"I tell you the truth..." Matthew 18:3

It seems Jesus’ previous lesson lingered in the minds of His disciples, for they needed clarification on some things. The most important? Who is considered greatest in His Kingdom? (Mt. 18:2) In His answer, Jesus revealed the natural outcome of faith’s work: conversion, or a change of heart. His words that will ring true for all eternity were:

“‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’”  (Matthew 18:3, ESV)

Children are completely dependent upon those who care for them. They intuitively understand the source of their protection, sustenance, and nurture. That’s why those who grow up in homes with an absence of such are slow to understand faith and the dynamics of it. They have learned to abandon the exercise of faith because of those who never nurtured the dynamics of faith. A child exercises faith in his/her caregivers, and that faith is reinforced by the care and nurturing the caregivers provide. Faith works in us to reveal our total dependence on God’s provision, in God’s way and in God’s time.

The faith that grows in one’s heart creates a change in one’s perspective. In fact, it empowers one to redirect his/her natural inclinations. Paul spoke of this mind change as possessing the mind of Christ:

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” (I Corinthians 2:12-16)

The change occurs within the heart when the Spirit of God fills us with His Word and His transforming power. This transformation takes time, but is a very real dynamic. There have been many who have lived lives devoid of goodness, only to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and experience such a powerful change of thinking, where doing the right thing takes preference over doing what comes naturally, thus possessing the very mind of Christ.

This precept of a heart change was not knew with the advent of Christ. It had been a part of Israel’s understanding of God’s character, even reflected in Solomon’s dedication of the Temple:

“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to their enemies, who take them captive to their own lands, far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’;  and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you…”  (I Kings 8:46-50, NIV)

During Israel’s Babylonian captivity, the prophet Ezekiel described God’s work in creating a new heart:

“…a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh…”  (Ezekiel 11:19, ESV)

Ezekiel clarifies God’s working in these words:

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27, ESV)

Why does God make a way for one’s heart to be made new? The prophet Jeremiah described it perfectly:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

(Jeremiah 17:9 ESV)

With a changed heart comes a conversion of thought: we agree with God about our sin. In fact, the Hebrew word for “repent” intimates the one confessing is agreeing with God about their sin. The eternal truth of a heart change that is reflected in the innocence of a child – the transparency, the truthfulness, the desire to excel – are the traits which are nurtured when one undergoes this transformation. This is why Paul wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galations 2:20, NIV)

So, the greatest in His Kingdom reflect a heart of meekness and humility. Jesus taught this in His sermon on the mount; calling those who practiced meekness a walk as “blessed” (read Matthew 5-7). It’s hard to think of even wanting to be called great in God’s Kingdom, though – perhaps – the disciples were wanting to get feedback from Jesus to see if they got His main idea from the previous precept. In any case, Jesus’ reply was probably not the answer they expected, yet it’s the response God gives to reveal the eternal truth of receiving a new heart, a new perspective… the innocence of a child.

In fact, Jesus goes on to say that whoever causes one of these “little ones” (Jesus is reinforcing the idea of an adult that may come to faith in Him: one whose heart has become as innocent as a child’s) to stumble, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and thrown into the sea, than to face God’s judgment against such a person (v.6).

Heaven has no ‘prima donnas’... no one there will ever outshine the Savior or eclipse His importance. Instead, we - God’s children - will depend on Him for sustenance, dining at His table, depending on His light and presence, where we will find joy forevermore.

Have a blessed day…

"I tell you the truth..." Matthew 17:20

In this scriptural episode, Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. They often joined Him in prayer, and on that day something incredible happened on top of the mountain: Jesus became transfigured before them… His face radiated like the sun, and His clothing became white as light. (Matthew 17:2) Whatever happened, Matthew recorded the event as a transfiguration, not a ‘disfiguration’ which Jesus experienced in the brutality He endured leading to His crucifixion. In other words, something supernatural occurred, and they witnessed it.

In fact, Peter, James, and John must have all attested to Matthew that they saw two others standing with Jesus in conversation. Those two others were none other than Moses and Elijah. Some theologians have unsuccessfully tried to assert that the two individuals represented God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. However, the testimony of the three disciples lend credence to Jesus actually conferring with Moses and Elijah! Imagine Moses and Elijah meeting each other in heaven and becoming friends! And here they are conversing with the King of Kings!  (v.3)

The supernatural experience did not conclude with the visitation from the two patriarchs. A bright cloud came over the top of the mountain and they heard God’s voice from the cloud say: “This is my Son, in Whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” (v.5) It can’t be hard to understand just how completely disoriented this experience would have left those three disciples. On their trip back down the mountain, Jesus instructed them to tell no one about the vision until after His death and resurrection (vv. 17:9-13).

Once they were back to ground level, they encountered a crowd that had gathered. In the crowd was a man with a son who suffered from epilepsy. He described to Jesus how the disciples were unable to bring healing to his son. Jesus seemed to complain, though He was simply declaring the corruption of the world’s perspective. You see, the man disparaged His disciples, and Jesus was defending their honor and worth with His reply. Jesus rebuked the ‘spirit’ of epilepsy (I believe all sickness and disease was brought on by the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, so it was only natural for the Lord to call out the spirit of the disease), and the boy was instantly healed. (vv. 14-18)

Later, the disciples gathered with Jesus privately and inquired about their failure to bring healing to the boy. Jesus described the root cause of this failure as unbelief… that’s right, their lack of faith. Seems hard to believe that a group of men who had seen Jesus feed the multitude, heal the sick, and commission them to do the same would come up short on the scales of faith. So, Jesus used it as a teachable moment to reveal an eternal truth:

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. And nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (vv. 20-21)

Evidently, the disciples who tried to deliver the boy from sickness had not practiced praying with Jesus, as did Peter, James and John. Jesus had just descended the mountain of which He spoke and commanded the spirit to depart. Could Peter, James, or John have done the same thing? I think so. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jesus had spoken to the mountain to move, creating a momentary earthquake, though that is not the method Jesus chose for the lesson.

How does this apply to us today? Jesus revealed that the size of one’s faith is not that important, using the object lesson of a mustard seed – one of the smallest garden variety seeds. In fact, He may have actually taught the smaller the size of one’s faith, the stronger it may be!

It seems faith is exercised under authority. One’s faith depends on the power of God to be released. It’s like a muscle, the more it is exercised the stronger it becomes (even if it’s a small muscle). The more we see the results of exercised faith, the more we are apt to use it for the purposes God designed it to be used. Consider the muscle of the heart; it’s only as big as one’s fist, yet through a lifetime, one’s heart will have pumped one million barrels of blood – enough to fill two super tankers of oil!

The eternal truth revealed in this passage shouts of the power of faith: nothing is impossible to the Believer who activates his/her faith for God’s eternal purposes! Faith’s author and provider is God Himself (read Hebrews 12:2). Jesus reinforced this eternal precept when He taught of the exponential strength of exercised faith in numbers (read Matthew 18:19-20; John 14:13-14). When we pray, pray knowing heaven is on our side! Pray confidently. Pray with others who agree. Pray like it all depends on you, placing it in God’s hands with the knowledge that it all depends on Him.

Yes, faith is an eternal dynamic in the life of every Believer… we will even exercise that faith in Heaven through worship in proclamations of honor and praise. Yes, faith is an eternal dynamic of The Covenant relationship when the church - the Bride of Christ - will display total faith and confidence in her Redeemer - the faithful Groom.

