When the Rotten Reap Rewards

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.  For He makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.”  Matthew 5:44-45

We all want to see justice done swiftly. Our television shows end with justice served in an hour, and the bad guys getting what’s coming to them.  But unfortunately, that’s Tinsel Town, not our town. In our towns we deal with bosses and co-workers who maneuver and backstab, family members who betray us, and businesses that lie and cheat us for profit. Seldom does any determined crime fighter appear to right their wrongs.

What is painfully puzzling is when these people who act wickedly prosper. King David vented his frustration on the rotten that reaped rewards.  That is, until he considered their end.  At times evil people do get the upper hand, but it’s always temporary.  Remember their end. God will repay (Romans 12:19).

Jesus tells us to love those who mistreat us and do good to them. It was said of Archbishop Cranmer, a Christian martyred for his faith, that if you wanted him as your friend, “just do him an ill turn.”

Regardless of whether someone’s scratching you back or putting a knife in it, Christ’s blood was shed on the cross for them, too. Loving those who wrong us is one of the hardest things to do. The rotten sometimes do reap unjustified rewards. But our prayers for them, forgiveness (Luke 17:4), and our loving acceptance, can bring a Christ-centered transformation of their heart for He has always been, first and foremost, the Great Physician who specializes in cardiac resuscitation and restoration.  For those of us who have felt His healing hands, our own beating hearts are living proof.

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Ken

The Speed of Our Sound

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. James 3:6

Most of us are familiar with Chuck Yeager, who flew the Bell X-1 rocket plane to Mach 1, breaking the speed of sound barrier in level flight for the first time in human history.  I will also venture to say most are familiar with the old schoolyard chant of “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I understand why kids would say it when under a verbal onslaught. I did myself, but never really bought into it. I knew it wasn't true.  While sticks and stones can break bone, a bone can heal, while words can cut so deeply that wounds can bleed and hurt into adulthood.

James doesn’t pull any punches in his description of the deadly wounds a sharp tongue can cause, burning like the fire of hell. The speed of our sound is enough to set a forest on fire (James 3:5).

There are two ways to reply to harsh words: we can react or respond. Reactions run on reflex and we can find our knee-jerk is connected to our mouthbone, which can lead to trouble.  A response on the other hand mirrors the wisdom of Solomon.  We can allow a soft answer to turn away wrath, not allowing grievous words to stir up rage (Proverbs 15:1).

The Lord Jesus had some pretty ugly words directed at Him.  Peter writes, When they hurled insults at Him, he did not retaliate.  So, what’s the secret?  What, or Who, can keep us from choking the other guy out, verbally or otherwise, when we are stabbed with their tongue? The rest of the verse says…when He suffered, He made no threats.  Instead [emphasis added] He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly (1^st Peter 2:23).

Peter calls us living stones. A living stone makes a better building block than a living mass of pulsating nerves. A living stone is identified with Christ, the Cornerstone, (Matthew 21:42, Ephesians 2:20). When they hurled their insults at Him, He had the power and authority, to destroy them (Matthew 26:53, John 18:6). But He responded with Grace and Mercy, holding His tongue.  And when we are hit by the speed of other’s sound, we too can respond that way by the Power of the Holy Spirit, leaving the kneejerk reactions in the hands of the Great Physician.

Jesus, help me to remember to entrust myself to you when harsh words come my way at the speed of sound. Help me to understand that person is more than likely speaking from their own wounded and bleeding heart. Help me to show them mercy and grace.  Strengthen my trust in You, that You will always judge justly. Amen

Ken

 

Quid Est Veritas?

Jesus answered, ”You are right in saying I am a king.  In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world, to testify of truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”  John 18:37 (NIV)

The scene is of a young rabbi, detained by local authorities, subjected to a nighttime, and illegal, kangaroo court. The presence of Rome in the nation of Israel prohibits the Jews from carrying out executions. They push this young man onto the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, in the hope he will condemn this “trouble maker” to death.

But Pilate is uneasy with this situation and this Jewish holy man. As he interrogates Him, he hears this young Jew boldly speaking of truth, leading Pilate to ask, with a probable sigh of resignation, “Quid est veritas?” (What is truth?).

As we look further into the life and words of Yeshua of Nazareth, we begin to see that Pilate was face-to-face with the very Truth he questioned. He did not understand the veracity of the One, True, and living God with whom he spoke.

It’s not something you can eyeball and get.  It’s a heart issue. When we see Him with the heart, our soul and spirit, the light of understanding begins to dawn within us. Of this light Paul writes,

 

This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper,

Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”

(Ephesians 5:14)

When we open our hearts and awaken to the Truth, a stirring begins to beckon us to seek Him at any cost, to obey Him and make His Law of Liberty our priority and passion.  We begin to see Him as perfect Truth, and that this same Truth who once stood humbled before a Roman magistrate, is now exalted above all things (Philippians 2:9).

Yes, when we are genuinely honest and on the side of truth we will listen to Jesus and never again walk in darkness, for He is the light of life (John 8:12).  It will be, in Truth, our dawn of marvelous understanding.

Ken

Here in the Dark

I will give you treasures of darkness, riches in secret places, so that you may know I am the LORD, the God of Israel who summons you by name.  Isaiah 45:3 (NIV)

There have been times in my life that I can only call “Golden Moments.” These times are where Christ has summoned me by name and revealed Himself in the simplest of ways.  I recall one when my firstborn grandson was three. Jaren had quietly moved from the vicinity of the living room while my attention was on my TV program.  Whenever a three-year-old is out of sight and all is quiet, there is cause for concern.

I immediately began searching for him and as I walked down my darkened hallway gently calling, “Jaren, where are you?” I found him standing at the front bedroom window gazing out at the street lights.  His little voice replied to me as he continued his window watch, “I’m here in the dark, Pepaw.”

