1 Peter 2:1-8. Living Stones.

 

 

One of my grandsons collects rocks. He purchased a piece of fossilized wood and had it cut in half and polished. It revealed a wonderful pattern and texture. Then he had a small stone which he polished. Polishing removed the dirt, ugliness, dross and ruggedness to reveal a beautiful colour and a most attractive structure.

 In God’s sight we are stones and pebbles, not outwardly attractive or appealing. Eph.2:1-3. Psalm 8:4. Rom. 3:23. However, beneath the outward appearance, our all seeing God beholds our uniqueness, our beauty and our latent power to honour Him. Our Lord went to a lot of time and effort to ‘collect us’ from the quarries of this world Galatians 1:4. 1 John 5:19). It cost Him a pierced side, nailed hands, feet and dagger like thorns biting into His brow. The owners of the ‘quarry’ must have thought Jesus mad to pay such a price for such common, rather grubby and rugged stones. Especially when those stones ultimately cost Jesus His life to secure them. The world and the Devil and demons must have laughed.

The resurrection removed the smile and silenced their laughter!

Since Pentecost Jesus has been collecting stones and pebbles for His Kingdom. He chooses some rather odd samples. He is the God who loves lapidary. Eph 2:10. He takes we encrusted stones and through the moral and spiritual equivalents, cuts, polishes and engraves our lives. The purpose = release the treasure He saw within so that it will glorify Him and bless us eternally. The word to describe such a process is discipline. Hebrews 12:11. Stones don’t have any choice. You and I do. Therefore, a key word = ‘yield’. ‘Present’ (Romans 12:1-2.

 ‘He’s a rough diamond God is polishing.’ We are not all diamonds. We are all gems of some type or other, each with our own unique pattern, texture, beauty.  The mining museum at Zeehan [Tasmania] has a rock collection. There ordinary stones with the most amazing patterns and colours were displayed. Lights revealed their beauty.

Christ Jesus, He is the Light of our life and as He cuts and polishes (sanctifies and ministers to us by His word and Spirit) we become His stone of glory. Paul in Titus 2:10 ‘ornament to the doctrine of God our Saviour.’ We become, or should become, men and women who attract people to what the Lord has done in and revealed though us. This isn’t for us to boast but to testify to the redeeming, liberating wonder of Christ’s power in redeeming us. It is imperative for us to ensure that His light within isn’t dimmed by self – obsession, disobedience or switched off by Satan’s cunning. 1 John 1:5-7.

 The engraving feature of lapidary? In the O. T. the High Priest wore a breastplate with 12 different precious stones. On each one was a name of one of the twelve tribes. When our Lord claimed us for His own treasure He also became our High Priest. By implication we are borne into the presence of the Father on the heart of our Lord.

 Be encouraged to handle the rough and tumble of life with a positive outlook! He is endeavouring to reveal His glory in you and me. He is using us to attract people to the power of the cross. He is drawing out of us the hidden beauty when the Light of Jesus Christ glows though us. Old chorus: ‘Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me…’ 

Exodus 17: 1-7. God is the Smitten Rock

                

 The contrast was extensive.  The nation of Israel was being formed from descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They had been slaves in Egypt for 430 years but had been redeemed by Yahweh’s victory over Pharaoh and Egyptian idolatry. The new Nation was off to the Promised Land.

            As they journeyed under Moses leadership further challenges, failures, and deliverance would fashion them. Into their National consciousness would be ‘burnt’ concepts of Yahweh. Perhaps the most powerful imagery centres upon God being ‘the Smitten Rock’. With hopes high the people marched out 0f Egypt as a triumphant army. It wasn’t too long before Pharaoh sought to reclaim them. He failed. Then this huge number of people became desperate for water. Doubt surged. Could Yahweh supply water out here in the Wilderness?

            The Lord instructed Moses to do what seemed a futile act. Go and strike the Rock. Why? The immediate reason was to satisfy the people’s thirst. The hidden purpose was to become a parable fulfilled in the promised Messiah. Later, the prophet Isaiah would add to the Nation’s understanding surrounding why the rock had to be smitten. In his teachings on the ‘suffering Servant, Isaiah said this person would be smitten by God and afflicted, (Isaiah 53:4). Why? Because He, the suffering Servant took the place of a people under their Creator’s judgement. His life was freely given. It was His choice to be their Substitute. What flowed upon the people at that later event would be the grace of forgiveness. It was vital that the rock be smitten. It remains so today. Christ crucified is our glory!

