“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.
Greetings to you sonsofthesea family and friends and followers!
I pray this finds each of you, and your loved ones, engaged, encouraged, and healthy! Know that we here at sonsofthesea and Highland City Church, continue to keep you lifted-up before the Father’s Throne of grace. We do hope that you are using this time afforded us all—this hour of a great pause wisely, seeking the Lord and drawing in closer to Him? That you might build a more intimate and lasting relationship with Him. Our prayer, starting with our own lives and ministries, then reaching out to cover you and yours in this hour is this: “Lord Jesus, have your way in my life. In my every waking hour I surrender all that you’ve allowed me, every breath and desire, every possession and idea, my family and resources, my priorities, and perceived needs, into your hands. I choose instead to desire what you desire. Teach me now, today, in this hour, to seek after those things that are eternal, surrendering to you all of the wood and hay and straw in my life. Every area of weakness or lack of faith. I choose today instead, faith and hope and more of you, Lord. I choose to let go of all of my need for control and those things I’ve thought, and foolishly think still, I cannot build the life I was after without. Give me new eyes, Holy Spirit, new wants and desires, new goals. Allow me to emerge on the other side of this time of pausing reflecting a brighter, more pure reflection to a lost and dying world of this new creation I am in You. This salt. This Light. Teach me to cease striving for treasures that can be lost or stolen in the blink of an eye, and chase after instead, focus on, instead, storing up eternal treasures. Lasting and true. Those things built with pure gold and silver and precious jewels; things no thief can steal, nor fire destroy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen…
Friends allow me to share this powerful reminder of just who we, as Christian, as His beloved, are.
We all can get momentarily lost, sidetracked, or distracted,
losing sight of our identity. Especially in times as trying as these—it’s easy
to lose sight of ourselves. Who we are and are called to be—in Christ Jesus? Allow
me to throw out this precious, powerful, succinct reminder—to myself first, and
then to you. I read it just this morning in my own time of devotion, and it
made my breath catch. And here now, at almost the end of my workday, it has yet
to have taken its hands off of me. It has sifted me and humbled me and re-centered
me. I pray it touches you as powerfully…
“The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had
to die for me. This leads to deep humility and confidence at the same time. It
undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and
yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself or less of
myself. Instead, I think of myself less.” –Tim Keller.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2.
We here at Sonsofthesea are praying for you and with you as we pass through this current storm. May your hearts and minds remain open to all the Lord is saying to you personally, as well as to His Body as a whole. We’re also lifting up those God has entrusted to you to Shephard or minister to; be they a congregation of people or individual family members, or neighbors. Know that we as a ministry, as well as our partner, Highland City Church, are seeking God’s will during this season of imposed social distancing. Yet though we are observing those rules and guidelines given us by our leaders, both civic and spiritual, we are more committed than ever, in these tenuous times, to draw ever closer to God. To staying linked to Him. Too fast and pray. To going deeper, that we might come out the other side of this current storm stronger, with a new fire in our belly. Moving forward then, with a clearer vision of the Lord’s instructions for any new direction in which He might have us to go—to lead, share with, encourage you; those God has entrusted to us.
Perhaps He’s calling us all into a time of renewed simplicity and power? A genuine caring for others and not simply for self, as witnessed in the Acts church?
We, as 20th century Christians, have the privilege, via God’s written Word and the paradigms it contains, to witness both the clarity and power that can happen when God’s people emerge from where God has strategically placed them—their places of refining and preparation. From Moses who emerged on the scene after 40 years in the desert to help lead God’s people out from under Egypt’s oppressive rule. To watching John the Baptist step forth onto the world stage from his place of preparation in the desert into being used to call a people to repentance; preparing the way for the Lord’s arrival. We’re able to witness Elijah too. Used by God to call His people back to Himself and away from their pagan gods and idols—from the Baals. And then there is the Apostle Paul, who, after being in the desert for some 3 ½ years, we witness emerging in power to help spread the Gospel message to the gentiles. And there are countless others that a thorough search of the Scriptures will reveal emerged to intercede for or lead God’s people during times of great testing and trials as well. Were used to help usher in a fresh wind of change, God’s plan for His Church, for the world. Biblically speaking, Esther and Mordecai jump to mind.
And then there are the likes of the more contemporary men and women of God He has, and is using still. The likes of Spurgeon, Moody, Jim Elliot, Christine Gibson, William J. Seymour, C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham, and Reinhard Bonnke. Straight onto those hundreds of thousands of missionaries, apologists, prophets, and evangelists around the world whom God uses to help edify, encourage, and correct both His people and the world.
We as Christ-followers, as His children, are being afforded these same types of gateways today that our biblical forefathers once tasted—perhaps greater still as the time for Christ’s return draws closer by the minute…
I do believe God is supernaturally opening doors that have been kept purposefully closed until now. Their sudden opening creating timely points of access into people’s lives—their very hearts, that we’ve not witnessed, most of us anyway, in our lifetime. Just as He did for Moses and John and Paul and Esther before us. I believe the true question remains: How will we use this time we’re being afforded? Are we seeking God’s face that we might somehow be used by Him to help usher in His next great move? His will? Are we asking Him to reveal to us a clear vision— not only for what our lives and ministries will look like, more, a clearer, bolder vision as to how to help guide His people, our neighbors, in times such as ours?
My brothers and sisters, as a fellow servant of Jesus Christ I urge you, I challenge myself, to intentionally set aside a designated time to come before the Lord wholeheartedly, in surrender, on our faces and knees, as I’m certain most of you have and will continue to do, crying out, seeking to clearly hear from heaven; that we might come away with a renewed boldness, a fixed determination to serve God with our whole heart. Any remnants of our half-stepping are burnt-up, left in a pile of discarded ashes. So that we, like Moses and John, Paul, and Esther, will offer God’s people His Truth, in love. Be it popular, or not. We will not back down. We will instead, boldly, faithfully, do what we have been called to do; our #1 priority. Help ready His people for Jesus Christ’s soon return…
Listen now, to Charles Spurgeon’s words delivered to his congregation on July 13th, 1879. This excerpt is taken from his sermon, a charge, to each Christian man and woman within earshot in a time when both he and they were facing a great war, a depression, and all of those spiritual and societal challenges that were associated with them. I pray we hear his words, more than they permeate us, every fiber of our being, now, today, as our communities, our world, faces these unchartered times. Remembering nevertheless, that though the world may not know what might be coming next—God most certainly does. None of what we are experiencing has caught Him off guard. He is Sovereign. His plan for this world fixed, certain, and will continue to unfold, in His divine timing. So then, my brothers and sisters, being assured of this Truth, let us join our prayers together as One Body seeking the will of God for His Church, our lives and ministries and families, and neighbors. That we might emerge a stronger, purer, more holy people who will wholeheartedly turn back to God; from the greatest to the smallest, in repentance, and with a renewed devotion to God…
You are part and parcel of the nation, for you share in its protection and privileges, and it is yours as Christian men to feel that you are bound in return to do all you can in the midst of it to promote truth and righteousness. What then? What course should we now pursue? Let us make confession of sin on behalf of the people as Moses and Jeremiah and Daniel did aforetime. You may not consider that to be sin which I judge to be so, but, my brother, you see sin enough all around you of one sort or another. Take it to yourself, and as the high priest went in to the holy place to plead for the people, so act you as a priest before God, in your quiet personal devotions. Confess the sin of this nation before God. If it will not repent, repent for it. Stand as a sort of consecrated sponsor before God, and let the sin lie on your heart till you fall on your face before the Most High. Remember, the saints are intercessors with God for the people. Ye are God’s remembrancers, and, as ye are called to make mention of his name, keep not silence day nor night, but in this hour of trouble pour out your hearts before him. Get you up to your Carmels and cry aloud, you that know how to cry unto God, that he may send deliverance, and when you have prayed for this people and asked the Lord to forgive its sin, and also to take away the chastising rod, then all of you promote by your daily lives, your precepts, and your actions, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report.” Be on the side of temperance and sobriety: be on the side of peace and of justice; be on the side of everything that is according to the mind of God, and according to the law of love. Love God and your fellow men, and seek to promote all interests which look that way. I believe that a country can never have a larger blessing, a truer safeguard for the present, or a firmer security for its future greatness, than a band of praying men and women who make mention of it before the throne of God –Charles Spurgeon.
