I think I slept about 4 hours last night after reading the first 4 chapters of Ezekiel, for some reason I just couldn't relax. I read it as if in a trance, like I couldn't even look away. That happens to me sometime, and I pray that could be the case every time I open the word of God, never remotely taking it for granted!
Today I have read from II Corinthians 3 instead.
"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;" (2)
What stands out to me in this verse is just how we should read the word of God. We don't want to get caught up in the pompous air of academia, neglecting the fact that it is God speaking to us, and our hearts should carry His message wherever we go. In that sense we are all authors of 'epistles' like Paul, and should let God's word be seen in us before all men (and women ;p).
"..our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?" (5-7)
It seems harsh for us to think of the law as a 'ministry of death', but such was and is its power. There was no means for salvation in it, only procrastination until a better covenant could be made. We may ask ourselves, how could not God, in all His power, make there some other way to eliminate our sin from existence without the sacrifice of His son? But 'what communion has light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14). God could not 'eliminate' sin any more than He could allow sinners into His kingdom and still remain holy. Jesus' death confirmed what we already know in our own lives, the new life we have came from the death of Another, just as we eat once-living plants and animals to sustain our bodies.
"For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the OT, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." (14-17)
I feel this verse sums up everything we should understand when it comes to serving God. When it feels like we being condemned, like we are under the law, we shouldn't run around trying to do this or that to try and cover up our tracks. Instead, let us ask ourselves, "Am I getting closer to knowing Jesus day by day?" That is really what it comes down to. Nothing, absolutely nothing else can change us. Men and women around the world are running in circles to find peace in a world of lies and deception. This may be a battle that is far from over, but if we tell ourselves, "I am willing to stand forever to fight for Christ", then it won't take very long! The Spirit is aching to fill the earth with His glory, and I don't want let my fear, selfishness, and pride do anything but speed it up!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
I felt it on my heart that God wanted me to read Ezekiel, so that's where I started next. The prophet Ezekiel, like Daniel (around his age) and Jeremiah (around 20 years older), warned the children of Judah of the impending destruction that would take place at the hands of the Babylonians.
"As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man, each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle." (1:10)
In the gospels, each of the four represents Christ in a different form. Matthew, with Christ as a lion, representing strength and royal authority. Mark represents Him as a bull, a symbol of service and power. Luke shows Christ as a man, a symbol of wisdom and divine character. John represents Jesus as an eagle, a sign of deity. I never knew that those characterizations had root in Ezekiel, and these creatures are described as "in appearance like a flash of lightning." (14)
"Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard the voice of One speaking." (28)
Add another one to the list of Moses, Isaiah, and Saul who weren't exactly cracking jokes when the Lord let His light be shown. This is the light that gives contrast like we've never known. I need the light of God in my life, otherwise I am just a rat in a maze. I know enough to say that everything in this life comes and goes, and I need God's vision to be like a rainbow in my life so I am not blind as a bat.
"Lie also on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity....then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days." (4:4,6)
The first time I read Ezekiel was about 2 1/2 years ago, when I first came to Purdue. I read through it rather hurriedly, bored at times to be honest. The endless visions I found terrifying and discomforting, to say the least. Reading it again, with the knowledge that God is trying to speak to me in His word, will hopefully bring out much more than ever before. It would seem like having to lay on your side for over 400 days would cause some pretty serious muscular atrophy, but such as the weight put upon prophets in times of wickedness. For "no prophet is accepted in his own country." (Luke 4:24)
"As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man, each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle." (1:10)
In the gospels, each of the four represents Christ in a different form. Matthew, with Christ as a lion, representing strength and royal authority. Mark represents Him as a bull, a symbol of service and power. Luke shows Christ as a man, a symbol of wisdom and divine character. John represents Jesus as an eagle, a sign of deity. I never knew that those characterizations had root in Ezekiel, and these creatures are described as "in appearance like a flash of lightning." (14)
"Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard the voice of One speaking." (28)
Add another one to the list of Moses, Isaiah, and Saul who weren't exactly cracking jokes when the Lord let His light be shown. This is the light that gives contrast like we've never known. I need the light of God in my life, otherwise I am just a rat in a maze. I know enough to say that everything in this life comes and goes, and I need God's vision to be like a rainbow in my life so I am not blind as a bat.
"Lie also on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity....then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days." (4:4,6)
The first time I read Ezekiel was about 2 1/2 years ago, when I first came to Purdue. I read through it rather hurriedly, bored at times to be honest. The endless visions I found terrifying and discomforting, to say the least. Reading it again, with the knowledge that God is trying to speak to me in His word, will hopefully bring out much more than ever before. It would seem like having to lay on your side for over 400 days would cause some pretty serious muscular atrophy, but such as the weight put upon prophets in times of wickedness. For "no prophet is accepted in his own country." (Luke 4:24)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Balance in our lives
"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-15)
I know that James is always considered the 'heavy-hitter' of the NT, but it can't be said enough how his harsh words are only the word of God, sent to keep us from a dead-end street with no hope. I have been really trying to understand what grace means these past few weeks. Sure, I understand it on a basic level, but how deeply is my understanding of it? When John Newton (writer of 'Amazing Grace'), turned from his life of sin, it was with a realization of how low he truly was. The same could be said of Paul, formerly Saul. Most of us don't see just how serious a sin can be in our lives. But it is these 'small' sins that have allowed the Ivan the Terrible, Pol Pot, and Hitlers of the world. That is partly why I like to read the news and keep myself intimated of just how corrupt the rest of the world is becoming. That does not mean we do not pray for our leaders or lose hope that any can be saved, but if we see just how serious things like 'not wanting to share what we have' or 'always shopping when we are less than satisfied with our lives' can cause one's heart to turn away. "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:10). We shouldn't take lightly what sin can do, otherwise we will never understand what grace means.
