The Heaton File

Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. (Joshua 2:1)

Rahab The Prostitute

The Bible is filled with some very unusual stories. None as when the children of Israel approach Canaan sending spies into the land and the men finding refuge from a harlot. The presence of the Israelite’s has not gone unnoticed and the king of Jericho has raised the alarm. He has also been told spies have entered his city and discovers that a prostitute is harboring the Hebrews. Sending word to Rahab he demands the men brought to him. She tells the king the men had escaped during the night and scouts should be sent out immediately to find the spies. The city is sealed as the king’s men pursue the spies that in fact are hiding on the rooftop of the harlot. Rahab comes to the two men and tells a marvelous story of God’s grace upon a woman who sold sexual favors to men. The woman of Jericho is a Gentile who has heard of the incredible stories of the people who escaped from Egypt. She is familiar with the story of how the Red Sea had dried up (forty years before) when the Hebrews left out of Egypt. The military victories of Israel against the two kings of the Amorites are well known. Because of these stories the people of the land were fainthearted at the coming of the nation of Israel. Rahab tells the men the terror of Israel had fallen upon all the people. In a remarkable statement of grace, she tells the men she knows the Lord God has given the land to them. Rahab begs for the life of her family when the war comes. The men assure her that she and her family will be spared. When the Israelite’s come against Jericho, the entire city is destroyed and the inhabitants killed save Rahab and her father’s household. The promise was kept.

Rahab’s story could end there but it does not. She would marry into the Israelite nation to a man named Salmon and have children who had many children. The lineage of the Jericho prostitute becomes one of the most remarkable stories in the Bible. Rahab and Salmon have a son named Boaz who will marry a Gentile woman from Moab named Ruth who will have a grandson called David. From this lineage, Rahab will be included in a genealogy that comes to the birth of a little baby boy born in Bethlehem named Jesus. The ancestry of the Son of God includes a woman who was a prostitute. Three women stand out in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar (who was guilty of incest), Rahab the harlot and Ruth the Moabites. All of these women are in direct line of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. How fitting that God’s Son would show that He is the Savior of all men and that all men can find grace in the eyes of the Lord with the evidence of His own family lineage. Some men would want to hide the knowledge of a prostitute being in the family crest. God shows His love by leaving an example of what His grace can do in the lives of people – even a heathen prostitute.

Rahab became a devoted believer to the one true God. The Hebrew writer will extol her faith when she received the spies and will be included in the chapter of faith with Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jacob and her grandson, David. James will write about how the faith of Rahab was justified by her works in protecting the spies. The prostitute, harlot, sexually indiscriminate woman of Jericho is remembered for her faith in God and taking her place in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ. Praise God for His powerful love, mercy and grace upon Rahab. She stands as a symbol of God’s undying love for all people regardless of what they have become. Sadly she is remembered as a harlot although she gave up her ungodliness. The consequence of sin may never remove the stigma but God removes the sin. It took great faith and courage to trust in the spies but she was rewarded because of her faith. She saved her father, her mother, her brothers and all she had because she trusted in the Lord. Rahab was a harlot. God’s grace turned the heart of a harlot to be in a special place among the annals of holy scrip remembered for three thousand years to all men.

A final lesson must be told in the story of Rahab. Prostitution is a demeaning and horrible life. The reason she was in this life is unknown. What mattered most is her faith in God and trust in His word. God was faithful and she was saved. Few people have experienced the base and worthless life of a prostitute but the grace of God can save anyone. Rahab was created in the image of God just like any man or woman. She changed that glory to the pleasure of the flesh. Faith brought her out of that life and God raised her up to be a glorious woman. If God can save Rahab in her harlotry, what can He do in my life? She changed her life because she believed in the power of God to bring about that change. There is nothing that I have done that God will not forgive if only I come to the power of the blood of Jesus and let His cleansing blood heal my sinful heart. Her faith and obedience justified her and my faith and obedience will justify me. Including Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus was not a coincidence or mistake. It was a message of grace for all men to see the Son of God came to save all men (and women).

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

Collecting Dust On A Shelf

The Olympics represent the pinnacle of an athletes dream to compete and win gold, silver or bronze in their chosen field of expertise. This requires many, many years of sacrifice, devotion and constant practice to hone skills to perfection on a level beyond their competitors. Few make the Olympic team and fewer still achieve the platforms of victory. For those who win their medals it is the zenith of their lives to bask in the glow of a momentary glory as heroes of their countrymen. Returning to their homeland a great excitement of recognition will surround them as lifelong dreams are realized. The gold medals will be displayed with pride along with the silver and bronze medals to the excitement of all who see them. And then something happens that has been repeated in every generation since the beginning of time. The curtain falls and the memories of Olympic victories fade to black on the screen of time and few take notice of the achievements as life returns to normal. Names are forgotten, achievements inscribed in books seldom read and medals collect dust or lost through carelessness. The moment of personal victory is nothing more than a perishable memory lost on the sands of time.

Life is filled with moments of personal achievements that set records, change lives and leave lasting marks of accomplishments but to no avail in the larger picture of what is really important. Men will spend a lifetime to obtain a gold medal that will hang on a wall until taken down by another generation and forgotten. The challenge of life has always been to realize the victories of this life fade into dust. Trophies collect dust on shelves that once were held in great honor. Medals, banners, awards and achievements are all forgotten. Monuments are raised to honor the heroes of the days until they crumble into dust. The great equalizer of all men is the hand of death that shows the nature of obtaining the greatest victories in this world are worthless. No man escapes the grave and time is the master of fate. When a man spends his whole life to obtain a gold medal he gains nothing more than a piece of metal that perishes. What he fails to realize is he possesses something that is imperishable and of greater value.