Beloved, take heart. Be encouraged! You serve a loving, merciful Father. And know, we here at Sonsofthesea, and our partner at Highland City Church, are praying for you, your families, ministries, and, our neighbors. We encourage you in this time as well, to take all that you hear from the swirling masses of “spiritual authorities” before the Lord for confirmation. God will give you wisdom ad discernment if you seek after it. The same with secular authorities and news stories, be wise, check your facts!
And to you, new friend. If you haven’t asked Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior, may we encourage you to do it right now! With all that is changing in our world, what better time than today to invite Him in! Remember, no man is promised tomorrow, so please, don’t let this moment pass you by! “Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call on Him [for salvation] while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.
“And Elisha prayed and said, Jehovah, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw; and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
I was like this servant. Truth be told, there are moments, both in my life and ministry, when I still am. Blind that is. Not God. There’s a news flash! Not all-knowing or seeing. Rather I’m frail and human and so very much in need of the One who is God. Who does see all, know all; because I can sometimes forget that there is more than one type of sight—ways of seeing a person, place, or situation. Of starring into the face of what is so clearly hidden in plain sight; yet seeing only the natural enemy army before me. An army that mirrors back to me my weaknesses and failures and inadequacy. Blind in my desire to so want to serve God and his people, those He has placed over me with excellence, I sometimes move foolishly, carelessly, in my flesh, in my own strength, instead of waiting for the Lord to release me—to open my eyes to what is truly in front of me. What it is He’ll have me see. By His grace, He has covered my rookie mistakes and any potential crisis was averted. My natural sight having blinded me from seeing what is truly surrounding me, at all times; the angels my Father has given charge over me. Their aid, and His strength…
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear
him, and he delivers them” –Psalm 34:7.
Am I alone in my testimony? The only one who has, perhaps in
their walk or ministry, missed the mark?
Not seeing what was standing right in front of them? Spiritually speaking that is. Or not recognized what was truly available to them, or. more, what was coming at them, their leadership, or the Body, because they looked at a situation, or failed to see a thing because they were, I was, looking at it, at that person, with natural eyes only? I know of at least one other who was as blind as I have been. Dare I say perhaps as blind as you’ve been too? One whose spiritual eyes failed him as well. Elisha’s new servant. My apologies. I can’t introduce you. I can’t share his name with you because the scriptures don’t tell me his name, only that he is Elisha’s assistant.
If we’re not paying attention though, we’ll mistake him for Gehazi, Elisha’s first assistant. We first hear of Gehazi in 2 Kings 4:12. However, he leaves Elisha’s service covered in leprosy and shame in 2 Kings 5:27. So this one, this unnamed servant who sees only the army of the Arameans, this natural enemy army surrounding him and his master, is then obviously new. Perhaps he’s Gehazi’s replacement? Either way, what’s obvious is, replacement or not, he’s yet to have caught the gift of seeing beyond the natural realm and into the spiritual, as Elisha, his mentor has. “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom” –2 Kings 6:12.
So what is this ‘opening of his eyes’ that Elisha prayed for? This seeing? Surely Elisha’s servant wasn’t blind. Had he been blind, he wouldn’t have been able to see the Aramean’s surrounding them at Dothan…
Elisha had prayed for his spiritual sight to be activated. For the eyes of his understanding to be open, that he might truly see. Elisha prayed for his ability to see beyond his seeing in the natural. A gift from God alone. I’ve heard it described this way: Spiritual things are not perceived by the natural man with his natural sight. But we compare revelation or spiritual perception to the act of seeing because of their similarities and because the results of the two are the same, namely a coming into the experience of knowing something beyond the shadow of a doubt. The natural man is in darkness regarding spiritual things, that is he can’t perceive them unaided. Without light, we cannot directly perceive God or His kingdom though we have the testimony of creation and the inward testimony of our conscience. When the Holy Spirit comes, however, bearing His influence on the soul of man it has the same effect as light has upon the natural eyes of man. His influence causes man to perceive the things of the spirit. Like light, the greater the influence the greater the level of perception. The result of a man receiving the light of the Spirit is perception and he becomes absolutely convinced of the truth of the object he saw as if he had seen it with his natural eyes. (Emphasis my own)
This ability to see into the spirit realm is indispensable
for those God has called to minister to His people.
To be able to see what is coming that we might cover our leaders and those God has placed under our care. We cannot operate in our appointed offices without it. Especially those prophets and seers, intercessors, and priests whom God has called to the frontline of this ongoing battle between Himself and His enemy and ours, Satan, that great deceiver. We must be able to see, to discern, the will of God for His people and for our own lives and ministry. How else will we be able to sound the alarm? Warn others of what is coming against them? Encourage them to repent and seek God, unless we first know a thing for ourselves. See it coming for ourselves if you will. Perhaps Elisha’s servant was so newly appointed to the man of God, this gifted prophet who himself had received a double-portion anointing from his mentor, the prophet Elijah, that Elisha had yet had the opportunity to have laid hands on the young man and pray God stir-up the gift that was just waiting to be called out from within him? I ask this based upon the Truth that God does not call anyone into any office, into His service, unless He alone has also blessed and provided us with everything we will ever need, not only to walk out our salvation in this world but to fulfill that call or office for which He has called us. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” –Ephesians 2:10. Or, perhaps, Elisha was not slack at all but rather waiting on God’s appointed time. Waiting for that moment God alone had foreordained for Elisha’s new servant to be introduced to seeing beyond the natural and into the spiritual realm…
The scriptures are replete with just such instances of this same intense first experience with seeing into, and properly interpreting, the spirit world. Daniel no doubt understood the “suddenly” of just such a moment. The Apostle John too. Ezekiel and Samuel as well, just to mention a few. Daniel 7; Revelation 1:1-2; Ezekiel 1; Samuel 3.