Have a blessed day…

"I tell you the truth..." Matthew 16:28

“I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.”  (also found in Mk.9:1 and Lk.9:27)

Jesus had just refused the request for a sign by the Pharisees and Sadducees, declaring the only sign they would be given would be the sign of Jonah (which many have attested to be the resurrection three days after Jesus’ own crucifixion). The Lord then warned the disciples of the corrupt teachings of these groups which propagated salvation by one’s own works or merits.

The Savior then asked His disciples who they thought He was. It was Peter that answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (v.16) Jesus then pronounced a blessing on His statement, declaring that such faith would be the rock upon which His Kingdom is built: the bedrock of faith or trust in Him.  

Then Jesus informs the disciples of His impending death, to which Peter gave great protest. Jesus had just blessed and commended Peter for His faith, only to now compare him with satan – for protesting against God’s plan and purpose in Jesus’ death!

The eternal truth here is really found in the declaration Jesus made after correcting Peter. Jesus said the gates of hell would not be able to withstand the advance of God’s Kingdom on earth. He reinforced this eternal truth by promising his disciples that they would see His Kingdom explode into life – which they did at the event of Pentecost. They then witnessed the Kingdom grow exponentially as they shared the good news of redemption in Christ’s blood.

So, you see, the eternal truth Jesus targets is the strength by which Christianity will advance. This should give us hope for today, when we see Christianity being marginalized in our own land, Christians being persecuted across the world, and followers of Christ giving their lives in devotion to Him. We should also be reminded, however, that the advances of Christianity through the centuries have always been preceded by great bloodshed. Jesus taught that His followers would take up their own cross and follow Him. Each disciple of Christ resolves that one’s life is only significant in Him and may be called on to give one’s own life in sacrifice to His Kingdom’s purposes.

Perhaps it is at that point of personal sacrifice that one may see The Son of Man coming in His Kingdom, with His beloved follower by His side. Actually, Jesus may have been referring to His transfiguration which would happen within a week from the moment he made the statement (read Matthew 17). He may also have been referring to His ascension. In either case, we will be eternally secure that the gates of hell cannot prevail upon the forward advance of God’s righteous purposes. Onward, Christian soldiers, bearing the sword of the Spirit to rescue souls from the bondage of sin!

Have a blessed day…

“I tell you the truth…” Matthew 13:17

Scientists and researchers are uniquely gifted with an insatiable appetite for discovery. Their curiosity and perspective are driving forces in their lives to understand why things are the way they are, and how those things can be manipulated to develop new solutions for product development, fight disease, improve the quality of life, and even offer an advantage in national defense. In a very real way, a scientist’s present life is a predictor of our future life.

Many scientists, after years of research and scientific trials, go to the grave disappointed because their presupposition or theory was never proven or discovered, or that they were never able to see the full benefit of their discovery. Certainly, the great minds of the past would have longed to see the discoveries and scientific advances that have been made up to now. Galileo longed to see the universe through a more powerful telescope, and would be completely captivated by the images the Hubble telescope has been sending; da Vinci would be captivated by the development of prosthetics; and Einstein would be jumping at the chance to use a sub-atomic collider. Similarly, biblical prophets would have been overjoyed to experience the life of Christ: both Simeon and Anna rejoiced for just such a reason (read Luke 2:21-38).

ITYTT appears again in Matthew 13:17, just after Jesus had explained the parable of the sower. The Master Teacher concluded His explanation with the words: “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (v.12) Those who love to learn will learn more. Those who yearn for discovery will discover even greater things. Jesus even told the listeners their eyes and ears were blessed to see and hear the Teacher and His teachings.

The phrase under inspection was then introduced into the conversation:

“I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.”

Jesus was driving home the point: ‘Wake up! You’re about to miss the definitive Jewish hope of the last thousand years!’ Of course, He was speaking about Himself being the Messiah – The Promised One. Though Jesus described how God revealed such to little children (read Matthew 11:25), He provided three specific examples of His Lordship to the pharisees:

1.   Jesus defended His disciples when they plucked the heads of grain on the Sabbath, and then used the sacred texts to prove His point when He recalled the time David and his mighty men ate the consecrated bread (read 1 Samuel 21:6; Leviticus 24:5-9). He then reminded the pharisees how the priests even desecrate the Sabbath by the work of their hands in preparing the sacrifice (read Numbers 28:9-10). Jesus followed these two examples with the words: “I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.” He confronted the teachers of the law, saying, “…the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12: 1-8)

2.   After being asked by the pharisees and teachers of the law to perform a miracle, Jesus rebuked them, telling them the only sign they would be given was the sign of Jonah. He then declared, “…and now one greater than Jonah is here.” (Matthew 12:41)

3.   Jesus also declared His wisdom to be superior when He said, “…now one greater than Solomon is here.”

Redemption’s story is a drama written in the heart of God. He developed a plan that would end satan’s power and influence, speaking of it to Adam just before expelling Eve and him from the garden of Eden:

“Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals!

You will crawl on your belly

and you will eat dust all the days of your life.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

(Genesis 3:14-15)

 It was at the cross where satan struck at the heart of God by seeking to eliminate the head – Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords. However, it was also at the cross, where Jesus dealt the death blow to satan’s influence by removing the sting of sin and death. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:55-57) That was what the prophets and righteous people longed to see and know… the arrival of the long-promised redeemer – The Messiah. The eternal truth is reflected in the words Jesus breathed on the cross – “It is finished.” (Read John 19:28-30) Jesus will forever be ascribed praise and glory for the atoning work of the cross (read Revelation 5:12-14; 7:11-12; 12:10-12; 19:1-7)!

This eternal truth is greater than the walls of the temple, which were rebuilt twice, because The Word became flesh and will last forever as Heaven’s King. This eternal truth is greater than Jonah, as evidenced by Jesus’ resurrection. This eternal truth is greater than Solomon’s wisdom, as no one knows the day or hour when He will return to make all things new, but we can long to see that day, following the example given by the prophets of old!

 Have a blessed day…

“I tell you the truth…” Matthew 11:11

ITYTT is next used in Jesus’ description of John the Baptist, who – at the time – was in prison. John the Baptist had sent a few of his own followers to ask Jesus, “Are You the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”  (Matthew 11:3) Jesus’ instructed John’s disciples to report on the evidences of the miracles paired with the preaching of the Good News to the poor (v.’s 4-6). Sending John’s followers away, Jesus described itinerate desert preacher as more than a prophet (v.9), because he was the fulfillment of prophesy – being the one Malachi described as preparing a way for the Lord (Malachi 3:1). Jesus then followed that statement with the phrase we are discovering. Jesus also provided insight into citizens of God’s Kingdom:

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. Anyone with hears to hear should listen and understand.” Matthew 11:11-15

The eternal truth spoken here focuses on Jesus’ declaration of the least in God’s Kingdom being greater than John the Baptist – who, up to that point, Jesus described as the greatest man to have ever lived on earth. To the Jews, this would have been a politically incorrect statement, for they considered Moses as the greatest person to have ever lived, and placed significance on other notables such as: Adam, Noah, Joseph, Gideon, Elijah, Elisha, and Queen Esther. What makes the least in heaven greater than John the Baptist? Their faith – a faith that is exercised without the benefit of seeing Jesus. Jesus spoke of such faith in His priestly prayer (see John 17). Additionally, John never experienced the full work of Christ: the meaning of His death on a cross, His resurrection, the Great  Commission, and His ascension.

