The night was probably quiet as the sheep rested in the field, the shepherds keeping vigilant watch over them and perhaps trading stories they had repeated many times before. Just another night in the life of a shepherd, or so they thought. Unknown to them, this was no ordinary night for while they engaged in the ordinary the extra-ordinary was taking place.
Luke tells us that as the shepherds kept their watch,"Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (2:9-14, KJV).
It was a celebration like none other. A multitude of heavenly host, a chorus of voices giving glory to God and announcing His peace and good will toward men. As the angels returned to heaven (v.15) we can only imagine the rejoicing as millions of their counterparts joined in the celebration, no doubt watching in awe as the related events unfolded on earth. The world didn’t know it then but in the birth of the little boy, joy had come into the world; a joy that was not known before and one that has not been known since. Through Him the light had come and the glory of the LORD had risen upon us (Isaiah 60:1). God had introduced Himself to the world in the person of His Son Jesus. It's been over thousand years since and we are still celebrating God's most precious gift to the world. It is true that for far too many the reason for the season is buried under the avalanche of commerce, but for those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord, we are forever grateful that God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son. As we open our gifts this Christmas, let us remember the most treasured of gifts - JESUS. He is the reason for the season.
From my house to yours, a very Merry Christmas.
Published on Christmas Day - Jamaicans.com weekly Newsletter
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Child-like Faith
As a parent, I can recall the number of times I had my son stand on a table and jump gleefully into my arms whenever I said, with arms outstretched, "Jump." No reluctance, no fear, no questions asked, just a blind trust that I would be there to catch him. I’m sure quite a number of you can recall those times as well; times that provoke a smile as well as they should. As these memories flooded my mind, I was reminded of Matthew's narrative in which he tell us, "And Jesus called a little child unto [H]im, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (18:2-3, KJV).
It is interesting to observe how as we get older we tend to become jaded and cynical. For sure, some life experiences (hurts, disappointments, feelings of abandonment, etc.) have robbed us of our child-like innocence and we are not as quick to believe, we are not as quick to jump. We want guarantees, we want proof, and in the absence of either or both, we stay on our respective tables. Unfortunately, some of us bring this form of cynicism into our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Despite His many promises that He will be there, that He will take care of our needs, and despite His open arms of love, we are cynical, we do not really believe.
The problem of course is not that God cannot be trusted, but that in our dealings with Him we have lost the innocence of the child within. When He says "Jump" our initial reaction is that of uncertainty and mistrust. Will He catch us? Will He do the things He promised? In Numbers 23:19 we read, "God is not a man, that [H]e should lie; neither the son of man, that [H]e should repent: hath [H]e said, and shall [H]e not do it? or hath [H]e spoken, and shall [H]e not make it good?" and here is not only a reminder but a challenge also. The integrity of God is of such that He is incapable of lying; the evidence is there to support the fact that He is not only reliable but also dependable.
The Father's greatest delight is that we trust Him without reservations. As you go about your Christian walk, how is your faith in the Father? Is it child-like? Are you willing to "jump" into His arms just because He tells you to?
It is interesting to observe how as we get older we tend to become jaded and cynical. For sure, some life experiences (hurts, disappointments, feelings of abandonment, etc.) have robbed us of our child-like innocence and we are not as quick to believe, we are not as quick to jump. We want guarantees, we want proof, and in the absence of either or both, we stay on our respective tables. Unfortunately, some of us bring this form of cynicism into our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Despite His many promises that He will be there, that He will take care of our needs, and despite His open arms of love, we are cynical, we do not really believe.
The problem of course is not that God cannot be trusted, but that in our dealings with Him we have lost the innocence of the child within. When He says "Jump" our initial reaction is that of uncertainty and mistrust. Will He catch us? Will He do the things He promised? In Numbers 23:19 we read, "God is not a man, that [H]e should lie; neither the son of man, that [H]e should repent: hath [H]e said, and shall [H]e not do it? or hath [H]e spoken, and shall [H]e not make it good?" and here is not only a reminder but a challenge also. The integrity of God is of such that He is incapable of lying; the evidence is there to support the fact that He is not only reliable but also dependable.
