When I see the blood I will pass over you

One of the things about reading through the Bible in a year is that you get to revisit the important therms of the Bible in a systematic way. This morning's quote from Exodus 12:23 reminded me of the centrality of the blood in redemption and deliverance. The angel of death was about to strike all the firstborn of Egypt, and the Lord had told the children of Israel to slay a lamb and “strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood” (verse 22), and when the angel saw the blood he would pass over that household and “not allow the destroyer to come into your houses.” It is worthy of note that the parents did the striking, but the whole household would be saved (see Joshua 24:15d). This passage is perhaps the clearest initial picture of forgiveness of sins, deliverance and salvation through blood sacrifice. Things in the Old Testament are said to be a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ (Colossians 2:17).

Isaiah tells us the inconvenient truth that “all we like sheep have gone astray,” and Jesus identifying with us as sheep was “led as a lamb to the slaughter,” and the Lord was in effect laying “on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6,7). The same chapter tells us “He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors,” and in doing so “bore the sin of many” (verse 12). The Name “Jesus” does not appear in this Chapter of course, but in case we are left in any doubt John the Baptist seeing Jesus exclaims “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Also when the Ethiopian eunuch inquires who Isaiah 53 is speaking about, we read that Philip preached unto him Jesus (Acts 8:34, 35).

The sacrificial system of ancient Israel was part of the shadow of things that were to come. The idea is of substitution for sin. The sacrifices of sheep and goats and bulls and lambs foreshadowed the reality of Christ's atoning sacrifice of our sin. It is through His sacrifice that the sins of those who trust in Him for salvation are made holy (justified). That it was shadow and not realty is spoken of clearly in Hebrews. “It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin (10:4), however “Without the shedding of blood there is not forgiveness of sins” (9:22). And “Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). It is a divine exchange, He took on our sin, and gave us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Father, it is by these tender mercies of Your that Paul admonishes us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, and suggests that this is the only reasonable response to all that You have done (Romans 12:1 NKJV). And so Lord I present myself to You again this morning Lord to use me as You will for Your Kingdom and I will give You all the honour, glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen

Tell your son and your son’s son the mighty things I have done in Egypt

Two things stood out to me in this morning's readings, the first,  in the title,  from Exodus 10:2.  The second “Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed” (Psalm 25:2, 3).  The context of the first is towards the end of the plagues of Egypt.  The Lord was telling Moses that one of the reasons He was doing these things,  was so that Israel would have something of the wonderful works of God, to tell their children and their children's children. It is God's nature to deliver His people, and since God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), then His testimonies are the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:20). In other words,  the testimony of what God has done, is an invitation to believe that He will do it again.

One of the commonalities between what caught my attention this morning,  is deliverance. The first is about delivery from slavery in Egypt, the second of  David from his enemies.   The deliverances are both in the future, and David's petition (let none  who wait on You be ashamed) is not only for all of us who are waiting for deliverance, but also for all who are waiting on God for the fulfillment of His promises.  God is faithful and, thinking again of His nature, we read “eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him” (Isaiah 64:4). In this instant society,  where there it a pill for every ail, we are not very good at waiting. Our focus tends to be on the bottom line,  the goal at the end of the road.  But God is every bit as interested in the journey, as He is in the deliverance, or  in the fulfillment of His promise.

But what does it mean to wait on Him? Well for one thing, it's not passive. In His waiting David petitions the Lord to “Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation” (verses 4, 5). David sees the waiting as an opportunity to learn God's ways. We too need to see these things as an opportunity to learn and to draw near to God, and so claim His promise that He will draw near to us (James 4:8). Waiting is also about faith, we choose to trust that since He has delivered in the past, He will deliver,  and continue to deliver (2 Corinthians 1:10).  We will not experience deliverance if there is nothing from which we need to be delivered. And so in such times we need to learn to press in,  and to take advantage of all the Lord is wanting to show us and to do in us. Waiting in faith is progressive and experiential,  as we truly come to know in our innermost being,  that He is working all things together for our good.

Father, thank You this morning Lord,  for the many things You have done in my life. Thank You that You lifted me out a a desolate pit, and put a song of praise in my mouth. Lord may my testimony help many to see and fear and put their trust in You (Psalm 40:1-3). And Lord let none reading this blog ever come to shame,   as they wait on You in Jesus Name Amen

The earth is the LORD’S, and all that fills it

As the second part of this verse from Psalm 24:1 makes clear, this includes all “those who dwell therein.” Those who live under a brutal dictatorship know their place well, they know that if they step out of line they are in big trouble. Thankfully God is not a brutal dictator, but rather He is patient and longsuffering with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). But let's make no mistake about it, the earth and all that fills it belongs to Him and He has the right to do with it exactly as He pleases. Again I am thankful this morning that our beautiful God is the very essence of love and of all the positive qualities, and more that mankind is capable of exhibiting. But again let's make no mistake about it, our God is a consuming fire to those who ultimately resist Him (Hebrews 12:29). And since in our unregenerate state the imagination of all of our hearts are continually towards evil (Genesis 6:5), then it is only by His Mercy that we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22).

The Lord made mankind in His image, in His likeness in order that He might have fellowship with us. And throughout the Bible He continually invites us up to fellowship wth Him. In this morning's Psalm He asks “Who may stand in His holy place?” He answers “He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (verse 3b, 4a). One of the purposes of the Old Testament is to demonstrate that without the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit in our lives this is impossible. In fact the Law was there to teach us that it is impossible without Christ and therefore we need to come to Him for salvation (Galatians 3:24). All who will may come, and drink freely from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). We do need to realize however that when we come we are no longer our own, we are bought with a price, and that we should honour God with our bodies as living sacrifices (1 Corinthians 6:20; Romans 12:1).

Scripture knows nothing of a salvation that allows you to do what you want after you get saved. We are either slaves of sin, or slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:20). And we get to choose! Leaving aside the question of what happens to those who have not heard (but see Genesis 18:25), there is only one way to the Father (John 14:6). It is black and white, if we do not choose Christ, we choose the same side as the brutal dictator, the same side as those who feel they are masters of their fate, captain of their souls. And God will not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3), but rather like Pharaoh who after harden his heart many times God may choose to use you as a vessel of wrath for His purposes. After all, the earth is the LORD’S, and everyone in it!

Father the thought comes to mind that the ox knows its master, but oh so often Your people do not understand what is means that You are God and the earth is Yours and all its fullness. Teach us humility Lord and our proper place in You so that we may honour and glorify You as we aught in Jesus Name Amen

Since I spoke to Pharaoh in Your name, he has done evil to this people

The Lord had sent Moses to Pharaoh to tell him “Let my people go,” and Pharaoh calling the people lazy,  had laid more work on the Israelites.  Their response was to complain to Moses,  that he had “made us abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh,” and that he had done evil to them (Exodus 5:1, 8, 9, 23). So Moses and Aaron were getting pushback from both sides. It is the nature of leadership. I remember a friend of mine saying tongue in cheek that when God wants to punish a man he makes him a pastor!

So Moses in turn complains to the Lord asking the age old question that we tend to ask in times of difficulty “Why?” The Lord knew this was going to happen of course, and he answers him “I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (6:6,7). What the Lord was saying, is that through the pain and difficulty of it all, not in spite of it all, but through it all,  the children of Israel would know two things, firstly who they were and whose they were, and secondly they would actually know  that God is God.  In other words the trials would send doubt running!

I am reminded of the song “Through it all” by Andrae Crouch. "I've had many tears and sorrows, I've had questions for tomorrow .... But in every situation, God gave me blessed consultation, that my trials come to only make me strong."  And “For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know God could solve them, I'd never know what faith in God could do.” The Lord told us clearly “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The only relevant question is how we respond.