People consider an object’s worth by what they see with their eyes (either by reading assessments by others, or by exercising one’s own value system). When someone wants to buy a car these days, the online tool, Bluebook, is utilized to rightly appraise the value of a used car, as well as other search engines used to scour the internet for the best deal on a new car. We use our eyes to determine the value of a car and what we are willing to pay for it. And you know what? We end up treating people the same way. We judge people by the way they appear: by physical appearance, by awards given, by education, by popularity, by wealth, etc. God’s standards are quite different.

God values a contrite heart and a humble spirit. Jesus taught that those who demonstrate John’s attitude will be called greatest in Heaven: that the one who is least will be the greatest in God’s economy. (Luke 9:48) John’s, attitude was reflected in his own words: “He must increase, I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

As John’s disciples were returning to the prison, Jesus asked the crowd, who must have overheard the conversation, what they were expecting to see (vv. 7-9). He challenged the way they perceived things – the way they valued or judged John’s importance. Anything or anyone that eclipses the truth of the Savior is valued less in Heaven’s eyes. Here is an example:

When the nation of Israel was being led through the desert, they began complaining and offended God by stating it would be better if they were back in Egypt. They had forgotten that they had been tortured slaves under forced labor! God sent poisonous snakes into the camp, leading to the deaths of thousands. The people asked Moses to intercede for them. God instructed Moses to erect a sculpture of a snake wrapped around a pole. The people were to look at the pole every time a snake bite occurred and the one bitten would not be affected by the poisonous bite of the viper. (read Numbers 21:4-9) The statue was preserved until King Hezekiah realized that the people were worshiping the image as an idol… even giving it a name! King Hezekiah then had the statue destroyed. (read 2 Kings 18:1-4) The people forgot the statue’s original purpose: to remind the people of their sin when they complained against God. The value of the statue changed and became ungodly, just as anything that obscures Christ as Lord and King. John’s followers were missing John’s own message: “Behold the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

The Bible tells us that God’s ways are not discerned by one’s own strengths, but only by walking in the Spirit (read Colossians 1:9-10). We are to discern the spirit of others from God’s perspective (see 1 Samuel 16:7); for God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (see Isaiah 55:8-9).

God does play favorites with His children: just as He chose the nation of Israel as His own, so He ‘grafted-in’ the Gentile branch, the least compared to the chosen nation of Israel, who have placed their trust in Christ - trusting in the redeeming work of the cross, the triumph of His resurrection, the resolve of The Great Commission, and the glory of His ascension. Those who have not seen and yet believed are the ones that will be deemed even greater in God’s sight (Matthew 11:11; John 17:20).

Thank God with me for His indescribable gift of salvation through the atoning work of Christ, Who, like the serpentine sculpture, was lifted up for all to see and experience healing from sin’s venom.

“…I tell you the truth…” Matthew 10:42

The Lord was uncompromising when it came to His identity and Lordship. As the disciples listened, they heard Jesus declare that anyone who loved his/her father or mother, son or daughter, more than Him was not worthy of Him (His gift of eternal life, as He is the door to Heaven). Jesus was and remains a divisive person… not for the sake of separating family and friends, but for the sake of God’s eternal kingdom of holiness and righteousness. He is the dividing line between: Heaven and earth (vv. 32-34); the fellowship of the saints and the relationships of the world (vv. 35-37); those who know the hope of Heaven and those who will be turned away from Heaven (vv. 38-39). The divisiveness of Christ distinguishes between religion and relationships, between the secular and sacred, and between this temporal world and the eternal security and joy of Heaven.

There comes a time when each must choose between Jesus and the world. For some, this decision is made at an early age; while for others, the decision is made after living a life in bondage to sin. In either case, God searches throughout the earth to call hearts to Himself. At its core, the divide will be seen in eternity between those who are saved from the judgment of hell and those who will face destruction in hell – those who are saved, and those who are lost. In 1912, after the Titanic sank, the Cunard Cruise Line in New York City developed a double-columned list of the ship’s passengers. The headings for the columns were: “saved” and “lost”. Social standing, education, wealth, philanthropy, military rank, and athletic prowess served no benefit, and were not pertinent to the development of the list. In the end, it was only about those who survived and those who died. In Heaven, it will come down to those who Believed in Christ (the saved) and those who rejected Him (the lost)… it really is that simple.

Jesus also spoke for the first time about the cross:

“…and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”  (vv.38-39)

Though the disciples could not have imagined what Jesus was referring to concerning His own death, it is the most definitive description of true discipleship to Christ found in scripture. We struggle with living between the competing allegiances of the secular and the sacred… the temporal and the eternal.

The Master-Teacher concluded the heavenly lecture with these words:

“He who receives you, receives me, and he who receives me, receives The One Who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, ITYTT, he will certainly not lose his reward.”  (vv. 37-42)

The eternal truths found in this scriptural passage are Jesus’ identification with both The Father and His disciples (vv. 40 & 42). God, The Father, and God, The Son, are eternally entwined with God, The Spirit, as one. We may never understand this dynamic, though we will be forever growing as God reveals more about Himself through eternity. Jesus committed Himself to be fully present in the lives of His disciples when He commissioned the disciples and those gathered with them prior to His ascension (Read Matthew 28:16-20).

Jesus used history from the sacred texts to clarify His point of Heaven’s reward:

• When He mentioned one receiving a prophet’s reward for receiving a prophet, most Jews would quickly identify the story of the widow who received Elijah. She was rewarded with enough oil and food to sustain she, her son, and Elijah the entire time of the prophet’s stay (1 Kings 17:7-16);

• When He described one receiving a righteous man’s reward for receiving a righteous man, most Hebrews could easily recall the story of Abraham’s chief servant who was commissioned to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son, and of Rebecca and her family who received him well, and were richly rewarded (Genesis 24).

A third eternal truth, then, is that there will be rewards in Heaven! And they will be perpetuated by God’s grace and goodness! We will not lose the reward… it will be protected as an eternal right to The Redeemed in Christ!

May that thought bless you this day!

“I tell you the truth…” Matthew 10:23

Before sending His disciples out to preach of God’s Kingdom (v.7), Jesus gave them instructions and warnings. In His concluding remarks to His disciples, Jesus spoke of a time when sons will have to stand against their fathers, and daughters against their mothers; a time when one’s enemies will be the members of one’s own household (vv. 34-37). Since there is no mention of the disciples being persecuted on this particular assignment, we may conclude that Jesus’ words are best understood through the eyes of things that were yet to come.

This section of scripture carries a different overtone than the practical instructions Jesus had been sharing. Thus, it can be concluded that The Savior (the God-man, and God is present in the past, present, and future; HE is not limited by time) was instructing future disciples (which could very likely be Believers of current history). Matthew 10:22 hints at global persecution of Christ-followers who will be carrying the message of the Gospel throughout the world, and will not have finished their task before Christ returns (v.23).

