The Heaton File

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:19)

Committing To A Faithful Creator

In the beginning God created all the heavens and the earth. When He finished with His grand scheme of creation, the Lord God looked upon His work and declared it very good. Everything formed by the hand of God had a purpose and design. Creation was unfolded in a precise manner as each day of creation became dependent upon the previous. Light was created before the firmament, plants, animals and heavenly bodies because everything requires the source of light for life. Man was created last as the first of creation. As the Creator of the world, the Lord is the master designer with each particle of His design accomplishing the purpose He intended. When Peter exhorts the saints to face bravely the persecution of being a Christian, he appeals to the nature of God as being the Creator for the brethren to have hope and confidence. At first glance it might be considered in times of peril the Holy Spirit would use the idea of trusting in God as a “Savior” or “Lord” or an endearing term of courage to rally the faith of those facing persecution. Rather, the soul needs to commit to God as to a faithful Creator if they are to suffer persecution as a Christian.

The Holy Spirit does not mince words when He guides the writings of holy scrip. All of God’s people have suffered the humiliation of oppression since the beginning of time. Living in a world of darkness is difficult for those who profess the light of God. Peter instructs the first century disciples to bear up under the heavy trials of standing for truth and righteousness before a world filled with hatred, jealousy and wrath. The fiery trials of persecution would come by separating themselves from the wickedness of the world. Their lives would be holy, pure and devoted to obedience to the word of God and the world would not understand. Peter’s appeal is to remember that like the creation of the world, God has a design and a purpose for everything He establishes. Facing the cruel hand of suffering as a Christian is in the creative design and purpose of God.

It is very difficult to see the hand of God working in the life of one who is enduring persecution but when the heart is committed to knowing the Lord has a purpose in all He has created, hope springs forth with a peace that passes understanding. Those who suffer are to do good – not evil. God created His righteous people to be the light of righteousness. Why does He allow His people to suffer at the hands of ungodly men? When Jesus suffered the humiliating death of crucifixion what did the centurion say when he saw the Lord die? Jesus committed His soul to the Father and died according to the design and purpose of His Father. The centurion said, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” If anyone suffers as a Christian, they must commit their souls to God and trust Him as a faithful Creator.

Facing persecution can only come from those who see God as the Creator and trusting that in all things He is a faithful Creator who will bring about everything He has promised. God is always faithful and will bring to pass what He has promised. He has never failed in His promises. The righteous man Job learned the faithfulness of God when he faced insurmountable trials. As a faithful Creator, the Lord worked in the lives of Abraham, Moses, David and His Son Jesus Christ. All creation cries out the design of God is for His glory, wisdom and power. Suffering as a Christian is the design of the Creator who has made faithful promises of eternal life for those who commit their souls to Him. Looking to the Father with the confidence He will never fail His children, those hearts that face sorrow, trials, tribulations and heartaches can have the courage to endure all things for His glory. Jesus faced the cross with joy because He knew His Father was faithful. And He was right! Why should we believe anything less? God has a purpose for my life. Let me show the glory of God by committing my soul to His purpose and design. To God be the glory.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. (Psalm 68:19)

Our God Bears Our Burden Daily

The joy of being a child of God is the knowledge that all of the trials, troubles and tribulations of life are carried by the Father. There are many things in the journey of life that can overwhelm the spirit of man. Sin constantly bombards the soul with the insidious desires of the flesh, the challenges of the mortal body can try the spirit, and the ever changing process of life will task the soul. Life can be a difficult journey. Anxieties can fill the heart if left unguarded. Worry will consume the days with uncertainty and fear. Satan works very hard to discourage the will of man to distrust God and challenge His place in their lives. Sadly the devil succeeds often and men fail to wait for the deliverance of God. David proclaims in his psalm the praise of serving a God who is the author of his deliverance and salvation. The Father is to be blessed because He not only delivers His children from the fears of life but He does it on a daily basis. Protection comes from the throne of God every day.

Each day brings its own challenges. Preparing to go to work is a daily event fraught with the uncertainty of what the day will bring. Heading off to school can be a daunting task for many young people. The uncertainties of a new day can weigh heavy on the minds of those who are walking in the deep shadows of sorrow and pain. Concerns for the future and regrets of the past can haunt the mind. God is there and will always be there for His children. He is a God of every day willing to bear the burdens of His children. This does not mean that life will be without pain and sorrow. As long as the earth remains, the seasons of life will be filled with joy and happiness and grief and tragedy. The Father has never promised that His children will be immune to disease, natural disasters, evil or persecution. His promise is to bear the burden for us so that it will not overwhelm us. And He will do that daily.