Father as I come to You this morning the verse “But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble'" (James 4:6).  We need Your help  Lord to be careful not to fall short of this Grace (Hebrews 12:15).  So we come to You boldly before the throne of Grace again this morning, that we might find mercy and Grace to help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16) in Jesus Name Amen

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart

God was sending Moses to Pharaoh telling him to “let my people go.” And here God was telling Moses that He would harden Pharaoh's heart to refuse (Exodus 7:3). He would eventually of course, after the final plague that killed all the firstborn of Egypt. But even then Pharaoh would change his mind (14:8). Hardening of the heart is often about choosing not to be compassionate or merciful, choosing to act in my own best interest, rather than responding to the needs of others. In Pharaoh's case it was about refusing to let the children of Israel go in spite of the miraculous signs that showed him that God is God.

It hardly seems faith that God would harden Pharaoh's heart, and then punish him for acting in accordance with it. But it's important to notice the sequence:- “When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them” (8:15); and “But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go” (8:32). The Lord had demonstrated that He is God with what has become known as the plagues of Egypt. And at first Pharaoh had humbled himself in compliance, and Pharaoh's hardening his heart was after miraculous demonstrations of God's power. And it is only after this, that God hardened Pharaoh's heart (9:12). I am reminded of Jesus words “Woe to you, Chorazin, ... Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21).

Jesus had indeed done mighty works in Chorazin, ... Bethsaida (i.e Mark 8:22ff). I have heard people say that if there were miracles today, then they would believe. I have often replied “There's testimony after testimony of miracles today, but you don't believe them.” Indeed Jesus said words to the effect that if you don't believe Moses and the prophets, neither will you believe even if one is raised from the dead (Luke 16:31). Unbelief and hardening of the heart come because we suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). If I want to commit adultery and God says it's wrong, either my adultery will go, or I will harden my heart in unbelief. As to thinking it unfair Paul asks “Who are you O man to answer against God? ....What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction” (Romans 9:20, 22). Likewise His mercy “prepared beforehand for glory” (verse 23).

Father, Paul asks “Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'Why have you made me like this?'” This morning's verse seems so out of tune with the spirit of the age that is all about me, my wants, my rights, my entitlement! This thing called free will is precious Lord, but it is also very dangerous. We can choose to shake out fists in the face of the One who has all power and authority. And like Pharaoh when we persistently choose against You, You will give us our way. I am grateful Lord for Your longsuffering towards me, for it took much pain, the huge consequences of my sin before I was willing to bow my knee. And I want to thank You Lord this morning, for Your persistence in continuing to call until I came, in Jesus Name Amen

I AM WHO I AM

Both the Hebrew, and the Greek references to the name of God (YHWH) given to Moses (Exodus 3:14), are difficult to translate. In fact any one of the following translations of the Hebrew are correct:- I am what I am, I am who I am, I will be what I will be, I will be who I will be. The meaning is even more complicated, but before I say more, I want to mention that names in Hebrew indicate essence. So the meanings include “I am the essence of being,” 'I am the essence of self sufficiency,' “I am the essence of self existence,' “I am the essence of presence.” Since God exists outside of time , one of the implications of the Name is that He always existed, and He does not change (Malachi 3:6).

The Lord was sending Moses to tell Pharaoh “Let my people go.” This Pharaoh was not the Pharaoh of the Joseph story in Genesis. This Pharaoh did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8), and had subjected the children of Israel to hard and bitter slavery (1:13,14). Like many supreme leaders Pharaoh acknowledged no power or authority greater than himself. Up until this point Moses and the children of Israel knew God only as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now God was sending Moses to them telling them He was going to deliver them (3:15-17). The New Name was a new revelation of who God is,  and he was about  to demonstrate the Name, indicating that He alone is the supreme higher power. It is a lesson many of us need to learn. Like Pharaoh did “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess” this (Isaiah 45:23). And surly it is better to do it sooner,  when it comes with the offer of salvation and life and health and peace, than to do it later, either when we have messed up and need deliverance from our foolishness, or at the time of the final judgement when salvation is no longer available.

But this Name also clearly shows that Jesus claimed to be God. In John 8:58 He tells the Jews “Before Abraham was, I am.” They knew full well what He was saying, because they took up stones to stone Him (verse 59). The Greek also makes it clear. “I am” here, translates the Greek “ego eimi.” Eimi itself means “I am,” and “ego” means “I,” so Jesus is saying “I, I am.” Anyone wanting to say “I am, simply says “eimi,” and so, as I say, they knew exactly what He was claiming. This construction is found in multiple places. I am the bred of life, I am the light of the world, I am the way the truth and the life etc. (John 6:35; 8:12' 14:6). C.S. Lewis comments that if Jesus was not who He claimed to be,  He was either a liar or a lunatic. If you reject those two options,  then He must be who He says He is, the Lord of heaven and earth.

Father, because the Lord Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death, You exalted Him and gave Him the unique Name that is above every name, that at this Name every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord to Your Glory (Philippians 2:8-11). And so I voluntarily bow my knee now while it is still called today. It is the only reasonable thing to do, and I give You Glory in Jess Name Amen

Jesus took Peter, James, and John ...

Peter, James, and John were the inner three of Jesus' inner circle of twelve. The tile phrase is from this morning's readings in Matthew 17:1. This is where Jesus is transformed on the mountain before their eyes. There is much to say about that of course, but this morning my thoughts went to the relationships of the man Christ Jesus. I had whispered to the Lord that if I had been one of the twelve, I would also like to have been one of the inner three.  And  He whispered back “You are my son!” I don't know how each and every one of us can be His favourite (yes you too), but I know it's true, for He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). It is also one of the reasons it is better for us that He went to the Father (John 16:7). 

I have often tried to treat everyone alike, but it struck me this morning, that the man Jesus (as opposed to Jesus operating as God) didn't do that. I am not saying that He did not deal with everybody in love, but when He took the three onto the mountain, there were nine of His inner circle who were excluded. I have 4,361 close friends on facebook - not really, I am exaggerating.  And in any case, you cannot have 4,361 close friends. Jesus had twelve, and among the twelve there were three who were especially close. It is very easy to get caught up in numbers. I am not saying that mega churches are wrong, but in such places, it is too easy to get lost in the crowd. We can be lonely in the midst of it all.

It is interesting to me that research has shown that we can be reasonably close to about twelve people, but really close to just a few. Jesus somehow knew this of course and that is likely why He chose just twelve. But note,  the choosing was a matter of prayer (Luke 6:12, 13). These things need to inform how we do church,  and how we mentor. In particular we all need to be part of a small group (read about 12) of people who meet regularly, and also of an even smaller group of our most intimate circle. And part of this is to realize we can't be close friends with everybody. We are human and we need to acknowledge our human limitations. I don't pretend, for example, to be able to fly!

Father, it seems to me that Paul was taking up Jesus' example when he told Timothy “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Father I ask this morning that You give each one of us a Paul to his Timothy. And help us to be faithful too Lord in Jesus Name Amen

The archers bitterly grieved him, shot at him ... But ...

There were a couple of verses that stood out to me in this morning's daily readings. The first in the title from Genesis 49:23, 24,  is a description of what Joseph had gone through because of his brothers.  The second is “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The context of the Genesis reference is of Jacob on his deathbed blessing his sons, and the title is part of Jacob's words to Joseph. The “But” continues in verse 24 with “his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob.” The imagery of the archer is reminiscent of Paul's admonition to “above all, take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). And all of the above points to the unseen battles in the  heavenly places that rage behind the scenes of what is seen,  and experienced.

