“OPPORTUNE TIME”

Quite often we see only one lesson from a passage. The mention of Jesus’ time as ‘not yet here’ is one of the things He repeatedly told His disciples (2:4; 7:8, 30). Later He would say of His time that it is ‘at hand’ (John 13:1; 17:1). But notice that Jesus also made mention of their time; i.e., “YOUR time”. That has as much relevance to us as disciples today as it did to those of Jesus’ day. Our time is always opportune. Because of that, Christians need to be ready at all seasons. Why is this so? How do we go about doing it, and what needs to be done?

While there is mention of “in season” and “out of season”, in connection with preaching, it is always opportune to be ‘instant’ in other ways.  To be instant means to be ready; prepared.  These words had special significance to Timothy and Titus as young preachers. Timothy was told to, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2). Titus was told in regard to his preaching to, “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.” (Titus 3:1).

The reason for these admonitions to Timothy and Titus was because opposition to sound doctrine was upon them. They needed to be ready to stand firm in the face of those who were on the verge of turning their ears away from truth unto fables. Titus was to stand firm in speaking of responsible and fitting behavior of aged brethren as well as younger brethren. Titus wrote, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

It is always fitting to act in such a way that our lives would be worthy of imitation. The reality is, our manner of life is the only ‘bible’ that most will ever read. What do they conclude about us? Paul wrote in Philippians 1:27, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel”. He urged the Christians in Ephesus to, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).

The time is always opportune for spouses to be instant in regard to strengthening their vows to one another. This is done by praying together, being loving and affectionate to each other, and addressing the respective needs that each have. As parents, the time is always opportune to exemplify to a child how to restrain anger by doing so in your own life IN FRONT OF THEM! Through your example, teach your child how to control your tongue when under pressure and temptation to speak rashly and harsh. Teach them by not gossiping, and slandering someone IN THEIR HEARING! Show them what self-control is like. Then your words will be effective when you speak to them.

Be instant in preparing for situations that we know we will encounter. Two things will occur each day of our lives: trial of faith and opportunity to teach. Our faith needs to be our guide in all matters. We must make sure that our faith is based upon God’s word and not a perversion of it (Romans 10:17; Galatians 1:6-9).

We need to understand the benefit of having our faith put to the test. James wrote, “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4). Peter likewise explained why we ought to greatly rejoice when our faith is tested, saying “…that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

God has called us by the gospel for this reason. Let us heed the admonition of the apostle Paul in this regard and, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5).

“INALIENABLE RIGHTS!”

Today being July 4 we are reminded of America’s declaration of independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence that was framed by the founders contains the following statement: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’. This language states that these inalienable rights were from God. The Bible certainly teaches this. God is the source of life (Colossians 1:16).

The Bible also teaches that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was what God purposed for man. It was why God made us in His image and gave us commands. That God made us capable of understanding these commands is seen from what is recorded of Adam and Eve. God commanded them in regard to what was permitted and what was forbidden (Genesis 2:16-17). That this was understood is seen from Genesis 3:2-3. Life, liberty, and happiness was theirs so long as they obeyed God. So also was this true of the Israelites. Moses admonished them to choose life by obeying the Law from Mt. Sinai. “I have placed before you today life and happiness, and death and adversity…I have placed before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:15, 19).

Clearly, life, liberty, and happiness is our choice. They are the inalienable rights God gave to us. These words from God were Israel’s life (Deuteronomy 32:47). We have a greater inalienable right from Jesus. The life God purposed to us through Him is eternal. This life is also in His words, but we must choose them over all else. (John 6:47, 63).

God, by virtue of being the Creator of life, has the inalienable right to create and destroy. He has the right to dictate how His creation is to function. These rights are not transferable unless God so chooses to endow them to another. Whatever rights man may claim as his inalienable rights are only those God has decreed. Let us consider some of God’s inalienable rights:

AUTHORITY: Authority is inherent with God by virtue of creation. He created life and life depends upon God. Job acknowledged of man that, “…his days are determined, the number of his months is with thee, and thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.” (Job 14:5). Because of this, when any man or government makes declarations regarding human rights, those declarations must be in accordance with God’s utterances. (1 Peter 4:16). God alone has the right to delegate and designate His authority. When He did so, He declared it in His word. When Israel became a nation, God designated Moses. The words God spoke by Moses were not to be altered (Deuteronomy 4:2). Moses’ authority was at times challenged. Korah’s rebellion was one such example (Numbers 16:3). Korah and those with him came to Moses asserting, “Ye take too much upon you…wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the assembly of Jehovah?” God’s punishment was just and righteous because delegating authority is His inalienable right. Israel often chose to do what was right in their own eyes (Deuteronomy 12:8; Judges 17:6; 21:25). Doing so did not bring them life, liberty and happiness. It is only in the acceptance of God’s oracles that we have inalienable rights. God endowed Jesus with His authority while He was on earth (John 5:21; 12:49). He could forgive sins (Luke 5:24); and spoke forgiveness three times because of this right (cf. Matthew 9:2; Luke 7:48; 23:43). After He was raised from the dead, He was then given all authority (John 17:2). Jesus then had the inalienable right to delegate authority to the apostles, which He did (John 17:6-8). Therefore all that they bound on earth through their preaching, had already been bound in heaven (Matthew 16:19).

SALVATION TERMS: God has the right to dictate the terms of our salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:20-21).

WORSHIP: God has the right to determine how He will be worshiped. (Deuteronomy 12:29-32; John 4:24). Any voluntary humility, worship of angels, or ‘will’ worship are not inalienable rights (Colossians 2:18, 20-23).

VENGEANCE: Romans 12:19 states, “Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.” Because of this, God’s oracle to us is: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

JUDGMENT: Only God has the right to judge (John 5:22). Our judgments must be righteous (John 7:24).

MARRIAGE:  The marriage relationship was created for man by God. It is a God-ordained institution. Therefore God has the right to condemn fornication and adultery. “Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4).

ADOPTION THROUGH JESUS: “…having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Ephesians 1:5).  John wrote of Jesus, “…as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

“If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36). In Christ, we are not free to sin; we’ve been freed from sin (1 John 1:5-10). Let us ^“Live as free men, yet without using your freedoms as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16).

“…BECAUSE YE BELONG TO CHRIST…”

Belonging to Christ is the greatest blessing man can have. It not only brings reward in this life but in the life to come. We read of this dual reward in Mark 10:28-30, “Peter began to say to Him, ‘Behold, we have left everything and have followed You.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life’.”

This statement came on the heels of Jesus’ conversation with a rich ruler who had asked Jesus about the requirements for inheriting eternal life (Mark 10:17). Jesus’ reply was to observe the law (Mark 10:19). He had done this (Mark 10:20). Jesus then, out of love for him, told him of one thing that he lacked. That one thing stood between him and Jesus. We read, “Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me’. But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.” (Mark 10:21-22).

As you read the words above, do you truly understand what this ruler lacked? I fear that with many of us, it is the same problem. Jesus spoke on this same matter to His disciples in Luke 12:33-34, “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Job prayed: “If I have made gold my trust or called fine gold my confidence, if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much, if I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor, AND MY HEART HAS BEEN SECRETLY ENTICED, and my mouth has kissed my hand, this also would be an iniquity to be punished…for I would have been false to God above.” (Job. 31:24-28).

Where is our heart? The answer lies in where our treasure is. This ruler’s covetousness of his earthly wealth stood between him and Jesus’ offer of eternal life. He couldn’t have both, yet that is what he was attempting to do. Yes, he had kept the law. But he had also kept his riches. As long as he could keep his riches, he would keep the law. Read that last sentence again. Is that how it is with us? Is our mindset, I will follow Jesus AS LONG AS I CAN KEEP ______________ (fill in the blank with your treasure).

Covetousness will keep us from eternal life. But what about this life? Will it cause us to lose anything in THIS life? Consider 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” Covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). The idol is selfishness (Luke 12:21). Covetousness will keep us from belonging to Jesus.

It is interesting to ponder what prompted this ruler to come to Jesus. We simply aren’t told whether it was out of sincerity or out of guilt. Either way, this we do know. He left sorrowful upon being told to part with his possessions. His love for them was too great. Was he happy? Perhaps, but again, we do not know. Many a rich person can be generous with his wealth. Generosity is a good trait, but being generous is not the issue here. Remember a lawyer also asked Jesus the same question as this ruler (Luke 10:25). We know he sought to justify himself. The issue is this: whatever we hold dear, be it money, family, prestige, traditions, or even self; are we willing to give it up to follow Jesus?

