The Voice Crying in the Wilderness
John 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
2000 years ago there came one John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea. He preached saying, ‘Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:1-2 paraphrased)
( Are you preaching in the wilderness the world calls civilization? Does your mind run continually to the thought that lost souls will be eternally separated from the love of God? Is your heart breaking for loved ones and friends who will not hear the message of salvation? )
John had a job to do. He was to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight his path. (Matthew 3:3 paraphrase)
(Isn’t that the job of every Christian today? Aren’t we supposed to point others to Jesus Christ?)
John was the first prophet Israel had had in hundreds of years. He was the last prophet the world will see until the time of the tribulations when the two witnesses will come.
John preached the Word of God with power and humility. Preaching the gospel was more important to John than his appearance or his food. He wore camel skins and a leather girdle. That was probably out of fashion even in those days. His food doesn’t sound good either. I don’t mind ‘wild honey’, but locusts??? John was single minded. His purpose in life above everything else was to do God’s will.
(What is your purpose in life? Your purpose in life is also to do the will of God who created you. If you don’t know what that is - I’ll give you some ideas. First - be saved. Study the Bible so you don’t remain a baby Christian. (By the way - those who remain baby Christians turn into useless brats.) Then actually apply God’s rules to your personal actions. Whatever you do must always be within the boundaries of behavior that is acceptable according to the word of God. God doesn’t make exceptions. THEN - follow your heart. When your heart is obedient to God - God puts the right dreams and desires in your heart. I am sure that John WANTED to preach. You know - it really isn’t much of a sacrifice for us to do something we want to do with all our hearts anyway. )
John’s success is recorded in the Bible. Jesus says, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (John was the greatest on earth - but in heaven the least is greater than John was as a mortal man.)
That’s interesting. John - the one called to make straight the way of the Lord was greatest.
Moses - the mighty prophet who led the children of Israel out of Egypt was ‘very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)
Abraham - father of Israel - was called the friend of God. (James 2:23)
Daniel - was a man ‘greatly beloved’. (Daniel 10:19)
(What title would God give to you today - if He were describing you to those around you?)
Moses, Abraham, and Daniel were obviously great, but we have to wonder what made John the greatest? He certainly had a shorter career than Moses, Abraham, and Daniel. I am guessing that it was just something in John’s heart that only God could accurately measure.
(Only God can accurately measure what is in your heart.)
It is often thought that John - the voice crying in the wilderness - had few listeners. After all, he was preaching in the middle of nowhere. It almost seems like he was shouting into the winds of the wilderness. Who would be there to hear John? A few shepherds or travelers? The truth is a lot of people heard John preach.
Matthew 3:5 says, “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan.” It sounds like John had a huge listening audience.
Verse six tells us that “they were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Still, John is called the voice crying in the wilderness. Could it be that many of these repented with their minds, but they did not repent with their hearts.
This is very important today. Christians tend to measure church growth by numbers. Mega churches are supposedly the churches doing the best job of spreading the gospel. The Christian with the most perfect church attendance record is the most spiritual Christian. This is not the standard by which God measures holiness in the individual, or in the church.
(How would God measure the holiness of your heart? Are you one who takes to heart what your ears hear and your eyes see? Or are you one who is outwardly acceptable as a Christian - but inwardly - your heart is far from God?)
John said, “I am not the Christ, but I am sent before him.” John did not fall into the sin of Satan. He didn’t decide that HE (John) could do a better job than Jesus. Even though great crowds followed John, he didn’t fall in love with his fame. Instead he said, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ (John 3:30)
(Do you love your fame or recognition more than you love Jesus? Can you set aside your own career if it will allow Jesus to increase?)
John was able to say that his joy was fulfilled because of the joy of Jesus Christ. John 3:29 says, ‘He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegoom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.’ John’s joy was in the voice of the bridegroom (Jesus). I suppose John didn’t even care what the bridegroom said. Just hearing His voice was enough to give John joy.
(Do you find joy in the voice of the bridegroom? Or do you only find joy in His voice when He says what your itching ears want to hear?)
John’s job was to prepare the way of the Lord. He did a good job, but John was still a human being just like we are. Given John’s clothing and diet, we can guess that he wasn’t a wealthy man. Yet he was highly respected by many disciples. He was a busy man. You can’t prepare the way of the Lord by preaching just three times a week. Then suddenly John was thrown into prison. He had time to think over the events of his life. He needed reassurance that he had not spent his life in vain. In prison, John heard the about the works of Jesus. He sent two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus, ‘Art thou he that should come, or de we look for another?”