In particular, the cause of Joseph's bitter grief is described in Psalm 105:18,19 as having his feet in fetters, and the word of the LORD testing him “Until the time His (i;e. God's) Word came to pass.” So how did Joseph's deal with his “bitter grief?” Did he stay bitter, or did he guard his heart with all diligence? Well, he found favour both with Potiphar his slave master, and with the jailer,  and both promoted him in their respective domains (Genesis 39:2-4, 21, 22). So it's pretty clear that while he may have started off bitter, he did not stay there. It is interesting to ponder whether Joseph knew he was being tested by God. He certainly would have heard the stories of Abraham being tested (Genesis 22). But how about you and me, when things happen that bring us better grief, how do we respond, do we guard our hearts with all diligence, or do we fall into the Devil's snare?

I keep coming back Ephesians 6:12 which tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. And so, if we are to guard our hearts, we need to realize that people and circumstances are not the enemy. Certainly people and circumstances are issues, but it is how we deal with these and other issue, that will determine whether our path is the path of life, or the path of death. I used to jokingly paraphrase the Ephesians reference as “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but we do wrestle!” And we need to wrestle, and to wrestle through, like Joseph did,  to victory. Jacob's story was also no doubt in Joseph's mind as he wrestled,  so that  he too would not let the Lord go until He blessed him (Genesis 32:26).

Father, we need Your Grace least a root of bitterness spring up and defile us and those we love (Hebrews 12:15). If Joseph could do it without the indwelling Holy Spirit, surely we can do it with Him. Show us any way Lord that we may be failing to obtain this Grace, and make us strong too by "the Mighty God of Jacob"  in Jesus Name Amen

Do not fear to go down to Egypt

Jacob and his extended family were on their way down to Joseph in Egypt.  He had stopped at Beersheba, and “offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.” The Lord spoke to him in the night,  identifying Himself as “God, the God of your father Isaac." In addition to telling him not to fear to go down to Egypt, He promised “I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes” (Genesis 46:1-4). Jacob, like most of us when we have concerns turns to God. The nature of his concerns are revealed by the assurances that God gives to him. God is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3), and it is is nature to comfort when, like Jacob did, we turn to Him. The phrase “God, the God of your father Isaac” is interesting. There is but one God (Isaiah 45:5), but this was something that in the polytheism that surrounded Israel, the Lord would need to emphasize over and over. Here the Lord is saying I am the very one who revealed Himself to, and was faithful to, Your father Isaac (see “I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” Malachi 3:6).

The Lord had told Rebekah, Jacob's mother,  that “the elder will serve the younger” (25:23),  indicating that the promise to Abraham that he would be a great nation,  would come through Jacob the younger of the two brothers. So the next things God does is to confirm that promise. Going down to Egypt would not change anything! Next God essentially reminds him of an earlier promise “ “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (28:15). As seen in 47:29-31, Jacob was also concerned that he would be buried with “the fathers,” and God's next promise would be fulfilled though Joseph and his brothers taking his bones back there (50:12-14). Finally “Joseph will close your eyes” is a euphemism for Joseph being there when he (Jacob) would die. So not only would Jacob see his son after all those years, he would be with him until his death. 

One of my favourite methods of bible study is to ask three questions, what does it say, what does it mean and how does it apply. So having done the first two above,  I ask the third "What is it that concerns me, and for you what is it that concerns you today?" There is a chorus that comes to mind “He is able more than able to accomplish what concerns me to day. He is able more than able to do much more than I could ever dream ...” Indeed “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Father, thank You for Your amazing faithfulness and Your amazing promises. Thank You for encouraging me this morning by reminding me of Your individual promises to me,  and that when I do my part You will not only do Yours, but You will do it abundantly. And I praise and worship You Father in Jesus Name Amen

Please let your servant remain as a slave, instead of the lad

It's hard for me to figure out how I feel about what Joseph had done. He had essentially tortured his brothers by putting the money they had paid for the grain back in their sacs, and had had his cup put in Benjamin's sac. He did this as a means of accusing them, and bringing them back captive to him in fear and trembling (Genesis 44:1-13). But I have no doubt what I think about Judah's willingness to offer himself as Josephs' slave in place of Benjamin, as this morning's verse (33) tells us. At the very least it showed true repentance on the part of Judah, and in this action he is a type of Christ. Perhaps if Joseph had not done what he did, Judah would not have been brought to this place.

In this action, Judah is a type of Christ. I mean that Jesus came saying “My life for yours,” and Judah is saying “My life for Benjamin's.” And surly this is the essence of true repentance, the imitation of Christ, becoming like Him in His death, in this case the death of the self life. Indeed to voluntarily give ourselves in such sacrifice is to share in His sufferings, and to open the door to His resurrection power in our lives (Philippians 3:10).

But there are other lessons that can also be learned from this passage. In particular that true repentance can lead to true reconciliation among the brethren. We see Jospeh weeping for joy and kissing his brothers. He comforts them in the godly sorrow that had produced such repentance (see 2 Corinthians 7:10, 11). And we see Joseph seeing God's hand using his suffering to preserve life (45:5). I am reminded of Romans 8:28 which says “And we know that God work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”

Father, You do not call evil good, You do not say that what the brothers did was good. But You do tell us that You are the Sovereign God who works Your purposes and our benefit through whatever bad things happen. So Lord help us, like Joseph, to stop fighting the people and circumstance You allow in our lives. And please give us Your Grace to respond as Christ would have us respond in the happenstances of life. Lord we offer ourselves as living sacrifices this morning in order that we may tap into Your resurrection power. Forgive us when we fail Lord, and grant us true repentance in Jesus Name Amen

We are truly guilty concerning our brother, ...

... for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us (Genesis 42:21). It was all happening just as God had revealed it would through prophetic dreams, first of Joseph, and then of Pharaoh. Jospeh had dreamt he would rule over his brothers, the seven years of plenty of Pharaoh's dream had passed, and they had entered the seven years of famine. Jacob has sent the ten sons who had sold Joseph into slavery to buy grain in Egypt. They encountered Joseph who was in control of selling the grain, but they had not recognized him. He had spoken roughly to them accusing them of being spies, and had put them in jail for three days. At the end of that time Joseph released nine of them leaving one as a guarantor that they would return with Joseph's younger brother, and this morning's quote is what the brothers were saying to each other.

Unless our conscience has been seared as with a red hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2), it is inevitable that the wrong we have done will come back to haunt us. The image from 1 Timothy of the hot iron, speaks of the insensitivity of the scar left by a branding iron after it has healed. Conscience is God given, and is ultimately designed to lead to repentance. The brothers were feeling and acknowledging guilt, but feeling guilt and acknowledging guilt are not the same thing as the repentance to which they are designed to lead us. True repentance is about turning away and making appropriate amends, and I want to suggest that the brothers were not there yet. Either that or Joseph, in spite of his tears (verse 24), was not yet ready to forgive them (see also Genesis 50:18-20).

A two verses came to mind as I thought on these things. The first is “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23), the second “Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked, whatsoever a man sows that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). The brothers thought they had gotten away with their sin. They had killed a goat and soaked Joseph's coat in the blood to deceive their father into believing a wild animal had killed Joseph (Genesis 37). They had added deceit to their sin. More sin always seems to follow sin. But God was no mocked, He was not mocked with the brothers, and He will not be mocked with you and I. Sin has consequences, and if we think we have gotten away with it, we are truly deceived. Sooner or later our sin will indeed find us out, and betray us. Thankfully there is a remedy. We do need to repent and turn from out wicked ways, and ask God and others to forgive us. God has promised that He will forgive (1 John 1:9). As for us, as much as possible we are to live at peace with others. We may need to make restitution, or an appropriate amends (as long as it does not hurt others).