Trusting in God to carry the burden is allowing Him to take the burden. It is a natural response to trust the power of self more than God. Prayers may seem unanswered in our need for immediate gratification thinking the Lord is not hearing us. How the Father responds to our needs is only in His mind but the promise of His daily provisions is real. Allowing the presence of God to fill our daily lives will give us a blessed assurance He will care for us. Giving our burdens to Him allows us to focus on our relationship with Him and one another. The answers will come from His daily provisions. Knowing He has the wisdom to work His will in our lives gives us the confidence to trust in the providential care of His plan for us. As our Father, He knows what we need and He also knows what we do not need. David expressed in his psalm that trusting in the Lord will be like lying down among the sheepfolds, like the wings of a dove covered with silver and her feathers with yellow gold. Beautiful blessings will follow those who trust in the Lord and wait for the Father to fill the daily needs and carry the burdens of life each day. Whatever burden you have today let God provide His rest. The burdens you face tomorrow He will gladly take. If you have burdens of yesterday the Father can remove them by His loving grace and forgiveness. Let God command your strength. He has all the power and might to take all of your burdens and give you rest. And He will do it every day. Blessed be God.

When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 8:51-56)

Tell No One Of The Resurrection

Twelve-year-old girls are very special young ladies. They are beginning to bloom into young womanhood exhibiting those personalities and traits of innocence with the sweetness of youthful charm. Fathers are especially fond of their little girls growing up so quickly wrapping the heart around the portrait of a little girl changing before their eyes. A mother’s love for her daughter is deeply impressed for the woman she sees coming of age. When tragedy strikes such a young girl, grief is all that can fill the mind. In the days of Jesus, the only daughter of a ruler of the synagogue fell very ill. Doctors could do nothing and death was imminent. Jairus had heard of the man who healed all manner of disease and believed through that power his daughter could be saved. Finding Jesus of Nazareth, the ruler fell at the feet of Jesus begging mercy upon his only daughter and pleading for Jesus to come to his home. The Lord was filled with compassion and assured Jairus He would go. Multitudes swarmed around as Jesus made His way to the home of the dying girl. Suddenly the Lord stops because someone had touched His garment receiving the healing power of the Holy Spirit. A woman confesses she has sought the healing of Jesus. All the while, the frantic mind of Jairus is only on his daughter and her deteriorating condition. Jesus must hurry. There is no time.

As the confusion over the woman with an issue of blood is settled, messengers from the home of Jairus appear. The ruler knew what they would say. He could tell by their faces the news they brought. His heart was breaking for he knew his daughter had died. The men approach Jairus and tell him not to trouble Jesus any longer for his precious daughter had died. The crowd grows silent. Grief stricken the ruler takes it all in that his daughter is dead and how his wife must be grieving at that moment. The sun seems more intense at that moment. Everything in the world grows silent as the father’s heart breaks with intense pain. Through the unspeakable sorrow filling his heart Jairus hears something he could not believe. Jesus has told him to not to be afraid but to trust in Him and all will be made well. The grieving father believes and takes Jesus to his home. Everything is in chaos. Cries fill the home and tear stained faces fill the room. Jairus sees his wife and they embrace but he reassures her that Jesus has said to believe and their daughter will be made well. Along with some of the disciples, they enter the room where their young daughter lies dead. Jesus tells the little girl to rise – and she does. Cries of happiness burst from the lips of Jairus and his wife as they hold their little twelve-year-old daughter close to their breast. What joy and what happiness fill their minds as they see the power of God standing before them. Their daughter who had died now lives. But then a most remarkable thing happens. Jesus tells them to tell no one what had happened.

The birth of a newborn is news to be shared with everyone or the marriage of a child must be celebrated with great fanfare. There are special events in a person’s life that should be told to family, friends and neighbors. Throughout life celebrations for accomplishments and successes are frequent with notices shared with others to enjoy the happy moments. The sorrow of your twelve-year-old daughter dying is changed to incredible happiness that she now lives and you can tell no one how it all came about. She was not sick and got better; she was dead and is now alive. The grief of losing a child is changed to the new birth of her resurrection … and you are told to tell no one. There were many who did not need to be told as they had gathered at the house of Jairus and knew she was dead. The parents were told to tell no one what had happened. Matthew tells us the story went out into all the land. Whether the parents did not heed the word of Jesus or those gathered that day told of her resurrection, the remarkable story of resurrection was known.