Jesus reassured John by telling the disciples, ‘Go again and shew John those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleanses, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” (Matthew 11:4-5)
If Jesus had answered, ‘YES - I am HE!’ it would have only provided an answer. Jesus provided evidence that was the Messiah.
(How often do you wait for a ‘word’ from the Lord? Or a ‘sign’ that He is indeed the Messiah? Or that He is with you? You have all the signs you need in the record of Jesus’ life given to us in the Bible. Study the signs Christ ALREADY gave us in the Bible. We have evidence that Jesus is who He said He is, and that He will fulfill all His promises.)
Something very important that we can all learn from John’s life is that he never gave up. He is called the voice crying in the wilderness. Do you ever feel like YOU are just a voice crying in the wilderness, and no one is really listening? Maybe you are a preacher preaching to a huge congregation, but you still feel like no one is taking the gospel message to heart. No matter who you are or to how many people you tell the gospel story, the truth is that most people aren’t listening with their hearts. But two things are really important here. John’s main concern was to do what he was called to do. Because John did do what he was called to do, SOME heard the message with their hearts.
(Is your main concern to do what you are called to do? Or do you care more about the outward results of what you are doing? The end result of the individual believer preaching the gospel is up to Jesus and the hearts of men. To change the gospel message to anything less than the Bible teaches - is to trade real and eternal success for the mere appearance of success today.)
John’s success as an evangelist could be questioned by those looking at numbers as an indication of a successful ministry. We already covered that John really did preach to a lot of people. He was well known - even in the palace. But what about his lasting legacy? He is mentioned in the Bible, but not a lot is said about him. He didn’t personally write any of the books of the New Testament. We know that two of his disciples left John to follow Jesus. John 1: 35-37 tells us ‘again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.’
I can see John telling these two - ‘LOOK - there He is - the One for whom we have been watching - the One you seek. And then shooing them down the road after Jesus.
One of the disciples is named Andrew - who became one of the twelve apostles. I know John rejoiced to have been a part of sending two disciples to Jesus - sort of like his personal gift to the King. It would have been human nature for John to be a little sad at the same time; because when the two disciples followed Jesus, John was left behind.
From this we know that John trained at least one of the twelve chosen by Jesus. It is very possible that John trained some of the rest of them - maybe even all twelve heard John preach. Andrew is named, so it is certain that he was from the teachings of John the Baptist.
So - the voice crying in the wilderness trained (at least) one who became one of the twelve apostles. From the apostles, the gospel was spread. And, here we stand as Christians today.
At times, every Christian will feel like a voice crying in the wilderness. It seems the gospel is fighting with the wind, and that it never even reaches the ears of the people we want to hear it. Sometimes we are left behind when our students or piers go on to what may appear as greater success or fame.
John continued preaching as long as he could - even though he was a voice crying in the wilderness. We should do the same thing.
John had results that will reach into eternity. So will all those who do the will of God above their own will. If we ‘cast our bread upon the water’ it won’t return empty. We may not always see the results, but good works done by faith bring good results.
Years ago my brother Dane worked on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Mexico. The captain was an alcoholic drug addict. Because of working conditions, it was a very dangerous job. My brother left the job after an incident where he almost drowned because no one on the boat was sober enough to throw him the flotation ring. Before he left, he gave the captain a Bible - thinking it was a waste of money. About five years later he ran into the captain in Houston. He tried to avoid him - but the captain chased him down. Dane was surprised to hear the captian say - “I got saved because of the Bible you gave me!” Then he told Dane about how wonderful his life as a Christian was - and how wonderful being clean and sober was as well.
Now, the captain was saved and living a life for Jesus long before Dane heard about it. Dane could have lived the rest of his life and never heard about the captain’s life changing experience with Jesus. I think God let Dane know about it that day just to cheer Dane up.
India is a land of idol worshipers. But the number of Christians there are growing daily - in spite of persecution. This is due to missionary efforts - but those efforts began many years ago. The early missionaries probably felt like voices crying in the wilderness, but they laid the ground work for the successes of today.
South Korea has a Christian population that is growing by leaps and bounds. Even more amazing is the number of missionaries sent out by South Korea. The United States sends out the most missionaries of any country. But South Korea sends out the second most!!! The early missionaries to South Korea probably never dreamed of this kind of success. But they were necessary to plant the seeds for this kind of growth.
Our job is to speak the truth of Jesus Christ with grace and humility. The power of the gospel is what speaks to the hearts of people. We have no control over any one’s heart but our own. If we feel as though no one is listening, we are to speak up anyway. Truthfully, the devil can duplicate any feeling. The ‘feeling that no one is listening’ is just that - a feeling. We don’t know how many ARE listening. We don’t know how many who receive Christ will carry on the work of spreading the gospel. We can only know if we are obedient to live by the rules God has given us.