Father, I want to thank You again this morning that when we confess our sins You are faithful and just not only to forgive us but also to cleanse us. Show us what You require of us in terms of the fruit of repentance and we will do, and give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen

I will restore the years the locusts have eaten

This verse from Joel 2:25 came to me as I read Genesis 41:17-42:17. After all that Joseph had gone through following being sold into slavery in Egypt, the Lord had promoted Joseph to second in command in the land. Pharaoh had also given him a wife and she had born him two children Manasseh meaning “God has caused me to forget,” and Ephraim meaning “two fruit land,” He said Manasseh: “For God has made me forget all my suffering and all my father’s house.” And Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (41:51, 52). The other verse that came to mind as I meditated on these things is “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love” (Hebrews 6:10). Joseph at each stage, had humbled himself, and God had exalted him in His "kairos" time.

Exaltation is promised when we humble ourselves “under the might hand of God” (1Peter 5:6). And it is in the here and now. However “There were those who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35). That clearly was a choice, a choice which we perhaps we too may be able to make. On the other hand a verse that has meant a lot to me is Psalm 27:13 (NKJV) “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” The next verse instructs us to “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.” This is what He does in the midst of the trials when we stop fighting people and circumstances that He allows, and in doing so humble ourselves. In case we are in any doubt as to what to do, David repeats the instruction “Wait, I say on the Lord” (verse 14).

The word “kairos” mentioned above,  does not appear in the translation of 1Peter 5:6. There are in fact two words in the Greek that are both translated “time.” The one in the 1 Peter reference is kairos, the other is kronos. We take our word chronology from kronos, it is sequential time, the time of clocks and calendars; it can measured. Herod asked the wise men the time (kronos) since the star appeared (Matthew 2:7). Kronos is mechanistic, we say “Kronos stops for no one” and “Kronos is money.” The word kairos, on the other hand has the meaning of the right time, or a critical, or opportune time. Paul exhorts us to redeem the kairos time (make the most of it), because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). The angel tells Zacharias that his (prophetic) words would be fulfilled in their own kronos (Luke 1:20), and there was a kronos time for Joseph's dreams to be fulfilled. There is a kronos time to strike the iron (when it is hot). And there are kronos times and seasons for many often equal and opposite things (Ecclesiastes 3 LXX).

Father, thank You for Your promise to restore what the enemy has stolen. Give us the grace, as good soldiers,  to endure the hardships (2 Timothy 2:3). You have told us that in kairos time we will reap, if we do not faint (Galatians 6:9). Teach us Lord to recognize our kairos moments, and give us courage and wisdom to press into them and redeem them, for the days are indeed evil. We pray these things in Jesus Name Amen

After two full years, Pharaoh had a dream

Apart from being a tad unwise in sharing his dreams (Genesis 37:5-11), Joseph had done nothing wrong, but he had suffered anyway. Sold into slavery by his brothers (verse 28), falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison, he had at each stage found favour with those who were over him (39:7-23). Now in prison he had correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cup bearer and baker who had also been thrown into prison. The meaning of the dreams were that the cup bearer woud be released, and the baker beheaded. Joseph asked the cup bearer to ask Pharaoh to release him on the grounds that he had done nothing wrong (Genesis 40:1-14). Clearly God was at work here, and this would be God's way of vindicating Joseph and getting him out of jail. But the cup bearer simply forgot! And now two full years later, Pharaoh had a dream which would jog the cup bearer's memory. Joseph was brought to Pharaoh,  and in fact was promoted to be second only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:1-40).

Two full years! We are not told how long he had endured the injustices from the time was sold into slavery until the start of the two full years, but the emphasis on “full” points to the fact that waiting is often difficult, and in Jospeph's case the two years waiting was continued waiting after what must have seemed like a very long time. And perhaps it was testing his patience! Joseph was dealing with two difficult things here, first of all he was suffering unjustly for things that were not his fault, and secondly he was having to wait for what must have seemed like forever. Have you ever wondered why God allows what He allows, and have you ever felt the difficulty of waiting for a promise to be fulfilled,  or for things to be put right? It's not easy, but then He never promised it would be!

I am not saying that I understand why God allows what He allows, but I do know that He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). And a huge part of this, is character polishing (verse 29). In the midst of it all, we start to see what is in our hearts, it brings the dross to the surface where we can repent of false motives,  and the like. I know I would not be the same man had I not gone through and continue to go through the things He allows. Even when it is not “my fault,” I can sin by responding in the wrong way to wrong done. When we submit in humility to what He allows He has promised that He will exalt us in His (kairos) time.

Father, You have promised that those who wait in hope upon You will rise up on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31). Please give us (me) Your grace this morning to continue to wait on You. Thank You for Your promise and for Your help to continue to trust You through it all in Jesus Name Amen

Let us not be eager for empty glory, provoking and envying one another

I noticed that I find it relatively easy to be humble with those who are humble. It can be a different story with those who like to tell me how wonderful they are, and how much they have accomplished, be it for the Lord or otherwise. And I find, if I am not very careful, that I can allow something to rise up within me wanting to say – “Oh yeh, well let me tell you about me ...” To do this would be to seek for empty glory, seeking to bolster other's opinion of me. It's a bit like when we give to charity in order to be seen, we already have our reward, the praise of men (Matthew 6:1, 2). It can also come when we are feeling put down. I am not saying there is never a place to defend ourselves, but we do need to remember that when Jesus was reviled, He reviled not again (1 Peter 2:23).

In the same context as this morning's reference (his closing remarks to the Galatians) Paul says “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (5:26; 6:14). Tim Keller in an exposition of this passage comments that the essence of the gospel is Jesus giving His life for us, in order that we might give our lives for others. And part of what Paul is saying here, is that in the light of the cross what those who seek empty glory think and feel should firstly, be dead to us. That is, I mean that we should take no account of it, knowing what God thinks and feels about us is far more important and far more affirming of who we are in Him. Secondly our response to the vain glory of the world should be that we are dead to it, in particular I should neither retaliate, nor boast in me, but rather in the cross of Jesus Christ (“It is what He did for me and for you”).

Coming back to the title verse, when we boast in nothing other than the cross, not only is it seeking empty and vain glory, it is provocative and so often leads to envy and jealousy and even putdowns as we seek to exalt self by belittling others. It is natural fallen human nature and it is what needs to be put to crucified and put to death (Galatians 5:24; Romans 8:13). Since no one likely goes to ones' death without kicking and screaming, it is likely something of a battle!

Father, it is so easy to get caught up in the spirit of the World, and it is a spirit. Your Word tells us Lord that those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (5:24). Help us therefore to reckon ourselves dead to sin, but alive to God (Romans 6:11), and to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). We need Your help Lord to be steadfast immovable aways abounding in the work of the Lord, and I am asking for it again this morning Father in Jesus Name Amen

But Jesus knew their thoughts

It is important, in seeking to make an application of this statement about Jesus,  to get our theology straight. Most people in church have the correct theology about His Deity, but I hear over and over “Jesus could do such and such a thing,  because He is God.” In particular here “He could know their thoughts because He is God.” In this and all such thoughts,  if Jesus did these  things because He is God, then we can applaud and admire Him for it, but we could never expect to be like Him. In 1 John 4:3 John tells us that “every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.” And saying that Jesus was not operating as a spirit filled man, rather that He was operating as God, is in effect denying that He came in the flesh.

When Jesus became flesh He in fact emptied Himself of His godhead (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7 ESV).  And He is our example of the Spirit filled man, and we are to follow Him and His example. So when I came across this morning's verse in my readings (Matthew 12:25), I thought to myself “I want to do that too!” And I felt the Lord asking me why I wanted it. Motives are important! Immediately the passage about Simon the sorcerer came to mind. Simon wanted to purchase the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit with money. We don't know His motives, but Peter could say that he was poisoned by bitterness (Acts 8:9-23). So yes motives are important!