Jesus had earlier told a man healed of demon possession to return home and tell what great things God had done for him. He went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. In the case of Jairus’ daughter, Jesus did not want the family to tell what happened. Why the discrepancy? Healing the sick, walking on water, calming the storm and raising the dead proved that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God. There was never any doubt to the miracles of Jesus and no one denied His power. The Jewish leaders attacked Jesus because of what He said not what He did. Raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead would have been an opportune time for Jesus to increase His fame throughout the land but at a cost. The Son of God did not come to raise everyone from the dead. He did raise a number and gave power to His disciples to raise the dead. Many came from the graves by the hand of Jesus, His disciples and after Jesus rose from the dead but the work of Jesus was to bring salvation to all men. It would not have served His purpose to do nothing but raise the dead or heal everyone. Jesus did not want people to miss the reason He was there. It is difficult to imagine how hard it was for the parents to not let the whole world know what Jesus did. The fame of Jesus would have swelled to a national status if He would have encouraged people to tell of His power to raise the dead. Jesus had come to die and bring eternal hope to all men – not be a healer and raise the dead. Matthew records in his gospel the fame of Jesus went out but it did not serve His purpose. Jesus knew the heart of the people would turn against Him. Soon the same people who applauded His power to raise the dead would call for His death with the words, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” And they did. And then God raised His Son from the dead. Now that is something to tell everyone.

Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:8)

Crispus Becomes A Disciple

Stories of conversion always stir the heart when the change that takes place in a person’s life is dramatic. Saul of Tarsus becoming a believer in the risen Christ changed the face of the world. The eunuch from Ethiopia, a jailer in Philippi and Simon the sorcerer are a few of the powerful stories of the gospel changing the hearts of men to serve the true and living God. For some who obey the gospel the price paid is not very high in comparison to others who give up so much to serve the Lord. Crispus was a man who had a place of prominence in Corinth as the ruler of the local synagogue. He had specific duties attached to the keeping of the synagogue and his responsibilities were to care for the arrangement and services of the synagogue. Paul came to town and as his custom went to the synagogue to persuade Jews and Greeks of the Christ. He reasoned every Sabbath confounding those who rejected Jesus as the Christ until finally a marked change came in the work of Paul. The Jews continued to oppose Paul strenuously and Paul had enough. He stood before those in the synagogue and shook his garment before them declaring their blood be upon them; he would now turn his attention to the Gentiles. Next door to the synagogue lived a certain man named Justus and Paul stayed with him.

The teaching of Paul had a marked effect on the ruler of the synagogue. While his fellow Jews opposed Paul and blasphemed him, Crispus was taking careful notes of Paul’s arguments and how he defended the teaching of Jesus as the Christ. Paul’s demeanor was from a reasoning standpoint. His teaching was not a boastful or arrogant interpretation of scripture. The apostle took the word of God and allowed the power of its message to show the reasoning power of Jesus to be the Christ. Moses, the Psalms and the Prophets all showed the coming of the Christ as fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. Crispus listened closely. He believed what Paul reasoned and then made a tremendous decision. His position as ruler of the synagogue would be lost if he believed Jesus is the Christ. Did he discuss this with his family? What would be the impact of him following the teaching of Paul and how would this impact his life and his family? The decision was made. Crispus approached Paul and along with his household, were baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins.

It would not have taken long for the news to reach the ears of the Jewish rulers of the baptism of Crispus. Whether he resigned or was released, Crispus gave up his position as ruler of the synagogue to serve Jesus Christ. A new ruler was appointed named Sosthenes. He would later regret that decision but Crispus was out. Many of the Corinthians believed. Could it have been as a result of the example of Crispus? The scriptures are silent but here is a man who was willing to crucify himself for the cause of Christ giving up worldly honors and prestige because of his faith in the King of Kings. He made a sacrifice because of his love for truth. Paul would later remark in his first letter to the Corinthians church he only baptized Crispus and Gaius. Crispus was a man of courage who stood for the Christ in the face of losing a place of prominence. Because he humbled himself God exalted him to a place of redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. Crispus could see eternal salvation was more important than earthly praise.

Through the legions of years many saints have given their lives, possessions, health and all they possess to obtain one single merit of grace from a loving God. Everyone must pay a price to be a follower of Jesus Christ but some pay a higher duty than others. These examples of faith stir the hearts of godly men to live more fully before the Lord as men like Crispus and his household lead the way in the glory of the cross. Jesus gave up Heaven to come and die on earth. Whether the price is high or not in our life, it cost Jesus everything. There is nothing we give up that will measure to His sacrifice. God be thanked for those who leave an example of complete surrender to the will of God. Crispus believed on the Lord with all his household. Thank you Crispus for your example of servitude.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)

Living To Go Home

One of the great images of the Christian life is described by Paul when he infers the life of the disciple of Christ is likened to living in a foreign land. Citizenship is very important and determines where a person’s place of residence or home is located. Traveling in a foreign land is a daily reminder of how precious our homes are and the longing to be in a place where we feel the most happy. The customs and language of a land not our home is a place filled with strange and unusual things. It is difficult to navigate when the language is a barrier. Signs printed in a foreign language make it hard to read. The language is not easy to understand. Other challenges may impact the journey like the customs of the land, dress, attitude and outlook – all lending itself to make a person feel a longing to be home where all is familiar. Living in another world is likened to the life of a Christian before going home to heaven. The brief time on earth is foreign to the child of God because everything is so different.