The eternal truth we discover here is Jesus being The Conquering King and the One Who will reign forever in Heaven. When Jesus referred to The Son of Man coming, He was speaking of the second Advent – the return of Christ after His crucifixion and resurrection. It is the second Advent when His Kingdom will be permanently established after all things are remade and all things become as new (Read Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Zacharia 14:4; 1 Corinthians 15:28; Titus 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2; Revelation 21:1-8).

This eternal truth gives the Believer assurance of Heaven, as well as courage to endure the world’s rejection of Christ and His righteousness. Jesus provoked His followers to tell others about Him and His Kingdom, and to not shrink back from doing so when threatened by those who rise up against them. Jesus then even prepared Christ-followers through history to not fear those who can kill the body more than The One Who can destroy both body and soul in hell (vv.26-28). He further asserted:

“Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven.” (vv.32-33)

We could very well be living in the chapter of history Jesus described: God’s servants being as sheep in the midst of wolves; Christians needing to be courageous to the end, while maintaining a tender heart toward the lost. The opposition Christians face today are from:

• organized religion (v.17);

• the government (v.18); and

• family (v.21).

Religious systems have always persecuted true followers of Christ. Before Paul’s conversion, he led in the Jewish efforts around Jerusalem to stone Christians to death (read about the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr in Acts 7:58). Religious systems teach how one ‘earns’ or works his/her way to heaven. Christ taught the prerequisite to heaven’s eternity is faith in Him. Christ taught that the world would oppose those who would follow Him, just as the world rejected Him. In contemporary religious practice, a philosophy has crept into church networks which embrace a religious system instead of the person of Jesus Christ.

Governments around the world today reject Christianity and its message of eternal life through Christ. In many countries, it is illegal to preach Christ, meet as a church for worship, or establish Christian sponsored efforts to start hospitals and schools. Revelation 13 describes a time that is quickly coming, when the people of the world will be forced to worship the anti-Christ, a person who will be globally recognized and esteemed as the leader and authority of religion, economics, and government. This person will use all three institutions to marginalize and persecute Christians.

The home and family are coming under increasing attack, leading to a decay of family love and loyalty, as well as to the value of human life. Divorce in America remains quite high, as marriage is considered a disposable relationship of convenience instead of a covenant requiring character development.

The ancient doors of the home, government, and faith practice were all established by God, and in these last days, these three institutions will increasingly oppose anything that hints at following Christ as Lord. It is never too late to pray for a great awakening to happen in our day, that the ancient doors would be opened wide:

“…Open wide, you gates. Open up, you ancient doors.
    Then the King of glory will come in.
Who is the King of glory? The Lord, who is strong and mighty.
    The Lord, who is mighty in battle.
Open wide, you gates. Open wide, you ancient doors.
    Then the King of glory will come in.”  (Psalm 24:7-9)

Have a blessed day…

“I tell you the truth…” Matthew 10:15

This riveting passage reflects Jesus’ deep desire to see the Jews return to the God of their fathers. Jesus had called His disciples together and bestowed them with the power to drive out evil spirits, as well as to heal all kinds of sickness and disease (read 10:1). During this episode of His ministry Jesus sent the disciples out to “…the lost sheep of Israel…” (v. 6). In fact, He specifically instructed them not to go near the gentiles (non Jews) or Samaritans (who originated through the Jewish line, but were seen as genetically and spiritually polluted). They were instructed to preach a very simple message: “The Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” (v.7) As they preached, they were instructed to go throughout the area healing people and casting out demons (v. 8). He gave them this mandate with the description of their ministry: “Freely you have received, freely give.” In other words, it had not cost them anything to receive these gifts and abilities, so they should use them freely and administer them without expecting any compensation.

They were not to take any provisions, only to proceed in faith that God would supply their needs. They were directed to search for a worthy person who would accept them and care for them until it was time for them to leave. While they were there, they were to seek the peace of that household and bless it with the peace of God (v.’s 9-13). If the disciples were rejected by a community or town, they were to go outside the town and shake the dust of that area off their sandals to symbolize the judgment those people will one day face before God (v. 14). Then Jesus utilized biblical history to reveal an eternal truth when He stated, “ITYTT, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town” (v. 15). He provided clarification in the following verses, stating: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven” (v.’s 32-33). Jesus further condemned the rejection of His message in Matthew 11:20-24, after He had entered the disciples’ hometowns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum and been rejected – even after displaying miraculous healings!

What a terrible fate awaits those who reject the truth of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. It causes me to pause and reflect on what ‘discipline’ will happen to the follower of Jesus who refuses to go and preach the message that the Kingdom of God is near. The great commission is a marching order, a directive to go and make disciples… a command that may not be met with favor by the world. Jesus had described the hostile treatment his disciples could expect during the exercise of their commission: “do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell”  (v.’s 26-28). He was actually pointing to His own sacrificial death on the cross, and that He was not expecting them to do anything that He Himself would not do.

In this passage, we find two eternal truths: (1) Jesus’ perspective was an eternal one. (2) There will be a day of judgment for every single person. Those who reject Christ, will be rejected by God and face the destruction of their very soul. Those who accept Christ, will be accepted before the Father.

As we tell the world the Kingdom of God is near, we should expect no better treatment than that which Jesus and His disciples received. We are able to proceed in the power of another eternal truth: we will be approved by Jesus before the Father in heaven!

May that thought lead you into a blessed day!

“…I tell you the truth…” Matthew 8:10

Matthew 8:5-13 tells of an encounter between Jesus and a Roman Centurion stationed in the town of Capernaum, about twenty miles north-east of Nazareth, situated on the Sea of Galilee’s northwest coastline. We are informed of the soldier’s rank, a centurion. He was in charge of at least one hundred Roman soldiers of differing ranks and roles necessary to keep peace in the region. In modern terms, it would be similar to a commander of an entire ‘company’ comprised of four or five ‘platoons’ of soldiers assigned to different ‘squads’ around the area to enforce Roman law. Matthew’s description of him as ‘a centurion’ and not, ‘the centurion’ may infer the presence of one or two more centurions in the region under the command of one ‘brigade’ leader. As a centurion whose duty station was on a coastal city, he would have had all the comforts of a ranking leader: a comfortable home situated on the coast with great views, house servants, available horses for transportation, and good pay from the taxes paid to Rome.

Jesus mentioned the phrase we are investigating, ITYTT, to this Roman centurion. Having heard of Jesus’ healing powers, the centurion approached Jesus, telling Him about a servant who was paralyzed, bed-ridden and in terrible pain. Jesus offered to come to the centurion’s residence to heal the servant. However, the centurion’s reply revealed a spiritual dynamic in action which we may often neglect to recognize… a chain of command which recognized Jesus’ authority and rule (Read Matthew 8:5-9).

Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith, and spoke the five powerful words we study today:

“I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world – from east and west – and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites – those for whom the Kingdom was prepared – will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (v.’s 10-13)

Though the officer’s words reveal the dynamic of a heavenly chain of command, Jesus’ words reveal an eternal truth concerning the citizens of heaven, and the proof of each one’s worthiness. Israel was a nation known for the piety of its people. From offering atoning sacrifices, to observing the established feasts, the Hebrew people practiced a religious system designed (by God) to sustain one’s conscience and sensitivity to sin which seeks to entrap each one’s heart.

