Insights on the Parable of the Two Lost Sons - Luke 15:11-31

These are notes from The Gathering on February 12th.  We have discussion, fellowship and encouragement.  All are welcomed.  

Understanding the Audience – Luke 15:1-2

The audience was composed of two groups of people:  Tax collectors and sinners and secondly, the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law.  Jesus tells three stories about something that was lost and in the first two stories the owner of the sheep and the owner of the coin spared no effort in recovering that which was lost.   In the third however, the younger son was lost and the Father waited for him to start home before reconciliation, but the older son was lost and the Father went out and sought him.

In the parable about the Lost Sons – the Tax Collectors and Sinners were represented by the Younger Son who openly rebelled against the Father.   The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law were represented by the Older Son who “kept the rules” but inwardly resented how the Father dealt with the Younger Son.

Response to Love the Has Been Rejected – Disappointed in Someone you Love

Most of the time when love is rejected we begin to devalue or find fault in the object/person we loved.  We do that to protect our hearts and make us less vulnerable to continued pain.

The Father loved the Younger Son – no doubt – and the Younger Son dishonors the Father by rejecting His love and humiliating Him in front of the entire family and community.  “I want your stuff, but I don’t want you. – I wish you were already dead so I could get my money!”  Then he leaves and lives in a way that further dishonors the Father.  The way he lived seems to be known by all – the Older Brother brings it up in his rant against his Father.  “But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes”  15:30

Did the Father Love the Younger Son?   Absolutely!   Did the Younger Son reject/betray the Father’s Love?   Absolutely!

How does the Father respond to the Son who rejected His Love, publically humiliating Him by asking for his inheritance?   With contempt or vulnerable love?  The Father responds with unbridled love – forgiveness and restoration.  Vs 20.   The Older Brother responds with judgment, bitterness resentment and abandonment.  Vs 28.  Even then, how did the Father respond to the Older Brother’s Sin?  “So the Father went out and pleaded with him.”  Vs 28.  The Father wanted relationship/fellowship with both sons!   His response to their betrayal was tender love and compassion.   Rather than protecting Himself – He made Himself more vulnerable.

How do you respond when your love is rejected, you are betrayed or someone you love disappoints you?  

A Picture of God – Creator vs Father

In the Old Testament God was separated from His people as exemplified by the Tabernacle and Temple.   He was with them, but separated where only the High Priest would come into His Presence.  Seldom in the Old Testament do we see God referred to as Father.   Jesus however, all through His Ministry He refers to God as His Father.    The only time we don’t see this is on the Cross where Jesus cries out, “My God My God why have you forsaken Me?”

The picture of God in this Parable is not a God of distance, but rather God the Father who longs for fellowship – a Father than loves – tenderly waits for His child to come back into fellowship with Him – not to condemn, but to welcome him home.  This is a radical new concept that Jesus introduces of God as Father.  It was especially foreign and offensive to the Religious Elite/Professionals of the day.

Notice that the Father was filled with compassion – He ran to the younger son, threw His arms around him BEFORE the younger son could say a word – before the younger son started his confession of sin.  The younger son didn’t have to “convince or earn the Father’s forgiveness” – the Father met the younger son once he started home.

An Understanding of Repentance

Repentance is more than feeling contrite or remorseful for sin.  We have a good illustration of true repentance from the Younger Son when he lavished in the field eating swine food.

•  There was a change in thinking – “When he came to his senses.”
• There was a change in the way he viewed His Father – Before restrictive but now compassionate.  “How many of my Father’s Men”
• There was a change in direction – Before he went to a far country, now, “So he got up and went to His Father.”
• There was a change in how he viewed his actions – “I have sinned against heaven and against you.”
• There was a change in how he viewed himself – Before – “Father, give me!” now “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

Repentance – true repentance involves more than just an emotional response – there is a change in the way we think; a change in the way we view God; a moving “toward God” rather than running from Him; an understanding that what we did was sin – not just a bad happen or a victim of circumstance – but we chose to do what we knew was wrong; and a humility – a shedding of pride.    This also can be seen in Psalm 51 in David’s Confession of sin with Bathsheba. 