I think there was no greater than John the Baptist because he more fully gave his heart and mind over to God. That is the standard by which should judge ourselves. Am I more fully surrendered to Christ today than I was yesterday? Am I more obedient to His teachings than I was yesterday? Have I even studied the Bible enough to know what God’s rules are? Do I know enough to spot false teachers? Am I doing what God asked me to do today? Am I more thankful today than I was yesterday? Will I do what God asks of me even when I don’t see the relevance of it?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to questions like these, then you are living a successful Christian life. What God does with your obedience is up to Him.
When eternity comes, you will not be sorry that you weren’t as great as John the Baptist, or Moses, or Daniel, or any other great leader. You will be sorry that you weren’t the greatest and best that YOU could have been.
The song for this article is ‘Have Thine Own Way’. If you allow Jesus to have His way in your life, you will be the best you can be.
Thanks for reading my article. God bless you.
Barbara Henderson
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http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/t/hthineow.htm (Have Thine Own Way)
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.
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Another really good theme song for this article is “His Way With Thee’
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/i/hiswaywt.htm
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Are You Looking for an Escape from Your Burdens?
Refuge
The lost die as fools, without entering into the refuge of Jesus Christ. Many Christians LIVE as fools, without accepting the refuge available to them in Jesus Christ.
In the Bible time of Joshua, we are told of six cities of refuge. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary gives the names and interpretations of these cities as:
Kedesh - signifies holy and our Refuge is the holy Jesus.
Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon His shoulder.
Hebron - fellowship, and the believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bezer - a fortification, for He is a strong hold to all those that trust in Him.
Ramoth - high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with His own right hand.
Golon - joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified and shall glory.
These cities were places of refuge for someone who had unintentionally caused the death of someone else. The cities were positioned so one city could be reached in less than a day’s journey from any part of the land. Matthew Henry’s commentary says that once inside the city, a trial was held and if acquitted - the man’s life was saved. However, the man must live inside the city until the death of the high priest. Of course, this reminds us of Jesus Christ, the High Priest who died that we might go free.
The Bible tells of a man named Abner. At one time, Abner had killed Asahel, the brother of Joab, a leader of David’s armies. Abner set out to form a confederation with David, and then left to go to the city of refuge Hebron.
Joab had not forgiven Abner for killing his brother Asahel, and set out after Abner. The Bible says, ‘And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother (II Sam. 3:27).
Read the whole chapter for the whole story. I am skipping ahead to verse 33-34 which says, ‘And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor they feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.’
Abner behaved foolishly in that he tarried at the gate of refuge rather than entering in quickly while there was yet time. In this, he lost his own life and brought sorrow to those who loved him and his country as well. Today, any lost soul who understands that the way to everlasting life is through Jesus Christ - and yet tarries in deciding to enter into the safety of Jesus Christ - is risking dying as a fool.
Those who are born again have obtained an eternal refuge in Jesus Christ; but while we remain in the flesh, we have trials. In these trials we can find rest in safety in Jesus Christ in whom we find all the things found in the cities of refuge of the Old Testament.
Kedesh - signifies holy and our Refuge is the holy Jesus. In Christ we are innocent. I John 1:9 says, ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’
Although a Christian is born again, the flesh is still sinful. Sin will enter into the life of every believer. Sins, no matter how small, need forgiveness, which can only come from Jesus Christ. Many Christians spend their time worrying over the sins of the world, and the sins of the unsaved, believing their own sins are too small to cause them any grief. This is wrong. II Corinthians 10:12 tells us, ‘For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Verse 18 says, ‘for not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.’
Shechem - a shoulder, and the government is upon His shoulder. Isaiah 9:6 tells us, ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ I find this very comforting today, as we watch governments around the world falter and act foolishly and maliciously against the children of Israel, and Christians. We are helpless to stop the tide of evil decisions and policies spewing from leaders around the world. Yet, this burden is not on our shoulders. Jesus Christ bears the burden of government for us on His own shoulders. Today is the day to take these burdens to Jesus Himself. Christians must always take care to avoid making the Gospel of Jesus Christ a mere social gospel. That is like trying to make a diamond necklace from lumps of coal.
Hebron - fellowship, and the believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. I Corinthians 1:9 says, ‘God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord.’
We not only have fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord, but we also have fellowship with the brethren. I John 1:7 says, ‘But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’
Bezer - a fortification, for He is a strong hold to all those that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 says, ‘the LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and knoweth them that rust in him.’
We can say that Jesus Christ is undoubtedly THE Strong Hold that will never fall. This cannot be said of any strong hold on earth. There is no nation or city that cannot be breached by the enemy. History is full of strong cities and kingdoms that fell. Notably, in the days of Daniel the great prophet, Babylon fell in one day.