Having citizenship in heaven suggests there is a passport to a place we have never been before. The emphasis is how the Christian views the trappings of this world as foreign is the conclusion Paul draws. Jesus will come one day to take us to a home we have never seen but through the eye of faith. In the meantime, the world we know here should be foreign to our spiritual senses. The world is filled with the language of immorality and wickedness. Ungodliness is the spiritual customs of the day with the desires of those in the world. Everything about this world should be likened to an alien land where the heart is unsettled and uneasy. Knowing the citizenship of the child of God is in heaven should turn the heart always towards a longing to be with God. The difficulties faced in life are tempered by the knowledge that home is a different and better place to be. When the heart begins to think more of heaven than this world, the feelings and longings will change to be more like the Father.

It is the great challenge for the Christian to think more of heaven than earth. All the things of this world attract the mind to think only of the momentary pleasures enjoyed here. Checking the divine passport will remind the heart of the child of God this world is not their home and they are only passing through. When troubles come it becomes clearer that while enduring the trials of this world, the best is yet to come because home awaits the spirit. Heaven is where we were created to be. Obeying the gospel put us into a covenant with the Lord allowing us to sail on that eternal ship of hope to a land far away. Standing before the glorious city of God, our citizenship is acknowledged as our name is called for with “Enter in.” Imprinted by the blood of Christ, the assurance of salvation is secure in the knowledge of where our eternal home is found.

The great joy of knowing our home is with the Father is the transforming of our bodies to His glorious body. It is uncertain what this really means as we try to understand from human terms. Regardless, the knowledge that all pain, sorrow and tears will be taken away is sufficient to see the joy of having our citizenship in heaven with the Father. God created the heavens and the earth by speaking His word and this will be the same power that changes our mortal bodies into immortality. What a joy that will be. With all of this in mind, the Christian should look eagerly for the coming of Jesus with great anticipation. Visiting a foreign land is always measured by how many days are left before the journey home. Living in this world and seeing it for what it is – an alien land – there is a daily longing for the Lord to come back so that we can go home with Him. Our hearts are not troubled. We rejoice that one day we will see the Father face to face. Living in this old world below is but a short journey in a foreign land. The day is coming when we go to our home. What a day of rejoicing that will be.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows …  Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19)

Money, Money, Money

Contentment is a hard mistress to satisfy. The passions that dwell in the heart drive the soul to burn in a lust for money, prestige and power. Wars have been fought over the glitter of gold, nations conquered to possess lands filled with wealth and lives destroyed over the lust for the sweet smell of riches. God’s people have not been exempt from the pressures of the green kryptonite of the dollar as it hypnotizes the eyes to lust for money and doing everything in a man’s power to gain more and more and more and more. Having enough is always beyond the horizon of tomorrow as men spend their lives amassing fortunes of wealth to spend on earthly pleasures only to find at the end of life the value of gold is fleeting in the dust of time. Death is the equalizer of all men and death is the reminder that riches are temporary. James R. Cope said that money cannot buy a baby’s smile. How sad that so many learn this too late. Instead of living each day for the family to be content with what is necessary for survival, men work endless hours with endless days to have all the best in life; neglecting the family and learning their wives and children are strangers that have little love for them. Women who abandon the home in search of greater things that sparkle and charm learn too late the role of motherhood is being content with such things as bring true happiness. Lusting after riches brings nothing but sorrow, pain and disappointment. Many turn their hearts away from God to serve the almighty god of money. And to what end? Gaining the world and losing their eternal life is a price too many will pay for a moment’s reckless folly of gold, silver and diamonds.

There is greater gain in learning to be content than to seek the empty pleasures of riches. Self-satisfaction is the reliance on what is needed is all that is desired. Food and clothing fills the body with nutrients and keeps the body warm. Eating a plate of simple foods will sustain the body as well as filling it with expensive delights. Wearing warm clothes that cost a few dollars will protect the body was well as material costing hundreds of dollars. The evil is not in the dollar but the heart that desires to fill the mind with the need for riches. Temptations are heightened when money increases. There is a desire to indulge in forbidden things because money is no longer hindered. Greed destroys the faith and trust in God. Lusts are easily fulfilled with the love of money. Lives are destroyed because as riches increase the heart is left unchecked in its lusts for pleasure. Life is consumed with the accumulation of stuff and the worry that others will steal away what is gained and the never ending desire for more and more. Forgotten is that all men come into the world naked and they will leave this world naked. Therein the lesson is learned. The eternal truth of life is that nothing we possess is ours save our eternal destiny. That is the only real thing we have that will never be taken away from us. What we do with that eternal destiny is the choice we make in life.