What Hindered Fellowship Between the Father and Sons?

Younger Son – Overt rebellion – selfishness and disrespect.

Older Son – He kept rules but was filled with pride, jealousy and disrespected Father.

Younger Son – Give me what is mine!

Older Son – You have no right to kill the fattened calf – you have no right to respond that way!

Both sons wanted what the Father had – they didn't love the Father for who He was – but for what He had.

Both sons wanted to Control the Father – One through rebellion – one through “Keeping the rules” so he could get what he wanted.

Why was the Older Son so angry?    The Father didn't keep His end of the bargain.   The Older Son thought that since he kept all the rules that he could tell the Father how to respond.  The Older Son thought since he kept all the rules he should determine who was in and who was out.  He felt the younger son didn't deserve the Father's Love, Forgiveness and Restoration.  Remember - that was exactly what the Pharisees were telling Jesus.   The sinners and tax collectors (impure) don't deserve to have relationship/fellowship with God - only we do because we keep the rules and are pure!    Religion and Self Righteousness rather than Restoration of a Fallen Son.

There is a great deal of cultural information about this story that hasn't been mentioned.  For further insight you can listen to Timothy Keller’s podcast on the Prodigal Son.

Shalom

Shalom is a Jewish greeting of well being.   But there is so much more to this word that just a wish for well being.   Shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.

What I want to do is fill the word "Shalom" with the New Testament concepts of peace, joy, fulfillment, contentment and a quiet confidence.   To use this word to envelope all these terms.  But first let's lay a foundation.

What is the difference between Peace With God and the Peace of God?   Peace with  God is when a person commits  themselves to follow Jesus - when the accept His death, burial and resurrection as the payment for their sin.   (Romans 5:1) 

The Peace of God is when we experience "Shalom" in this life.   When our life is filled with joy, contentment, peace and a quiet confidence.   (John 14:27    John 16:33)

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

When There Is "Shalom" in Life there is a Peace the passes all understanding.   There is a calm confidence that God is in Control.   Whatever we are facing God will bring good out of it somehow.  (Romans 8:28)   Whatever challenges we are encountering - whether from someone else, ourselves or spiritual forces at work - God promises to provide the strength and guidance to get us through it.   (1 Corinthians 10:13)   There can be rest for whatever "It is " it may be bigger than us - but it isn't bigger than God.

However, there are things in life that destroy the "Shalom" in our lives.  When we are ungrateful - when we are driven by what we don't have rather than thankful for what we do have we will not experience "Shalom" in our lives.   Distrust in God kills "Shalom" in our lives.   When we try and control people, things, circumstances that are not our to control we will loose "Shalom."   Stress, worry, anxiety are all indicators that we feel it is up to us to control or resolve things/people/relationships rather than trusting God to do so.

So what provides "Shalom" when our desires/needs/life is  out of our control?   Take our request to God in Prayer - Tell God the desires of your heart - tell God what you want to happen.  However, realize that you really might now what is best.  We don't know all the details - we don't know the future and we tend to desire the easiest, quickest most comfortable path for our lives.    Remember Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane - "Father I don't want this - but Your will be done."

After you ask - have the faith - confidence to thank Him that the answer is on the way.   We don't know when or how, but we can trust that His best is coming.

I pray that we experience/glimpse "Shalom" in our lives this week.

When Gratitude is a Choice - Not a Feeling. Reflections on Thanksgiving.

In the quietness of our home – early on Thanksgiving morning – while all are asleep – I reflect on being Thankful.

Normally I could give a long list of blessings of how good God has been in the past year, but right now it difficult to do so.   I do not FEEL blessed right now.   I do not FEEL thankful.

And yet – I am commanded by God to be thankful.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)  

How do you give thanks when you don’t FEEL thankful?  Before you start to lecture me, I know … I know … I’ve given all the answers to others that you are about to give to me.   You live in the greatest nation on earth.  You have all your needs met.  You have a wonderful family.  You have your health.   And the list could go on and on and all of that is true.