Ramoth - high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with His own right hand. Acts 5:30-31 says, ‘the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath god exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.’
Webster’s online dictionary defines ‘exalt’ as:
1. to raise in rank, power, or character.
The rank, power, and character of Jesus Christ is high above all that we can understand.
2. to elevate by praise or in estimation - to glorify.
3. to raise high - to elevate.
4. to enhance the activity of - to intensify.
Praising God stirs God to act on our behalf.
Golon - joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified and shall glory. Titus 3:7 says, ‘That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.’
Romans 8:17 says, ‘And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together.’
Abner died as a fool because he did not enter into the city while he had the chance. If you are not saved, you are risking dying as a fool. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. (Acts 16:31. Romans 10:9)
I know that most people reading this are saved, so the thing to consider is this,
‘ARE YOU LIVING AS A FOOL?’
Have you entered into eternal life through the door of Jesus Christ, only to spend your life starving for the good things of God? Consider again the cities of refuge and how these refuges are available to each believer in Jesus Christ.
Kedesh Christians will hang onto their own sins instead of confessing sins and turning from them. This will withhold blessings from the sinner and their family and their country and the world. If God shows you a sin in your life, turn from it. Repent. Don’t let it keep you from resting in the refuge of Jesus Christ. Don’t let your sins bring hurt to your families. In holding onto sin, the Christian is choosing to eat the bread of bitterness and sorrow. Remember, there is no sin so small that it does not require repentance.
Schechem Jesus Christ bears the burden of government on His shoulder. Dear Christian, this means:
He is the governor of your life. He is the Righteous Governor. Be careful to be obedient in all the teachings of Christ. Love one another as He loved you. Forgive one another as Christ forgave you.
He is the governor of your home. Your house should be run as though the Lord were with you in the flesh all the time. I cannot say this strongly enough - the way you treat your family is the way you really are. If you are ‘mister or miss’ congeniality at work and church, but you are a terrifying ogre or tyrant at home, then in reality, you are just an ogre or tyrant. Our Blessed Governor will enable us to love our families as He loves them. If you find yourself on the grumpy or demanding side to often, confess this behavior as sin. Jesus will help you to treat your family the way He wants them treated.
The burden of government in your nation is on Jesus Christ. You can do what the law allows to promote godly government. You can try to elect godly leaders. But the burden of the outcome is on Jesus Christ. Do not let a social gospel replace Jesus Christ. Don’t let the sins of the world distract you from watching for sin in your own life.
Hebron Are you willing to walk in the light of Jesus Christ? Or are you stuck living in the shadows? In the shadows, you will be ruled by relics from your past and fears for your future. Turn from these sins and repent.
Bezer Do you run to Jesus in the time of storm - or do you sink beneath the waves? Actually, our whole lives are spent either walking on water or sinking into despair. Are you willing to take your eyes off the trouble your face and focus on Jesus?
Ramoth Have you exalted Jesus to be the Lord over all of your life? Or are you still holding on to power here and there? Jesus Christ really IS your boss. He may put you under authority or obligation to family, church, and work, but He is still the top authority in your life. Live to please Him. That is ultimately the best way to do right by those who depend on you.
Golon Do you see Joy in your future as a joint heir with Jesus Christ? Or are you too busy trying to find complete satisfaction in your life right now? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of god, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matthew 6:33)
The song for this article is ‘A Shelter in the Time of Storm’.
Thank you for reading my article. God bless you.
Barbara Henderson
Asked God to help you:
Be thankful
Repent
Believe Him more
And answer you prayers.
-------------
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/h/sheltime.htm
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
The lost die as fools, without entering into the refuge of Jesus Christ. Many Christians LIVE as fools, without accepting the refuge available to them in Jesus Christ.
In the Bible time of Joshua, we are told of six cities of refuge. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary gives the names and interpretations of these cities as:
Kedesh - signifies holy and our Refuge is the holy Jesus.
Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon His shoulder.
Hebron - fellowship, and the believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bezer - a fortification, for He is a strong hold to all those that trust in Him.
Ramoth - high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with His own right hand.
Golon - joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified and shall glory.
These cities were places of refuge for someone who had unintentionally caused the death of someone else. The cities were positioned so one city could be reached in less than a day’s journey from any part of the land. Matthew Henry’s commentary says that once inside the city, a trial was held and if acquitted - the man’s life was saved. However, the man must live inside the city until the death of the high priest. Of course, this reminds us of Jesus Christ, the High Priest who died that we might go free.