God created man in His own image. Man is an eternal creature designed to glorify the Father and to live without end. Everything the Lord created in the beginning will perish in time – including time. Death strips man of his earthly glory leaving everything behind. What remains is the true nature of God’s creation and that is an eternal existence. Paul reminds the disciples that athletes compete in games to receive a crown that fades in time. The champions of the Corinthian games received a wreath made from olive trees or pine that would soon fade away. This was to show the victor what they won today would soon lose its beauty and fade. It was of little value in time. Seeking the imperishable crown of eternal glory would never fade. Eternal life is the joy of those who seek something that will never perish. Death will take away the glories of life but awaken the joys of eternity. Life comes to an end. Eternity never ends. The roar of the crowds for the Olympic champions will fade into distant memories. Hearing the praises of God throughout the eternal ages will never end. All of the victories of earth will be destroyed; the joy of Heaven eternal.

Men will exhaust themselves seeking after the joys of a world that is fading away. The crown of worldly riches is the life goal of many. Having the best things of life, enjoying the pleasures of the flesh, drinking deep from the well of knowledge and spending every moment of life to gain more and more consumes the hearts of those who fail to see how worthless earthly gain will be. Like the faded garlands of yesterday that crumble in time, nothing remains. Life is short and all men will stand before the Lord God. There will be no Olympic medals, first place trophies or great riches when man stands bare before his Creator. All he will have is what he had in the beginning – his eternal life. He came into the world with nothing and he leaves with nothing. God breathed into man an eternal soul and that is all he will have in death. What has a man profited if he gained the whole world and lost his soul? He gained an empty crown. Real happiness will be found in the eternal life promised in Jesus Christ and Him alone. The crown of life will never perish, fade away or be removed. Strive for this crown and you will receive the greatest reward of all.

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32)

God Has No Pleasure In What Sin Does

There is no joy in the sorrow of wickedness. Sin is rebellion against the holiness of a righteous God and a repudiation of His character. Man was created for the glory of God and he took his glory turning it from the righteousness of a faithful Creator to use for selfish pleasures. There has always been a choice for man to choose good or evil from the trees in the midst of Eden or a place called Golgotha where sin killed the Son of God. The world was formed by the hand of a divine architect with a purpose to show the eternal wisdom of the Almighty Father among His people. It did not take long for Satan to destroy Eden, drive Cain to commit murder and destroy every living being save eight in the days of Noah. The nation of Israel was the apple of God’s eye but the devil wormed his evil pleasures into their hearts and destroyed the nation of the Lord. Ezekiel was burdened with preaching to the captives in the land of Babylon with the same message their fathers had heard. Sin has consequences. Israel as a nation was destroyed by sin with the ten northern tribes long before vanishing across the fields of Assyrian domination and now Babylon was finishing the work of God against Judah. The people needed to understand they were responsible for their own plight but the Lord had not forgotten them. There was still the mercy and love of God to take back those who would turn to Him and restore righteousness to the land.

Judgment came from the will of God as the Babylonians oppressed Judah. This was all done by the hand of the Lord because He was bringing judgment upon a rebellious nation. It was not a coincidence these things were happening. God wanted Judah to know their misery was punishment for their rebellion. The age old message of redemption was given to Judah once again – repent and turn. There was no reason they should continue in this useless exercise of wickedness. No matter how far down the road they had gone, the Lord offers a way of escape if only they would change their hearts and turn back to Him. Who can understand the infinite mercy of a loving God committed to removing all sin if only the heart would change and turn to Him? What man has never quite grasped about the character of sin is that God hates it. He hates what it has done to His glorious creation. It was not the plan of God to destroy man but to save him. Sin brings death. God gives life. The Lord hates what sin has done to man and He has no desire to punish man pleading with him to cast away rebellion. If only the love of God could be clearly seen by sinful man. God’s grace would usher the contrite heart back into the love of a compassionate and forgiving Father.

Man must make a decision. Ezekiel exhorts the people to cast away their sins and get a new heart and a new spirit. The road to recovery begins with removing the shackles of sin seeking a heart renewed in the Lord with a new spirit to serve the Father. This is how sin is dealt with. Man cannot overcome sin until he removes it from his presence. Satan is a powerful foe and without resisting, putting away, eradicating sin man is helpless. A major downfall to defeating sin is refusing to rid self of the transgressor. It must be taken away. The alcoholic will never recover with a glass in his hand. Overcoming the lust of pornography can never be accomplished without the removal of temptation. Speaking the truth can be the only language of the one seeking renewal. Getting rid of the offense is the first step. Then a new heart and new spirit must be developed. The incredible mercy of God tells all men that nothing is hopeless if the heart is changed and renewed. There is no reason to die because God is willing to forgive if only the heart returns. Remember the prodigal son came home to a loving father. The Lord has no pleasure in the death of those who destroy themselves with sin. It was not His plan; He does not desire it and He will forgive if one repents. What does God want? Turn and live. Anyone can do it if they are willing. The forgiveness of God is so great that He will forgive. Turn and live – you can do this!

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.