The Father's greatest delight is that we trust Him without reservations. As you go about your Christian walk, how is your faith in the Father? Is it child-like? Are you willing to "jump" into His arms just because He tells you to?
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Gift of Today
There is something extra special about today. If we are following our regular schedule, most things, people, and places are familiar to us because we have seen them before; we are accustomed to them. Yet it is this routineness and familiarity that often causes us to lose appreciation for today. Have you ever stopped to consider that it is a day like no other day? That is because though we may be familiar with all that is around us, we have never seen today. Yesterday was another day and so will be tomorrow and that makes today rather unique. Once the clock strikes midnight, it is gone and can never be reclaimed or relived. It stands to reason therefore, that with each passing day we are writing history. The things we say and do will be the legacy we leave behind.
But there are some wonderful consistencies that accompanies each new day. We can borrow the words of the Psalmist when he declares, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, KJV). Amidst the hustle and bustle of our day and the various challenges we have to deal with, we are often jaded to this reality. Being blessed enough to have woken up every morning for the number of years each of us has been around, it is easy to take today for granted. Each day is a gift from God, one to be celebrated, and like the Psalmist we too can should rejoice and be glad in it. Our obligation to have such an attitude to today becomes clearer when we realize, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Not only are we beneficiaries of God's mercies every morning, but of spiritual blessings as well. Psalm 68:19 reminds us, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." In other words, we have been blessed "with all spiritual blessings, with an abundance of grace, as well as with temporal mercies, for which [H]e is, and ought to be, praised day by day." And just in case we are not aware, today we can see God all around us, for "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world" (Psalm 19:1-4).
As you make your way through today, take some time to reflect on this wonderful gift. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is nothing but a promise; the only "real" time we have is now. What attitude do you bring to it? Are you using it wisely? What legacy are you leaving behind?
But there are some wonderful consistencies that accompanies each new day. We can borrow the words of the Psalmist when he declares, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, KJV). Amidst the hustle and bustle of our day and the various challenges we have to deal with, we are often jaded to this reality. Being blessed enough to have woken up every morning for the number of years each of us has been around, it is easy to take today for granted. Each day is a gift from God, one to be celebrated, and like the Psalmist we too can should rejoice and be glad in it. Our obligation to have such an attitude to today becomes clearer when we realize, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Not only are we beneficiaries of God's mercies every morning, but of spiritual blessings as well. Psalm 68:19 reminds us, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." In other words, we have been blessed "with all spiritual blessings, with an abundance of grace, as well as with temporal mercies, for which [H]e is, and ought to be, praised day by day." And just in case we are not aware, today we can see God all around us, for "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world" (Psalm 19:1-4).
As you make your way through today, take some time to reflect on this wonderful gift. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is nothing but a promise; the only "real" time we have is now. What attitude do you bring to it? Are you using it wisely? What legacy are you leaving behind?
Manifesting His Works
True to the tradition of the day they thought that anyone born with an infirmity was being punished by God, and so as they passed by the man, blind from birth, the disciples asked Jesus, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:2, KJV). The reply must have stunned them; "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (v.3).
While there are some who hold the view that every instance of the child of God being in a tough spot is indicative of sin in that believer's life, this narrative shows that view is not absolute. It also shows the Sovereignty of God in our lives in that nothing that happens to us is by chance nor is it without purpose. While it is true that some difficulties we experience are the results of our own actions, in other cases it could be that God allows us to walk a difficult path in order that His works should be made manifest in our lives. Of course, this is not always obvious when we are going through those challenging times, but we can trust Him that He knows what He is doing. God "needs" men and women who are broken to show the world what He is capable of, and because He is God we are all candidates. The blind man did not get a vote nor did he volunteer for the position. However, his life-long infirmity provide the perfect platform for a miracle that confounded those who saw it.