The Bible tells of a man named Abner. At one time, Abner had killed Asahel, the brother of Joab, a leader of David’s armies. Abner set out to form a confederation with David, and then left to go to the city of refuge Hebron.
Joab had not forgiven Abner for killing his brother Asahel, and set out after Abner. The Bible says, ‘And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother (II Sam. 3:27).
Read the whole chapter for the whole story. I am skipping ahead to verse 33-34 which says, ‘And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor they feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.’
Abner behaved foolishly in that he tarried at the gate of refuge rather than entering in quickly while there was yet time. In this, he lost his own life and brought sorrow to those who loved him and his country as well. Today, any lost soul who understands that the way to everlasting life is through Jesus Christ - and yet tarries in deciding to enter into the safety of Jesus Christ - is risking dying as a fool.
Those who are born again have obtained an eternal refuge in Jesus Christ; but while we remain in the flesh, we have trials. In these trials we can find rest in safety in Jesus Christ in whom we find all the things found in the cities of refuge of the Old Testament.
Kedesh - signifies holy and our Refuge is the holy Jesus. In Christ we are innocent. I John 1:9 says, ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’
Although a Christian is born again, the flesh is still sinful. Sin will enter into the life of every believer. Sins, no matter how small, need forgiveness, which can only come from Jesus Christ. Many Christians spend their time worrying over the sins of the world, and the sins of the unsaved, believing their own sins are too small to cause them any grief. This is wrong. II Corinthians 10:12 tells us, ‘For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Verse 18 says, ‘for not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.’
Shechem - a shoulder, and the government is upon His shoulder. Isaiah 9:6 tells us, ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ I find this very comforting today, as we watch governments around the world falter and act foolishly and maliciously against the children of Israel, and Christians. We are helpless to stop the tide of evil decisions and policies spewing from leaders around the world. Yet, this burden is not on our shoulders. Jesus Christ bears the burden of government for us on His own shoulders. Today is the day to take these burdens to Jesus Himself. Christians must always take care to avoid making the Gospel of Jesus Christ a mere social gospel. That is like trying to make a diamond necklace from lumps of coal.
Hebron - fellowship, and the believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. I Corinthians 1:9 says, ‘God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord.’
We not only have fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord, but we also have fellowship with the brethren. I John 1:7 says, ‘But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’
Bezer - a fortification, for He is a strong hold to all those that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 says, ‘the LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and knoweth them that rust in him.’
We can say that Jesus Christ is undoubtedly THE Strong Hold that will never fall. This cannot be said of any strong hold on earth. There is no nation or city that cannot be breached by the enemy. History is full of strong cities and kingdoms that fell. Notably, in the days of Daniel the great prophet, Babylon fell in one day.
Ramoth - high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with His own right hand. Acts 5:30-31 says, ‘the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath god exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.’
Webster’s online dictionary defines ‘exalt’ as:
1. to raise in rank, power, or character.
The rank, power, and character of Jesus Christ is high above all that we can understand.
2. to elevate by praise or in estimation - to glorify.
3. to raise high - to elevate.
4. to enhance the activity of - to intensify.
Praising God stirs God to act on our behalf.
Golon - joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified and shall glory. Titus 3:7 says, ‘That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.’
Romans 8:17 says, ‘And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together.’
Abner died as a fool because he did not enter into the city while he had the chance. If you are not saved, you are risking dying as a fool. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. (Acts 16:31. Romans 10:9)
I know that most people reading this are saved, so the thing to consider is this,
‘ARE YOU LIVING AS A FOOL?’
Have you entered into eternal life through the door of Jesus Christ, only to spend your life starving for the good things of God? Consider again the cities of refuge and how these refuges are available to each believer in Jesus Christ.
Kedesh Christians will hang onto their own sins instead of confessing sins and turning from them. This will withhold blessings from the sinner and their family and their country and the world. If God shows you a sin in your life, turn from it. Repent. Don’t let it keep you from resting in the refuge of Jesus Christ. Don’t let your sins bring hurt to your families. In holding onto sin, the Christian is choosing to eat the bread of bitterness and sorrow. Remember, there is no sin so small that it does not require repentance.
Schechem Jesus Christ bears the burden of government on His shoulder. Dear Christian, this means:
He is the governor of your life. He is the Righteous Governor. Be careful to be obedient in all the teachings of Christ. Love one another as He loved you. Forgive one another as Christ forgave you.
He is the governor of your home. Your house should be run as though the Lord were with you in the flesh all the time. I cannot say this strongly enough - the way you treat your family is the way you really are. If you are ‘mister or miss’ congeniality at work and church, but you are a terrifying ogre or tyrant at home, then in reality, you are just an ogre or tyrant. Our Blessed Governor will enable us to love our families as He loves them. If you find yourself on the grumpy or demanding side to often, confess this behavior as sin. Jesus will help you to treat your family the way He wants them treated.