It was one of those wondrous moments when Jesus chooses to “tap” us on the shoulder and whisper something wonderful.  It was an instance of perception that was both inspiring and sweet.

As we walk through our own times of trial and darkness, how comforting it can be to know He is there with us.  When we find ourselves feeling our way along a dark path, we might ask, “Lord Jesus, where are you?”

He will speak a reply that comes with all power and authority; “I’m here in the dark,” and summon you by name to follow Him.

Jesus, thank You that You will never leave us or forsake us, in life or in death. You are faithful, even to the end of the age. Amen  

Ken                    

Temporary Insanity

“You shall not at all do as we are doing here today-every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes-for as yet you have not come to the rest and the inheritance which the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 12:8-9

We sometimes become so caught up in our journey’s trials and tribulations we lose sight that this “here and now” will soon become “there and went.” It’s easy to overlook the fact we are only pilgrims passing through this one shadowed valley in our eternal existence.

But as real as our pain and suffering is now, it is only temporary. Our greatest hope is the life we now live, is lived by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:29).  Moses, speaking to the twelve tribes of Israel, talks of seeking the place God chooses where He will put His name for His dwelling place (Deut. 12:5). For the Israelites, that was in the Promised Land.  For you, that’s in your heart and life.

This life offers no permanent solutions. Some of you reading this may be so overcome with grief and pain that you may be contemplating putting an end to it all.  I would ask you to stop and reconsider.  Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. At one point in my life, it looked to me as the only way I could stop the pain.  Thankfully, the Lord put someone in that instant who kept me from it.  If you’re perhaps there, you have not arrived here by accident.  If you are contemplating it, wait 24 hours and things might look very differently tomorrow.  There’s a Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number in your area.  You found me, now find them online and call them.  Don’t be afraid.  These folks are there for you and will hear you with understanding and empathy.  They won’t judge you.

This current life is not forever.  If we only have Christ in this life, we would of all people be the most miserable for believing a lie.  But it is not a lie, for Christ is risen from the dead (1^st Corinthians 15:19-26). 

With all the insane developments we see now we can rest assured it remains a temporary insanity.  The Lord has promised his wayfaring children a precious heritage and guardianship.  In the forty years He led the Israelites in the wilderness He kept their clothes and sandals from wearing out (Deuteronomy 29:5). Take heart and trust He’s right there with you in your darkness.  He has perfect night vision.  He will never leave you or forsake you, and He remains as good as his word (Hebrews 13:5, 13:8). 

Ken

Demonstrated Discipleship

Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 2^nd Timothy 2:15 (Amplified Bible)

In our last devotional thoughts, I talked about what defines a disciple of Christ.  Today let’s look at what demonstrates it.

These are:

Obedience.  That means allowing Him to be Lord of your life. “If you love Me, you’ll do what I command.” John 14:15

Fellowship. Finding a church with believers who hold to solid Biblical Scripture and doctrine, for encouragement and so much more (Hebrews 10:25).

Study.  Examining and learning the Word of God and becoming rooted and grounded in the love and hope of the Christ (2nd Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 3:17).

Prayer & meditation.  Developing a regular ‘quiet time’ where you can get alone, immerse yourself in the word of God, giving reflection on knowing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through meditation and prayer (Philippians 4:6, 1^st Thessalonians 5:17).

These are not exhaustive, of course.  God has revealed in Scripture He desires to have a personal relationship with us, telling us we can know Him in a very real and vibrant way.

Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, trusted Christ and learned from Him after his conversion, for an estimated 14 years before he was called to the work the Lord called him to in Acts 9:15.  We come to faith in Christ in a moment, but live for Him for a lifetime.

He calls us to just be obedient to His words and to do what He commands and learn of Him.  He will do the rest (Matthew 6:33).  Discipleship is a personal calling, different for many, yet in faith and obedience, the same for all. Trust Him and find growth and maturity in Him and with other believers. 

The German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, summed it up nicely when he said, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.”  In truth, there’s no other way it can be said.

Ken

Your Greatest Commission-Discipleship

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

All life is about growth from the cradle to the grave. While God’s plan of salvation includes the forgiveness of our sins, Jesus calls us to be His disciples and says, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). This is becoming His disciple and growing and maturing in your Christian experience.

What defines a disciple of Christ?

• ·      Knowing, Showing, and Growing.  Knowing Him as your personal Lord and Savior by having asked Him to forgive your sins and govern your life.

• ·      Showing your faith through water baptism.  Baptism by total immersion doesn’t save you from your sins. It is a symbolic act that shows your life is buried in Christ. Coming up out of the water symbolizes being resurrected in to a new life in Him.  It is a confession of your faith in Him.

• ·      Growing in your faith by learning and doing what Jesus commands.  He says of Himself, “Take My yoke [calling] upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).

It's not just praying a prayer to Jesus; it’s living your life for Jesus. “If you love Me, you will obey My commandments.” But there’s a difference between being saved that happens in a moment, and being a disciple of Christ, which happens over a lifetime. 

The Apostle James writes, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says” (James 1:22).  It is not a suggestion. When we hear and do, it becomes an instruction with a promise.  The promise of growth, and sanctification that will come to define our lives in Christ Jesus.

Finally, He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you hold [believe and practice] to my teaching, you really are My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” (John 8:31-32). The whole world is in the bondage of the lies of Satan. Our choices can bring us into the harsh slavery of sin or the freedom and eternal life in the Son.  Pilate asked Him, “What is truth?”  when He stood before him.  All he needed to do was reach out in acceptance. Rely on His promises, and obey all He commands.  The First Choice of Freedom indeed.

Ken