“SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER”

Ephesians 6:12, “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities…the powers… the world-rulers of this darkness…the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We see only what is before our eyes, and the work we do in the preaching of the gospel. Paul says, it goes way beyond that. Our prayers are crucial to our victory in this war.

(SETTING: Daniel 10:1-11:1) Daniel has spent twenty-one days fasting, mourning, and praying. After this, a man appears ​to him in a vision. He reveals to Daniel what has been transpiring during this time and of the spiritual forces involved ‘behind-the-scenes’. He begins by informing Daniel that his coming, the vision he will rehearse, and the things he is doing is because “before your God, your words have been heard​... I have come because of your words” (10:12). God’s response to Daniel was already on the way from the first day Daniel began praying. Twenty-one days later, he receives God’s response.

Commenting on this, Dale Ralph Davis said, ‘Our timing and sense of urgency and God’s timing and sense of urgency are truly on different schedules! That should, maybe, give us some pause. We often bow at the shrine of immediacy and rapidity, and to humble us – or challenge us – God doesn’t allow our panic to force him to speed things up’.

Then the delay is explained to Daniel: “…the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but… Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.” (10:13-14). This behind-the-scenes conflict between Daniel’s prince (Michael), and the prince of Persia was a result of Daniel’s prayer – ‘I come because of your words’ (v. 12), ‘but other forces fought to keep me at bay’ (vv. 13-14). Understanding the forces doing battle for, and against us, may be ‘above our paygrade’​, but never underestimate this: “the supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.” (James 5:16).

[Related readings: 2 Kgs. 6:15-18ff; 7:6; 2 Chron. 32:1-8; 1 Kgs. 22:19]

“WRONGFUL ENEMIES”

 

"They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: they that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty…". ~ Psalm 69:4

A 'wrongful' enemy is one who hates without cause. Sadly, there are those who, for whatever reason, are so driven by insincere motives, that all sense of reason is lost with them. As David said here, " I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none." (v. 20).

David was innocent, and so today, many are innocent of any wrong, yet suffer because of a ‘wrongful' enemy. God knows who is truthfully innocent and who is guilty. Therein lies the consolation: "Thou knowest my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonor: Mine adversaries are all before thee." (v. 19).

God tries the heart of His child, to purify, and strengthen the child’s faith. Therein is the benefit. This trial period serves not only a benefit for the one under trial, but it also ‘proves’ by exposing the love of other children. If their love is genuine, they will "weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15). If their love is lip service they will be exposed as a 'wrongful' enemy, in their treatment of the brother under trial. Thus, there will be an exposure of the genuine from the fake.

Many times, during a trial of our faith, others, (even brethren) will look at the situation as Job's three friends did toward Job. David described it in Psalm 69:26 as follows: "For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they tell of the sorrow of those whom thou hast wounded."

They may revel when others suffer, yet God knows, and will, in His time, recompense the wicked and reward the innocent.

Those whom the Lord chastens will find consolation in these words of David in v. 13, “O God, in the abundance of thy lovingkindness, answer me in the truth of thy salvation." It will enable them to emerge from their trial, stronger. But for those who are wrongful enemies, the words of David in vss. 27-28 are a sobering reminder of their final end: "Add iniquity unto their iniquity; and let them not come into thy righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous."

“THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART”

The relevance of Jesus’ teachings (i.e., doctrine) to man’s salvation is undeniably affirmed in the Bible. Despite this, Jesus’ teachings continue to be treated in the same manner as He personally was treated: with neglect, contempt, and malice. The same treatment continues toward all who advocate strict adherence to Jesus’ teachings, for Jesus forewarned, “A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20).

The level of spite toward Jesus’ teachings is seen from the fact that even His miracles of instantaneous healing and restoring life gave no credibility to His words. Even His miraculous power was attributed to Satan (Matthew 10:25; 12:24). “Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.” (John 15:20-24-ASV).

While it is sad that Jesus’ words are rejected, it is worse when rejection comes from Jesus’ own disciples. Jesus explained why this happens in John 3:19-20: people love the darkness more than they love the light; and they act in accordance with what is in their heart. Jesus’ teachings expose the presence of the love for darkness within the heart. There are two possible reactions to this exposure: repentance or hatred. Truth “cuts to the heart”. An honest heart responds as those in Acts 2:41, gladly receiving the news that their transgressions will be forgiven. Whereas an evil heart reacts with hatred, as those did toward Stephen in Acts 7:54. An evil heart behaves as Cain did when confronted with his disobedience. “And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous” (1 John 3:12). The abundance of the heart is evident by our behavior (cf. Isaiah 3:9). Truly, “the wicked are like the troubled sea” (Isaiah 57:20).

Truth exposes and condemns wickedness within the heart (Romans 1:29-32). We may succeed in hiding our wickedness from man, but it is known by God (Psalm 44:20-21-ASV). The desire to commit these acts exists in the heart (mind – cf. Job 15:35; Psalm 7:14; Isaiah 59:4). That desire yearns to be satisfied, and satisfaction comes when the act is committed. When we act, our lust has conceived, bringing forth sin, which ends in death (James 1:14-15). The most obvious way that a person reveals the abundance of wickedness in their heart, is by a rejection of God’s words.

