If

Friends,

If I could, I would make sure you never lost at anything. But what would you learn from winning all the time? Losing keeps you humble.

If I could, I would catch you when you fall. But then you'd never know the power of rising up again.

If I could, I would take you directly to your life's destination. But then, you'd never know the thrill of getting lost along the way.

If I could, I would find the love you long for, the love of your life. But then you'd never know that the joy of true love is in the journey it takes to find it.

If I could, I'd make your days all sunny. But then you'd never know the cleansing of the rain.

If I could, I'd surround you with the treasures of the world you live in. But then you'd never appreciate the value of the treasures of the world within you.

If I could, I'd put happiness within your reach. But then you'd never learn that real growth only comes from reaching for things beyond your grasp.

If I could, and I will...I'll love you until my last breath of life and through eternity.  Bob Perks

“If” is one of the shortest and yet most interesting words in the English language.  We certainly get our fill of it in English class where we learn that it is combined with “then” in order to make conditional statements.  What we do understand concerning “if” is that…debating over what might have happened had Germany won WW2 or should Napoleon have won at Waterloo is an exercise in futility.  But, when the “ifs” are left out of these last chapters of Leviticus, then we miss the meaning.  The word is used 32 times.  The history of Israel cannot be fully understood apart from the “ifs” in God’s covenant.  For the Israelites were to be responsible for fulfilling God’s covenant.  For example, 26:3 says, “If you walk in my statutes, then you will have blessings…”  The conditions are laid out by God, and His people must make a decision concerning Him.

The Almighty God is not some idol that the people manufactured.  He reminds them, “I am the Lord your God.”  In spite of Israel’s promises to obey the Lord, however, the Jews broke the first two commandments by turning to idols.  If they had been true to God by keeping the laws, the feasts, the Sabbath, etc., these matters would have been a reminder to them that they were supposed to be God’s special people.  They should have fully understood that God dwelled among them…in their camp…in the sacred tabernacle (and later in the temple).  How could they think of disobeying Him when He was so near?  The “so-called” gods of the other nations were nowhere “near” to them.  God promises His children many things, but they are just this -- “children” in their faith.  They need to learn and grow as all children must do.  God promises rain, faithful harvests, peace and safety in their land in order to multiply their population…if they will enjoy the tremendous blessing of His presence.  This is the most important thing…and every other blessing depends upon it.  This is something that has not ever changed – right living has always been about God’s presence in our lives.

Israel’s privileged position brought with it the responsibility to obey and glorify God.  Yet, as the privilege is forsaken, the Lord sends chastisement, discipline.  There are six periods of judgment mentioned here for Israel.  The first five punishments are concerning the land…and for the sixth, they are taken out of their land and dispersed among the nations.  As he did with Pharaoh, God was turning them over to the desires of their hearts, and they would feel the “terror” of such. God’s purpose was to break down their stubborn pride.  The rains would cease, the ground would become hard…no crops would grow.  They would put forth great toil, but there would be no harvests.  Still, they would refuse to repent.  Next, there would be invasions of wild beasts that would kill the cattle and the people.  Warfare, famine and plague would follow…and enemies would conquer and destroy them.  As their hearts would remain hardened, ultimately God removes them from the land at the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians to be taken away and disciplined.  By His mercy, He brings back a remnant of Jews, but they are not really ever the same again.

It seems strange that this book should end with a section regarding vows, instead of some demonstration of God’s glory and holiness…but, as with many of these other matters, there is a purpose.  God want his people’s hearts.  There is opportunity for them to show their allegiance to Him and His will.  The promises (vows) of God’s people should be as unbreakable as His covenant with us (Proverbs 20:25).  The vows given to God are strictly voluntary and expressions of the worshipper’s gratitude to God for His blessings.  It begins with the dedication of individuals.  A worshipper might dedicate himself to the Lord or bring a family member or servant to serve the Lord for life at the sanctuary.  Animals dedicated and redeemed are considered holy, or set apart, which means they would belong to the Lord.  Property, likewise, is able to be dedicated and redeemed and would also be considered holy to the Lord, but the owner would have to add twenty percent to the amount when he gave redemption money to the priest.  And there were other things that could be dedicated and redeemable.  Ultimately, this would all change with the completion of the old covenant, some 400 year after the people’s return from exile.  For those of us who live under the second or “new” covenant, God dedicated His Son.  He made that commitment through a covenant of (His) blood in order that our sins would be washed away so that we could live forever.  God still expects His people to make the most of their opportunities to give their hearts to Him…to accept His Son as their personal Savior…and live genuinely spiritually.