As early as the beginning of earthly time, man’s struggle with sin has existed. In God’s confrontation with Cane, He stated:

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7)

Jesus magnified the words of the centurion because of the faith he expressed in Jesus. It is faith that provides one the power to ‘rule’ over sin and qualifies one as a legitimate citizen of heaven – not a bloodline pedigree. That’s what Jesus meant when he said there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth for those whom heaven was prepared, yet who rejected Jesus. It is not the bloodline of one’s family or race that guarantees entrance into heaven. It is the blood that was shed on Calvary’s cross which purchased the citizenship into heaven for everyone that believes… everyone that exercises faith in Christ’s atoning work on the cross.

Imagine, a high-ranking Roman official caring for an easily replaced common worker. Matthew’s retelling of the story shows a commander who:

1. Asked Jesus for help. He did not issue a command, but came in humility and an activated faith.

2. Sympathized with his servant’s condition and suffering. He was caring.

3. Articulated his understanding of authority, as a man both under authority and with authority. He recognized Jesus’ authority over a realm in which he had no authority or knowledge.

4. Verbalized his confidence in Christ’s power to heal by simply stating it, and thereby exposing his working faith in the Great Physician.

Jesus was amazed, not at what the centurion said, but by the faith the centurion exhibited. This powerful statement was spoken about a ruling Roman gentile. The Romans were conquerors and rulers, dominating their subjects under strict Roman rule. Another interesting dynamic revealed in the Savior’s words is where Jesus made the statement: IN Israel…  about a gentile’s faith! Jesus had not seen such a resolute faith in ALL of Israel – the nation known as God’s chosen people. Not one of God’s chosen people at that moment possessed faith like that of the centurion: believing faith, active faith, working faith… and sanctifying faith, as the centurion placed his confidence in Jesus’ position, power, and purpose.

The eternal truth we find here is evidenced in Jesus’ acceptance of this soldier. God has always been about blessing all nations, all peoples. “I tell you the truth…” wasn’t just an idiomatic expression by our Lord. No, it was a declaration of an eternal truth - the redeeming grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ is available to anyone: any race, any age, any rank or station of life. To God, it’s always been about faith. Read through Hebrews 11 and discover those who exercised faith in God.

Will you, like the centurion, seek out the One Who will bring your needed healing? Will you consider the reality of believing faith and allow it to become a working faith that is sanctified by the power of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ?

AND, it is faith that gives one the victory needed for those times in life that seem impossible to overcome:

• Problems which seem to take control over one’s life.

• People which seem to control others.

• Practices which seem to entrap one in compulsive behaviors.

Are you up against a struggle that seems impossible to overcome? Is there someone who continually uses you, controls you, and manipulates you for his/her own purposes? Do you find yourself in moments of personal conflict, battling compulsions you know are wrong and destructive? The same faith exercised by the centurion is available to you today. The writer of Hebrews tells us that faith is as close as the mention of Jesus’ name, for He is the source and finisher of one’s faith. (12:1-2) Just as the centurion was convinced in Jesus’ authority to completely reverse his servant’s condition, so each Believer who comes to Jesus by faith is now resourcing a limitless supply of His power, wisdom, and grace to be an overcomer.

The apostle John encouraged the first century church when he wrote: “the One Who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Paul challenged Believers in Corinth with the question, “…do you not realize… that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5) He phrased it just a bit differently to the Galatians when he wrote, “I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ Who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) Each of these statements reveals the dynamic of faith alive in the heart of the writer. Just as the apostles encouraged the early church with these words, so we should recognize the power of Christ in each Believer and encourage each other with these words.

Have a blessed day…

“…I tell you the truth…” Matthew 6:2,5, & 16

ITYTT is found three times in Matthew 6: in verses 2,5,&16. Each time, the phrase is prefaced by the words, “…do not be like the hypocrites…”, and followed by the phrase: “they have their reward in full”. In each case, Jesus chided the Pharisees for their hypocrisy through self-aggrandizement when fulfilling priestly duties: of their pride by publicly announcing when they assisted the poor; of praying in public to elevate their own status in the eyes of their congregation; and of their theatrics while fasting.

Jesus pointed out their flagrant exhibition of feigned philanthropy before others when assisting the poor. This practice was similar to the worldly way ‘benefit’ dances and dinners are done today: recognizing VIP’s who tout their ‘gifts’ before a watching world in the society sections of newspapers, magazines, and even on TV (vv. 2-4)

The Master-Teacher then exposed the pharisees’ ostentatious speech during public prayer. They called attention to themselves through self-righteous flowery repetitions that ran on, ‘ad nauseum’ (vv. 5-8).

Jesus also exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees during times of fasting. The priests would pretend personal suffering, sadness, and hardship. Jesus condemned the falsehood in their religious practice, as it was replicated in the lives of those they led into religiosity (vv. 16-18)

Jesus broke through the guise of pride and pretense to bring people back to truth and personal piety. In so doing, each person has the ability to relate to another’s circumstances more realistically and empathize with another’s unique condition, thus nourishing a more sympathetic response toward others. The ear of God is turned toward the humble, as God resists the proud. (Proverbs 29:23; James 4:6; I Peter 5:5)

God sympathized with our human condition, bringing heaven to earth through the life of Jesus Christ (read Philippians 2:5-8). The gospels provide evidence that Jesus did not seek to call attention to Himself. He even instructed those He healed to tell no one, for His time had not yet come (see John 2:4; 7:6, 30). In the same way, Jesus instructed those on the mountain to perform ministry in private: when giving, to not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing (v.3); when praying, to pray privately in a ‘prayer closet’, as well as refraining from the use of many words (vv. 6-8); and when fasting, to do so in a way which is seen only by God and not to be noticed by others (vv. 16-18).

When contrasting the phrases, “they have their reward in full” (vv. 2,5,&16) with “my time has not yet come” (John 2:4; 7:6), it is easy to see the distinction between the posture of pride by the Pharisees and that of humility modeled by the Savior. In using ITYTT, Jesus taught His listeners to seek eternal rewards, where moth and rust do not destroy (see Matthew 6:19-21). By exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Jesus also revealed the eternal truth that earth’s treasures, rewards, and accolades do not follow us to heaven.

Jesus taught that one’s personal piety should be lived out in a way that does not call attention to oneself. Additionally, Jesus offered a model for others to use in praying. In this model, we find one is able to approach God as a loving Father, offering honor and reverence to His name; expressing the hope of heaven’s impact upon earth; requesting continued sustenance for living; confessing the propensity to sin, while asking for forgiveness of sin, and that it be dispensed in the same measure as one forgives those who are offensive; and requesting deliverance from the influence of evil (vv. 9-13).

Living in such a way as to be seen by the Father in no way removes our mandate to make disciples... Jesus taught both. Many erroneously think our lives, lived out quietly will meet the requirements of The Great Commission. Jesus’ life teaches us otherwise. While we are to be about making disciples – telling others of salvation through Jesus Christ, we are to work out our salvation in a way that is not “showy”. We are to be genuine, personal and transparent with each other and the world. In this way, we are looking to heaven’s eternal reward and joy!