Riches are not sinful. Loving money more than God is where the destruction of the heart begins. Using the blessings of wealth for the glory of God is the heart of the disciple of Christ. Being haughty or arrogant of riches will make a miser heart filled with evil. Trusting in the uncertain riches of the world is useless and vain. Allowing the Lord God to fill the heart and trusting in His blessings will allow those blessed with riches to show His glory in their lives. First it comes from knowing all blessings come from God. Second it is realized the bounty of riches can be used for the work of the Lord in doing good, ready to give to others and willing to share what is given by God’s hand to those in need. Unlike the rich fool who tried to store his riches in a new barn, those who are content treasure up their hearts a good foundation for the time to come looking for the riches of eternal life as their reward. Riches come from God both in the physical and the spiritual world. Whatever a man has must be recognized as a blessing from the Lord. Seeing that material blessings are tools to be used in the kingdom of God for His glory allows a man to share what God has given him to those who are in need. Being content brings about the spiritual riches of God’s grace. Money is not the issue. The heart is the answer. As the heart goes so go the riches. People of God pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness whether they are rich or poor. This is especially noteworthy for those who are rich. What a powerful example of faithfulness to God when those blessed with earthly wealth show their spiritual wealth by the way they use their earthly wealth.

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry; my eyes fail while I wait for my God. (Psalm 69:1-3; To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A Psalm of David.)

Overwhelmed

David is one of the great characters of holy writ but David was as common a man as anyone. Defeating the giant Goliath, killing his ten thousands and ruling with great wisdom is the hallmark of the son of Jesse but he had demons that tormented him from the constant battle with sin. His heart was deeply devoted to God and his weaknesses were a struggle for him to bring under control. As the sweet psalmist of Israel David used his prose to describe the powerful journey of battling sin that brought such misery and sorrow to his life. He acted foolishly at times. The women may have sung how he slew his tens of thousands but the drunkards sang of his failings. He admitted freely his reproach, his shame and his dishonor brought about by his actions. His heart was broken from his failings. David was sorrowful for failing his Lord and God. It grieved him the power sin had over his life with the daily struggle to keep the heart pure. More than anything the king knew that by his example of sin he may have caused others to fall. His psalm is one of the most emotional pleas of godly sorrow in scripture. What made matters worse for David is when he realized how his adversaries used his failings against him with hypocrisy and hatred. He admitted his sin but the ungodly continued to scourge him with words of reproachful persecution. His plea was for the Lord to bring righteous judgment upon those who condemned him.

Sin is the common lot of all men. No one is exempt from its tentacles. David writes about his troubles and his plea for the deliverance of God because he has a heart that is broken by the stain of sin. He admits his own failings with no reservations of conscience. His sin is before the throne of God to whom he pleads for deliverance, mercy, help, forgiveness and righteous justice on his enemies. David’s heart is laid bare before the Lord as he begs his God to save him. Godly sorrow is clearly defined in his psalm as his heart is wracked with the deep wounds of sin. David did not ignore his sin or think since he was a mortal man God should understand he makes a mistake once in a while. Not so in the life of David. He is greatly disturbed that he failed his Lord and God and seeks in every part of his soul to beg forgiveness. Trouble surrounds him and without God there is no hope. Through eyes stained with tears and a voice dry from crying to his Savior, David pleads for the mercy of God. Salvation comes and soothes the heart of David in the grace of his Deliverer.

David reminds us of the struggle with sin. It is the same challenge today as it was so long ago with the king of Israel. Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour and he is very good at what he does. The godly are the most tempting target of his wrath. David does not suggest that anyone is to blame but himself taking on the responsibility for his sin begging mercy from God. He knows the effect his life has on others and it bothers him how his failures could influence others. Through the prayer of forgiveness we see the lovingkindness of God is good and the multitude of the tender mercies can redeem the heart from trials. David knew he was in trouble. He went to the only source of salvation. His words are remarkable in the beginning: Save me, O God. That is where sin must be dealt with. There must be recognition of being lost and knowing the only one who can save is the Lord God. Without this nothing else matters. Sin is not a small slight of offense to righteousness; it is the putridity of rebellion before the Lord God Almighty and His wrath. The reproach of sin broke the heart of David and he was filled with shame and dishonor. That is how sin must be viewed.

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

What Do You Know About Jesus?