God’s words were Jesus’ words (John 12:49). Jesus’ words were given to the apostles (John 17:8). These words were proclaimed “in all creation under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). Those who did not receive Jesus’ words, blasphemed Him in taking His words out of context. We see this from John 2:19 – “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” JESUS WAS REFERRING TO HIS OWN BODY BEING RAISED. Yet Jesus was accused of saying that He would destroy the physical temple and then rebuild it in three days. The apostles’ words were likewise taken out of context, in an effort to silence them from exposing the sins of those who hated truth (cf. “…these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.” (Acts 17:8).

Jesus calls upon us to fill our hearts with “…with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.” A heart filled with the knowledge of Christ, will admonish others (Romans 15:13-14). As Solomon observed, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). Our heart is filled with these things by accepting them into our daily walk.  “He that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:25).

Jesus stated the ultimate reward of those with a pure heart: “…they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Let us remember the power of the heart’s abundance: “The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:35). 

“TRUST AND OBEY; FOR THERE’S NO OTHER WAY”

 

In Jeremiah 7 we find God instructing the prophet Jeremiah to proclaim a message to Judah. BACKGROUND: The kingdom of Judah consisted of the two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, which remained loyal to the rule of David, Solomon, and Rehoboam.  Following the division of the twelve tribes into two kingdoms, Israel, the northern kingdom followed Jeroboam and was taken into captivity by Assyria for punishment of their disobedience. Judah, the southern kingdom remained for some 120 years longer, before being punished for the same reasons, and with the same fate, at the hands of Babylonia.

The similarities among these two physical nations of God’s people, which resulted in their punishment, also exist among God’s people today. The Lord’s apostles warned Christians against practicing idolatry, self-righteousness, stubbornness, and hypocrisy. Nevertheless, these sins were committed. They are natural fruits, of what Jeremiah called “lying words” (cf. chapter 7:8). Lying words were just that: lies. The lies failed to warn and condemn the sinful living of God’s people. This was seen from what Jeremiah said to another prophet, Hananiah, in chapter 28:15: “Jehovah hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.” Several others were guilty of “lying words”:

PASHHUR – “…all that dwell in thy house shall go into captivity; and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and there shalt thou be buried, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied falsely.” – 20:6

SHEMAIAH – “…prophesied…and I sent him not, and he hath caused you to trust in a lie...” – 29:31

PROPHETS – “...Thy prophets have seen for thee false and foolish visions; and they have not uncovered thine iniquity…but have seen for thee false oracles...” – Lamentations 2:14

As a result, the people assembled regularly to offer sacrifices to God while doing the same to other gods. This, of course, revealed their hypocrisy. God’s message through Jeremiah was to condemn this, calling upon the people to repent and serve God alone. 

Ezekiel had a similar message. “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own heart, Hear ye the word of Jehovah: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing.” (Ezekiel 13:2-3). “Because with lies ye have grieved the heart of the righteous…and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive…” (Ezekiel 13:22). “And her prophets…divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, when Jehovah hath not spoken..” (Ezekiel 22:28).

HOW did they "trust" in lying words (Jeremiah 7:8)? It was not through faith alone, or by a prayer, for we are told how they trusted from Jeremiah 7:9-10. God revealed the specifics of their hypocrisy when He said: "Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known, then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—that you may do all these abominations?"

Then in verse 13, God stated, "And now, because ye have done all these 'WORKS'...". This word refers to their disobedience. Other words found in various translations are: evil things, sinning, wicked things, and sins. As there can be works that classify as disobedience (cf. Ephesians 5:11), there can be works that classify as obedience (cf. John 6:29; James 2:21-24). Trust is done through belief and acting in accordance with your belief. If your belief is in lying words, your obedience to lies will be disobedience to God. If your belief is in the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11), your obedience will be rewarded.

Jeremiah was told: "Therefore, PRAY NOT thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee." (Jeremiah 7:16).

False teaching is characterized by one dominant aspect. It downplays commands and obedience. Jesus died for "the world (John 3:16), yet is the author of salvation TO THOSE THAT OBEY (Hebrews 5:9). You obey Jesus by obeying His commands (2 John 1:9-11). Conversely, truth will stress both God’s commands and man’s obedience. This is what separates truth from error. Trust and obey are the principles upon which salvation has always been purposed. We see this from another prophet, Isaiah.

THE CONDITIONS: Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds; cease to do evil...

THEN: Learn to do good; seek justice; correct oppression...

IF YOU ARE WILLING AND OBEDIENT...though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... (Isaiah 1:16-19).

Read the entire chapter of Jeremiah 7 to see the similarities between Jeremiah's day and our day. Truly, there is nothing new under the sun.

"A THIEF, A RULER, AND YOU"

 The man is surely the most popular thief of all time. He has been the subject of countless sermons. He is the man upon whom millions have staked their salvation.

You may ask, "Why would anyone stake their salvation on a thief?" It is really kind of strange, but it is what many have done. The thief is the man in Luke 23:39-43. He died alongside of Jesus.