An American traveling in Syria became acquainted with a shepherd.  Each morning he noticed the shepherd carrying something to the sheep.  The traveler followed him one morning and found that he was taking food to one particular sheep that had a broken leg.  As the traveler looked at the animal, he said to the shepherd, “How did the sheep break its leg…did it have an accident or was it attacked by a wild animal?”  “No,” said the shepherd, “I broke this sheep’s leg myself.”  “You broke it yourself, but why?”  “You see, this has been a wayward sheep…one that would not stay with the flock, and in fact, would lead other sheep astray.  Then, it would not let me near it.  I could not approach it, but when I finally did connect with it, I broke its leg so that it might allow me, day by day, to feed it.  In doing this, it will come to know me as its shepherd.  It will learn to trust me as its guide and keep with the flock.”

Like Israel and the sheep, we humans tend to go astray from time to time.  If we do not find a way to humble ourselves and bring ourselves back in line, the Lord will provide discipline for us in order that we will come to understand and follow His will.  We need to keep ourselves humble by walking with the Good Shepherd, Jesus, on a daily basis.  When we are able to do this, we avoid most of the same mistakes that prideful Israel made.  In addition to this, we will be a blessing to the Lord and to those around us whom we serve.  We don’t have to settle for a mediocre faith, as most of the Israelites did.  We have every opportunity to make wise choices in our lives under this new covenant that will be to our spiritual and eternal benefit.  God’s faithfulness to His Word and to His covenant should be great assurance to us…He always keeps His promises.  If we give our lives to Jesus Christ and live for Him, one day He will return and take us home with Him…there are no ifs ands or buts about this…simply the fulfillment of promise.

Blessings, Don

I Can See Clearly Now

Friends,

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is speaking primarily to and about two groups of people. Those who are following Him…early disciples and the curious…are one group. The second group is made up of the religious leaders of the day, the Scribes and Pharisees. In the first section of Matthew 7, Jesus’ primary focus is on the latter group, but He shares information that is relevant for everyone. Earlier in His message Jesus talks about the Pharisees’ desire to garner the praise of men. They would do any number of things in order to make themselves appear pious…pray openly on street corners, while wearing big robes with their attachments. Here, Jesus cuts to the center of the issue with these religious leaders, and as the result, He exposes their spiritual heart problems. The Pharisees and Scribes, in their arrogance, were very judgmental of others – it is this attitude that Jesus sets out to confront.

Jesus explains that among the first principles of judgment that we need to consider…is to look at ourselves. This whole concept should be humbling, and it is all too easy for it to escape us…it is not difficult for us to allow Satan to manipulate our feelings so that we become judgmental. The principle that the Lord shares is, if we first judge ourselves then we are preparing for that final judgment when we face God. In essence, when we judge, we are playing God. This is precisely what the Pharisees are doing by regularly condemning others. They do not really consider the concept of facing God at judgment. But, how could they? Even when we get caught up in ourselves…our perspectives…our agendas…our opinions…rarely do we consider God’s opinion in matters. Jesus gives “the law of spiritual returns” -- when it comes to judging, in as much as we may be judging others…we are setting ourselves up for judgment from others. We receive from people whatever it is that we give…if criticism, then criticism…if grace, then grace. In fact, criticism just perpetuates criticism…while grace will beget more grace…

