we see and judge things from our human perspective, God sees and judges them from His divine perspective. Through the prophet Isaiah He declared, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (55:8), or as The Message paraphrases it, "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." Neither the sisters, nor Lazarus, knew of the workings of God in their circumstances, but through the sickness, God would be glorified.
This is great encouragement for the believer. Because the steps of those who are in right standing with the Lord are ordered by Him (Psalm 37:23), the events in our lives are not by chance or coincidence but are opportunities for God to demonstrate His glory through us. Paul got a hold of this truth when in writing about God's denial of His request to remove his thorn in the flesh, he told the brethren, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Instead of complaining when things do not seem to be going right from our vintage point, let us keep in mind that God is at work in our lives. The events of Job's life seemed all out of control, yet God was in control. So it was with him, so it is with us. As Sovereign God, He can orchestrate events that are designed for no other purpose than to bring Him glory, and for Him to demonstrate that glory in our sphere of influence. "Lord, as difficult as this situation seems, let your will be done in my life, and may you be glorified through it. For in my moments of weakness your grace makes me strong. I yield me and my life, all for your glory." Isn't that a good way to pray?
In a time when Christians are tempted to think that their walk with Christ should be characterized by material blessings and a life free of illnesses and difficulties, Jesus' statement is a sobering reminder of our place in the unfolding of the plan of God. While we see and judge things from our human perspective, God sees and judges them from His divine perspective. Through the prophet Isaiah He declared, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (55:8), or as The Message paraphrases it, "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." Neither the sisters, nor Lazarus, knew of the workings of God in their circumstances, but through the sickness, God would be glorified.
This is great encouragement for the believer. Because the steps of those who are in right standing with the Lord are ordered by Him (Psalm 37:23), the events in our lives are not by chance or coincidence but are opportunities for God to demonstrate His glory through us. Paul got a hold of this truth when in writing about God's denial of His request to remove his thorn in the flesh, he told the brethren, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Instead of complaining when things do not seem to be going right from our vintage point, let us keep in mind that God is at work in our lives. The events of Job's life seemed all out of control, yet God was in control. So it was with him, so it is with us. As Sovereign God, He can orchestrate events that are designed for no other purpose than to bring Him glory, and for Him to demonstrate that glory in our sphere of influence. "Lord, as difficult as this situation seems, let your will be done in my life, and may you be glorified through it. For in my moments of weakness your grace makes me strong. I yield me and my life, all for your glory." Isn't that a good way to pray?
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