Here’s the thing beloved: If you have been appointed to some office, some position within the Body of Christ, know, with all certainty that you are there because of God; whatever His reason for allowing you to be there. He alone places us in positions of leadership or authority. Know too, that since He has placed you there, you carry within you everything you’ll ever need to complete the task you were appointed to fulfill. That said, understand this as well: You will have to learn partner with the Holy Spirit and those He has placed in positions of authority and leadership over you to develop, draw out, hone, fine-tune, what God has already deposited in your belly. Also, to remain humble and teachable enough, as Elisha’s new servant did, to receive what we need, be it prayer or guidance or correction from those God has placed over you—to speak into you, to help train you and cover you when you inevitably get it all wrong on occasion—just as he did. As I have. As you will too. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” –Hebrews 12:11.
But fear not! Take heart, beloved! Don’t allow your pride to disqualify you from your assignment by thinking, calling into question your divine calling…
Just because you got it wrong this time, does not mean God didn’t appoint you or has somehow failed you. Humble yourself in the recognition that these are growing pains. You’ll get it wrong many times in your walk with Lord. I know I have! The shame is not in getting it wrong. The shame comes, the sin slithers in, when you allow pride to rob your anointing. Admit your blindness before God and men and the Lord will, in His divine timing, send one to pray that your eyes be opened, too. “Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” –1 Peter 5: 5-7.
Friend, if you are here today and haven’t familiar with the things this teaching contains, perhaps God has called you here today that you might ask Him to come into your life, as Lord and Savior, so that He might teach you. Opening your eyes to the Truth of His Son, Jesus, and all that He has for you to see and learn from Him? Won’t you ask Him to show Himself real to you now? He’s been waiting for your invitation. Listen to His Words, not mine:“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” –Jeremiah 29:12-13.
“Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Now here we have a very peculiar source of consolation in
suffering. The thought that the apostle’s suffering benefited others soothed
him in his afflictions, and this is a consolation which is essentially
Christian. Consider how the old Stoicism groped in the dark to solve the
mystery of grief, telling you it must be, and that it benefits and perfects
you. Yes, that is true enough. But Christianity says much more; it says, Your
suffering blesses others; it gives them firmness. Here is the law of the Cross:
“No man dieth to himself”; for his pain and loss is for others and brings with
it to others joy and gain. –F. W. Robertson, M. A.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Look at this
young girl’s face. Her countenance speaks volumes. Her face a billboard for one
who came hoping to hear one thing, but instead, heard something quite the
contrary. Her hope snatched out from under her just as quickly as a magician
makes a quarter disappear. She is downcast. Questioning. Searching. Disheartened.
Dare I say fearful? I have seen this same expression all too often as of late. Many
in the Body of Christ have been wearing this very same face. God has sent me to
you, beloved brother, dearest sister, to re-mind you that your loving Father is
right by your side. His all-powerful right hand holding yours—lending you His
strength in your time of weakness. Take Courage, beloved. El Roi, “the God who
sees me” is with you. “We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles,
but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God
knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our
side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. What they did to Jesus,
they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them,
he does in us—he lives!” –2 Corinthians 4:8 MSG.
The enemy of our God—our soul, is keeping busy. We have been
lulled, however temporarily, into forgetting that we live in a fallen world.
Eden no more…
One in which we both reap what we sow and, are suddenly
seized by the inevitable end-result of having lived at all. A world in which
God never promised us a trouble-free existence. “I have spoken these
things to you so that you shall have peace in me. You shall have suffering in
the world, but take heart, I have overcome the world” –John 16:33. A
world that is filled with people who will one-day leave their mortal coils in
the very dust from which they were created. He, our enemy, wants us to forget
about this part. Conning us into believing we’ll live forever. That death is
for others, not for us. He does everything possible to shift our focus away
from God, from pursuing a life in Christ, a relationship with Him. From
beginning to prepare ourselves for those things God has clearly foretold will
come to all mankind. The saved and unsaved alike. No race or social class left
exempt. As with death, disease and trials, tribulations, and hardships are
among the great equalizers of this, our one human race. It is a sure sign of
Grace when a man can trust in his God, for the natural man, when afraid, falls
back on some human trust, or he thinks that he will be able to laugh at the
occasion of fear. He gives himself up to jollity and forgetful-ness, or perhaps
he braces himself up with a natural resolution—”To take arms against a sea
of troubles, And by opposing end them.” He goes anywhere but to his God.
–Charles Spurgeon.
I’ve received reports of loved ones being suddenly struck
ill. One minute healthy and smiling, the next in peril or pain. Cancers being
diagnosed, brain tumors and shingles attacking bodies, strokes leaving once
strong and virile men at the mercy of bodies they can no longer control. Being
washed now, dressed too, and fed by the very woman they once took pride in gallantly
protecting—providing for. Minds once sharp and quick now muddled, processing as
slowly as molasses pours. Others still whose memories are being wiped clean by
Alzheimer’s. So frustrating! Such heartbreak. And yet, it is to these very
souls that we must go fellow Christian, and, with a touch as tender as a
child’s, hearts bursting with compassion and the love of Christ, uphold these words
we find in today’s scripture verse.
For us as Christians, tribulation, trials, and sudden
hardships should be expected; a thing we know with certainty will come. Christ
made it clear to us that they would. And He cannot lie. The only unknown
is the ‘when’ of it. That is for God alone to know. Yet, as I’ve stated, Christ expects us to go
to, sends us to, these very souls hip-deep in sorrow, shredded by recent loss,
dazed by the 1-2 sucker punch of their child’s, son’s, brother’s diagnosis, and
encourage them to fear not. To re-mind them that God sees them, knows what has
just happened to them and that He has a plan to bring some-thing, some future
good, from this seemingly rotten, pain-full, confusing circumstance—if, they’ll
but trust Him. If they’ll but leave the door of hope cracked just enough that
He might come into this, their worst nightmare, and flood them with, overtake
them with hope. Comforting them, offering His strength to endure, press on and
into Him…
But how? How do I go to one so raw, so exposed? What can I possibly say to them to help ease their pain or return to them just a glimmer of the hope they just lost? How do you and I go and comfort, bolster, build-up, offer peace to the one whose world just got turned on its head? We can only do this, offer this because we have first experienced it for ourselves. More, because the Spirit of the Living God lives in us, enabling us. He alone gives us the words, His Words. His peace. We can do this because we have experienced it first-hand. We know it to be real. We simply offer our Truth. His Truth. As tenderly and surely and deeply, yet as confidently and powerfully as Jesus Himself would! Is doing through us. We who have felt Christ come and wrap us in a peace that should not exist amongst the chaos of the moment. Strength to stand and take the next step and the one after that, after leaving the last ounce of the strength we possessed discarded, at the feet of that terminal diagnosis.
Have you been here Brother? Sister? Church mother? Pastor?
Friend? Is it you I was sent back to encourage today? You whose hand I might
hold and say, “fear not, beloved one, God is nearer to you than you could ever
imagine. Closer to you than your skin and breath…”
Is it you that I was sent to share my survival story with?
My, suddenly-that-day-when-the-bottom-fell-out-of-my-world-too, testimony?