The argument is laid out and to drive home His point that we need to take a look at our own hearts…to do self-examination…Jesus offers a hyperbole. Certainly in his years of wood-working, Jesus probably had dust in His eye more than once. What a great statement that He makes…the image of a man trying to remove a 2x4 or log from his own eye before removing a speck from another’s eye. This is ridiculous…but, according to Jesus, this is how foolish the Pharisees look in their unjust judgments of others. If we are not humble and do not honestly face up to our own sins…and confess them…we become blind to ourselves, and are incapable of helping others. It is important that we use discretion…wise discernment…in our relationships with others. We can observe and examine others’ attitudes and actions, but reserve judgment on their motives, for only God can see their hearts. A wise person once shared – we need to discern the facts…“he did not speak to me at the meeting” from judgment…“he does not care.” The fact that we may not be in a position to speak to someone does not mean that we do not care. The Lord knows our hearts…we must humble ourselves before him and avoid a spirit that is critical or judgmental. If we do find ourselves in a place where we are judging, we need to look by faith to Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness and allow Him to forgive and to restore us.

We have choices to make and these choices will come from our hearts -- just what will they be?
People generally tend not to put sins like dishonesty, arrogance, gossip, slander, contentiousness, critical spirit on the same level as more visible (what they might consider "greater") sins such as immorality, drunkenness or murder. Yet, these so-called "social sins" are no less deadly. A little leaven from any of these, allowed to ferment in our spirits, will lead to spiritual death just the same as any “more visible” sin. We really need to heed Jesus’ message and guard our hearts. If we have a problem with a brother or sister, we must humble ourselves and go and make amends. We will perpetuate what is in our spirits…if it is criticism, then more will come. Yet, if our hearts are focused on living according to grace and love, then this is what is going to be revealed in our lives. Once we have made an honest judgment of ourselves before God and have allowed Him to remove those things that blind us…then, we are truly in a position to help others.

Blessings, Don

A Humbling Contrast concerning the Human Condition

Friends,

I have to confess that these thoughts were going to start out as a message appropriate for Valentine's Day. As I have considered that it's time to get back to sharing concerning John 13 and what is taking place there, the passage concerning "love" (vv.34-35) is what jumped out at me...at least in my initial thought process. In considering the entirety of the passage, the "love" theme is the highlight of an otherwise challenging, difficult section of Scripture concerning the betrayal of Jesus. Not exactly "Valentine's material"...and as one of my silly children astutely pointed out, "yeah dad, nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a message concerning the betrayal of Jesus." Oh well, what are you going to do sometimes? :-) Nonetheless, it may be challenging, but it is an important message to share.

Michael McCartney shares about John Bevere’s book, “The Bait of Satan.” In it he says, “Our response to an offense determines our future." I believe that he is correct. Paul understood this principle clearly, as he was betrayed a number of times. And this is why he warns churches against "the spirit of causing offense" and those who practice it. Bevere states, “Many are unable to function properly in their calling because of the wounds and hurts that offenses have caused in their lives. They are handicapped and hindered from fulfilling their full potential. Most often it is a fellow believer who has hurt them. This causes the offense to feel like betrayal.” In Psalm 55:12-14, David laments, “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng.” They are those whom we sit with and sing alongside, or perhaps it is the one who is delivering the sermon. We spend holidays, attend social functions, and share offices with them. Or, perhaps it is closer…someone we grew up with, have confided in, or even sleep next to at night. The closer the relationship, the more severe the offense! He concludes with the thought, “Pride keeps you from dealing with the truth. It distorts your vision.” Perhaps, in some small way, this helps us to understand what is taking place in this section of John’s gospel, concerning Judas, the disciples and Jesus. It is certainly not something we are comfortable to discuss, but if we have lived long enough, we have experienced it at one time or another...hopefully to our growth and understanding.

Following Jesus’ display of service in washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-18), now the one who is to betray Him comes to the forefront. After three years of ministry, it is now the appointed hour. It is important to note that Judas really has not been a true believer…but he has been a very good actor. He never really believed in Jesus, but has had every one of his fellow disciples fooled; he was even the treasurer of the group. Jesus has two great concerns – the fulfillment of the Word of God (vv. 18-30), and to magnify the glory of God (vv.31-35). Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 concerning a betrayal that David experienced…likely that of trusted advisor Ahithophel who joined the rebellion of David’s son, Absalom. I believe that Jesus is concerned that Judas’ treachery not weaken the faith of His other disciples. Even though Judas may be showing his true colors, Jesus expects His disciples to be loyal to Him. It is truly an amazing thing that the other disciples are completely ignorant concerning the fact that Judas is an unbeliever and a traitor. Up to the very hour of his betrayal, Judas has been protected by the Savior whom he is betraying. If Jesus had revealed his intentions before this time, the other disciples would have turned on Judas and it would have created some other significant problems…as it is, they are still arguing about who is the greatest (Luke 22:24ff.)