It was necessary for the rock to be struck. It was required for Jesus to be speared and crucified. Only then could all that is meant by the living waters which would flow could be realised. This was the assurance given by Jesus to the woman of Samaria Jesus in John 4:14. Jesus had also invited anyone to come to Him and receive the Holy Spirit (after the resurrection John 7:37). He who identified as ‘the Rock’ would be smitten’ at the cross of Calvary. What flowed from His side was blood and water. The blood spoke of redemption. The water, the promised gift of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39).

            The rock was to be struck only once. This is so important in the light of what took place nearly forty years later. The second generation of the Nation were confronted by a similar water problem as the first generation. An almost similar solution was decreed. There was one major difference as recorded in Numbers 20:1-13. Moses was to speak to the rock and the water would be released. Unfortunately for Moses, his anger towards the people was so hot it got the better of him. In disobedience to the Lord’s command, Moses struck the rock twice. The mercy of God brought forth the water for the people. The wrath of Yahweh came upon Moses for not only his anger and striking the rock but for damaging the parable, the symbolism surrounding the rock. 

In the former incident the striking of the rock pointed to Christ being crucified. The cross of Christ is a once for all time event, Hebrews 9:24-26. Now, by faith in our risen Lord we approach Him to supply our needs in the light of His sacrifice. When Moses struck the rock on this second occasion, he was actually crucifying Jesus all over again. It was for this offense Moses was debarred from leading the Nation into the Promised Land.  

The World’s view of the Cross and the crucified Christ is one of folly. The reaction of the Devil and his demons is terror and opposition. For the testimony of Heaven comes the account in in Revelation 5:1-10. There His praises are sung as the one who was slain, who lives, who redeems and who makes us a Kingdom of Priests who shall reign on earth. For us today, the crucified Christ is our Lord, our Saviour, our hope and our boast!

The Promise. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14.

The Warning. Neither is there is salvation in any other, for there is none other Name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12.

 

 

 

 

  

The Rock, life’s ‘Storms’ and me

Awesome in power and beautiful with its lightning strikes when viewed on television. Fearsome in its savagery and destructive power when engulfed by it. Such is the paradox of the ‘beautiful beast’ called a storm. The first recorded storm comes from the Biblical account of the worldwide flood in Noah’s day. The sign in the sign afterwards proclaimed a promise wrapped up in the first ever rainbow. In Scripture there are a number of rampaging ‘beautiful beasts’ mentioned. Most are associate with sailing. We recall Jonah but forget Jehoshaphat’s wrecked ships at Ezion-geber (1 Kings 21:48).

 In the Gospels there are three specific references to storms. Each of them have an application to how our faith is tested and shaped by life’s storms. This is true whether we find ourselves in midst of a furious physical storm, an ethical, emotional or spiritual one.

Storm 1. Is mentioned in a parable by Jesus as He sums up the Beatitudes. We all build our lives on some foundation, which Jesus classed as Rock or Sand. Both lives, depicted as houses, suffer the assault of the ‘beautiful beast’. In both houses fear would have been felt but only one would be destroyed. The life built upon the ‘Rock’ which refers to the Word of God, prevails. That doesn’t mean to say that there wasn’t damage or pain or fear to the life. No! What is being stressed by Jesus is the life , is not shattered even though it has been battered.

 Storm 2. In the very next chapter 8 in Matthew’s account is a storm. These professional fishermen were unable to cope with its ferocity. A strange picture is presented by a sleeping Jesus in the midst of the boat being swamped. Many of us have found the storm of life smashing into us and our voice being raised “Jesus, wake up!” Why did Jesus ask them what appears to be a silly question? He said “Why are you afraid, of you of little faith?” The implied answer is, no vessel can sink when the Lord is on board, awake or seemingly asleep!

 Storm 3. In Matthew 14 is the feeding of the 5,000 men. Afterwards Jesus went up into the mountains to pray. The disciples took to their boat and merrily sailed away with warm and exciting memories. Evening darkness enveloped them and an unexpected ‘beast of a storm’ pounced. But there wasn’t any sleeping Jesus. He was absent. Why didn’t the Lord rush to their aid, for He could see their plight from the heights? How often have we wondered where Jesus is in the midst of our personal dealings with our own ‘beast of a storm.’ Could one of His reasons be to teach us He is able to come to us ‘walking on the water’ for He is the master over the ‘beautiful, ferocious beast.’ As with the fishermen so to with us, our response is a deeper faith and gratitude in Him.