He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

There is no doubt about this man's eternal destiny. Jesus declared that the man would be with Him in Paradise. Saved! Case closed!

But why is this man popular? It is because of what he did not do. It is rather obvious that he did not come down from his cross to be baptized. And that's what folks are staking their salvation on! Jesus commanded baptism when He gave the great commission in Mark 16:16: "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved."

But it is objected that "The thief was not baptized to be saved; therefore, I don't need to be baptized to be saved. I want to be saved like the thief was saved."

Do you think that is the proper use of the story of the thief? If you do, I want you to think about another man--a rich young ruler. He is found in Matthew 19:16-22.

This ruler asked, "What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" After discussing God's commands with him, Jesus told him, "Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven."

Have you ever heard anyone say, "I want to be saved according to what Jesus told this man"? Why does no one argue that way? Because it would mean giving up all their stuff!

However, to argue that you want to be saved according to what Jesus told the ruler makes every bit as much sense as arguing that you want to be saved like the thief.

THE FINAL WORD

There is something that is neglected in both cases mentioned above. It is the principle found in Mark 2:1-12. In this case of a paralyzed man who was healed by Jesus, you quickly learn that Jesus forgave the man's sins. 

The key to understanding cases like this is found in verse 10 where Jesus said "the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins." That's it. Jesus could forgive sin; while on earth He could forgive sin in any way He chose. He had the power!

But Jesus is not on earth today. He is in heaven. He still has power to forgive, but He forgives by means of the terms He gave in the great commission. You remember, don't you? ...that thing about "He who believes and is baptized..."?

Now, what about you? Don't make the mistake of staking your salvation on the thief, or the rich young ruler. Trust Jesus. Believe His word. Obey Him. He promises salvation to all who will follow Him ... all the way to the water!

“IMPORTANCE OF DOCTRINE”

Doctrinal knowledge is the foundation of true religion. It is here asserted, not merely that doctrinal knowledge is of great importance in religion, that it enlightens, strengthens, and confirms the Christian in his duties and his hopes, but that it is the foundation of true religion, — that, without which the thing cannot exist, and all pretension to it is either delusion or hypocrisy. This will be sufficiently evident to every reader who candidly considers the following facts.

The duties of the Bible are founded upon its doctrines. What God has required his creatures to do, He has not arbitrarily required but required for good and sufficient reasons. These reasons are found in the doctrines which He has revealed. 

The duty of loving God is founded upon the doctrine that He is supremely good. If He was not a good Being, it could not be the duty of creatures to love Him. And if He was not the best of all beings, it could not be their duty to love Him supremely.

The duty of repentance is founded upon the doctrine that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” If mankind are not sinners, they have nothing to repent of. And the question respecting the extent of their sinfulness, must obviously settle the question respecting the extent to which repentance is a duty.

The duty of faith in Christ depends upon the doctrine that he is the true Messiah. Unless He is, as He claims to be, the Son of God, unless He actually "made his soul an offering for sin," and unless "He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him," it cannot be the duty of perishing sinners to trust in Him as their Saviour.

The duty of submission to the will of God under trials, depends upon the doctrine that God governs the world in righteousness. If there is any event which takes place without His agency and in opposition to His wise and holy purposes, we cannot be under obligation to be reconciled to it. True submission to the will of God under trials, is nothing more or less than submission to these things, so far as the design and hand of God are in them.

It is generally agreed that prayer is a duty. But this cannot be a fact unless the doctrine of our dependence upon God is true. If there is any respect in which we are not dependent on God, in that respect it cannot be our duty to pray.

It is our duty to love our neighbor as ourselves, to love our enemies, to pray for them, and to do them all the good in our power. But all these duties are founded upon the doctrine of disinterested affection. If it is right, as some pretend, to make our own interest or pleasure the principal object of our regard, it cannot be our duty to love others as ourselves. If, as is often asserted, mankind is incapable of exercising a disinterested affection, it cannot be their duty to love their enemies; for it is impossible that a known enemy should be embraced by any other than a disinterested affection. 

Written in 1832: Anonymous 

“BEFORE and AFTER”

AFTER JESUS’ RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION: When Peter and John taught, the Jews “…were astonished at the confidence with which they taught and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

BEFORE JESUS’ RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION: Following Jesus’ arrest, Peter followed ‘afar off’. One of the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” — (Matthew 26:73).

In both instances, Peter’s speech associated him as having been with Jesus. In both instances, we see ‘boldness’ in Peter’s speech. Yet, there is a glaring difference…FEAR OF DEATH. Note a change in Peter’s fear of dying…what prompted it?

Notice the change in Peter’s own reaction to his speech. In the “BEFORE” instance, Peter “…went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75) Why?

In the “AFTER” instance, when threatened, Peter rejoiced that he “… had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name…and…kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:41-42)

What about those whose speech associate them as ‘having been with Jesus’? Does your FEAR OF DEATH, dictate your speech

How can a change in your fear of dying take place? It will be the same as with Peter. He said, “…we must OBEY God…God of our fathers raised up Jesus…He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given TO THOSE WHO OBEY HIM.” (Acts 5:29-32).