But there is another question we need to ask, and that is how did He do this? Well it seems to me that this was a “word of knowledge” (1 Corinthians 12:8). As to the Lord's question to me, often we do not know our motives, and even when we think we do, they are likely mixed. So what I did is to ask myself why Jesus wanted it. Now what I know is that everything He does, He does in love. And even though the ones to whom He would speak would likely not hear, He wanted to speak so that those who do have ears to hear would understand why what they were thinking is wrong. In other words Jesus' motives were Kingdom motives.

Father, You Word encourages us to pursues love and to seek spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). I know Lord that when I seek these things my motives are not always 100% pure. Help me Lord to be as zealous to have a pure heart,  as I am to receive Your gifts. Purify my heart Lord where it needs purifying, and  then and only then please help me to know how to give an answer as You did,  even before the question is asked, and I will give You all the glory in Jesus Name Amen

I will not let You go unless You bless me!

Jacob was worried, his brother was coming to meet him and his entourage with four hundred, likely armed, men. Twenty years earlier Jacob had swindled his brother out of both his blessing, and his birthright. Esau had vowed to kill him, and Jacob had fled. In the twenty years Jacob had prospered, and was returning as God had instructed him to do. When Jacob had learned of his brother coming to meet him with four hundred men, he had prepared and elaborate amends sending lavish gifts ahead of him to meet his brother on the way. Yes, God had told him to return, nevertheless he was understandably nervous, and he wrestled all night with the angel of the Lord. At the break of day the Angel told Jacob to let Him go, and the title of this post, is Jacob's reply (Genesis 32:27, see also chapters 25 – 33).

In many ways Jacob's amends is a model for the amends envisaged in step eight of twelve-step programs. I am thinking in particular of the humility and the timing, nudged by God etc., etc. But my focus this morning is about how Jacob dealt with his anxiety. The description of the encounter is of Jacob struggling with God and man, and prevailing. The word translated here as struggle, means to persist, to exert oneself, to persevere, and this too is a model for us, a model to follow when we find ourselves wrestling in our spirit with something. Jacob's wrestling match is no passive fatalistic response to the difficulties of his life. It is an active and persistent interaction with God. Though it is not play, it is deadly serious, nevertheless, it is reminiscent of the way a loving father wrestles with his young male child, and it is part of what builds a healthy relationship.

Part of why this analogy is appropriate is that clearly the father is much stronger than the child and could easily overpower him. But the father will only use appropriate strength to match that of the child's. And in this way not only is the relationship strengthened, but also the muscles of the child. When we wrestle with God He does the same thing spiritually, and with the same purpose to strengthen us spiritually. In fact the Lord loves us to do this, and when we persist He will indeed bless us, give us the necessary peace and strength and hope to continue and to face whatever it is we need, with His help, to face! In the midst of our difficulties we might not come to God in entirety the right way. I picture myself at times pummelling Him with my fists, even as He holds me in His embrace.

Father, I thank You this morning of this picture of struggling with You and prevailing. Forgive us Lord for the times we have allowed ourselves to be offended. Teach us to wrestle appropriately with You. Thank You Lord that are big enough Lord to deal with our inappropriate responses, and that You would rather that we brought our offence to You in accusation, rather than our allowing the offense to isolate us from You. Bless us this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen 

 

Blessed is he who is not offended in Me

There were two verse that stood out to me in this morning's daily reading. The one above from Matthew 11:6, and “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). John (the Baptist) from prison had sent his disciples to Jesus asking “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Likely John could identify with the Psalmist (David) in this morning's Psalm. John had done everything right, and was being persecuted for righteousness' sake, but was (also) likely not at the place where he was rejoicing and being exceedingly glad (Matthew 5:10, 12). My own (much less severe) experience of negative responses to things I believe I have done right, start off well. I am suffering for the Lord (martyr complex?). But as time goes on, and there's not the promised vindication anywhere on the horizon (Psalm 37:6), it is easy to take my eyes off the Lord and start to identify with David's cry!

Have you ever felt abandoned by the Lord? Part of my life instructions are to wait patiently on Him (Psalm 40:1). And I have waited, but not always patiently (How long oh Lord?)! In answer to John, Jesus points John to what He (Jesus) is doing “The blind see and the lame walk” etc., etc (verse 5). What Jesus is doing, is pointing John (and us) us away from our focus on what He is not yet doing, and onto what He is doing. When we get fixated on what we want, and when we want it (now), it can lead to our being offended in Him. “What about me?”

Neither John nor David were wrong to cry out to the Lord. Indeed when his soul was overwhelmed, David poured out his complaint to the Lord (Psalm 142:2,3). It is an essential part of getting back the right perspective. In the process of doing this, David remembers that in the past he has trusted in God's mercy and declares “My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.” He goes on to choose to sing to the Lord, recalling that God has always dealt bountifully with him (Psalm 13:5,6).

Father, thank You for Your Word, and for the example of Your saints. Thank You Lord that though You are never early, You are never late, and that what You allow, You allow so that Your purposes can be accomplished in me. I know that on that day, when I see things clearly, I will declare that You have done all things well. Thank You for the Grace to carry on, and to be steadfast and immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord in Jesus Name Amen

Blessed are (IX) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

If there was ever a place where the Kingdom is opposite from that of the World, it is here. How on earth can we be blessed in the midst of persecution? Interestingly, this beatitude (Matthew 5:10) is the only one that Jesus expands, telling us something of the what and the why (verses 11, 12). But let's start with “for righteousness’ sake.” In particular we can be persecuted because we are obnoxious! But it is interesting to me to note that some of cults who get it wrong about Jesus, but nevertheless do correctly teach Biblical morals, they are also persecuted. But what exactly is righteousness in this context? Well, poor and meek in spirt, pure in heart etc., etc. And some in the cults are certainly sincere. What seems to happen, is that moral lives expose the darkness in others. If, for example, others are stealing from work and you refuse (not obnoxiously), then their sin is exposed (John 3:20), and the best form or defense is attack!

So what is this persecution the Lord is talking about? Verse 11 reads “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” To revile means to to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language, to address or speak of abusively. This can include mocking and shaming, belittling and insulting. And the sort of evil that is spoken against you can be accusations of self righteousness or simply outright lies that malign your character. Note that it is “for my sake.” I understand this to mean that these things come simply because you or I are simply trying to live for Him, and because of this spirits of the age are stirred up to plant these thoughts and actions in the hearts and minds of those who do not know Him. Remember our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).

Concerning the why or how, we read in verse 12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” The Lord knows what is going on and when we respond the way that He did enduring for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2) and refusing to revile when we are reviled (1 Peter 2:23), then we are suffering for the kingdom and we will receive the same rewards the prophets receive for their faithfulness.

Father, as always, we can't do this without You. We need Your courage to live the Christian life without compromise. But we can do all things Lord through You who straighten us. Forgive us when we fail and equip us day by day day to be rejoicing in hope of Your blessing, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, in Jesus Name Amen

More on peacemakers

In the midst of my thinking and meditating on the beatitudes,  the Lord has been reminding me how desperately we need peacemakers in the Church. Yes between denominations, but not only there. As our society gets further and further away from our Judaeo-Christian roots we are becoming less and less mature, both in the world and in the Church. It's all about me, my desires, my hurts, my rights, about how you have treated me with less than respect and honesty and integrity. As I write this, this morning the Lord reminded me how much I conformed to this in my own life and relationships, so I am not coming at this from a position of self-righteousness. In many things we all fail, many, all, me (James 3:2)!