Because I have one, I do. One where I not only survived but thrived and grew
and, as a result of my suddenly moment, God stepped into the very center of it
and saved so much more than this my mere flesh, this temporary tent I call me. Jesus
walked right into the messy middle of my fractured mind and commanded it to
reroute. He commanded the clot in my brain to cease from doing any further
damage, and He then lavishly, lovingly, poured healing balm over every area of
my brain, restoring it. Jesus saved the real me, His child; safe. He saved my
immortal soul; healing my mind and emotions, and a brain fractured and failing
as the result of a massive stroke. He came calming that fear that that would
well up inside of me each time I so wanted to move the left side of a body, a
side I could no longer control. In those instants, God came with His peace, His
strength, and re-minded me that there was never a moment, not one second of my
life as I’d known it, including that very second a blood clot ripped through my
brain, that I’d ever been in control of, could stop from happening, what could
happen to this earthly tent I call my-self. None of us has that ability. That
is His alone. He alone is Sovereign.
But what we can do, are called to do, must do, is come to
you and her and him amid your trials, your dis-eases, your crisis, whatever they
may be and, right there in the messy middle of them, share the love of this
same Jesus who met us, met me, dead center in my crisis. Assuring you, as only
one who has experience, has a relationship with God, can. God is for you,
beloved. He is right where you are, right now. He sees you and knows your fears
and feels your pain. He once felt it all Himself. Remember, He is fully
God, but Jesus when He walked this earth was also fully man. “He knows
our pain all too well. Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared
in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who
holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives
were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he
helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them,
fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful
high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of
the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help
those who are being tempted” –Hebrews 2:14-18.
Fear not beloved, all things, even those we label as, feel
are, the worst possible things; our parents or children or loved ones becoming
ill, must pass through the Sovereign hands of our loving, kind, just and
mercy-full Father. And, know this: if He permits a thing, even some bitter
thing, some circumstance or illness to touch our lives, their life, it is this
same God who also holds your life, their life, in His hands. Whatever may come
your way, God’s got you. Nothing. No-thing, no sickness, trial nor adversity can
ever, nor ever will, separate you from God’s love for you. Ever. He has
promised that to each of His children. If you are His today, then this promise
is surely yours. You say, “I feel so dead and cold, I have not the
spiritual vivacity and warmth and life that I used to possess. I used to come
up to the Tabernacle and feel such joy and rejoicing in worshipping on God’s
Holy Day, but now I feel flat and dull.” Oh, but do not be tempted to get
away from Christ because of this! Who runs away from the fire because he is
cold? Who, in summer, runs away from the cooling rook because he is hot? Should
not my deadness be the reason why I should come to Jesus Christ?” – Charles
Spurgeon.
Friend, if you or a loved one is experiencing a time of fiery affliction and you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, please, do not let today pass you by without asking Him to come into your heart as Lord and Savior. Invite Him into the middle of your pain-filled, messy circumstance, and then watch God do what only He can!
“The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
As John the Baptist was then, so too are we today. Voices crying out in the wilderness:“…Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” –Isaiah 40:3.
One of the most
remarkable facts about Christianity is the speed by which it spread over the
Roman world. Think about it: in about AD 25, all we see is an oddball preacher
in the Judean desert and his slightly younger relative in a backwater Jewish
village named Nazareth. That’s it. Fast-forward a hundred years, and we have
churches scattered through Judea, Syria, Asia Minor, Rome, and most likely
elsewhere in the empire, such as Egypt. –Chad Bird.
When calling to mind those who were forerunners in the New Testament, I believe it’s fair to say that John the Baptist would, by far, be the most remarkable. Wouldn’t you agree? The Prophet Isaiah foretold of this “Voice crying out in the wilderness” nearly 700 years prior to John showing up in the Judean desert. And the Prophet Malachi twice foretold of John’s coming 430 years prior to his arrival in the wilderness as well and is found in Malachi 3 verse 1: “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.” Then again, in Malachi chapter 4 verse 5: “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” The Apostle Luke, in Luke 1 verse 17, helps us to decipher why John is being referred to as Elijah here; listen to what he says: “It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous [which is to seek and submit to the will of God]—in order to make ready a people [perfectly] prepared [spiritually and morally] for the Lord.” And, in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus Himself makes clear the distinction between John and the Prophet Elijah: “For all the prophets and the Law prophesied up until John. And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come [before the kingdom]” –Matthew 11:13-14.
For the remainder of our time together, let’s take a deeper
look at others who filled this position also, this calling of being a
forerunner for Jesus. Let’s discuss too, how this same calling applies to us
today…
In order that we all start on the same foot, let’s move
forward with a biblical definition of the word forerunner. KJV Dictionary
Definition; FORERUNNER, n: A messenger sent before to give notice of the
approach of others; a harbinger.
Recently, I was reading the Book of Romans, Chapter 16. In my New Living Translation, it’s entitled: “Paul greets his friends.” As I read, I was introduced to whole host of Paul’s friend’s—fellow brothers and sisters who’d faithfully served God during their time here on earth; serve Him still, as their devotion and courage and calling continue to stir up our own faith, and that deep longing within our hearts to follow after Christ all the more closely. I was intrigued by them, these heralds of the faith; so I began to dig a bit deeper into the lives of these people Paul took the time to make mention of. Who were they? I wanted to know more. What I’ve learned in part, is that I had, in fact, met these people (not all, but some) on the pages of my Bible. Some of these that Paul was recalling, sending greetings to, were amongst those 72 “other disciples” whom Jesus who had sent out in pairs ahead of Himself as forerunners in the opening verses of Luke 10. These were a diverse group of believers. These disciples consisted of those from various economic and social backgrounds, spheres of influence, as well as being in possession of varying gifts and talents. Some were teachers, some companions, others were wives, there were city officials and politicians too. Others still, were doctors and scribes. Some learned, some without any formal education. Men and women both. Married and single.
What united them each to the other, and to every other forerunner for Christ then and since, was their faith in, their love for, and their uncompromising commitment to, Jesus our Lord.
Some were young, like Timothy, Paul’s “son in the faith.” Others, such as Tertitus, the one acting here in Romans 16 as Paul’s amanuensis, were educated. Others still, like Gaius, were traveling companions of Paul’s. We first hear of this Gaius back in Acts 19 when he and Aristarchus were dragged into the local amphitheater at Ephesus during a riot which had been stirred up by local craftsmen who felt that Paul’s preaching of this Jesus was turning people away from the temple of the great goddess Artemis. And, as a result, was draining their coffers as well. And then there’s Rufus and his brother Alexander. Of this Rufus, Paul states that. “the Lord picked him out to be His very own.” And refers to his mother as a one who has been like a mother to him. Perhaps if I told you who Rufus’ father was, you would go back and reread Mark 15: 21 to see for yourself where it is we first hear Rufus’s name connected with his famous father’s: Simon, who was a Cyrene. The man forced to help carry the Cross of our Lord. Then there’s Erastus the prominent city treasurer and civil servant from Corinth, as well as Paul’s trusted fellow worker in the ministry. We also hear those familiar names of Priscilla and Aquila. Aquila, a tentmaker by trade, as was Paul, and a fellow Jew born in Pontus. This couple traveled with and worked alongside Paul, strengthening the early church.