The burden of government in your nation is on Jesus Christ. You can do what the law allows to promote godly government. You can try to elect godly leaders. But the burden of the outcome is on Jesus Christ. Do not let a social gospel replace Jesus Christ. Don’t let the sins of the world distract you from watching for sin in your own life.
Hebron Are you willing to walk in the light of Jesus Christ? Or are you stuck living in the shadows? In the shadows, you will be ruled by relics from your past and fears for your future. Turn from these sins and repent.
Bezer Do you run to Jesus in the time of storm - or do you sink beneath the waves? Actually, our whole lives are spent either walking on water or sinking into despair. Are you willing to take your eyes off the trouble your face and focus on Jesus?
Ramoth Have you exalted Jesus to be the Lord over all of your life? Or are you still holding on to power here and there? Jesus Christ really IS your boss. He may put you under authority or obligation to family, church, and work, but He is still the top authority in your life. Live to please Him. That is ultimately the best way to do right by those who depend on you.
Golon Do you see Joy in your future as a joint heir with Jesus Christ? Or are you too busy trying to find complete satisfaction in your life right now? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of god, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matthew 6:33)
The song for this article is ‘A Shelter in the Time of Storm’.
Thank you for reading my article. God bless you.
Barbara Henderson
Asked God to help you:
Be thankful
Repent
Believe Him more
And answer you prayers.
-------------
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/h/sheltime.htm
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
Monday, August 31, 2009
What does the phrase 'the day after...' bring to your mind?
The Day After............
When you hear the phrase ‘The Day After.......’ what comes to your mind?
Perhaps you think of Japan ‘the day after’ the atomic bomb. Maybe you think of the horror, sorrow, despair, and fear those people felt the day after. Or maybe you think of the thankfulness the allied soldiers must have felt the day after - not because of the defeat of the Japanese - but because they would not be required to take the island by conventional military means. After all - the soldiers knew that an estimated One Million Casualties would be required to take that island. My dad was a very young country boy stationed in the Pacific Theater of that war. He thanked God for his life the day after.
Perhaps you think of something more recent like ‘the day after’ hurricane Katrina. What a disaster that was. People survived the hurricane only to face the flooding caused by the breaking of the levees.
Or do you think of ‘the day after’ something more personal? Maybe you think of the day after you lost a job; or the day after your house burned down; or the day after a loved one died.
All these things will fade away and be remembered no more by anyone. But there is a ‘Day After’ that will be remembered for eternity. That is the day after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just think about it.
When Jesus came, the world was dwelling in sorrow except for a few of the elite. Rome ruled the world through conquest and slavery. They had compassion on no one, and no love for their fellow man.
Into this bleak world came Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world.
He taught that we should love one another the way He loved us.
He taught that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
He healed the sick.
He fed the hungry.
He had compassion on the multitudes.
He went out of His way to seek the woman at the well.
He even raised the dead.
He stopped what He was doing to provide for the needs of others.
And then - He died. I say He died instead of He was murdered because Jesus said: “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.’ (John 10:17-18)
The day Jesus died - His followers watched their hopes and dreams die on a Roman cross as Jesus died. When Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30) - His followers must have thought, “He got that right - it is finished - everything is finished.
They faced the day after the death of the Savior. Who can comprehend the terror, sorrow, and despair the followers of Jesus felt the day after the crucifixion? And the people lived in this world of despair for three days. Then Jesus rose from the dead. The world was changed in an instant.
What an emotional roller coaster ride that must have been.
First - the world was filled with hope because Jesus was walking among them.
Then the world was filled with despair because all hope had died at the cross.
Then there was an empty tomb.
Then Jesus showed Himself to people.
Then ‘and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” (Matthew 27:52-53)
Can you imagine how the people felt the day after all that happened?
Were some just numb - sitting and staring - trying to comprehend what had happened?
Were some filled with joy, singing, and shouting?
Were some like Thomas - filled with disbelief until they saw Jesus for themselves?
Were some angry that He rose up from the dead? After all - they killed Him once - that ought to be enough for anybody.
Did anyone fully understand that the age of the gentiles had come?
The followers of Jesus began to regroup. They had seen enough to kindle a fire in their hearts that would not be quenched. So great was their faith that it is still burning brightly 2000 years later. The early believers faced ‘The Day After’ and went forward to change the world forever.
Two thousand years later:
YOU enter onto the scene.
YOU have been saved.
YOU have become a Christian.
YOU have been baptized.
YOU have committed your life to following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
YOU have the complete Bible to read and learn from.