On this point Bible Scholar Matthew Henry notes, "[1.] We must take heed of judging any to be great sinners merely because they are great sufferers, lest we be found, not only persecuting those whom God has smitten (Psalm 69:26), but accusing those whom he has justified, and condemning those for whom Christ died, which is daring and dangerous, Romans 8:33, Romans 8:34. [2.] That they are sometimes intended purely for the glory of God, and the manifesting of his works. God has a sovereignty over all his creatures and an exclusive right in them, and may make them serviceable to his glory in such a way as he thinks fit, in doing or suffering; and if God be glorified, either by us or in us, we were not made in vain."
This should be encouragement for those who while serving God faithfully, struggle with things and situations they do not understand. Like Job, maybe you are the one "chosen" to be the vessel through whom the works of God should be made manifest. Regardless of where we find ourselves, let our prayer be that of the song writer, "In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified / In my life Lord, be glorified today." Are you up to it?
While there are some who hold the view that every instance of the child of God being in a tough spot is indicative of sin in that believer's life, this narrative shows that view is not absolute. It also shows the Sovereignty of God in our lives in that nothing that happens to us is by chance nor is it without purpose. While it is true that some difficulties we experience are the results of our own actions, in other cases it could be that God allows us to walk a difficult path in order that His works should be made manifest in our lives. Of course, this is not always obvious when we are going through those challenging times, but we can trust Him that He knows what He is doing. God "needs" men and women who are broken to show the world what He is capable of, and because He is God we are all candidates. The blind man did not get a vote nor did he volunteer for the position. However, his life-long infirmity provide the perfect platform for a miracle that confounded those who saw it.
On this point Bible Scholar Matthew Henry notes, "[1.] We must take heed of judging any to be great sinners merely because they are great sufferers, lest we be found, not only persecuting those whom God has smitten (Psalm 69:26), but accusing those whom he has justified, and condemning those for whom Christ died, which is daring and dangerous, Romans 8:33, Romans 8:34. [2.] That they are sometimes intended purely for the glory of God, and the manifesting of his works. God has a sovereignty over all his creatures and an exclusive right in them, and may make them serviceable to his glory in such a way as he thinks fit, in doing or suffering; and if God be glorified, either by us or in us, we were not made in vain."
This should be encouragement for those who while serving God faithfully, struggle with things and situations they do not understand. Like Job, maybe you are the one "chosen" to be the vessel through whom the works of God should be made manifest. Regardless of where we find ourselves, let our prayer be that of the song writer, "In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified / In my life Lord, be glorified today." Are you up to it?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
“Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?”
Like a faithful companion, for thirty-eight years his infirmity was with him. Sitting in the five porches of the pool by the sheep market in Bethesda were probably hundreds of sick people - some blind, some crippled, some paralyzed. They were "all waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had" (John 5:3b-4, KJV).
We are not told the nature of the man's infirmity but John tells us, "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked" (vv. 6-9a). It is interesting to note that the man did not call out to Jesus, but despite the crowd at the Feast and the hundreds by the pool, Jesus saw him. Not only did He see him but He also knew his condition and as a result proceeded to ask him the most important question of all: "Wilt thou be made whole?"
The narrative tells us how this encounter ended and the application for our lives is tremendously significant. In Hebrew, the pool was called Bethesda, which means "House of Mercy," and it is here that we see Jesus extending grace to someone who had done nothing to merit it. It is one of many word pictures in the Bible that reflects Paul's reminder to the early church, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). While in our sinful state Jesus came along, called out to us and extended His grace. Like the man at the pool there was nothing we could have done and nothing we can do to earn this divine favor. However, grace and mercy met him at the point of his need, and Jesus is still capable of meeting all of us at the point of our greatest need.
"Wilt thou be made whole?" The same question is asked of us today. I guarantee that regardless of the nature of our “infirmity," there is more than enough grace to take care of it.