But

Right now my thankfulness is not a feeling … it is not an emotion.   Right now my thankfulness to God is a choice, a decision that comes through tears and brokenness.

Through faith – I am choosing thankful for being broken, shattered and discarded.  When God chooses, He will rebuild, recreate and restore.  When He chooses – not me.  He has promised.  I longingly wait.  Through tears I am thankful, hopeful and trusting He will.  I am blessed to have such a future.

Through faith – I am thankful for a wife who loves me even when it would be easier not to.  She has demonstrated commitment and forgiveness borne from the very heart of God.  I am thankful for two boys who loved and encouraged me each in their own ways, bringing joy into my life through their gifts of drama and sports.  I am blessed to have such a family.

Though faith – I am thankful for people who loved my family and myself enough to be there, to love us, cry with us, pray with us and worship with us while others disappeared.   They were Jesus in the flesh to me and my family.  I am blessed to have such people in my life.

Finally, I am thankful that God’s Work in my life isn’t dependent on my worthiness or my performance.  That is a hard concept for me to believe and accept – but I am finding that it really is all about Him and not about me.  If and/or when He chooses to use me, it will be for His glory and honor and not a reflection of my talents or abilities. 

Maybe right now it is giving thanks for what will be – what He says will be – not for what has been or even is right now.

God – though faith – I am choosing to be thankful for what you are doing and will be doing in my life.  It is difficult.  I FEEL hopeless and frightened, but I will strive to be obedient and be thankful to You … in all circumstances.   Help me keep my hope in You and not in myself or others.  Thank you for friends, family and Your faithfulness.   Amen.

Dealing With That Which Seeks to Destroy You - Psalm 25

What is it that is trying to destroy you?   Who is your adversary?

Satan – His Dominions and Minions have one goal in mind – to steal, kill and destroy.

John 10:10 (NIV)  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The World’s System of Living Life

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)  Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Out Own Sinful Nature

We cannot identify the specific situation in David’s life that led him to write this psalm. Because of his repeated requests for forgiveness, many commentators conclude that his trouble was linked to his sin with Bathsheba (vv. 7, 11, 18). In return for David’s violence against Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, the Lord judged David by proclaiming that his family would be marked by betrayal and violence (2 Sam. 12:9-11). With this in mind, it would seem that Absalom’s revolt against his father may be the setting for this psalm.

Pastor and teacher Harry A. Ironside wrote, “David realized deep in his heart that the suffering was to a certain extent the result of that sin of so long ago in the case of Bathsheba. God was still visiting that sin upon him governmentally….If we think of David as in those circumstances when he wrote these words it may help us to understand them better. We cannot say positively that they were written at that time, but they would fit that occasion in a wonderful way.”

David was facing both an external and an internal crises when he wrote this psalm. Externally, enemies were attacking him. Inwardly, he was battling the guilt of his sin. Three themes are prominent in this psalm: forgiveness, guidance, and trust.

Look to God – Psalm 25:1-3

Understand that you cannot face this on your own – you cannot live a self-sufficient life.  In order to navigate life in a godly fashion, one must understand their own weakness – their own inadequacies.  As long as we look within – to ourselves – for power, wisdom or direction we will only find frustration and failure.  However, when we come to the conclusion that we “can’t” but God in us “can” then we will receive His guidance and strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

At the very onset of dealing with that which seeks to destroy you, we must look with confidence and trust to Him.

Psalm 25:3 (NIV)  No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.

Ask For Direction – Psalm 24:4-5

Show Me – yada – Make me know personally

Teach Me – lamad – cause me to learn – train me educate me in a course of action

Straying from God’s path had created this mess – ask God to teach how to stay on the right path – not just know the path, but help me to stay on the path.