Have a blessed day…

“I tell you the truth…” Matthew 5:26

In His sermon on the mount, the Master-Teacher was revealing both the power and enduring quality of The Law. The power of the law is necessary to expose sin and reign it in, while the enduring quality of The Law – God’s Law – will forever be sustained from heaven, and is, therefore, reliable, accurate, and lasting. Jesus directed those who were listening to control their anger and settle arguments before offering one’s worship to God. (vv. 21-24) By resolving conflict quickly, one is less likely to see it escalate to the point of legal action. Jesus advised:

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ITYTT, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” (vv. 25-26)

There is an eternal truth revealed in His words: peacemaking is both prudent and practical. The prudence in making peace is found in the wisdom of handling one’s God-given emotions in a way that please Him, thus acting as a witness to an unbelieving world. Jesus provided a real-life example of His earlier lesson from The Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (v.9)

Peacemaking, then, like love, is a signature of authentic ‘followship’ of Christ, and therefore, should be a primary focus by the church in our spiritual warfare. When we are able to build bridges and make peace, we are tearing down strongholds of strife, bitterness, and anger. Peacemaking is not a pursuit of weaklings. On the contrary, peacemakers exhibit great strength in their perseverance and ability to de-escalate a volatile situation.

In the church, peacemaking and peacekeeping are ways we exhibit our love to one another and before those who learn from the example of Christ-followers. Jesus provided the ultimate example as Heaven’s Peacemaker:

“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20)

It is through the power of Christ that we are able to overcome those things which seek to separate people and keep people apart. Paul described it this way:

“For He Himself is our peace, Who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”

The peace Christ offers bridges the hostilities between races, classes of people, education level, and between the sexes. Once reconciled to God, we are to be reconciled to each other – pursuing peace through the mutual bonds of love. We are given the same mission Christ fulfilled in His death: we are to become ‘reconcilers’. (Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; 1 Peter 3:10-11)

Peacemaking is practical, too. Jesus described the waste of time and life when one is immobilized through the restraints of prison. The one who pays, pays in two ways: materially, which one may be able to replenish over time; and ‘experientially’, which one is never able to recapture. Jesus shows the value of earthly time… the priceless gift of life which would be wasted by one’s stubborn refusal to seek peace.

We each are blessed with but one life. That life is not guaranteed a length or quality, nevertheless, it is the life given each of us. What we do with that life is our gift to each other and to God.

Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

Have a blessed day…

“I tell you the truth…” Matthew 5:18

PART 2

One of the most common five understandable word phrases spoken by Jesus was, "I tell you the truth" (ITYTT).  The gospel of Matthew records 30 such quotes. Jesus was described by the apostle John as being full of grace and truth; that in Him was life, and that life was the light of men. Jesus even declared Himself to be, “the way, the truth, and the life”. (John 14:6) Truth, obviously, is a huge trait of our Savior which transcends in His teaching. For that reason alone, every means possible should be made to understand each instance Jesus used these words. We cannot have a casual perspective on the matter, thinking it as just a ‘turn of phrase’ or idiom. The Master Teacher used the phrase to call attention to an eternal truth.

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus instructed those who had gathered. After presenting precepts concerning personal disciplines for holiness, He declared that those who practice such disciplines are the salt of the earth and the light of the world whose deeds give praise to God in heaven. (Read Matthew 5:13-16) He then declared: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-20)

What importance should we place in this declaration? First of all, note that Jesus stated His life’s purpose: to fulfill the law and the prophets. He followed this declaration with the five simple words we investigate, ITYTT.  What made the law and prophets so unchangeable? Jesus was the Word made flesh (John 1:14), Who existed with God, The Father and God, The Holy Spirit before the earth was created (Colossians 1:16). The law and prophets were breathed by His inspiration into the hearts and minds of those who recorded each statement, even to the smallest jot and tittle.

Secondly, Jesus exposed two things: the inconsistency of the teachers of the law, who dominated the people’s lives with their corrupt practices; and the inability for anyone to enter heaven by one’s works. Jesus was using the platonian teaching method of extrapolating the end result of an action to reveal that action’s own weakness. The teachers themselves could not even meet their own requirements, which is why Jesus condemned those who break the law and thereby teach others to do the same by their example. Jesus exploits the thought with His statement that one’s righteousness must “exceed that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law” or be disqualified from entry into heaven. (Matthew 5:20) It seemed an impossibility to meet the stipulations given by Jesus concerning one’s works. And it was (!), if through one’s human effort.

Though Jesus had not yet declared Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life, He was preparing the hearts of those he taught for that truth to be exposed at a later time. We know on this side of the cross that our faith in Christ is the sole qualifier allowing us access to heaven and the eternal presence of Christ. Such was not the case in that day… or at least, that’s not how they understood it.

Jesus exposed man’s attempts to live righteously as falling short. This may be difficult for many to swallow. However, as we follow Jesus and embrace His way, we will walk in ways that will prove each one’s devotion as a true disciple: humility, empathy, sympathy, meekness, mercy, purity, peaceableness, perseverance, and a hunger for righteousness. (Matthew 5:3-12) Having established the law and prophets as essential, Jesus then explains the premise for the laws on murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, retribution, and neighborly love. (Matthew 5:21-48) The importance of how Jesus prepared the listeners for these insights is essential in establishing His authority on the law and prophets – as a reliable source for sharing truth. Jesus, the embodiment of truth, conveyed only truth, for in Him is no falsehood. He is not only The Way, He is The Life, and Author of all Truth.

Have a blessed day…

“I tell you the truth…” Matthew 5:18

 In this era of fake news, false reporting of crimes, illusions of propriety abound. It’s getting to the point one can hardly discern between the truth and a lie. Recent events have proven that we as a society are quick to fall for stories fed to us through multiple media outlets. The truth is becoming increasingly more challenging to identify.

Today, we embark upon an interesting study which I hope you will find intriguing and inspiring. We will be investigating the use of a simple five-word phrase used over seventy times in the New Testament, most of which come directly from Jesus’ teaching. The five words we will be searching for are: “I tell you the truth…”. The phrase will be shortened to an abbreviation – ITYTT. I believe, and hope to convey, that each time Jesus used ITYTT, He was not merely exercising some overused, idiomatic expression, rather He was identifying an eternal truth. Therefore, we should take closer notice of each instance our Savior employed these words. The first time we find ITYTT, Jesus is delivering His sermon on the mount. Jesus declared He had not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill ‘them’:  ITYTT, “until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from The Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18, NIV)

This leads us to consider the scope of Jesus’ statement. He first states that He did not come to abolish the law. This remark is profound as it lends validity and authority to the law at that time. To abolish the law would be equivalent to giving up on Israel altogether. It was through Israel, God gave The Ten Commandments to the world. The Law was given to expose man’s sin and rebellion against God, Who threatened to dispense with His people when every person was  doing what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25) Jesus stated that He came to fulfill The Law, meaning that He came to fulfill every letter of the law’s demands requiring atonement for sin. The sin offerings of that day directly reflected Levitical law:

 “The priest shall make atonement for him for the sin which he committed, and he shall be forgiven.” (Leviticus 4:35)

Sin pollutes one’s life mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. From the moment Adam and Eve violated God’s mandate not to eat from the tree of knowledge, sin entered this world, and into man’s nature. The moment sin entered the picture it created a seismic universal impact on God’s creation and upon mankind. Sin became the signature of a fallen race – the human race. However, this event did not take God by surprise, neither was He unprepared to deal with the problem.