YOU have the examples given to you in the Bible on how to live a life pleasing to Christ.
But what about ‘The Day After’ YOU became a Christian?
Have you changed anything in your life to show the world you are a Christian?
Is Jesus pleased with what is in your heart today - or is it still filled with the same things it was filled with when you first met Christ?
Dear Christian, we all need to remember that there will be other ‘days after’.
There will be ‘the day after’ the rapture of the church. Some of our friends and loved ones really will be left behind to face the wrath to come.
There will be ‘the day after’ Armageddon - the day the blood in the valley will run so deep that it will reach the bridles on the horses.
There will be ‘the day after’ the final judgment - when the lost will be forever separated from the love of God.
There will be ‘the day after’ eternity begins.
There will be ‘the day after’ ‘the Lord Himself shall wipe away all tears from off all faces’.
What is there to be done today - that will bring about better ‘days after’?
What can YOU do to help others understand that through Jesus Christ they can escape the wrath to come?
What can YOU do to help someone understand that they need not die in the Valley of Armageddon - but can instead live a victorious life in Jesus Christ?
What can YOU do to help someone understand that he or she can escape the judgment to come by accepting the mercy offered by Jesus?
What can YOU do to help someone in despair today gain a glimpse of the place Jesus is preparing for those who love Him right now?
And finally - there will be ‘a day after’ the giving of rewards to believers. Will you have rewards? This is not a call to go out on your own and ‘win souls for Christ’. This is a call to seek God’s will - and then step out in faith and do what God asks of you. The first thing He asks of you is to be saved. Then He asks that you change your behavior to be more like Him. You can do this through faith that God will help you change the things in your life that are bothering Him. If you are proud - He will help you learn humility. If you are foolish - God will give you wisdom. If you are weak - God will give you strength. If you do not love your brothers - God will give you love for them. If you cannot forgive - God will enable you to forgive. In becoming more like Christ - you will lead others to Him.
Then - on the day after rewards are given to believers in heaven - you will have rewards. ‘The Day After’ time ends and eternity begins - your joy will be full.
To plan ahead for that day requires action right now. The early followers of Jesus changed their lives to be more like Him. In doing this - they changed the world. On ‘The Day After’ the resurrection of Jesus Christ - the first Christians realized they were not following cunningly devised fables - but that they were following the Living God.
You and I are in the same position. We are not following cunningly devised fables either. We are following the same Living God that the first believers followed after Jesus walked out of that tomb. How is it then that our lives often do not reflect our God - but rather reflect the world and a mere social gospel?
It is time for true Christians to GROW UP! If we really ARE Christians this is the day to start acting like we are what we say we are.
This is a good day to say, THIS is ‘the day after’ my old life. Through the help of God - I will change the old ways of my life to new ways that please God and show the love of God to others.
The song for this article is “I Am Resolved” (I am resolved no longer to linger charmed by the world’s delight)
This is a great old hymn of the faith. It is easy to memorize - check it out and listen to it.
God bless you. Thank you for reading my article.
Barbara Henderson
-------------------------
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/a/iamresol.htm
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
Refrain
I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.
Refrain
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
Refrain
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
Refrain
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Refrain
When you hear the phrase ‘The Day After.......’ what comes to your mind?
Perhaps you think of Japan ‘the day after’ the atomic bomb. Maybe you think of the horror, sorrow, despair, and fear those people felt the day after. Or maybe you think of the thankfulness the allied soldiers must have felt the day after - not because of the defeat of the Japanese - but because they would not be required to take the island by conventional military means. After all - the soldiers knew that an estimated One Million Casualties would be required to take that island. My dad was a very young country boy stationed in the Pacific Theater of that war. He thanked God for his life the day after.
Perhaps you think of something more recent like ‘the day after’ hurricane Katrina. What a disaster that was. People survived the hurricane only to face the flooding caused by the breaking of the levees.
Or do you think of ‘the day after’ something more personal? Maybe you think of the day after you lost a job; or the day after your house burned down; or the day after a loved one died.
All these things will fade away and be remembered no more by anyone. But there is a ‘Day After’ that will be remembered for eternity. That is the day after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just think about it.
When Jesus came, the world was dwelling in sorrow except for a few of the elite. Rome ruled the world through conquest and slavery. They had compassion on no one, and no love for their fellow man.
Into this bleak world came Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world.
He taught that we should love one another the way He loved us.
He taught that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
He healed the sick.
He fed the hungry.
He had compassion on the multitudes.
He went out of His way to seek the woman at the well.
He even raised the dead.
He stopped what He was doing to provide for the needs of others.