Be Reminded of God’s Mercies – Psalm 25:6-7

Understand that sin had consequences – but God forgive sin.  (1 John 1:9) Rather than focus on external circumstances, there are three things David asks to remember. Remember God’s Mercy and Love -  Remember Not My Sin -   Remember Me

God is Good – All the Time – Psalm 25:8-10

Guides – Walk along side – directing along the way

Teaches – To Goad – to keep one on course.

Ask God’s Forgiveness – Psalm 25:11

“For the sake of your name.” – God’s name represented His Character.  He did not ask God for His Forgiveness to simply get out of trouble, or for his own comfort.  It was all about God rather than him.

David did not minimize or excuse his sin – He confessed it – he owned it.

Why Fear God? – Psalm 25:12-14

What does it mean to fear God?  We fear God when we recognize who he is and show Him the reverence He is rightly due.   We acknowledge His authority over every area of our lives.  We accept our accountability to Him.

When we do that – He will show/instruct us how to live.  We will be at peace and prosper.  We will have intimate fellowship with Him.

Look to God Always – Psalm 25:15-22

David was caught in the deadly snare of sin’s consequences. Although many years had passed since the night he had tragically given in to his lustful desires, his horrible sin with Bathsheba continued to haunt him. Comparing himself to a bird trapped in a net, he knew that he had but one hope of escaping the clutches of his enemies: the intervention of God on his behalf.

Commentary

First David asked the Lord to turn to him, to face and give him His full attention, because he was all alone and afflicted (v. 16). David accepted that his crisis was justly deserved: it was a part of God’s judgment for his awful sin. Therefore, he cried out to God for mercy. The benevolence of God was his only hope.

Second, David asked the Lord to deliver him from his troubles, which were large and ever growing larger (v. 17). His situation was worsening every day. As his troubles grew, so did his anguish.

Third, the distressed king again asked God to give him His full attention, to look on him in his distress (v. 18). Citing his affliction and pain, David drew God’s attention to the suffering he was experiencing because of his sin. In begging God to forgive him, he was asking the Lord to deliver him from the situation he was in.

Fourth, David implored God to observe how his enemies had increased and how viciously they hated him (v. 19). Cruel hatred (chamas sinah) is hatred that is so strong that it seeks to slay the one hated. Consider for a moment David’s leadership of the nation from his enemies’ perspective. His great sin was no secret: he had committed adultery with the wife of one of his most loyal men who had risked his life for David on many occasions. Then, he had arranged the death of this faithful follower in an attempt to cover his sin. Many, if not most, of us would have difficulty following a man with these crimes in his past. Others felt that he had ambitiously tried to displace Saul as king (2 Sam. 16:8). David’s enemies felt that their opposition of him was justified, and that, by killing him, they were acting in their nation’s best interest.

Fifth, David begged God for His divine protection (v. 20). Keep my soul is more modernly translated as guard my life (NIV). Only the Lord could protect David from death and rescue him from his enemies. He pleaded for God to deliver him from the shame of being slain by men of his own nation, and even worse, his son. His execution would also disgrace the name of the Lord who had chosen him to be king and made a covenant with him.

Finally, the king called upon God for protection on the basis that he was a changed man (v. 21). Adultery and murder had been replaced in his life by integrity and uprightness—straight adherence to the path of righteousness. David realized that he could keep no secrets from God: the Lord knew his heart and knew that David walked in complete obedience to His laws (Word). His only hope was in the Lord. Therefore, he declared that he would wait on the Lord to do what He deemed best. He placed himself and his crisis in God’s hands and entrusted his life to Him.

Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Psalms I.

Can Church Become an Idol?

Disclaimer:  I love church.  No really – I have been going to church since before I was born.  We Baptist will count everything that is on the Church Property – So when my mom was pregnant – I was enrolled in Sunday School!  The “Pre-Natal Roll!”   Seriously!

As I have grown up in the church, I love the people, the fellowship, the encouragement, the admonishments (even those), the music, the programs and the relationships.   Church is intertwined in my existence.  I grew up in church – I learned to sin in church with all my church friends – I have worked in church staff positions for 37 of my 54 years on earth.  I really love church!