Joseph was very concerned about his young bride because she was pregnant and there was no plausible reason for that to happen. As he pondered his plight, the angel Gabriel came to him reassuring him of something that was impossible was possible. Mary was with child of the Holy Spirit and it was according to the will of God. The virgin birth of Jesus was the hallmark of God’s redemptive power to bring salvation to all men. No other man had been brought into the world as Jesus and it would never be repeated again. This was a single miracle of the hand of God profound in its implications. The story of Jesus began in this fashion and in accordance with the completed days of birth Jesus became a man. As a baby he had to learn how to sit up, and then crawl and finally standing alone began learning how to walk. Joseph and Mary taught him how to form words and sing the words of holy writ. His earliest memories would be of the far away land of Egypt where his parents lived for a few years. Jesus learned to work in his father’s carpentry shop in Nazareth along with his half-brothers and half-sisters. He studied, played, worked around the home, marveled at the sun, moon and stars and became enthralled with the Temple of God in the city of Jerusalem. His life was as common as any boy growing up in Galilee but uncommon. At the age of thirty years, he left home and began a three year ministry of teaching, healing all diseases, challenging the religious leaders of his day and while his mother watched, died along with two condemned men on a hill outside the city of David. While his death was not uncommon or his burial, the truth his tomb was found empty and many witnesses saw him alive for many days was the miracle of all time. He now rules from his place with the heavenly Father and will until the end of time.

Thirty-three years is not a long life but no man ever filled the pages of history as Jesus did in his short life. Even more remarkable is what he accomplished in a span short of three years. His life changed the world, his teaching molded a new world, and his death reverberates through every generation. The words of Jesus shocked the world. His teaching was unlike anything man had ever known. He showed through the power of miracles that he was the son of God. Untold disciples followed him and would be willing to give their lives because of the solitary life of one man – Jesus of Nazareth. No man spoke as this Jesus. In all of the long history of man has one life changed the world as the man from Galilee who died on a Roman cross. His story is denied by many, the truths of his teaching challenged and the possibly of resurrection scoffed as impossible. Yet the life of one man continues to remain the same – remarkably true and without flaw. All the critics in the two thousand years since his story first splashed across the headlines of history have been silenced because his story is real and it is eternally true. Jesus is real and his story is the message of a compassionate God who loved the world so much he allowed them to kill him so that in his death he could save all men.

There is no doubting his story. Four gospels cover the life of Jesus as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Most of what Jesus did in his life is not recorded. The four gospels contain a fragment of his words, deeds, miracles and teachings. God carefully selected the parts of Jesus’ life to tell men of the grace of salvation in the snapshots of each gospel writer. Everything that is needed to be known about the life of Jesus is completed in the gospels. With the addition of the writings of Moses, the Psalms and the Prophets and the books of a new covenant the word of God is completed in sixty-six books declaring the story of one man – Jesus Christ. The Bible from Genesis to the Revelation is about Jesus. He is hoped for in the Old Testament, realized in the gospels and proclaimed in the New Testament. He is the son of God proclaimed through the written word and given to all men so they can read and understand the mind of God. Available in every language and through every medium known to man, the story of Jesus fills the world. What a remarkable story is told of the little baby born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph.

God has made the story of his son available to everyone to read and understand. The most important question to ask is how much do I know about the life of Jesus Christ? We live in a world where we are taught to read at a very early age. The Bible is available without dispute in a land that allows freedom of thought and belief. Recorded in paper form, electronic copy, audio and visual recreations, the Bible is freely given to all who would spend the time to know its content. Churches dot the landscape with religious folk that seem to give their life for a belief in Jesus Christ. Debates are raised to the doctrine of the book. Studies are held to examine closely its content. In the midst of this entire plethora of knowledge about Jesus Christ few people know the story of Jesus. It must sadden the heart of God to see the story of his son go unnoticed. He has afforded every opportunity for man to know the story of his son yet few could recite much about his life. Is that person you? Can you tell the story of Jesus from his birth to his ascension to the Father? The depth of your knowledge can only be measured by the time spent in learning about the man who was God and how God revealed his son to all men through the written word. Who is this Jesus that Gabriel told Joseph would be born? Tell me the story of Jesus. Write on my heart every word.

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel, that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’ Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” For I was the king’s cupbearer. (Nehemiah 1)

Having The Heart Of Nehemiah

The grandeur and majesty of Jerusalem had long faded into the distant memories of the few who remembered her golden days. Sprinkled among the burnt ruins and rumble of a once proud city, old men stumble along the forgotten streets of the city of God as they suffer the daily task of finding food and shelter. Jerusalem and the Temple of Solomon have been laid waste many years before. The once powerful walls that repelled armies are broken down and crumbling timbers scared by fire is all that is left of the mighty gates put in place by the David and Solomon. Under the leadership of Jeshua, Zerubbabel, and Ezra the temple of the Lord had been rebuilt but paled in comparison to its original form. Jerusalem was a city still suffering from the distress and reproach of the many years of neglect. Far away in a land where the remnants of God’s people have dwelled for seven decades a heart is hearing the news of the devastated city. The powerful nation of Babylon is gone and in its place a more benevolent empire of Persians rules the world. Through the grace of God, Cyrus the Persian king allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and the Temple was rebuilt. But the walls of the city were in ruin and the gates nothing more than piles of burned rubble.