We need to be reminded of the words of a hymn that teaches the truth about earthly treasures: “Earth holds no treasure, but perish with using…”. Belonging to Christ brings a treasure that will never perish. Peter called it “…an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). 

Let us trust in what God said about the way to be happy in this life and in the next life. Let us set our hopes, “…on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

7/11/21

NEW COVENANT CHARACTERISTICS: “DOCTRINE, REPENTANCE, & COMFORT”

“Therefore we are comforted.” These words come from the apostle Paul.  He is describing a comfort that is unique to Christians.  It is based upon the fellowship that they have because of the gospel (Philippians 1:5; 4:15).  The reason for his comfort is attributed to the news he received of Corinthian brethren.  The Bible teaches that this comfort is unknown outside of Christ.  It is based upon a particular behavior that is ONLY produced by those who are growing from the ‘sincere’ milk of the word (1 Peter 2:2). 

Paul attributes comfort to God. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Paul points out how this comfort abounds to himself and his companions, as well as to the other apostles.  They held a unique position in the kingdom. In chapter 2:17, we read, “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”  They were entrusted with the gospel (Galatians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:4). Their message was a ‘ministry of reconciliation’. It is from their message of reconciliation that ‘comfort’ came to them from God, thus, God is the ultimate source of comfort (2 Corinthians 5:11-20). 

While God is the source of comfort, the context of 2 Corinthians 7 is specific as to how God provides this comfort.  The means through which comfort from God comes is in accordance with His eternal purpose for man.  This comfort was purposed to come as a result of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.  By it we are reconciled to God. This is why the gospel is a message of reconciliation.  The comfort that Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 7 spans a period of time and a sequence of events within the congregation at Corinth which was also prompted by news.  The initial news was in part why Paul wrote his first epistle. It provides the background for the comfort mentioned here in his second epistle.  In both instances, it was because of his concern for their souls that he addressed this ‘news’ of the circumstances within the congregation at Corinth.  In the second epistle, Paul describes his joy in chapter 7:4-13. There are many lessons for Christians in this context. A few such lessons are: how they can have joy in the midst of affliction; God’s comfort during their afflictions; there is a right way to grieve over afflictions and a wrong way to grieve over them (godly grief/worldly grief). We also learn that grieving does not save, but ‘leads’ to salvation. 

While all of these lessons are connected by the context; they point to a greater and more important lesson: repentance.  Repentance is an action that God has required of all men (Acts 17:30-31).  Genuine repentance will reflect a change in behavior in a specific way…a manner that evidences your change of attitude toward God’s word.  Since sin constitutes disobedience to God’s commands; forgiveness for that sin would necessarily involve obedience to those same commands of God.  It is impossible to repent without this specific change.  

This is why repentance is inseparably tied to the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42) and a part of the ‘form of doctrine’ they delivered to those in need of being made ‘free’ from sin (Romans 6:17-18). But godly grief is not repentance. It produces repentance, i.e., it is the motive for repentance. Repentance is accomplished through a particular behavior befitting the true gospel. The remainder of 2 Corinthians 7:13-16 explains the key component of true repentance and links forgiveness from God to man’s attitude and response to God’s word to man.

What was it about the Corinthians that brought joy, comfort, and refreshment to Paul and Titus?  What was it about the Corinthians that caused Paul and Titus to boast; to have affection and confidence toward?  Their repentance?  Certainly so, but what prompted their repentance? It was the message of truth; the gospel. This is why true repentance is tied to the true gospel message.  The key component of repentance as found in these verses is tied to their faith, and their faith is tied to the gospel message delivered to them (Romans 10:17; 6:17-18). 

The motivation to repent is with a view to be made “free from sin”. Only the doctrine of Christ will produce godly sorrow in man’s heart. Only godly sorrow will work repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Only repentance will lead us to eternal life (Acts 11:18). This is the comfort that comes to all who trust and obey.  

6/28/21

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“WHERE IS GOD’S HONOR?”