Now it hasn’t always been fun and sunshine.   I have seen church fights, splits, hypocrisy, bitterness, judgmental attitudes, legalism, and conduct that would embarrass Jesus and all twelve of the disciples.  But I have also seen some of the most selfless, kind hearted, genuine people on earth that not only love Jesus, but love others too.

But recently I have wondered if I have made the culture of the Church an idol that has kept me from truly loving and following Christ.

Think with me here … and before you throw your hymnal at me just listen to what I am thinking and see if it rings true with you also.

The longer we go to church, the easier it is to grow comfortable.  We gravitate to people like us and church is filled with people “like us.”   They believe what we believe, value what we value, sing what we sing, love what we love and there is a “safety and comfort” in church.    It is a “sanctuary” from the chaos of life – the chaos of the world right?

Now this is tricky – so pay attention.  We as followers of Jesus are called to love one another, to encourage each other, to teach and admonish each other, to invest ourselves in the lives of other believers’ right?   This symbiotic relationship pulls – binds us together and we learn to enjoy and love each other in fellowship. 

But what if that fellowship – that close knit family – that comfort – that discipleship becomes what really draws us together?  What if it becomes the focus rather than Jesus?

We come to an amazingly beautiful building that is built for comfort surrounded by our like-minded friends that we love and cherish and in to comfort of that building we sing and talk about Jesus, God and things we all say “Amen” too.

Afterwards we leave the building and can’t wait to escape this sinned filled world again and enter into the “Sanctuary of Safety” with our friends.

In our buildings we feel right (we have everything we need – friends – love comfort and fellowship) and we don’t need a thing.  There is just a sweet sweet spirit in that place … and that is what we cherish … that is what we crave … that is what we long for … that is what we have come to worship.

We worship comfort, sameness, security and stability – all that are marks of a great Church and in the midst of our comfort and security we have stopped worshipping – stopped chasing for and longing after God.

We rush in from a broken world, filled with uncertainty and instability into the comfort and security of our church while Jesus stands on the outside looking in … “If anyone hears my voice ……..” (Revelation 3:14-22)

Is anything wrong with comfort, security, stability in the Church?  Not unless we are unwilling to leave it and go into the dark unstable world and love unlovable people.

If the comfort of our church is more important to us than walking into the world of broken people then perhaps we have made comfort our object of worship rather than Jesus.  We are running away, shielding ourselves from the very people Jesus left us here to reach – to love – to show His love. 

Matthew 9:11-13 (CEV)  Some Pharisees asked Jesus' disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and other sinners?"  Jesus heard them and answered, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.  Go and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.' I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners."

These are just thoughts in my mind – my heart – as I strive to learn what it is to wholeheartedly follow Jesus.   There will be more to come … I am still learning.  (smile)

Wrestling with God and Brutus the Cat

Passage of Scripture:  Genesis 32:22-32

The Back Story  -  Jacob had been able to con – deceive – manipulate his way through life.   He had deceived his brother out of his birthright (Genesis 25:27-24) and he had deceived his father Isaac out of blessing Esau with the eldest sons blessing (Genesis 27:1-40) .-  He then fled to Haran – which was his mother’s brother Laban lived (Genesis 41-47) .  Jacob had a dream in which God promised that land to him and his descendants (Genesis 28:10-22).  He then went to Laban and was tricked into working 14 years for Leah and Rachel, his wives (Genesis 29:14-30).  He then deceived Laban and left the land.  (Genesis 31:20-21)

The Crisis     Jacob was in crisis.  He was running from Laban.  He was about to be confronted with his brother Esau – the one he had deceived out of his inheritance and blessing.  His entire family was at risk.  He was frightened and alone.

Who is this Man?    At the beginning perhaps Jacob thought he was fighting someone Esau had sent to kill or harm him.  However, towards daybreak, he realized he was wrestling with God.  (Genesis 32:25-26)

Why Didn’t God Just Whup Jacob?     One assumes the battle was about winning and losing.  Perhaps there was something bigger at play.  Could it be for the first time in Jacob’s life he needed to face something he could not con, talk or deceive his way out of?   Could it be that this struggle was to show that there were situations and things greater than himself?   Could it be that up until this point that God was his grandfather’s and father’s God but not his?