It does not seem probable that Nehemiah had visited Jerusalem in his life being born in the captive land and now serving the Persian king as a cupbearer. The son of Hachaliah writes in the month of Chislev in the twentieth year he inquired of the condition of the city of God from one of his brethren, Hanani. The news was not good. Distress filled the hearts of those who remained in Judah and the city was still in shambles. Hanani explained how desperate the news of the people of God was and this greatly disturbed Nehemiah. He sat down and cried. For many days he could not get the news of his brethren in Jerusalem out of his mind and his heart was broken to know of their plight. He fasted and prayed before the Lord begging for mercy upon the people. The prayer of Nehemiah is a contrite plea of repentance and godly sorrow for the sins of the people including himself and his father’s house. Nehemiah pleaded the promises of the Lord reminding God of the covenant made through Moses for the kindness of grace to be given to Israel once again. It is one of the most powerful prayers in holy writ.

The heart of Nehemiah is remarkable for many reasons. Jerusalem was a city destroyed long before Nehemiah was born. He would never have seen the glory of Solomon’s temple or the grandeur of the once noble city of David. All he would had known of Jerusalem would come from his father telling the stories handed down to him through the generations of patriarchs. He would have heard of the Hebrews in Egypt and God’s mighty deliverance through the Red Sea. The wilderness journeys and conquest of Canaan filled the mind of Nehemiah with the might and power of a benevolent God. Hearing how Joshua led the people to conquer the land and for a period ruled over by judges. Then came Saul, David and the golden era of Jerusalem under the hand of Solomon. Nehemiah learned of the civil war that divided the nation as the tribes of Israel separated from the tribes of Judah. He would have learned of the destruction of Jerusalem and the conquest by the Babylonians as they carried away the remnant according to the word of Jehovah. Ezekiel was a prophet among the captives and Nehemiah would have been riveted by his terse message.

The heart of Nehemiah was completely devoted to a city he had never seen or visited but he knew it better than any man. What filled the heart of Nehemiah was his immense love and devotion to the cause of his Lord. Jehovah was the one that sustained the heart of Nehemiah and it pained him greatly to hear of the distress in Jerusalem. At the time he was not in a position to effect any change but he knew he could pray to the Lord and ask forgiveness and blessings for himself and the people. He poured out his heart in great sorrow pleading for the abundant mercy of God to find a way to bless the people. Hearing the news of Jerusalem caused Hachaliah’s son to sit down and weep and mourn for many days. He fasted and prayed for the city of Jerusalem. It would be three or four months before his opportunity came to speak to the king and seek permission to go to Jerusalem. The king agreed to send Nehemiah to Jerusalem to rebuild it and after arriving the cupbearer of the Persian king completed the walls in fifty-two days. All of this began because Nehemiah cared about the work of the Lord. His heart was filled with the love for the cause of Jehovah. It disturbed him greatly when he first heard the news and through the providence of God he led the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem. He had a heart devoted to the Lord.

The heart of Nehemiah is message for the people of God today. Jesus Christ died so that all men could find salvation in His blood. He died and suffered on the cross bringing hope to a world filled with darkness. The church is the kingdom of His Father so that His message could be spread to all corners of the earth. Each first day of the week saints gather to worship, praise, and honor and remember the grace of God. The Bible is a complete book of books outlining the mind of God written in every language known to man. It is available in more forms than ever imagined by man. There is more ease and opportunity to read the Bible, spend time in prayer and share the gospel with neighbors. Transportation is comfortable, warm and cool and convenient. Places of worship have all the modern tools of technology to show the word of God in color with pews padded with comfort and conveniences few have ever experienced. What is missing among the people of God is the heart of Nehemiah. Assembling with the saints is an optional matter of convenience if there is not a conflict. There are no qualms in missing times with brethren for ballgames, work, recreation or visiting company. The modern spirit of devotion to God is from a heart that would never dream of weeping about the condition of God’s people. Fellowship among brethren is rare. Homes are seldom visited by others. Speaking to a friend or neighbor about the gospel is a scarcity among the saved. Churches are dying in many places. And no one is weeping.