 

Today is designated as a day to honor fathers. Father's Day was founded in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there. However, it was not until 1972 – 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day official – that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

Of Jesus we read, “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them…” (Luke 2:51). We know Jesus’ age at the time of the statement was twelve. There is nothing to indicate that Jesus ever ceased to honor his earthly parents, nor his heavenly Father. Honor is due God as the father of all humanity. The apostle Paul wrote, “…yet for us there is only one God, the Father, from whom are all things…” (1 Corinthians 8:6a). He wrote in Ephesians 4:6 that there was, “one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” God was called a father to the nation of Israel by the prophets (Isaiah 64:8a; Jeremiah 31:9b). He had not only ‘formed’ (created) them from the loins of Abraham (Genesis 12:2); He sustained them throughout their existence. Pharaoh was told that Israel was His ‘firstborn’ (Exodus 4:22). He disciplined them as an earthly father is to discipline his son (Deuteronomy 8:5). This shows a father’s love for them (Proverbs 3:12).  

There are many valuable lessons for earthly fathers from the heavenly Father in the Bible. There is nothing ‘new under the sun’ in terms of what any earthly father has, or will face in his lifetime that our heavenly Father has not experienced. Let us consider a few of these truths.

First of all, God had a Son, Jesus. Although Jesus was God, the Word in the beginning (John 1:1); Jesus became a son when he emptied himself of the glory he had in the beginning with God. “…who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8). As a son, Jesus, in coming to earth was under the same obligation as all humanity. God is the father of all (read again 1 Corinthians 8:6a and Ephesians 4:6 above).

Yet, Jesus became a son for us. We have done as God’s firstborn son (Israel). We have failed to honor our heavenly Father. The prophet Malachi wrote in chapter 1:6, “A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor?” All have sinned (Romans 3:23). It was for this reason that Jesus “…humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8).

I point this out to remind us that God knows what it’s like to experience disobedience from his children. It is what all earthly fathers know. It hurts; it causes a father to regard himself as a failure. No, Jesus didn’t cause this pain upon his heavenly Father, but here is the demonstration of love that we find from God, our Father. Because we failed to give God the honor due Him, He had to treat His only begotten Son as if His only begotten Son HAD DISHONORED HIM! God’s Son bore OUR sins!

He did this because of how much He loved the humanity that He created (John 3:16). He then revealed this great love for us in His word, so that we would cease our rebellion and honor His Son. Philippians 2:9-11 states, “For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Many a father has had to turn his back upon a child because of that child’s disobedience and rebellion. The grief and suffering which began, continues as the disobedience persists. The entire family suffers because of it. God’s family, the church, suffers in the same way when a member dishonors God. Amidst tears, the pain and suffering continue. As God had to turn His back on His Son; His family is often faced with when to make that same decision.

God, as a father suffers when we dishonor Him. Where is God’s honor? All suffering begins when God is dishonored. The remedy must begin there. All our failures, no matter how long they have existed or how severe they have been, are not hopeless. There is forgiveness from our heavenly Father. Let there be forgiveness from earthly fathers. This forgiveness will come as God’s honor is restored. Do as Jesus did in Luke 2:51. If you have dishonored your earthly father, do as the wise son did in Matthew 21:28-29. His father told him to go work in his vineyard. Initially he said ‘I will not’, but afterward…went. Let us each address our own rebellion and disobedience to God as God desires (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

6/20/21

“...LIKE GOD, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL…”

Have you ever desired to be like God? If you knew that you could become like God, would you desire it? Think about that for a moment.  Adam and Eve were presented with such a decision. However, they were not the only two people faced with a decision to be like God. You and I will have the same opportunity each and every day of our lives, and even numerous times within the course of each day. Let us notice from the Bible, what is said of Adam and Eve on this matter and understand from their decision how we too can benefit or suffer from a desire to be like God.

While they lived in Eden, Eve was told, “For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5). This statement was uttered to Eve by Satan. Sadly, it is one of the few times (cf. Matthew 4) that Satan spoke truth. We find Eve and Adam acting upon their desire to become like God. “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked...” (Genesis 3:6-7). Adam and Eve’s desire to be like God was a life-changing experience. Had they decided to obey God, it still would have been a life changing experience. Their decision actually cost them their lives, yet discipleship necessitates giving up our life. In discipleship however, losing our life preserves it. That is a huge difference. Jesus made this clear in John 12:25: “The one who loves his life loses it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.”