Jesus, our High Priest, was, Is, and forever will be our sin offering. Jesus taught His disciples and those who listened to Him in the temple that they would all understand once He had been “lifted up”. He was not shy about His identity being the very Son of God. (Read John 8:12-20) Jesus testified that he always did what pleased the Father (John 8:29), so we must conclude that, quite literally, the wrath of God was satisfied (Romans 5:9). God was pleased to show all the imps of darkness that His provision to redeem the fallen race of man was completely met through Christ, Who was lifted up on a cross to die for the sins of man. (John Piper provided an excellent perspective on this in his November 4, 2014 blog entitled, “Five Truths About the Wrath of God”.)

Why must we recognize ourselves to be sinners? The apostle John again provides us insight into the sin problem of man. In his first letter to Christians throughout the Roman Empire, John explained that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (no evil, no duplicity, no potential to do wrong). Man, however, has inherited the curse of sin. John stated that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. The biggest lies we tend to believe are the lies we tell to our-self. (1 John 1:5-8)

Jesus asserted that as those who walk by faith embrace His teachings, they would know the truth and the truth would set them free. (John 8:31-32) When we embrace the teachings of Christ, we are free from the power… the grip… the hold of sin in our lives. We are truly set free. This is the eternal truth we have been given today: Jesus is our one and only sacrifice. He paid our sin debt, meeting the letter of the law, and restoring us to The Father.

Have a blessed day…

“…the wicked bend their bows…” Psalm 11:2a (NIV)

King David professed his faith in the opening statement, with the words, “In the Lord I take refuge.” (v.1a) The minstrel-ruler then challenges his advisors with the question, “How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain. for look, THE WICKED BEND THEIR BOWS; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.’” (v.2) David was a warrior. He proved his metal by defeating the giant, and showed he was not afraid of a fight. He had done the same with the bear and lion. (Read 1 Samuel 17:34-36)

David knew all too well the tactics of evil people who “shoot from the shadows”. They are cowards who seek the advantage of surprise attack, and who hide their identity to veil their evil deeds. It is still happening in our day. Things haven’t changed when it comes to human nature.

He returns his advisors question with his own question: “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v.3) He answers his own question with the assuring words that follow: “The Lord is in His holy temple; The Lord in on His heavenly throne.” (v.4a) David then describes God observing the righteous with discerning eyessd; while knowing the wickedness of those who love violence, hating their deeds so much that certain judgment will be metered out to them. (Read vv. 5-6)

Perhaps this portion of scripture encouraged Paul to write his letter encouraging the Ephesians to trust God through times of peril or hardship:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:10-18, NIV)

Our God loves justice because He is completely holy and righteous. God breathes into David’s psalm these closing words: “…upright men will see His face.” (v.7) Once again, we find that the heart who kneels before the King of Kings is empowered to stand against the evil of wickedness and violence. It is important to understand that the description is of those who walk by faith, articulate their faith, and walk their talk. Faith without works is dead (Read James 2:14-26), so when one professes to have faith in God, one is resolving to live holy… set apart for God’s purposes. He never promised it was easy, though He did promise to never leave us or forsake us. (Read Matthew 28:16-20)

Take refuge in The Lord; understand the tactics of the wicked; trust God at all times; and anticipate the joy of heaven, when we will see His face!

Have a blessed day!

5 Understandable Words for Today

“…You listen to their cry…” Psalm 10:17c (NIV)

The psalmist depicted the unrighteous as those who prey upon the weakness of others, believing there is no God; and if there was one, he would have forgotten their evil actions, or would cover his face, being too squeamish to look upon them (v.11). The poor are shown crying out to God in faith: “Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.” (v.12)

Many who walk in uprightness may find it difficult to accept that there are those whose minds are bent on evil and actually act in direct opposition to God. The wicked say they do not believe in Him or His Kingdom, yet they demonstrate just the opposite by their anger toward His people and their rejection of His precepts. They have essentially declared war against God, assuming they could never be held accountable for their actions (v.13).

Those who walk by faith, however, live in the confidence of God’s omniscient oversight and lovingkindness. God sees their trouble and grief, and takes it to heart. God is sympathetic to the plight of the poor and abused. Those who have been victims of the wicked often turn to God as their only hope for change, as He is The Helper to the fatherless (v.14).

The psalmist offers a prayer for those victimized by others:

“Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from His land. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, and You listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” (vv.15-18)

If you are in the midst of abuse or calamity of any sort by the hands of evil people, and feel you are hopelessly caught in a cycle of dysfunction and wickedness, perhaps the prayer above will empower you to do everything you can to confront your abusers and seek help. Knowing God is sympathetic to our life circumstances gives us confidence in approaching Him in prayer.

HE LISTENS TO OUR CRIES

5 Understandable Words for Today

“Why do You hide Yourself…” Psalm 10:1b

The psalmist poses this rhetorical question as a premise to expose the actions and attitudes of evil people. Evil people do evil things because they either think they can get away with their schemes or that they will not be held accountable for them if caught. These wicked people are described as:

1.     Arrogant – they openly and doggedly pursue the poor to abuse them. (v.2)

2.     Boastful – they flagrantly and loudly speak of their need to have their desires fulfilled. (v.3a)

3.     Profane – they openly curse and profane God’s name. (vv.3b & 7a)

4.     Egocentric – they have the delusional belief that they are beautiful. (v.4a)

5.     Heathen – they do not believe in God. (v.4b)

6.     Reckless – they do not believe in any accountability to a supreme authority. (vv. 5b, 11, & 13)

7.     Prosperous – they have no moral compass and use deceit and oppression for their selfish gain. (vv. 5 & 7b)

8.     Stealthy – they exercise the element of surprise for the unsuspecting poor, to place them in lives of servitude. (vv. 8-10)

When it comes to evil and those who carry out evil actions, not much has changed. Evil is just as prevalent, and perhaps even more so today, as it was in ancient times. The only difference today may be that evil people disguise their wickedness through sophistication, legalese, and duplicity.

As gangs, druglords, despots, and wicked national leaders abuse the poor and create anarchy among their communities and countries, the words of the psalmist can still be heard in places of worship around the world:

WHY DO YOU HIDE YOURSELF?

People long for a savior, a redeemer, a rescuer to appear and put those abusers out. People look for a day when the wicked will face a just punishment for their misdeeds. Today’s five understandable words are a natural expression by those who seek order, peace, and kindness in the world. This psalm encourages us to cry out to God with all one’s heart, that evil’s long tenure will be abruptly halted and restrained from dominating our societies ever again.

 Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven!

5 Understandable Words for Today

“…do not let man prevail…” Psalm 9:19

There is overcoming power found in the praises of God’s people. It was the shouts of praise that brought down the walls of Jericho, and the songs of praise that brought release to Peter in the Jerusalem jail. Praise is the prelude to victory. As David introduced this psalm with praise, so he anticipates the victory his lifestyle of praise will bring.

After re-articulating his faith that God will not forget the cry of the afflicted (pressed down or persecuted), David prays for God to notice his own affliction by those who hate him (v.13a). He expected God’s deliverance so that he might rejoice with his friends and fellow worshippers over God’s hand of deliverance (v.14). David’s enemies prepared a trap for him which they were ensnared in themselves! David acknowledged God’s intervention and praised Him with the words:

“The Lord has made Himself known; He has executed judgment…” (v.16)

David may have been referring to Absalom’s attempt to remove his father from power. He followed bad advice which God used to bring disaster upon him (read 2 Samuel 17-18).