Genesis 28:13 (NIV)  There above it stood the LORD, and he said: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.

Genesis 31:42 (NIV)  If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you."

Genesis 32:9 (NIV)  Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,'

Compare this with Genesis 33:20.  He no longer said the God of my Grandfather and Father – but rather the God of Israel – His God.   God no longer was just his families “hand me down” god – but rather He was His God!   He know followed and embraced Yahweh God as his own.

Genesis 33:20 (NIV)  There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel.   (The God of Israel)

Why Did God Break His Hip?    After wrestling with God, Jacob was never the same.  (Genesis 32:25 & 31) His broken hip made him more dependent on others, less independent and was a permanent reminder of his encounter with God.   Also, it was something others could see and would question him about.  It also freed him up from the pressure of appearing to be perfect – he would be forever flawed where all could see.  He was never the same.

The Story of Brutus the Cat – Brutus has been with our family for 7 or 8 years now.  He was a stray that we rescued from underneath a trailer years ago.  He had survived on food out of the dumpster and donuts from the kids at church.  He was a tough – no nonsense independent cat.   Over the years he has become somewhat domesticated – but still loved to fight with other cats in the neighborhood and made it clear he really didn’t think he needed us for much of anything. (Like most cats …. Grin)

But earlier this summer that all changed.   He was laying under a car one lazy summer afternoon and didn't get out of the way quick enough and one of his back legs was crushed.  This ended up with Brutus the cat having one of his back legs amputated.  It changed everything.  Now several months later he is getting around fine on three legs.  He has lost his independent streak, he stays inside and he is much more loving.  Even his fur is softer.   Rather than running out at night, Brutus curls up with us in bed.  He is almost totally dependent on Sharon and I now.   His tragedy changed his character.   Sound familiar?    Yea …. Me too.

Why Did God Change His Name?     When God changed his name it was a signal of a fresh new start.  (Genesis 32:28)  It signaled a changed of character and a new identity. Jacob’s name meant he deceives.   Israel means struggles with God.

Important Questions to Ponder

What will it take in your life to rid you of self-dependence?

When crisis comes – and they will – could it be that God can use those difficult times to bring change into our lives?

Is God your God – or is it just a family tradition?

Is there a story – a scar in your life – that when people hear it, it is an opportunity to tell people your God-story?

Could it be that being “broken by God” could be the biggest blessing in your life?

Is Failure Final in the Bible?

Over the last few months I have often wondered if things will ever be the same.   On some good days, I see glimmers of hope – that somehow God will continue to remake – renew me into something that He can use for His glory.   On other days, I see people who I dearly love and have respected refuse to have anything to do with me, treat me as a pariah, seemingly erasing me from their very existence.   And God that hurts.

Every person God used in the Bible failed Him at some point.  Abraham lied, David committed adultery, Solomon strayed from his faith, Moses murdered a man, Peter deserted Jesus, Paul persecuted the church and the list could go on. 

Each man failed God – sinned – and that sin brought for death and destruction (John 10:10) – it always does.  But in each case God didn’t give up on them.  While God forgives, He does not remove the consequences for that sin.  In some cases those men in the list paid an incredible price in consequences for their sin – but God didn’t abandon them.  

Paul writes to the Church in Corinth that we are being “transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 3:18.  That word “transformed” comes from the Greek Word metamorphoo which we get the word metamorphosis from.  You know that word from your biology class – it is the process by which a caterpillar changes into a cocoon then into a butterfly.   A process that is slow, ugly, filled with struggles but ends up producing something of beauty.

Although many verses talk about something similar in Salvation – “old things pass away, behold all things become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17) that isn’t what Paul is referring to in 2 Corinthians 3:18.  He is talking about how God is transforming us into His image after we have come to follow Him.   It is a lifelong process.  A slow, ugly, filled with struggles but ends up producing something of beauty kind of life long process.