The Bible clearly teaches that there are two ways to know good and evil. One way is by heeding God’s promises and warnings (Genesis 2:16-17). The other way is to disobey God (Genesis 3:11, 17). Adam and Eve believed Satan’s words and disobeyed God. Let us consider the way of disobedience. To disobey God is to commit sin. When we sin, our eyes will be opened in like manner as Adam and Eve’s. But gaining knowledge of good and evil in this way (i.e., by committing sin) will not bring us joy. Instead, we will experience what Adam and Eve experienced: fear and shame. Adam said, “I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10).

This experiencing of fear and shame causes us to do as Adam and Eve did: seek to hide from God (Genesis 3:9). This, of course is futile (Psalm 139:8). All humans react alike once their eyes are opened by sin. Sin is not an abstract thing. It is an act of disobedience to God’s word. Because we are ashamed of our actions, we are now afraid of God. What we fear is God’s wrath. God’s wrath is only to be feared by those who disobey (Ephesians 2:2; 5:6; Colossians 3:6; Hebrews 2:2).

We need to give much thought about wanting to be like God. It can be a good thing or it can be disastrous. It depends on our motive. What do we actually want? Is it power? Knowledge is power. Is our concept of being like God, just having knowledge about everything? How do we intend to use that knowledge? Does man know how to use knowledge apart from what God has spoken? This is the real issue. Adam and Eve didn’t. They were badly deceived, but their desire for knowledge overruled their trust in God to know how to use that knowledge. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:14-15).  

The word of God and wisdom are synonymous. God is the source of wisdom. In Proverbs 8:27 we read of wisdom and God, “When He established the heavens, I was there; when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep”. God has revealed the wise way to be like Him. Job 28:28 states it as follows: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Psalm 111:10b says, “…All those who follow His commandments have a good understanding”. Proverbs 1:7b declares, “The fear of the Lord is knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction”. Becoming ‘like God’ is only possible by yielding to God’s word. This God-ordained way brings happiness and joy to life. It encourages one to seek out God and ensures fellowship with Him. Do we desire this type of happiness and joy?

Let us honestly consider how our desire to be like God will be pursued. Let us consider our motives. Do we want to RESPECT God’s authority or BE the authority? Do we want the attributes of God (omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscience) to use as we see fit? Do we just want to know everything about everybody? These are soul-searching questions that address our heart. Let us give serious consideration to the question asked in a hymn, “Is Thy Heart Right With God?” 

6/19/21

The Day of God's Visitation

In the King James Version, the phrase “day [or time] of visitation” is found in the following passages: Isaiah 10.3; Jeremiah 46.21; 50.27; Micah 7.4; 1 Peter 2.12. A reading of these passages shows that this phrase refers to God’s justice (blessing or cursing) being pronounced upon individuals or nations. God announces what will be done when he “visits” in justice.

Quite often, people pass judgment upon one another based upon what is seen externally. One may be undergoing a rough period in his or her life, suffering gravely in the process. It may be assumed that the person is being punished by God. Prosperity may likewise be wrongfully judged as a sign that God is blessing, or has blessed, that individual. When the day of God’s visitation comes, justice will be served.

Job is one such example of one whose suffering was misjudged. He was wrongfully accused by his friends of having committed sin, then refusing to acknowledge it, therefore deserving his suffering (Job 2.9; 4.8-9). However, Job pleaded to God: “Thou knows that I am not wicked (Job 10.7). God “visited” Job. Afterward, Job said in v. 12, “…thy visitation hath preserved by spirit.” Job was not guilty as his wife and friends had charged him. After God “visited” Job, Job’s integrity was vindicated.

At other times, God’s “visiting” does find his people indeed guilty, although men may not see it that way. Still, justice was served. The prophet Jeremiah wrote of the day of visitation upon the people of God in his lifetime in Jeremiah 5. God’s people were indeed guilty. They were inwardly wicked, although outwardly religious and reverent. Yet, when the day of God’s visitation came upon them, they asked, “Why?” Here was God’s answer through the pen of Jeremiah: “And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, ‘Wherefore doeth the Lord our God all these things unto us?’ then shalt thou answer them, ‘Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.’ Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, ‘Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me?’ saith the Lord: ‘Will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?’ But this people hath a revolting and rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, ‘Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.’ Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they thing: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. ‘Shall I not visit for these things?’ saith the Lord: ‘Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?’” (Jeremiah 5.19-29). We need to live life in view of the day of God’s visitation. If we fear God, as Ecclesiastes 12.13 states, we will rejoice in that day, being vindicated (1 Peter 3.15-16).

6/5/21

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