My study of these men and women helped me to get better acquainted with the rich and diverse history of our Christian faith. To not just casually glance over those names seen scattered throughout the pages of scriptures I read, but rather to pause and acknowledge them for who they are to me. My brothers and sisters—fellow forerunners. They are my—our, great examples of commitment and sacrifice, of endurance and losing it all that we might, they might, gain this Christ. Those whose feet have beaten down this often-trying path smooth, with their wisdom and struggles and failures, and sometimes by the shedding of their blood. We are blessed to be surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses for Christ. Those who, by example, encourage us to grow just a bit deeper in the realization that we, you and me and her and him, each one called by God, has been given, shares in, stand shoulder to shoulder with, those who went before us, those who were marked by Him too. Called, to share in the incredible privilege, this divine gift of being entrusted, called upon, hand-picked by God to be forerunners for our Jesus, too.
Let that sink in for a second. It should blow your mind! I
know it does mine…
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, not a just-visiting-church-only-on-Sunday kind of relationship, I’m talking about a, He lives in your heart and your belly jumps, as Elizabeth’s did, at the mere mention of His name, kind of relationship. I’m talking about that yesterday I was addicted or stripping or walking out of the packy—and today I can’t wait to tell you all about this Man—this God-Man, this Jesus who came and loved me and washed me clean Himself. This same One who whispered Words of life so sweetly to me, that they will burn in the very marrow of my bones until that day He comes and takes me home. I’m talking about that kind of relationship. The kind that causes one to be a forerunner; because there’s no other way. You’re compelled to share this Jesus, this love and peace, this Truth of the One who came and made every-thing new within you; with anyone and everyone who’ll listen!
“Jesus Christ loves you with an everlasting love. And there is not one thing ever you could do to earn that love, but if you’ll but humble yourself and ask for it, He will come to you, as He did to me and Paul and Rufus, and He will make you His own. He died and rose again that you might have this new life…”
Won’t you ask this Jesus into your heart now, today? No man
is promised tomorrow after all. Come, join us in being forerunners for Christ! You
are needed as much as any ever were! There’s still much work to be done and no
one else can do what you alone were created to do…
All of this, and much more, happened in the first 100
years. Followers of Jesus, far from remaining in little ghettos, keeping to themselves,
were boldly bearing witness across the empire that another king was truly
reigning over the entire world: the crucified and resurrected King Jesus. –Chad
Bird.
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith”.
Oh happy state! to be perfectly acquiescent, to lie
passive in His hand, and know no will but His” –Spurgeon.
Paul realized he would never achieve perfection in his
lifetime. Neither will we. Nor will that greatest of saints we’re able to call
to mind. That state of perfection, Paul knew, had recently spoken of, would
come in that glorious moment when he, once for all, would leave his earthen
vessel in the very dust from which it was created, and return, at last, to our
Father’s house. Having attained, only then, the fullness of all that Christ had
for him. Standing, finally, in his heavenly body in the presence of the King he
had longed to see face to face.
Perhaps it was this realization, in part, which drove Paul
to live his life then, resigned to press, ever forward, in continuous surrender
to this God he lived for. Since knowing he would not reach that perfect state
this side of heaven, he determined in his heart than, to become more Christlikeduring his time here on earth. We would do well to follow after his
example. Paul understood his own wretchedness, outside of Christ. He was as
aware (through the revelation of the Holy Spirit) of his natural, unchecked
inclinations, as any man true to himself is, and, of just how easy it can be to
follow after those desires of the flesh. Yet he did not try to hide his sin nor
the once blind, dogmatic, beliefs he’d held. Rather he exposed his weakness.
Confessing them before God and man, allowing us an unabashed view of his humanity.
The thorn of searing regret ever stuck in his flesh; stayed
only by the grace of God from hindering his work and overpowering his mind. “though
I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have
reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth
day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in
regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for
righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now
consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a
loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose
sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and
be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,
but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God
on the basis of faith” Philippians 3:4-9.
And, it’s not only in this Third Chapter of Philippians but
also in Romans 7, that we witness this same forthrightness. Where we hear
Paul’s confession, his angst. Where we bear witness to this very real, very
human realization; one felt by us each, at some point in our walk with our
Lord. “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful
nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but
I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” Romans
7: 18-19. Paul has so aptly put into words for us all what it like to live in
this awareness of the ongoing war waging within every child of God. Listen to
what he writes in Galatians 5:17 concerning this same battle: “The sinful
nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.
And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature
desires.” Paul’s transparency
allows us—aides us, in acknowledging that this same battle raging within him, wages
within our own hearts as well. It rages, recognized, or not. Acknowledged, or
not. Alive within the murky depth of, or the shame-filled, fear-filled,
fractured surface of, every heart in whom He has placed His Spirit.
Yet, thankfully, Paul, via the illumination of the Holy
Spirit, does not leave us there to figure out how best to fight, to gain ground,
claim new territory, to have victory over, this ongoing battle he’s so freely
spoken of—our base-ness. Rather, he points us towards Christ, towards the
most advantageous, power-full battle stance any Christian can assume. Paul lets
us know that any victory we may attain, any ground we’ll ever claim for the
Kingdom, any success in ministry or relationship (think John Mark here) will
only be found, attained, experienced, known, realized only in complete abandon to
the will of God. Such abandon that, though ready to wage war on any foe at a
moment’s notice, we recognize the battle we’re engaged in is not ours, it’s God’s.
And, though, we are called to stand and fight, our victory has been assured by the
finished work of the Cross. We never fight alone. We are incapable, in any real
sense, of fighting in our own strength; without that is, doing more harm than
good.
Beloved, for as long as we continue to reside this side of
heaven, the Godliest of us will sin, falling ever short of God’s perfect
standard. Paul knew this. I pray each of us, as God’s children, will come to truly
know it as well. And, that, from such knowledge, our striving will cease. A
total surrender takes place, and a complete abandon of our will be offered;
freely, lovingly, whole-heartedly to our Lord. That whosoever will are released,
as Paul was, I was, you were, he, she, and they were, each, freed from the
bonds of religion, from the onerous striving to measure up to a standard only
One could ever meet, Jesus. That perfect Lamb in whom all our striving after righteousness
finds its rest. Just as one straightaway trusts water beneath them as a surety
on which to surrender themselves, to float, be held up, may we with greater abandon
yet, surrender our will with even greater surety to God. I pray our surrender to
be so complete, we will only recognize its absence in that very hour we are
safely home with Him….
Friend, how incredibly grateful I am to know, be certain of
the fact, that when God sees me today, He sees Jesus. That because of Jesus’
perfect sacrifice, now, because of what He has done, I am covered, as with a
royal robe, in Jesus’ perfect Righteousness. And I so want that knowing, that
certainty, that peace to be yours as well. If you have come this far with me
and find yourself asking, “what’s next?” “Where now?” I strongly encourage you
to ask this Jesus into your own life, as Lord and Savior, you did not come this
far by chance…
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no
longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the
flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for
me” –Galatians 2:20.