David then sought to encourage the poor and needy by comparing them to his own plight (v.18). He concluded the psalm with a victory cry:

“Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail;
    let the nations be judged before you!
  Put them in fear, O Lord!
    Let the nations know that they are but men!”  (vv.19-20)

In our time, there are masses of people seeking asylum for entry into our country. There are still evil despots abusing their authority and power, bringing harm and death to countless people around the world. In our prayers, we should remember the plight of those fleeing the madness of oppression. We should also pray for God to arise in judgment against wicked leaders and their cronies… that they would realize they are but men, and will one day stand before God in judgment.

O, Father in Heaven, DO NOT LET MAN PREVAIL in advancing any evil plans to oppress one’s fellow man. Let these despots and wayward leaders fall into their own trap. Reveal their wickedness before the world, that Your Kingdom would come on earth as it is in Heaven.

Like David, keep praising and praying in faith!

5 Understandable Words:

5 Understandable Words:

“Sing praises to the Lord…” Psalm 9:11

It is God, Who sits enthroned forever (v.7), Who avails Himself to every Believer who call on His name (v.10), and Who will never abandon those who do call upon His name. (v.10b) The very same personal Defender is worthy to be praised, both personally and corporately. The psalmist encouraged the reader to sing to God.

Singing is a dynamic exercise which strengthens both the spirit and body. It is an engagement of the mind and body to produce the melodies which stay with us for a lifetime. In producing the tone, one breathes in enough air to sustain a melodic phrase, so as to be uninterrupted in expressing one’s heart and mind to God. The exercise is done with excellence when accomplished with understanding the dynamics of vocal production, cooperative singing, and the message given to the Lord in song.

King David was an “all-in” personality: at the slaying of Goliath; his sin with Bathsheba; his refusal to harm King Saul; and when returning the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. It was all or nothing. God showed through David’s life Heaven’s standard for living: wholeheartedness. And one’s worship should not be void of it. David was not satisfied with one song, he encouraged the reader to sing “praises”… plural.

Have you ever been to a church, sung a hymn or song and felt like your heart was just getting ‘warmed-up’, only to be seated, moving on to another element of the service? David’s humanity provided an advantage in exposing every person’s need for being primed to worship. Our hearts are like the old-fashioned water pumps which needed priming by pouring a small bit of water on the device which pumped the refreshing liquid from the ground. Our minds are linked to our hearts, and worshippers need that priming to draw from the deep reservoir of praise to present their whole heart to God. Like priming the pump, one song of praise primes the pump, so that they become a wellspring of living praise before the Lord!

Singing wasn’t the only thing David directed the reader toward. Those who approach God’s throne in corporate worship are to share their stories… they are to tell each other how the cries of the afflicted were heard. (v.’s 11b-12) I think it is to be a glimpse of Heaven, where we will hear such wonderful stories of God’s marvelous deeds… not just by the forefathers of our faith, but from those we never met. God is writing a story in the lives of each of His saints, and those stories will be told throughout eternity.

Have you shared God’s story in your life lately? It becomes an offering in our worship. Encourage your worship leader to sing PRAISES to the Lord.

To Him Who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb belong glory and honor and strength!

5 Understandable Words for Today

“…The Lord sits enthroned forever…”  Psalm 9:7a

The king of Israel recognized both his finite humanity and God’s infinite deity. David knew his days on this earth were numbered. He also knew The Creator is also Sustainer and King; that one day all will stand before His throne to give an account for their lives. The evil will face their ultimate moment of justice (v.7b), and the entire world will be judged with righteousness which will exhibit God’s standard of all that is good and right. (v.8)

In the world, God is working out His righteousness to those who are oppressed, being their stronghold in times of trouble. (v.9) To those who have placed their trust in Him, He will not abandon, and will be available to those who have established a relationship on a name by name basis. (v.10)

We have a Father Who knows our names… His children run to Him and find security in knowing that though man is able to kill the body, God preserves the souls of the upright and destroys the souls of the wicked. As His children, we would do well to follow David’s example by recognizing God’s infinite deity as we reckon with our own temporal being.

There will come a day when we will stand before God. Those who know Him by name… those who have called upon that name that is above every name will receive the welcome home similar to that of the prodigal son – the Father will see us from afar, run to greet us and welcome us to the home The Son has prepared for us. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

Even so, Lord, quickly come!

5 Understandable Words for Today

“…You have upheld my right…” Psalm 9:4 (NIV)

Horatio Bonar noticed that, “…as the Eighth (psalm) caught-up the last line of the seventh, this ninth psalm opens with an apparent reference to the eighth.” The last line of the eighth psalm reads: “…how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” Continuing in exalting the name above every name, God breathes this psalm to life in the heart and mind of the young warrior with a heart after God: “I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”

David’s praise is personal, poignant and passionate. His statement is a resolution of personal conviction: David committed to praising God with all his heart. This resolve affected his senses so powerfully that it would not do to remain silent about it. He would tell of God’s wondrous works, and the only way to tell others, once one has personally experienced God’s power, is to do so passionately – displaying confidence in one’s own experience.

The motivation behind David’s praise is found in today’s five understandable words. In them we discover God is The Upholder of rights founded on His righteous precepts. I shared forty of those precepts in my book, “Freedom’s Foundation” (©2015). True freedom protects the liberties of those living under its banner. Thus, one’s rights ensure the freedom to live out one’s purpose or cause in life, especially when expended on God’s Kingdom. David had been keenly aware of his life’s purpose from a young age when Samuel anointed him as Israel’s future king. (1 Sa. 16:1-13)

As king, David offered unfettered praise to His deliverer and shield. This song seems to overflow with thanksgiving and delight: “I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You. I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” It is obvious that David’s praise is for God, not the works. Oftentimes, God’s creation motivates man to worship the creation rather than the Creator. In the same way, one may often dwell on God’s wondrous accomplishments than upon Him.

David did recount his own historical record (2 Samuel 16-21) of God’s power to establish those He has chosen:

·       “My enemies stumble and perish before You…” He may have been referring to his own son’s death. It was Absalom whose schemed to overthrow his own father and ended up paying for it with his life.

·       “You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked…” The tribes of Israel that had joined Absalom were rebuked and order was restored to all of Israel.

·       “…You have blotted out their name for ever…” This could be a reference to the fact that Absalom had no children, no male heirs to carry on his name. This was seen as a judgment against him. He was buried in a tomb he had constructed for himself. It is located between The Garden of Gethsemane and Bethlehem. (2 Sa. 18:18)

·       “Endless ruin has overtaken the enemy, You have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished.” It is unclear if David is referring to the tribes overthrown to gain control of The Promised Land or of other tribes which were defeated in David’s reign. Either way, David is pointing to the hand of God as his Deliverer.

David is practicing one of the best ways to systematically offer praise to God: by counting one’s blessings! For David, it was through God’s hand of intervention offering physical protection and miraculous moments giving David an advantage or way escape from his enemies. For us today we are able to utilize this same approach of counting our blessings. It may be God has saved you from the threat of disease, or a car accident, or financial ruin, or any number of calamities known to man. As you reflect on God’s hand of provision, protection, and providential care, let praise well up from within you and offer God praise with ALL your heart. Half hearted praise ends up falling flat, never reaching the altar of sacrifice. Offer the sacrifice of praise with a whole heart, fully abandoned to exalting The One Who is worthy to be praised!

John 3:30