I was reminded yesterday how often the world can be ahead of the church in reconciliation (though I believe God is always behind it). But the World is also ahead many times, in what it calls conflict resolution. I have observed that whatever works in secular psychology, always has Biblical warrant. In other words whatever principle lies behind these things, for example secular conflict resolution, it was already there, at least two thousand years ago, in the the Bible. The one that stood out to me this morning as I Googled “conflict resolution,” was the last resort point “Disciplining or terminating employees who resist efforts to defuse conflicts.” In particular there is a passage in Matthew 18:15-17 that instructs the Church how to resolve conflicts, and then, again as a last resort,  if all else fails and  “he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you like a tax collector” (verse 17).

The principles of secular conflict avoidance, discussion of what is involved, the how and the when and what of it all, are not all found in one place in the Bible, but they are all there. The who and the  how of approaching these things is clearly seen, for example, in Galatians 6:1 where the restoration should come through “you who are spiritual,” and “in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” In other words those who would be peacemakers should among other things be meek, poor in spirit and pure in heart! Whose responsibility it is is also found in more than one place. It is the responsibility of the one offended (Matthew 18:15). It is the responsibility of the one who caused the offence (Matthew 5:23, 24). It is the responsibility of those who are spiritual to work with those overtaken by a fault (Galatians 6:1).

Father, I come to You this morning asking that You would raise up peacemakers both inside and outside the church. I heard a talk this weekend Father that spoke of this decade as the decade of Bridge building. If ever there was a need of bridge building and bridge builders it is now,  in this polarized generation. Thank You for the verse that stood out to me this morning “The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne” (Psalm 11:4). We need Your help Lord, You are in control, and You have been waiting, I believe,  for us to get on board with Your agenda rather than our own. We have messed up Father, but we are here this morning asking for forgiveness cleansing and re-commissioning. We pray to You the Lord of the harvest to thrust our labourers into the harvest in Jesus Name Amen

Blessed (VIII) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God

The Scripture calls us as much as possible within us,  to live at peace with all (Romans 12:18), but this beatitude (Matthew 5:9) goes further,  and talks about those who promote peace between those in need of reconciliation. If making peace with those with who we are individually at loggerheads can be difficult,   trying to bring peace to warring factions can be doubly so! But it's Kingdom Work.   And perhaps the main reason that we who are   promised eternal life (John 5:24) are not immediately taken home to heaven,   is that we are left here to be Ambassadors.  Ambassador “as though God were pleading through us imploring others,   on Christ’s behalf, to be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).   And part of the reason this, and all other roles as peacemakers are difficult,  is that we have an enemy of our souls whose agenda is to kill, seal and destroy (John 10:10a).

It strikes me therefore,  that it is  no coincidence that this morning's beatitude  comes between that of the pure in heart, and the persecuted.   In particular in terms of being pure in heart in evangelism, our motives are important. Do we share the gospel out of a preacher's guilt trip, or to look good to our brothers and sisters?   In more general terms, I know of one situation where  a so called mediator was far from neutral, though he pretended to be. He was in fact seeking to limit the influence of one of the waring parties. It did not end well!   In terms of persecution,   a mediator can finish up being persecuted by both sides.   The point,  is that a go-between is often pressured by both sides,  to see and embrace their point of view, and to minimize that of the other side.

It can also be no coincidence that   I was remind yesterday, of the Colombia's  government  and Farc rebels peace deal that, after 52 years of war,   was agreed to in 2016. The speaker was telling of an incident that had happened at a secular conference.    There had been an emotional reconciliation between two individuals,  both of whom were feeling guilt for their part in the violence. The one was a woman who had been kidnaped as a child and was forced to be a soldier in the rebel army, the other was   from the army that opposed the rebels. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Lord was behind this, I mean it was certainly not the Devil!   But what struck me,  is that if this can happen in the secular, how much more should it happen in the church.   And we need to hear it again this morning “Blessed   are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”

Father the phrase “like father, like son,” comes to mind as I think on these things. Truly there is one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 25). And we are never more like You Father when we, like Your Son are active in our role as peacemakers be it inside or outside the Church.   We need Your Grace Lord, and Your wisdom and courage and   tenacity,  and we are asking for it this morning Lord,  in Jesus Name Amen

Blessed (VII) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God

The Scripture admonishes us to guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). The heart of the matter is the heart! Jesus tells us that out of the heart come evil thoughts--murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander (Matthew 15:19). It seems that what we focus on in our hearts, what we allow ourselves to dwell on, these things will produce fruit, either good or bad. And in fact our mouths will betray us, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

We need to ask ourselves what it is that we dwell on. Resentment can hide behind all sorts of things including apathy, disrespect, judgemental attitudes etc., etc. The Lord recently convicted me of hidden resentment, and when there is resentment,  we are moving in the direction of bitterness and malice. These things defile us, and those we love, and if we cling to them, we void the Grace that is available to us to forgive and even to love and pray for those who despitefully use us (Hebrew 12:15; Luke 6:28) .

I have gotten into trouble with Christians for talking about Jeremiah 17:9, even when I was primarily speaking about my own heart. The verse reads “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Some have gone so far as to say “That's Old Testament and not applicable to us, a Christian cannot be deceived!” But if it were impossible to be deceived, why would the New Testament admonish us not to be deceived (Galatians 6:7). And then why would the writer to the Hebrews tell us to exhort and encourage each other every day,  to not allow our hearts to be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13). Is this not why with the Psalmist we need to regularly ask the Lord to “Search my heart oh God, to see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23, 24)?

Father, thank You for this beatitude that promises that when with Your help we keep our hearts pure we will indeed see You.  Thank You Father that You have made a new heart available to us in the New Covenant (Ezekiel 36:26), but we sill need to guard it with all diligence. When we do this, we will see You more and more clearly in the here and now, and because we will be like You, we will see You as You are, in the bye and bye, Hallelujah in Jesus Name

Blessed are the (VI) merciful, For they shall obtain mercy

Years ago I was in a hurry to get a friend to the airport and was stopped because I was speeding. The officer after having taken my information told me “You were speeding sir.” 'Yes,' I replied. Somewhat taken back by my honesty, he said “What?” 'Yes I was speeding' I told him. “Go on,” he said letting me off. I told my friend “That's what I want when I die.” 'What' he asked. “Mercy not justice” I told him! Mercy can be defined as undeserved kindness to someone in need. The office was merciful, but he was not just. Justice is when we get what we deserve.  I had broken the law and deserved the fine he should have given. If we are poor in spirit we know we have fallen short of the glory of God and that the wages  of sin (what we get for what we did) is death, eternal separation from Him and from everything that is good (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

No one deserves to be saved, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6). We did not and do not deserve His mercy for we were dead in trespasses and sins, He showed His love and His kindness to us “in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). So mercy, undeserved kindness, but what about need? Well, we were without Christ, separated from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). Was there ever a greater need?

Into all of this Paul beseeches us by the tender mercies of God that we present our bodies a living sacrifice. This, Paul tells us is the only reasonable response to His tender mercy (Romans 12:1,2 NKJV). And part of being a living sacrifice is to be merciful to others. In particular, we pray in the Lord's prayer we ask God to forgive our sins in exactly the same way that we forgive others. This has to be one of the scariest prayers we are commanded to pray (Matthew 6:12, 14). The parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35) comes to mind. If we do not forgive others after He has forgiven us so much, He will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14).

Father, this can be so very hard. When we have suffered so much at the hands of others, it can even seem like more abuse to be told we need to forgive. This does not mean it did not matter, nor that we should allow the other person to repeat the offence, but we need to forgive or we will not be free -either in this world or the next. So Lord we need Your grace to do this, and You know Lord that many times it is a process. Thank You for Your Mercy Lord as we wrestle with these things in Jesus Name Amen.