Nehemiah was a man of God who wept because of the condition of a city he had never seen. The heart of Nehemiah was filled with the word of God. He asked for God to forgive him and his father for the rebellion of their hearts. His heart took him to Jerusalem and his heart accomplished the incredible task of rebuilding the vast walls of Jerusalem in fifty-two days. Imagine what the church could accomplish today if we possessed the heart of Nehemiah and rolled up our sleeves to rebuild the broken walls of our own neglect in building the walls of the Kingdom of God in our community. Let us begin with a mournful heart and then through fasting and prayer beg God’s forgiveness. Seek from the Lord the opportunity to go teach the gospel and He will make a way. He did for a simple cupbearer and look what he did.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

The Power Of Example

Faith is not a feeling kept within the reserves of our heart but a manifestation of our trust in God in every part of our lives. Abraham was a man of faith because he was a man of action. David stood in the valley of Elah with the faith and courage to defeat the giant Goliath. Paul dedicated his life to the cross of Jesus Christ as a man moved by the gospel to go into all the world preaching the old redemption story. The early letters of the New Testament admonished their readers to be people of faith in their hearts and also their examples or patterns of life. What is striking about the life of early Christians is the impression they left on a pagan world of their simple love for truth, righteousness, purity and faith. Many Christians lost their lives under the heavy hand of persecution but it was not because they were rebellious to government, criminal or immoral despots bent on destroying the fabric of society. As law abiding citizens who nurtured a community of compassion and kindness, the faith of first century Christians was an example to everyone who saw them. Paul’s admonishment to the young man Timothy was characteristic of how Christians impacted their world. Each generation must learn well the lessons of leaving a mark on the world of their faith in Jesus Christ and trust in the Father.

Paul points out six areas where Timothy can be an example. These are vital to the whole character of the child of God as they examine what people see, what Timothy believes and what God wants of His children. The word ‘example’ is a fascinating word to use because it refers to something like a die or stamp that leaves an impression. John uses the same word when he describes the scars of the nail prints of Jesus. There is an indelible mark that is left. What the world sees in the life of a Christian leaves a lasting impression: good and bad. Influence can never be lost; it can be a bad influence or leave a bad example but a pattern is left on the mind of those who witness the actions of those unconcerned about their example. The power of individual example is when a positive scar is left on those who see the example of Christ. Building faith is learning how to show the image of God in speech, action, thought and motives so that what people see is the glory of God. That is the ultimate goal in life. Being an example to others is the work of chiseling from rough marble an image that looks like God. All of these virtues show the spirit of the man of God.

Building faith is seated in the power of the word. Becoming an example in word is so powerful. The greatest challenge man faces is the ability to control his speech. It is the patient man that will learn to season his tongue with the grace of God so that others can hear the voice of God and not man. Conduct of life is the power of salt or the light on the hill that others will see. The child of God lives in a glass house surrounded by righteous plates of glass that allow the transparency of a holy life to manifest the character of holiness. Being an example in the manner of life shows the ungodly that faith is rooted in the soul of the believer. What people see is what they perceive as the pattern of belief in the person’s conduct. Important to the manner of life is to be an example of love. There is little a child of God can do that is more important than to let the spirit of love shine through their speech and actions. It is a condition of the heart. Love is a building block of faith manifesting itself in every part of life whether in the home, on the job or in the community. The light that shines the brightest is the beacon of God’s love glowing from the example of the believer. Key to the pattern of righteousness is to possess the spirit of God and showing that fidelity as a faithful Christian. People of God are spirit lead and spirit motivated souls that radiate the love of Christ in their lives. Minds that are filled with the Spirit will have hearts that speak the words of the spirit of Christ.

Faith comes from the power of the word of God. Building faith comes from establishing bridges of trust in the promises of God. Knowledge of the will of God increases the faith of those who are seeking to please the Lord. This will also exhort others to be challenged through the knowledge of the word. As an example to others, faith manifests long hours of study, examination, inquiry, truth-seeking and discussing the wisdom of God from holy scrip. Being the example of truth is to fill the mind with His word. As a result of this knowledge life will have fewer complications brought about by the damaging effects of sin. Purity is not a natural response. Having a pure mind is developed through the imprint of the word of God on the heart and seen through the pure acts of love toward others. Paul exhorted Timothy to be an example of purity as he developed all of the characteristics of the word, his conduct, love, spirit and faith. Tying all of these together manifests the whole man of God to live a pure life. The apostle wanted the disciple to be an example, live the life of example and to show the pattern of godliness in every part of life.

Timothy needed to be a pattern that other believers could follow. Being an example to believers is putting the character of life on a higher plane. If all the believers were examples to one another – what a remarkable impact there would be on the community. It is clear the lessons to Timothy are important for all Christians. Let no one despise who we are whether young or old. Each of us must be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity to the believers and to the unbelievers. From these traits of righteousness we will encourage the faithful to remain faithful and exhort the lost to come to Jesus Christ. Seeing Christ live in our lives will build our faith more fully and may help someone find eternal life.