The next time any of us are struggling with any sin in our lives, rather than shouting 'why me?' or 'what's the big deal?', let us instead tell ourselves 'your grace is enough God'. I don't have all the answers, but I have no doubt that is one of the best steps one can take.
Between the time I spent at the nursing home, being with my brothers and sister at Cornerstone Friday, cooking and cleaning on Saturday, and the awesome miracle which was having my roommate come to church with me this Sunday, I know my blessings reach to the heavens. Since I am reminded of the things which gives me true peace and joy, I know how much harder I must work to stay encouraged.
I know that James is always considered the 'heavy-hitter' of the NT, but it can't be said enough how his harsh words are only the word of God, sent to keep us from a dead-end street with no hope. I have been really trying to understand what grace means these past few weeks. Sure, I understand it on a basic level, but how deeply is my understanding of it? When John Newton (writer of 'Amazing Grace'), turned from his life of sin, it was with a realization of how low he truly was. The same could be said of Paul, formerly Saul. Most of us don't see just how serious a sin can be in our lives. But it is these 'small' sins that have allowed the Ivan the Terrible, Pol Pot, and Hitlers of the world. That is partly why I like to read the news and keep myself intimated of just how corrupt the rest of the world is becoming. That does not mean we do not pray for our leaders or lose hope that any can be saved, but if we see just how serious things like 'not wanting to share what we have' or 'always shopping when we are less than satisfied with our lives' can cause one's heart to turn away. "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:10). We shouldn't take lightly what sin can do, otherwise we will never understand what grace means.
The next time any of us are struggling with any sin in our lives, rather than shouting 'why me?' or 'what's the big deal?', let us instead tell ourselves 'your grace is enough God'. I don't have all the answers, but I have no doubt that is one of the best steps one can take.
Between the time I spent at the nursing home, being with my brothers and sister at Cornerstone Friday, cooking and cleaning on Saturday, and the awesome miracle which was having my roommate come to church with me this Sunday, I know my blessings reach to the heavens. Since I am reminded of the things which gives me true peace and joy, I know how much harder I must work to stay encouraged.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Lord speaks to everyone, but also to every one...
"I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (Philemon 6)
The amount which we share our faith with others is really commensurate with the degree to which we realize how valuable our testimony is. If we believe that we have nothing to offer, either in the member's of the church, or sharing with total strangers, then we shall remain timid and afraid of showing the work that Christ has done and is doing in our lives. No amount of listening to pastors, sermons, diatribes, etc., will make us realize how great a testimony we have to share; none but the Holy Spirit can do that. For myself, learning that I have a purpose and that the grace and glory of God is worth fighting through my own inferiority complex for, has and isn't an easy battle. But I will never give up, until it becomes second nature in showing how awesome my God is, and it's not all about me. There will always be plenty of lies right in front of our faces, but that does not mean we should choose to accept them. May the peace and understanding of Christ be with us always, Amen.
The amount which we share our faith with others is really commensurate with the degree to which we realize how valuable our testimony is. If we believe that we have nothing to offer, either in the member's of the church, or sharing with total strangers, then we shall remain timid and afraid of showing the work that Christ has done and is doing in our lives. No amount of listening to pastors, sermons, diatribes, etc., will make us realize how great a testimony we have to share; none but the Holy Spirit can do that. For myself, learning that I have a purpose and that the grace and glory of God is worth fighting through my own inferiority complex for, has and isn't an easy battle. But I will never give up, until it becomes second nature in showing how awesome my God is, and it's not all about me. There will always be plenty of lies right in front of our faces, but that does not mean we should choose to accept them. May the peace and understanding of Christ be with us always, Amen.
Friday, April 24, 2009
God will breathe life...
And He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!" 'Thus says the Lord God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 37:4-6)
In the book of Ezekiel, God uses his prophet, who is around the same age as Daniel, to prophesy the destruction and eventual rejuvenation of Judah, after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. The invasion occurred at 3 separate times, the first where Daniel and his friends were taken captive, the second when king Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin rebelled and brought further punishment, and the 3rd time when the city was laid to waste.
This passage is when God begins to outlie His plan for bringing life back into the -desolation of Judah. Considering the destruction that took place, it would seem so unlikely that it would ever take place. However, we should always rely on the truth of God's word and not doubt, as Paul describes in Acts 26:8-"Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?"