“The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”
You beloved are that burning stick that has been snatched
from the fire. A sinner saved by His amazing grace! Like Joshua before you, you
have been washed clean—made new by the sacrificial shedding of Blood. The Blood
of the Spotless Lamb, Jesus, shed on your behalf. If that is, you have accepted
Him as your Lord and Savior…
Entering into any meaningful and lasting relationship requires our being intentional; a deep consideration of our willingness to commit. It is a deliberate and highly personal choice born from a wanting to share and grow, exchange and receive, with another. It’s one built on a foundation of sacrifice and service to another or others; come what may. It’s a conscious laying down of one’s life, born out of genuine love for the well-being of the other. In this same sense, entering into a relationship with Jesus is no different. However, it, above all other relationships, must be birthed from a deep desire to connect with this God more intimately than with any other person. Understanding this: once that relationship has been established, you’re then set apart to serve God and His people. And, then, to spend a joy-filled eternity with Him. You, beloved, though your sins demanded it, will not spend an eternity in hell; that place of separation and torment that was neither created nor intended for you or any man. It was created for Satan, and all those fallen angels who followed him in his rebellion against God—Matthew 25:41.
You, my fellow believers, are now ministers of the Most High
God. Those chosen to be royal priests. And, yet, even though you are the King’s
kid still, His ownership of you stands above your service to Him. Your
priesthood—your role in ministering before the Lord exists solely because He
alone has bestowed its use and service, its privilege and anointing, upon you.
Ah! I have my filthy garments on. I cannot pray to Him. I
cannot praise Him as I would.” I know what it is to come and preach to you
sometimes, and to feel such an overwhelming sense of my own unworthiness, that,
were it not, “Woe unto me if I do not preach the gospel,” I would not come on
this platform again, for it is hard to feel that your garments are defiled even
while endeavoring to be God’s mouth to men—Charles Spurgeon.
Friends, we cannot curry the favor of God. There’s not one
thing we can do to “earn our spot.” Earn His love for us. His forgiveness.
Not-one-single-thing. Without God’s mercy and His election of us, take away His
unfathomable love for us; our sins demanded that we spend eternity in the hell
created for Satan and his band of fallen angels; separated eternally from God.
As all those who deliberately chose to rebel against Him—deny Him, will. Not
popular, I know. But it’s the Truth, nonetheless. “For it is time for
judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the
outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” —1 Peter 4:17. Now, with that knowledge ever
before us, may we be about working out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Never forgetting the very heart of the words cried out by our brother, Paul. “O
wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death…? I thank
God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” —Romans 7:24. May this be our cry
too, brothers and sisters. May we, like Joshua and Paul, and a remnant of the
nation of Israel before us—like every saint that has been or is yet to come,
never lose sight of how—by whose power it is, we either stand or fall; least we
begin to think too highly of ourselves and risk being humbled by our Lord. My
true position, as a Christian, is to be always ministering to God, always
standing before His altar. –Charles Spurgeon.
Satan stood at the right hand of the Angel of the Lord
accusing Joshua of every sin he and his people had committed. And Satan stands
there still, pointing out our sins as well. Accusing all those who dare to
believe in The Name above all names! Jesus!
But, here’s the good news, beloved: Jesus Christ has the
final Word! He is our great and powerful Intercessor, a priest like Melchizedek.
“He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through him,
because he always lives to make intercession for them” –Hebrews 7:25. There
is nothing that Satan can say or do to change the way God sees you. We stand witness
to this Truth not only within our Scripture verse today, but this very same
Truth permeates the Word of God. Jesus knows everything Satan will use in His
attempt to destroy you—to kill you and, He’s got you covered. He’s covered your
every sin with His precious Blood. You are now the righteousness of Christ
Jesus! Let that sink in for a moment…
When God spoke to Zechariah concerning the forgiveness of
Joshua’s sin, the stain on the priesthood, and the sins of the Israelites—you
were right there in the center of His heart also; represented in the person of
Joshua. You stood there before the Lord in all your sin, with all of your
faults and flaws, and, you too were covered by God’s intentions towards you.
Your filthy clothes were also removed, you were washed clean and, the raiment
of Christ’s righteousness was placed upon you. Covering your guilt and shame,
you were cleansed and redressed from head to toe!
Beloved, now, when God looks at you, it is His Son—The
Spotless Lamb slain for your sins that He sees.
The rebuke is forcibly applicable to the case in hand. He
says, “Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire.” Satan says, “The man’s
garments are filthy…” “Well,” says Jesus, “how do you expect them to be
otherwise? When you pull a brand out of the fire, do you expect to find it
milk-white or polished?” No, it had begun to crack and burn, and though you
have plucked it out of the fire, it is in itself still black and charred. So it
is with the child of God. What is he at his best? Till he is taken up to
heaven, he is nothing, but a brand plucked out of the fire—Charles
Spurgeon.
Can you even fathom so great a love, my friends? Whether or
not we can wrap our heads around this great Truth, God’s love stands fixed,
nonetheless. It ever remains our firm foundation on which to build. “God
loves you and He gave His only begotten Son to die for you that you might be
restored into right relationship with Him”—John 3:16.
That is the very heart of the Father’s love towards you,
beloved.
The Apostle Paul says it this way: Christ redeemed us
from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written:
“Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us so that the blessing
given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus so that by
faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit —Galatians 3:13-15.
You have been snatched from the fire to have a relationship
with the Father. That you might spend your remaining days running after Him.
Seeking Him out. Loving Him and spending time with Him. Desiring Him above all
else. Above everyone and every-thing—placing even yourself at the very top of
that list of those you are willing to sacrifice up to Jesus. Understanding, somehow,
that you are no longer your own. You have been purchased at an exceedingly high
price—1 Corinthians 7:23. So, then, be re-minded beloved: Just as Joshua was
lovingly and thoroughly cleansed and prepared, so too have you been cleansed.
You too are being prepared for something unimaginable beloved; to become the
bride of this Christ who came and gave His life in exchange for yours. That’s
Good News! The very One who reached into that all-consuming fire and said,
“Not this one. This one is my own.” Accordingly, as it was with
Joshua and Peter and Noah and Mary, with Paul and John and Father Abraham,
brides each, made ready for their wedding day; so too has every detail of your
life been, and will forever remain in, the All-Knowing and capable hands of the
Father.
He has spared no expense on preparing you for that day that
will rival no other. The day you meet Him face to face. That day when your
fullness of joy spills out at His feet in loving gratitude, a crown. One of praise
and thanksgiving…
I believe each of us needs to stop, from time to time, and
reflect on this enormous Truth. To recalibrate, realigning ourselves with our
True North. Therefore beloved, if you have forgotten, as we sometimes do, just
how deeply you are loved and cherished by God, then please, ask the Holy Spirit
to re-mind you. To fill you, once again, with the fullness of His Word
concerning His great love for you. May you experience renewal, being re-united
with the One it is you belong to; have been betrothed to. The One in whose name
you have been called to minister…
“See to it,
brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that
turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it
is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction
firmly to the very end”—Hebrews 3:12-14.
I like that closing sentence, “And the angel of the LORD
stood by.” Oh, yes, we want Him always to stand by. When you have your new
garments on, when you wear your mitre, you still want His presence. “Abide with
us,” must be our daily prayer. We want still His strength, His comfort, His
smile, the help of His arm, the light of His countenance—for if we have Him
not, we shall soon slip from our steadfastness, and have reason to stand again,
like Joshua, with filthy garments on—Charles Spurgeon.