Blessed are those (V) who hunger and thirst for righteousness ....

For they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).  I remember first being attracted to righteousness by someone who simply refused,  on principle,  not to engage in dubious behaviour.  I did not know the Lord at that time, and I was beginning to experience the truth that “he who sins, is the slave of sin” (John 8:34).  And the Lord was calling to me through the witness of that man.  But we can get this wrong in other ways, turning righteousness into a bunch of rules. The Pharisees did that,  and Jesus tells us that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees we will not enter the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20). verse 20).

Part of the problem, is that if we think we have kept all of the rules, then we can look down on others who don't keep them like we do. It's called judging, and that is very dangerous. The point is that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, and in many things we all fail. Not only this with the measure we judge, we too will be judged (Romans 3:23; James 3:2; Matthew 7:1).  Paul before his conversion was doing this. In his pre-conversion state he could say concerning the Law that he was blameless. He goes on the say that this side of salvation he counted all things as rubbish in order that he might  gain Christ and be found in Him, not having his own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith (Philippians 3:8, 9).

The motivation is key here. Am I doing my righteous acts to be seen of men? If so I have already reward my reward (Matthew 6:1).  Am I doing it to please others? This can be a form of codependence and people pleasing. Or am I doing it to please the Lord? Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness because it pleases Him? Am I one who loves His appearing, because when I see Him I will be like Him because I will see Him just as He is (2 Timothy 4:8; 1 John 3:2).  So where does this motivation come from? It comes from gratitude that I have been rescued from the slave market of sin. True righteousness is always preceded by redemption, and when this is my motivation,  there is no doubt I will be filled.

Father, thank You that Your ways are best. Draw us close to You Lord,  and purify us as gold and precious silver,  so that You may see Your reflection in us in Jesus Name Amen

Blessed are the ... (IV) meek for they shall inherit the earth

It's hard to know if this verse (Matthew 5:5) is simply parallelism, so common in Hebrew writings, of verse 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Both speak of humility, and in the first we inherit the kingdom, in this one, we inherit the earth. Some have suggested that verse 3 is about the inner attitude, and verse 5 about how we operate out of the inner values. I do not know the origin of the phrase, “Gentle Jesus meek and mild, wouldn't hurt a fly. ” It's well known, but it's not accurate! Well Jesus was not mild when He made a whip of chords and drove the money changers out of the Temple (John 2:13-16), He was not mild when the told the the scribes and the Pharisees that they were a bund of hypocrites (Matthew 23:13). On the other hand, Jesus described Himself as meek (Matthew 11:29). And just as the word “right” in English needs a context in order to understand whether it is the opposite of wrong, or as opposed to left, so too does the Greek word translated “meek” here, needs context. It is translated “gentle” in the above passage from Matthew, and “lowly” respectively “humble” in Matthew 21:5 in the NKJV respectively ESV.

Meekness, in the Biblical sense then, can be thought of as showing patience and humility and strength under control. And Jesus is meek, even when He is driving the money changers out of the Temple. And meekness here in the beatitudes is neither mildness nor timidity. It is certainly gentle when the occasion calls for it. It is gentle when He calls us to be, as He is when He invites us to take His yoke upon us. It is not being a doormat. Neither is it false humility. I like what Bill Johnson said to the woman who when complemented on her singing, had said that it was nor her, it was Jesus. Bill replied “It wasn't that good,” at least that is what he said he said! Meekness and humility is neither thinking more nor less of yourself, than you are in reality as in how heaven see you. I am His beloved child, and so are you. I have been qualified to be an inheritor of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12).

On the other hand, meekness, like love, does not boast, it does not manipulate to get its own way, nor is it willing to trample on others in order to get to the top. But if we don't claw our way to the top, how on earth shall we inherit the earth? As with all the beatitudes, the application is primarily spiritual, and our inheritance is primarily the one reserved for us in Heaven (1 Peter 1:4). However the application of 1Peter 5:6 “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” likely has here and now, and hereafter applications.

Father, teach us to be meek in the Biblical sense of the Word. Help us to receive with meekness the words implanted in us by Your Spirit. Bring us to maturity Lord, so that we may be more like Jesus, in whose precious name we pray Amen

Blessed are (III) those who mourn, for they shall be comforted

People ask “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Well for a start, nobody but God is good (Mark 10:18). And knowing that we are not good is part of being poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). But certainly, and this is what lies behind the question, not everything that happens to a person is a consequence of something that person has done. Nevertheless, since the default is to blame, it makes sense in these seasons, to ask if there is something I have done to cause, or contribute, to this difficulty, or if there is something I can either do or stop doing, that will make the situation better. The other thing to say, before we look more closely at this verse, is to ask ourselves if we have grieved our losses in a way that brings us through our grief. The word “mourn” means to allow ourselves to experience deep grief. And many of us do not grieve properly, either suppressing it, or getting stuck in one of the five various stages that have been identified denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. There is much to say about these things.

But the context of this morning's verse (mourning's verse :), Matthew 5:4), has to do with the spiritual side of it all. In particular the primary application is about grieving over our sin. And again we can get this wrong. I see it all the time in the prison ministry (but also in the church), that people can grieve either that our wrong choices have bad consequences, wishing it was not so, or that they are sorry that they got caught. On the other hand, the Scripture talks about godly sorrow, godly grief that leads to repentance not to be regretted of (2 Corinthians 7:10). This is not “sorry I got caught,” it is deep sorrow that I could do, or not do such a thing. And it leads to no regret, because, because of His mercy I have turned to Him, and I have received forgiveness and cleansing. But it is also that He use even my sin to draw me ever closer to Him in gratitude and love, for all that He has done, and continues to do, in my life.

C.S. Lewis once said that God shouts to us in our pain, calling out to us to draw close to Him. And this is whether it is our sin that we are mourning, or that we are mourning some happenstance of life or some loss. The Bible tells us that God is the God of all comfort, and so in the end, all comfort comes from Him. And we are blessed in and by this comfort, and it extends the Kingdom, since we can share with people who are suffering both the God of all comfort, and also about the comfort He beings

Father, thank You for Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin righteousness and judgement. I want to get out of the way every thing in me that displeases You before we meet face to face on that Day. Thank You that You are far more willing to lead us in this that we are to sit still before You the Master potter. Let me be as workable clay in Your hand Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

Blessed are the ... (II) Poor in spirit , for theirs is the kingdom of God

You might think that it is he who is spiritually rich, the one who has spent so much time with Jesus that all of His treasures of wisdom and knowledge have rubbed rubbed off on him, who the Lord would call blessed. This is likely true, but what Jesus is saying here, is that the one who is spiritually poor is blessed. It sounds like nonsense, but as Paul would say, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, but not the wisdom of the age (1 Corinthians 2:6 ,7). Jesus speaks in mystery and in parables so that those who are willing to seek to ask, to knock etc., will find, receive, and have it opened for them (Matthew 7:7,8). And all of this is exactly what the religious leaders of the time were not willing to do. It's all part of the upside down Kingdom, and he who says “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” it is this one who is truly poor not knowing that he is in fact “wretched and miserable and poor and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).

You see when you know that without Him you are indeed all of these things, then you can put into practice the next verse in Revelation 3, and you can buy “gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (verse 18). It is when you know that without Him you are spiritually poor, and can do nothing without Him, it is then when you call out to Him and receive His salvation. As Proverbs puts it “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches” (Proverbs 13:7).