From the very beginning, Jesus knows what Judas is going to do (John 6:64), but he does not compel him to do it. Judas has been exposed to the same privileges as the other disciples, but they have not benefitted him. As one anonymous person has shared "The same sun that melts ice hardens clay." Judas had continued to be a thief, dipping into the treasury, despite Jesus’ warnings about covetousness and unbelief. The situation is such that when Jesus dips the morsel of bread and gives it to Judas, the disciples interpret it as an act of love and honor. This highlights the fact that the disciples have no clue concerning what is taking place. They figure that he has been sent on some special mission of mercy by the Lord in order to help the poor. Judas then goes out of their presence. “And it was night,” carries a significant message when we consider how important are the concepts of “light” and “darkness” in John’s writings.

After Judas is gone Jesus proceeds to instruct the disciples and prepare them for His crucifixion and ultimately, His return from heaven to take them (and us) home with Him (John 14:1ff). It is now that He also institutes the Lord’s Supper. This is the last supper…something that Judas could not participate in, because it is about fellowship -- for them as well as for us. The theme changes to the glory God. It is remarkable how Jesus could take such an awful situation and turn it into one of the most positive messages we see in the New Testament – it is the focal point for His life and for the gospel. Jesus has glorified the Father in the way that He has lived His life…preaching and teaching, ministering and blessing. Now the Father is going to glorify the Son through death, burial and the Resurrection. He leaves them with the challenge and responsibility to continue to grow in their love for one another. This is central to everything He has taught and lived…and displayed in the washing of their feet, including Judas’. They are to love another, even as He has loved them – sacrificially. This section begins and ends with love…His love for His own (John 13:1), and the disciples’ love for one another – this is powerful! (I do want to talk about this some more later).

Mark Brunner offers some good food for thought, and I want to close with it -- If life is going well and I am in all things successful, does that me that God is pleased with me? That’s a good question! If I am successful in the things that I do, does that necessarily mean that it is always God that is behind that success? When things go well it is nice to believe that, isn’t it? I must be doing something right if failure is a stranger and success is my daily companion. Why else would it be that life is moving along and things are just working out? When things are going well it is tempting to place all success right on God’s doorstep. But, if you stop to think about it, there are quite a few unbelievers that seem to be basking in the warmth of money, fame and popularity these days. That being the case, how can we be certain that our successes are from God? And what about my failures?

Let’s think about it…among Jesus’s apostles, the one absolutely stunning success was Judas, and the one thoroughly groveling failure was Peter. Judas was a success in the ways that most impress us -- he was successful both financially and politically. He cleverly arranged to control the money of the apostolic band; he skillfully manipulated the political forces of the day to accomplish his goal. And Peter was a failure in ways that we most dread: he was impotent in a crisis and socially inept. At the arrest of Jesus he collapsed, a hapless, blustering coward; in the most critical situations of his life with Jesus, the confession on the road to Caesarea Philippi and the vision on the Mount of transfiguration, he said the most embarrassingly inappropriate things. He was not the companion we would want with us in time of danger, and he was not the kind of person we would feel comfortable with at a social occasion. Time, of course, has reversed our judgments on these two men. Judas is now a byword for betrayal, and Peter is one of the most honored names in the church and in the world. Judas is a villain...Peter is a saint. Yet the world continues to chase after the successes of Judas, financial wealth and political power, and to defend itself against the failures of Peter.

All of this is very interesting. According to Brunner, if we are living for Jesus and not ourselves, then our priorities have apportioned themselves into the right place. But, I have to wonder how many of us American Christians living in 2012 are more interested in making a buck than in washing someone’s feet. They may protest otherwise, but the proof is in how they...and we...live.

Blessings, Don