Friend, if you are here today and have not asked Jesus into
your heart know this; God Himself has called you here. These words should be
little more than a confirmation. A quickening inside of you that says, “I
believe this is God. I believe this is Him answering my question: “God, would
you truly love someone like me?” He says yes. Yes, I love you. Yes, I led
you here. And no, there is nothing that you have ever done that is so filthy
that my Sons Spotless Blood will not wash it clean. Just ask me in and let us
begin the journey I have planned for you…
“The Lord said to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the
Israelites, concerning you and me: For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future”—Jeremiah 29:11.
Then He said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who throws seed on the ground; and he goes to bed at night and gets up every day, and [in the meantime] the seed sprouts and grows; how [it does this], he does not know. The earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head [of grain], then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop ripens, he immediately puts in the sickle [to reap], because [the time for] the harvest has come.”
Within this passage of scripture, this parable of the
growing seed found only in Mark’s gospel, we witness, catch some watery glimpse
of, both the mystery, as well as the manifestation, of a soul’s salvation. We
witness too, how, as Christ’s disciples, we have been afforded the great
privilege of being able to sow the seeds of the Word of God into every type of
soil; the condition of which being far beyond our purview. We are simple,
ordinary sowers, fishers of men, after all, touched and enabled solely by the
mighty hand of the divine. “And He told them many things in parables,
saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed
fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Some fell on rocky
ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil
was shallow. But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they
withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up
and choked the seedlings. Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a
crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold. He who has ears, let him hear”
–Matthew 13:3-9.
And, when, after we have been faithful in our sowing, trusting in the Holy Spirit of God to have gone before us, according to His will, either to break-up or, as with Pharoah, harden the ground we’ve been sent out to scatter in, entrusted to plant within, we too then, may well share in the great joy of the harvest of which our scripture speaks. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together…” –John 4:35-36.
I’ve heard it said that: Evangelism is not merely something to be done when we think it’s convenient; waiting until the perfect moment means never getting anything done at all. As those who have been taken from the kingdom of darkness, sin, and death; having been mercifully reborn into this glorious new life in Christ Jesus, we then have a mighty duty to God, a great commission to go into every city street, every neighborhood or town, down every country lane, into war zones and prison cells and hospital rooms, searching out the ‘least of these’ that we might leave in our wake some small handful of hope by way of the Word of God—the very seed that, once firmly planted in a man’s heart, forever changes every-thing. “And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal” –John 12:23-25.
Thus, this sowing and reaping are each, in part, our responsibility, my brothers and sisters. Our portions, our privilege, to walk out daily for as long as God sees fit to use us as co-laborers in ushering in the fulfillment of His plan for all of mankind.
But oh the glorious mystery that stands alone! That Brilliant Beacon in the midst of us! The Mighty One who saves! Our excellent, highest, most glorious Example who illumines the darkest of men’s hearts! That sweet, life-changing unknow mystery born from the womb of the life and death of Christ Jesus. Our most Holy Spirit! Who, in union with the Father and the Son, in some deep unknowable moment, overtakes the heart of every man who has ever heard whispered in his ear, “Come, follow me.” Thus becoming one with the mystery which arises from the deep seat of himself. That same one who, one nanosecond prior, stood shaking his fist at God—insulting Him unashamedly, now, on his knees, is found sobbing and repentant. Made new in God’s divine election of Him. “Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” –John 3:3-5.
The Apostle Paul, that great example of just such a glorious
and true conversion—such a sincere and striking rebirth says this concerning
both the worker and the mystery of the work: “What, after all, is
Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as
the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it,
but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who
waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” –1 Corinthians
3:5-7.
Beloved, we will never understand so lofty a mystery as to how any man, once born of his mother, can then be born, yet again, of the Spirit of God to start afresh. At least not on this side of eternity. Thankfully, we need neither believe nor understand a thing for it to be nonetheless true. “I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more” –Isaiah 43:25.
What we must understand, however, is that having been so lavishly blessed, we are then commanded to spend the remainder of our natural lives, dear friends, humbly pouring ourselves out in thanksgiving before Him. Singing His praises before all men for counting us among those He has called to share in the work given Him by our Father. We must lovingly, single-mindedly, fulfill our duty to Jesus as diligent sowers; both in planting and in guarding the precious fields we’ve been entrusted with. Exalting and recognizing Jesus all the while, for being God all by Himself. This Lord of the Harvest. The heart of the great mystery of our rebirth. The very First Kernel to have gone into the ground. Our Example. “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” –John 12:24.
Friend, if you are here today and have not yet met this Jesus, this One who is able to change a man completely—giving Him a new life in the blink of an eye, may I urge you to ask Him to come to you today—showing Himself real and True and powerful in your life. Won’t you ask Him for this free gift of—this fruit of eternal life today?“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” –John 11:25-26.
“But before the two sons were born, God told Rebecca, “The older son will serve the younger.” This was before the boys had done anything good or bad. God said this before they were born so that the boy he wanted would be chosen because of God’s own plan. He was chosen because he was the one God wanted to call, not because of anything the boys did.”
“I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite sure that if God had not chosen me I should never have chosen him; and I am sure he chose me before I was born, or else he never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why” ~Charles Spurgeon.
According to Strong’s Concordance, one of several meanings or values of the name/title of Israel is, ‘governed by God.’ We see the burgeoning beginnings of what being governed by Him, selected in Him, what His plans and timing might appear as, here in the 9th chapter of the Book of Romans. We hear of Isaac here, again. This child promised Father Abraham, the one in whom the covenant is forever sealed. We learn that he marries Rebekah and from their union, Jacob and Esau are born. Paul uses these two sons to bear out his teaching—confirming for us, God’s freedom of selection. Paul also uses God’s Words to Moses as a statement of surety regarding His fairness in the selection of whom it is He so chooses to enter into a relationship with—reveal the Truth of Himself to…
But what does being selected by God mean? What does this term ‘election’ or being ‘God’s elect’ mean for us today? I’ve heard it defined as, and have come to understand it for myself, as best as my finite mind will allow, this way: Put simply, ‘being one of the elect is the result of an act of God whereby in eternity past He chose those who will be saved.’ Our election is unconditional, an act of God’s pure mercy—meaning there isn’t one thing we can do, no amount of good works we can perform nor foreseen faith we’ll possess that can ever earn election for us. Our election depends on God’s choosing us in Himself. That said, Paul makes clear to us however, that even though our election is given us freely, that does not free us of our responsibility to obey God. No license to presume upon His mercy and grace. We should never treat our election casually. More, neither should those who have yet to be called by Him say, as if they know God’s mind, His plans for their life, “Well, I don’t believe that I am one of these, God’s elect, so I don’t have to obey His commands! ” One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will? “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” –Romans 9:19-20.
Saved and unsaved alike have been crafted for His use from the same fallen lump of clay. Election and responsibility exist hand-in-hand in the Word of God. God offers this mercy to everyone; therefore none are free from the knowledge of this mercy, nor the consequence of willfully ignoring it. “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say,“Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” –Revelation 22:17. And again, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” –Acts 17:30. That’s pretty plain. He also makes this plain for us in this 9th chapter of Romans “So then, everything depends, not on what we humans want or do, but only on God’s mercy” –9:16.