It is a similar thing to Paul saying when I am weak, then I am strong. Again is sounds like nonsense, but in fact when we come to the end of ourselves and cry out to Him for help, then He comes and does what only He can do, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10. 9). When we acknowledge our poverty without Him, we become grateful and teachable and humble, and willing to meditate on His Word day and night, and willing to obey. And then I will “have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. And I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts (Psalm 119:99). So when I am poor is spirit, then I am actually rich, because the Kingdom is mine!

Father, help me neither to think more highly of myself, nor less of myself that You would have me think. Thank You that You call me Your son and that in me You are well pleased. Help me to understand my spiritual poverty without You and to stay close in Jesus Name Amen

Blessed are .... (I) The upside down Kingdom

The reference is to the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), and someone has said the beatitudes are the attitudes we are to be, or rather display as Christians. And they are so contrary to the attitudes of the world which is all about me. Another way to put it, is that what we are called to be as Christians is upside down to the way the world thinks. The first shall be last and the last first, he who would gain his life must loose it (Matthew 20:6; 16:25). The amplified Bible expands “blessed” to include “happy, fortunate and to be envied,” but think about it “happy are those who are persecuted ...” (verse 10)! The kingdoms of this world do not think about happiness in these terms! Verses 10 and 11 qualify what kind of persecution brings blessing. I mean I can be persecuted because I am obnoxious! Verse 10 adds “for righteousness’ sake,” and verse 11 “for my sake” (because you are living for me). Verse 12 then tells us why we are blessed “for great is your reward in heaven.”

But we can also think of this in terms of maturity of character. In particular to ability we can choose to have to put off instant gratification, or to endure hardships today for greater rewards in the future. I recently learned of a marshmallow experiment on three to five year old children. They were each shown one marshmallow and told they could have that now, but if they waited ten minutes they could have two! Some were simply unable to resist, others would try to distract themselves singing or other activities to make the time pass more quickly.

We want what we want, and when do we want it? Now! The Christian however, is called to maturity, and the beatitudes, if we meditate on them will show us where we are falling down and where with His help we can put them into practice. It's all about being more like Jesus. Again being willing to examine myself asking God if there be any wicked way in me, is not the worlds way, but I have learned that in the end any of the ways I am not like Jesus produces bad fruit (Galatians 6:7), and so I welcome His searching my heart, and being lead in the paths of life (Psalm 139:23).

Lord Jesus, I come to You this morning, asking you to change my heart, my attitudes and my desires. Lord when I am in danger of allowing my passions and desires to lead me down the wrong path, interrupt me and lead me back to You, my Shepherd and friend and saviour and Lord. In Your precious Name I pray Amen

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep

The cause of David's confidence that he will lie down in peace and sleep (Psalm 4:8) is not that all things were going his way. He was in fact being humiliated (v. 2a), lies were being spoken against him (v. 2b), there were provocations to anger (v. 4), and he was getting negativity and discouragement from many (v.6). David's first response to all this, is to cry out to the Lord (v.1a). We don't know the occasion of the Psalm, but we do know that David had lots of troubles, and this is not likely the first of them (v 1b). There were times when his soul was overwhelmed within him, and on such occasions he would pour out his complaint to the Lord (Psalm 142:2, 3). And as here, he is confident the Lord will hear him, comfort him, and deliver him (vv. 3b, 1b, 8b).

But David knows he has a part to play in all of this, and he instructs himself and us in what to do at such times. In particular, though we may be angry, we must not sin in our anger (v. 4b). He sees this as offering a sacrifice of righteousness (v. 5a). The scriptures know us well, when we are angry our immediate desire is to retaliate. Resentment rises, and the evil one whispers to us that if we let go of the resentment, they will get away with it. So it is indeed a sacrifice (a putting to death of the resentment) to respond righteously, and to leave it to the Lord to whom vengeance belongs (v. 5b; Romans 12:19). We must replace the anger by meditating, and by being still and knowing that He is God (v. 4b; 46:10).

Not saying that this is immediate or easy, but when, with His help, we have wrestled though these things, we will be able to say with David "You have put gladness in my heart" (v. 7a). And we will also be able to "both lie down in peace, and sleep" knowing that "You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (v. 8).

Father, we need Your help Lord. Thank You that Your grace is enough. Thank You for peace,  and that You give Your beloved sleep (Psalm 127:2) in Jesus Name Amen

Blows that hurt cleans away evil

I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that I was somewhat opinionated and provocative before I became a Christian, all those years ago. It was a major cause of the breakup of my first marriage. What I had not realized, was that in the aftermath of reaping what I had sown (Galatians 6:7), I became a conflict avoider. And I am not sure what is more destructive of relationships. I am not saying in my conflict avoidance that I did not have overwhelming feelings when I was the recipient of injustice. It simply turned inward to obsessive thinking. I eventually learned to deal with this by journaling, writing letter after letter, that I did not send.

Of those I would send, I learnt the hard way to wait, and not send them off immediately even if, or especially if, I was feeling strongly about the subject. My habit now is also to bounce them off someone I trust. And one of the questions I ask myself is “Do I want to send it?” You know “I would like to give them a piece of my mind!” But I can't afford to give any part of my mind away, I need it all! What I am saying is that more often than not, when I want to send it, I have not sufficiently dealt with my anger. My prayer partner is good at sensing the tone of my letters, even if I am in denial about it.

This morning's verse is “Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart” (Proverbs 20:30). When I am at the place where I can have compassion because the truth can be hard to hear, and I don't want to send it, because I don't want to hurt the person, then I know at least that my attitude is correct. I was wrestling with this very issue this morning, and the Lord gave me this morning's verse together with “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6).

Father, Your word tells us that we are to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But sometimes Lord, not speaking the truth in love is harmful in and of itself. Give us wisdom Father, and Grace to be the men and women You call us to be, in Jesus Name Amen

Kiss the Son lest He be angry

I am not one to see everything in terms of black and white, but what I am seeing is a lot of compromise, a lot of rationalization of things that are displeasing to the Lord. And what I am also seeing this morning is the Lord's command to love Him with all our heart, soul mind and strength and our neighbour as ourselves. When we are lukewarm He wants to spit us out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16).

There is a saying in twelve-step-programs that half measures profited us nothing. If total commitment is necessary for our recovery, how much more should we give our all to Him who at incredible cost gave Himself to rescue us from eternal separation from Himself. There are times when the Lord needs to say things to us to shake us out of our complacency,  and out of half measures. This morning's verse from Psalm 2 is one of them. The full verse (verse 12) reads “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”

We need to stop lying to ourselves and take sin seriously. There is coming a day when we will have to give account of every idle word (Matthew 12:36). The saying is true that “if He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all” (Luke 6:46). We need to re-commit again this morning (I do) to present our minds souls and bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Father, thank You for reminding me this morning that if I am to be Your disciple indeed then I need to obey from the heart. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning. Romans 12:2 in the NKJV tells me that this is the only reasonable thing to do. So I surrender again this morning Lord, and commit again to never say “no” to You in Jesus Name Amen

New every morning is the love ...

... our wakening and uprising prove; through sleep and darkness safely brought, restored to life and power and thought. It's an ancient hymn, but it came to mind at the beginning of the New Year. It speaks of God's faithfulness through the night and I am stretching that to the past year. I can't say the Lord has always given me what I wanted in the past year, but He has always supplied my needs.

I have said before at the beginning  a new year that I am not into New Year's revolutions – yes I did say rev - olutions not resolutions. Christian growth is not one giant leap for mankind after another, it is line upon line precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10). It is steady as she goes. And it is better, for example, to have a regular ten minute quiet time rather than staring off with two hours in the morning and it lasting only a few days.

Father, thank You that Your mercies are new every morning. Lead us Lord in the way way everlasting as we commit to You one moment at time, in Jesus Name Amen