When I look at Scripture – what God has to say, I gain hope.  Listen to these verses.

Psalm 42:5 (NLT)  Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior.

Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)  Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)  The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)  For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Isaiah 42:16 (NLT)  I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 58:8 (NLT)  “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.

It is so hard to fully believe that God will do these things in my life.   I know that sounds terrible for someone who has preached 35 years to say that … but it is true.  But if I don’t believe Him – what do I have left?  If I look to people, some have responded with honesty, love and graciousness – and for those I will be eternally grateful.  Others – people who claim to know Jesus – have responded in a very different manner.

I guess we have disappointed each other.  But I have found that I cannot look to them for comfort, forgiveness, or hope.   If I am to find those things, I must find them in Him.   I have learned many things in the last few months – amongst them – If I look to anyone or anything other than God for comfort, forgiveness or hope I will ultimately be disappointed.  Looking to men – even godly men – for something that God can only give will always leave one disillusioned or disappointed.   And I have done both.

Right now is a painful part of the “transformation” – the metamorphosis of an sinful follower of Jesus into the Image of God.   It hurts.  It is terrifying.  It is painful.   But – I am hopeful.  I am trying to be confident that “He who began this good work in me will continue it for His glory.”  Philippians 1:6

 

Life in the Desert - Where is Your Hope?

Life in the Desert

Isaiah 35:1-4 (NIV)  The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;  it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.  Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;  say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

In Isaiah 34, Isaiah has pronounced judgment on Israel from God.  It is terrifying.  It is total.  It is complete.   Israel’s unfaithfulness to God has not gone unnoticed.   Now after repeated warnings, God is telling them what will happen.

But there is something interesting about judgment from God.   Whether it is for a nation or for one of His Children – through the judgment comes, there is always opportunity for repentance and restoration.  And that is what Isaiah 35 is about – Renewal; Restoration; Redemption; Hope.

Acknowledgement of Barren Times in Life

Why were they experiencing this barren time?   Israel had rebelled – God had judged them – repentance would come – after repentance came hope and then restoration.  Restoration can only come after repentance – a returning to God.

Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)  He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

The people found themselves in the desert, in the wasteland and in the wilderness because of their choices.  Their actions.  They had forgone God’s Blessing by chasing cheap imitations of what God was and what He offered.   And now, they suffered the consequences of their sin.

Isaiah 35:1b 0(NIV)  . Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;

Why the crocus flower?  In most places the crocus flower starts blooming in spring.  However in Middle East – Israel – it blooms in the dead of winter.  “Small colorful splashes where life seems unlikely.”

The Contrast of Judgment and God’s Blessing

Wilderness – an open place where cattle are driven. – Once provided, but now no longer can.

Wasteland – barren, land of drought – Empty, desolate

Desert –A sterility – inability to give life.

with

Mountains of Lebanon – Mountains famous for excellent cedars – Majesty

Mount Carmel – Woody mountain – Beauty

Plain of Sharon – pleasant place of Pasture – Fertility

Display His Glory – the Splendor – His Power.  When God does this, people will give glory to God – not themselves or others.  The focus or attention will be on Him.  God will do this, not us.

What Do We Do With This Message?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

What God has given you – you are to give to others.  We are to share this message of hope with others.

What we do:  Strengthen (the power to grasp and hold on); Encourage and Say

To Whom:  Those with tired hands; weak knees and fearful hearts.

Hebrews 12:12-13 (NIV)  Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.  "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

What Message are we to Speak?  What Encouragement?  

Where to look for Hope, Deliverance and Restoration.

Isaiah 35:4  Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;  say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

“Your God” – God will provide – not people – not yourself, but God.

Even in the midst of Judgment – There is Hope – God will come.

Even in the Wilderness, Desert, and Wasteland – There is Hope – God will come

Even when you are Exhausted, Feeble, Broken – There is Hope – God will come.