In fact, the entirety of Romans chapter 9 steadily breaks down what being governed by God means to God—and for us. In this chapter, we witness Paul pivot, breaking away from the time he has spent methodically convincing us, in the previous 8 chapters, of ‘God’s glorious provision in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.’ Here in this 9th chapter, and continuing on through chapter 11, Paul begins both to pose and answer a variety of questions concerning Israel’s relationship with God and what that means for all believers—Jew and gentile alike. He reminds us that Abraham had many children. Being Abraham’s descendant doesn’t mean you are a child of the covenant—one of those God recognizes as His own. (Has Israel missed Jesus altogether? What does God have to say about Israel and His plan for them? And, finally, what does this say to you and me today about our hope and standing in Christ?) Little by little in this chapter, Paul chips away at any doubts we may hold as to the legitimacy and Sovereignty of God’s ‘sure election’ concerning both Israel and us—His elect.
So now, using the foundation of Romans 9 as our springboard, to say nothing of the various additional scriptures which confirm God’s Sovereign election; John 6:44 or John 1:12-13. Eph. 1:4-5 or 2 Thess. 2:13. And then there is 2 Timothy 1:9; among numerous others, I could choose to spend the remainder of our time together today attempting to delve into the heady, incomprehensible depths of why it is we either have been or soon will be, selected to receive salvation through God’s sovereign choosing of us. A question which, regardless of which way we might twist or turn it, will come away with no greater depth of understanding than that which God has already provided us in His Word, and through the revelation of His Holy Spirit testifying within us. Unless that is, He so chooses to share His heart with us personally. We must never presume to think we know with certainty, all that God might reveal to us. In addition, I could have also sorted through each of the various scholars’ inputs and explanations in an attempt to eke out some hidden bit of knowledge I have failed to offer you. However, truth be told, I would be attempting to swim in waters that, I humbly confess, are far deeper than my shallow understanding of this mystery of God’s decision to reveal Himself to us would allow me to safely venture into.
Instead, if you’ll indulge me, I will share with you how God, once again, pierced my heart that He might re-mind me of just how personal—how individual and intimate, His selection of us is. How precise His timing…
Allow me to preface what I am about to share in the hope that I might encourage you, be an answer to your questioning, and perhaps, confirm God’s voice speaking to you in a new and unique way. I am not a person who believes that there is some hidden meaning—some sign or deep divine mystery in every blowing of the wind. I consider myself to be a relatively grounded believer. Daily, after I have prayed that I don’t miss anything God has for me that day, I go about my day poised, expectant, wholly trusting God to open my eyes and ears to what it is He’ll have me to see and hear. That said, however, I have also been walking with God long enough to know that He is in fact, enmeshed, inseparably intertwined in everything around me. I am not that one who is so firmly planted in this world that I am not able, when He calls, to leave it behind and follow him up into the high places.
As Elizabeth Barrett Browning so aptly wrote: Earth’s crammed with beauty, and every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees takes off his shoes…
I began noticing the numbers 9:11 on the clock with steady regularity. After several months of this, I knew it was not by chance—the regularity of seeing these particular numbers, again and again, meant something. And since I didn’t want to miss out on whatever that something may be, I began to research. I was led to an article on biblical numbers and it was there, months and months after the first sighting of these numbers, that the reason behind their being repeatedly shown to me was finally realized. They were a confirmation. A road map that would eventually lead me to page 911 in the bible. Once there, I read the closing verses of Romans 9 which then drew me instantly to its beginning titled; “God’s Selection of Israel”. The very chapter in which Paul teaches us about election. My heart soon recognized God had, once again, just passed by me. Confirming His great love and divine providence over my life. This was revealed to me at an hour when I was about to walk out of a time of great testing that has lasted well over a year and a half. I could feel the Lord assuring me that just as He had chosen Israel, and has not failed to keep His promise to them—so too it is with me. I too am one of the many children promised Father Abraham thousands of years ago! This was God, yet again, making His election of me so very personal. I have been awed by His most recent revelation since. In addition, within days of this revelation, I received the fulfillment of a promise I had been waiting well over a year and a half for. God’s timing is perfect beloved. Yet I was not shown these numbers, was not led to this chapter, this teaching for myself alone, no. I was led here for you too beloved. To encourage you and re-mind you that “Sometimes we have to let our dreams go in order to allow God to bring them back to us – in his way and his timing.” …
God is perfect in every way and, He will use whatsoever He chooses to communicate His love and plans for our lives—we need only be open to receiving them—however they may come.
Friend, in an age when Christianity is under attack and faith is seen as something superstitious and foolish—something needed only by the weak and desperate; seek God anyway. Put Him first in your life. Invite Him in—make room for the possibility that He really does exist, does love you and wants to spend time with you. Choose to believe He loves you and has a plan for your life, despite what the naysayers might say. And please, don’t turn away from a relationship with God because religion has failed you. God is not a religion; He is a person who loves you. Here is the assurance He gives you dear friend, if you’ll but ask Him into your life and trust Him to do what you’ve been unable to: “For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” –1 Corinthians 1:27. And again Jesus says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” –Revelation 3:20.
And for you, my fellow believers, don’t ignore what very well may be the voice of God calling you to trust Him more completely, follow His leading of you more closely, all because you casually dismiss its un-usual tone as a mere ‘coincidence’. There is no such thing for you and I. God does not randomly waste His time. If it’s showing up in your life repeatedly my brothers’ and sisters, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you whatever the meaning behind ‘it’ is. He is faithful and true and will always confirm His Word. “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” –Isaiah 30:21.
I pray this first week of the New Year has found you positioned—fixed, on following after Jesus as never before. I pray too, that it has infused you with a renewed determination to leave behind any thing that hinders your faithfully following after God, wholeheartedly seeking to draw ever closer, nearer, to the pure desires of His heart. I’m sure the Holy Spirit has allowed you glimpses of His will and calling, both for you personally, as well as for your family and ministry. My prayers go with you as you valiantly take your next step of obedience in full confidence knowing that Jesus is drawing you ever closer to Himself. Refining you. Purging you. Breaking off, along the way, those ‘things’ that no longer serve you or bring God glory. I do hope this New Year will find you, as a dear brother recently wrote, choosing to follow after the cloud and not the crowd…
“The [presence of the] Lord was going before them by
day in a pillar (column) of cloud to lead them along the way, and in a pillar
of fire by night to give them light, so that they could travel by day and by
night. He did not withdraw the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire
by night, from going before the people” Exodus 13:21-22.
Friends, it saddens me to say that due to a very recent illness, sonsofthesea.org will not post our next full teaching, “Governed by God” until next Saturday, January 18th at noon. I thank you in advance for patient understanding and continued patronage. Know that I do so miss sharing both His Word and my time, with you. I am ever grateful that you continue to follow me as I follow Christ. Until next week beloved, may God bless you and keep you…
We are a team of Christian Authors and Teachers dedicated to sharing the Innerant Word of God with those hungry to receive Biblical Truth. Follow us as we follow Christ at Sonsofthesea.org
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