And then - He died. I say He died instead of He was murdered because Jesus said: “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.’ (John 10:17-18)
The day Jesus died - His followers watched their hopes and dreams die on a Roman cross as Jesus died. When Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30) - His followers must have thought, “He got that right - it is finished - everything is finished.
They faced the day after the death of the Savior. Who can comprehend the terror, sorrow, and despair the followers of Jesus felt the day after the crucifixion? And the people lived in this world of despair for three days. Then Jesus rose from the dead. The world was changed in an instant.
What an emotional roller coaster ride that must have been.
First - the world was filled with hope because Jesus was walking among them.
Then the world was filled with despair because all hope had died at the cross.
Then there was an empty tomb.
Then Jesus showed Himself to people.
Then ‘and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” (Matthew 27:52-53)
Can you imagine how the people felt the day after all that happened?
Were some just numb - sitting and staring - trying to comprehend what had happened?
Were some filled with joy, singing, and shouting?
Were some like Thomas - filled with disbelief until they saw Jesus for themselves?
Were some angry that He rose up from the dead? After all - they killed Him once - that ought to be enough for anybody.
Did anyone fully understand that the age of the gentiles had come?
The followers of Jesus began to regroup. They had seen enough to kindle a fire in their hearts that would not be quenched. So great was their faith that it is still burning brightly 2000 years later. The early believers faced ‘The Day After’ and went forward to change the world forever.
Two thousand years later:
YOU enter onto the scene.
YOU have been saved.
YOU have become a Christian.
YOU have been baptized.
YOU have committed your life to following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
YOU have the complete Bible to read and learn from.
YOU have the examples given to you in the Bible on how to live a life pleasing to Christ.
But what about ‘The Day After’ YOU became a Christian?
Have you changed anything in your life to show the world you are a Christian?
Is Jesus pleased with what is in your heart today - or is it still filled with the same things it was filled with when you first met Christ?
Dear Christian, we all need to remember that there will be other ‘days after’.
There will be ‘the day after’ the rapture of the church. Some of our friends and loved ones really will be left behind to face the wrath to come.
There will be ‘the day after’ Armageddon - the day the blood in the valley will run so deep that it will reach the bridles on the horses.
There will be ‘the day after’ the final judgment - when the lost will be forever separated from the love of God.
There will be ‘the day after’ eternity begins.
There will be ‘the day after’ ‘the Lord Himself shall wipe away all tears from off all faces’.
What is there to be done today - that will bring about better ‘days after’?
What can YOU do to help others understand that through Jesus Christ they can escape the wrath to come?
What can YOU do to help someone understand that they need not die in the Valley of Armageddon - but can instead live a victorious life in Jesus Christ?
What can YOU do to help someone understand that he or she can escape the judgment to come by accepting the mercy offered by Jesus?
What can YOU do to help someone in despair today gain a glimpse of the place Jesus is preparing for those who love Him right now?
And finally - there will be ‘a day after’ the giving of rewards to believers. Will you have rewards? This is not a call to go out on your own and ‘win souls for Christ’. This is a call to seek God’s will - and then step out in faith and do what God asks of you. The first thing He asks of you is to be saved. Then He asks that you change your behavior to be more like Him. You can do this through faith that God will help you change the things in your life that are bothering Him. If you are proud - He will help you learn humility. If you are foolish - God will give you wisdom. If you are weak - God will give you strength. If you do not love your brothers - God will give you love for them. If you cannot forgive - God will enable you to forgive. In becoming more like Christ - you will lead others to Him.
Then - on the day after rewards are given to believers in heaven - you will have rewards. ‘The Day After’ time ends and eternity begins - your joy will be full.
To plan ahead for that day requires action right now. The early followers of Jesus changed their lives to be more like Him. In doing this - they changed the world. On ‘The Day After’ the resurrection of Jesus Christ - the first Christians realized they were not following cunningly devised fables - but that they were following the Living God.
You and I are in the same position. We are not following cunningly devised fables either. We are following the same Living God that the first believers followed after Jesus walked out of that tomb. How is it then that our lives often do not reflect our God - but rather reflect the world and a mere social gospel?
It is time for true Christians to GROW UP! If we really ARE Christians this is the day to start acting like we are what we say we are.
This is a good day to say, THIS is ‘the day after’ my old life. Through the help of God - I will change the old ways of my life to new ways that please God and show the love of God to others.
The song for this article is “I Am Resolved” (I am resolved no longer to linger charmed by the world’s delight)
This is a great old hymn of the faith. It is easy to memorize - check it out and listen to it.
God bless you. Thank you for reading my article.
Barbara Henderson
-------------------------
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/a/iamresol.htm
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
Refrain
I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.
Refrain
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
Refrain
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
Refrain
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Refrain
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