In the book of Ezekiel, God uses his prophet, who is around the same age as Daniel, to prophesy the destruction and eventual rejuvenation of Judah, after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. The invasion occurred at 3 separate times, the first where Daniel and his friends were taken captive, the second when king Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin rebelled and brought further punishment, and the 3rd time when the city was laid to waste.
This passage is when God begins to outlie His plan for bringing life back into the -desolation of Judah. Considering the destruction that took place, it would seem so unlikely that it would ever take place. However, we should always rely on the truth of God's word and not doubt, as Paul describes in Acts 26:8-"Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?"
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Keep your eyes on the finish line
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Many years ago, when I was fat and couldn't run to save my life, I used to race my nephew's dad, who was in awesome shape. He would let me stay ahead until the very end, and then he would smoke me, just when I finally thought I'd beat him. One thing he always said to me was "It's not where you start out, it's where you end up." That's something we need to take to heart in our relationship with God. Discouragement will come and go, but it's what we do when that time comes that makes the difference. Many times I don't feel like praying or reading the Word, but I do it anyways, because love is a committment, not a 'feeling'.
Tonight I've been helping my roommate study for a test for his Western Religions class, which surprise, surprise, is about Christianity. It was a blessing beyond words to be able to talk about God in the open like that with him, and it's awesome to see how fascinated he is by God and Christianity (even if he hates the way the class is taught, which I understand). To see proof in front of me that my prayers are being answered is just the kind of encouragement I need (not that it was my doing, God is the one giving!).
Remember always what Jesus says to Peter, "Do you Love Me?...Tend My sheep." (John 21:16). Jesus could have said, "Don't fail Me" or "You better have a perfect track record". But He didn't, so we must stick to showing and attaining love in our actions, knowing that when our race is fully run, our faith will finally be perfect. Amen.
Many years ago, when I was fat and couldn't run to save my life, I used to race my nephew's dad, who was in awesome shape. He would let me stay ahead until the very end, and then he would smoke me, just when I finally thought I'd beat him. One thing he always said to me was "It's not where you start out, it's where you end up." That's something we need to take to heart in our relationship with God. Discouragement will come and go, but it's what we do when that time comes that makes the difference. Many times I don't feel like praying or reading the Word, but I do it anyways, because love is a committment, not a 'feeling'.
Tonight I've been helping my roommate study for a test for his Western Religions class, which surprise, surprise, is about Christianity. It was a blessing beyond words to be able to talk about God in the open like that with him, and it's awesome to see how fascinated he is by God and Christianity (even if he hates the way the class is taught, which I understand). To see proof in front of me that my prayers are being answered is just the kind of encouragement I need (not that it was my doing, God is the one giving!).
Remember always what Jesus says to Peter, "Do you Love Me?...Tend My sheep." (John 21:16). Jesus could have said, "Don't fail Me" or "You better have a perfect track record". But He didn't, so we must stick to showing and attaining love in our actions, knowing that when our race is fully run, our faith will finally be perfect. Amen.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Finger pointing works both ways
Romans 1:17-29
For all the Jewish scribes and the Pharisees who may have shouted 'Amen' in the first chapter against the Pagans and non-believers, they now get a taste of the less-than-righteous medicine themselves.
"You therefore, who teach one another, do you not teach yourself?...For "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written." (21..24)
Despite being scribes and well-versed in the scriptures, those Paul talks about are not above the law themselves. They succumb to the same faults that possess those they profess to teach.
"And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?" (27)
For some reason, reading this makes me think of George W. Bush being surrounded in a room by Kim Jong-Il, Mahmoud Ahmedinejahd, and Saddam Hussein, all pointing at him. I dunno, but I ache to understand what grace really means, and it is not found in the law, at least not in itself (as a temporary means of guidance until the coming of Jesus Christ, yes). The moment we get wrapped up in the things we did or didn't do, we move away from grace. These verses remind us that having grown up in the church, or done this or that for God doesn't make us any more worthwhile. His love is the same today and forever. It is the glory given back to Him that comes with our pure hearts and deeds, and that should drive what we do, not a balance sheet for a check we never deserved in the first place.
For all the Jewish scribes and the Pharisees who may have shouted 'Amen' in the first chapter against the Pagans and non-believers, they now get a taste of the less-than-righteous medicine themselves.
"You therefore, who teach one another, do you not teach yourself?...For "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written." (21..24)
Despite being scribes and well-versed in the scriptures, those Paul talks about are not above the law themselves. They succumb to the same faults that possess those they profess to teach.
"And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?" (27)
For some reason, reading this makes me think of George W. Bush being surrounded in a room by Kim Jong-Il, Mahmoud Ahmedinejahd, and Saddam Hussein, all pointing at him. I dunno, but I ache to understand what grace really means, and it is not found in the law, at least not in itself (as a temporary means of guidance until the coming of Jesus Christ, yes). The moment we get wrapped up in the things we did or didn't do, we move away from grace. These verses remind us that having grown up in the church, or done this or that for God doesn't make us any more worthwhile. His love is the same today and forever. It is the glory given back to Him that comes with our pure hearts and deeds, and that should drive what we do, not a balance sheet for a check we never deserved in the first place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)