We are not told the nature of the man's infirmity but John tells us, "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked" (vv. 6-9a). It is interesting to note that the man did not call out to Jesus, but despite the crowd at the Feast and the hundreds by the pool, Jesus saw him. Not only did He see him but He also knew his condition and as a result proceeded to ask him the most important question of all: "Wilt thou be made whole?"
The narrative tells us how this encounter ended and the application for our lives is tremendously significant. In Hebrew, the pool was called Bethesda, which means "House of Mercy," and it is here that we see Jesus extending grace to someone who had done nothing to merit it. It is one of many word pictures in the Bible that reflects Paul's reminder to the early church, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). While in our sinful state Jesus came along, called out to us and extended His grace. Like the man at the pool there was nothing we could have done and nothing we can do to earn this divine favor. However, grace and mercy met him at the point of his need, and Jesus is still capable of meeting all of us at the point of our greatest need.
"Wilt thou be made whole?" The same question is asked of us today. I guarantee that regardless of the nature of our “infirmity," there is more than enough grace to take care of it.
Giving With The Right Attitude
She was poor and a widow, not the greatest of position to be in during the first century. On this particular day, seemingly oblivious to what was going on around her and like she perhaps had done many times before, she approached the treasury - a place in the temple for the collection boxes. The scribes were there doing what they did best. It wasn't that long before that Jesus said of them, "Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers" (Luke 20:46-47a, KJV). They wouldn't have noticed her, neither would the rich men who were there casting their gifts.
As she reached the treasury, she cast in her two mites. When compared to what others had put in, hers wasn't much, however, unknown to her there were a pair of eyes watching her. Not only did He see her but He could see right through her, deep into her intent and her heart. Despite her obvious poverty, instead of using the amount on herself she brought it to the temple. She was not giving out of her excess but sought to worship God out of her need. Christ saw that her heart was "in the right place", and said to those around Him, "Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her [need] hath cast in all the living that she had" (vv. 3-4). Bible Scholar Matthew Henry observes, "It was but two mites, which make a farthing; but Christ magnified it as a piece of charity exceeding all the rest: She has cast in more than they all. Christ does not blame her for indiscretion, in giving what she wanted herself, nor for vanity in giving among the rich to the treasury; but commended her liberality, and her willingness to part with what little she had for the glory of God, which proceeded from a belief of and dependence upon God's providence to take care of her."
It is not the size of the gift that matters but that whatever we give to the Lord we give with the right attitude. Our giving is a form of worship. Paul admonishes, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). So as you give to the Lord, in whatever form, do it with a cheerful and thankful heart. You will discover that "he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (v.10). Because He knows the intent of every heart, it is He that judges. How is your giving?
As she reached the treasury, she cast in her two mites. When compared to what others had put in, hers wasn't much, however, unknown to her there were a pair of eyes watching her. Not only did He see her but He could see right through her, deep into her intent and her heart. Despite her obvious poverty, instead of using the amount on herself she brought it to the temple. She was not giving out of her excess but sought to worship God out of her need. Christ saw that her heart was "in the right place", and said to those around Him, "Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her [need] hath cast in all the living that she had" (vv. 3-4). Bible Scholar Matthew Henry observes, "It was but two mites, which make a farthing; but Christ magnified it as a piece of charity exceeding all the rest: She has cast in more than they all. Christ does not blame her for indiscretion, in giving what she wanted herself, nor for vanity in giving among the rich to the treasury; but commended her liberality, and her willingness to part with what little she had for the glory of God, which proceeded from a belief of and dependence upon God's providence to take care of her."
It is not the size of the gift that matters but that whatever we give to the Lord we give with the right attitude. Our giving is a form of worship. Paul admonishes, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). So as you give to the Lord, in whatever form, do it with a cheerful and thankful heart. You will discover that "he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (v.10). Because He knows the intent of every heart, it is He that judges. How is your giving?
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