 Storm 4. This happened to Paul in Acts 27. Dispatched to Rome to be tried by Caesar the authorities ignored the season’s changing weather situation. It was approaching the time for the Euroclydon (northeaster) to arise and blow. It did!  The account shows the magnitude of the storm. Why did they suffer the fear, the loss, the harrowing of those fourteen days? Because of a fateful and rash choice. Why were all on board not killed? Because God had promise years before to Paul he would bear testimony to Jesus before Caesar. Because of that promise all on board the doomed boat were under God’s protection.

 The reason for these accounts to be in Scripture is to teach us, warn us and encourage us to cling by faith to Jesus, the Lord over the storm. (Romans 15: 4 we live in an unstable world which seems to breed these ‘storms’ of emotional, spiritual, ethical and relational categories. Jesus, through His word, wants us to be faithful in the storm, strong when the ‘beast snarls’ at us to cower us. He also wants us to be merciful when for no reason of our own we are caught up in the storm caused by others. Turn it into a testimony of grace in the name of Jesus.

 

 

NO SOFT OPTION - CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

New Devotional by Ray Hawkins

This 31 Devotion is for those in any aspect of Christian ministry. Ray was in ministry for over fifty years. From out of that experience he as compiled this Bible based book. Those who have been in ministry will be refreshed and encouraged.It can be purchased from ACOM [Australian College Of Ministry] 

ACOM Press

1/3 Rider Boulevarde 

Rhodes

NSW, Australia 2138.

ACOM Info <info@acom.edu.au>
phone   P/ 1800 672 692 | P/ 02 8573 6006

This is a devotional book that issues a challenge to Christian leaders, evangelists, preachers, pastors, teachers, elders, youth ministers, Sunday School staff - who enjoy the rewards and face the difficulties of leadership. When Ray Hawkins writes about Christian ministry and leadership he does so from a Restoration Movement understanding of mutual ministry. That is, the priesthood of all believers.

The format is thirty-one short statements on individual aspects of Christian ministry and leadership. Readers are left in little doubt as to the importance  of Scripture to the author, and that it should be to them.

From the Foreword by Dennis Nutt,

Associate Professor,

Sydney College of Divinity

NSW

Israel, a special creation for praise

                                          

But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Isaiah 43:1 NRSV.

       

Two distinct expressions surround creation, Bara, to create out of nothing; Yatzar to form as a potter. Both depict God’s ‘hands on’ and intimate relationship to His masterpiece. These words are also descriptive of what the Lord did in the creation and formation of the Nation of Israel. More than that, Scripture exposed a more intense relationship through the Nation’s creation.

            When Deuteronomy 32:3-4 is placed alongside of Isaiah 51:1 something unique is presented to the World. God is described as the Rock [see other devotionals] and then the prophet writes, ‘Look to the Rock from which you were hewn.’ To re-enforce the bond between Yahweh and Israel, such words as ‘The Rock who begot you, DT.32:18, Father, Isa.63:16, Husband Isa 54:5.

At least eleven times the prophet highlights God’s role as potter. ‘Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are the work of you hand.’ Isaiah 64:8. Yahweh is the ‘hands on’ Lord Almighty. The ‘clay’ He took consisted of the genes of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The intensity associated with His relationship with Israel is often stated as His love for those three special and different men.

There is always a purpose underlining what He does. Yahweh’s intention for Israel is recorded for our understanding within Scripture. chapter 43:7. ‘I have created him for my glory’ tells all of us Israel’s status in God’s eyes. The other Nations may despise the Potter’s work, or be envious of its uniqueness but Yahweh holds it as precious.

As a work of art expresses the creative heart of the artist so too Israel was to display the glory of God. They were formed to be His witnesses in the midst of pagan idolatry and worship of demons. This Work of Yahweh was to confront all other Nations with the declaration ‘Yahweh is God alone, there is no other’. His character was to be made known through them as holy, righteous, faithful and the God who does not lie! One other interesting role the Nation was called upon to express. ‘You are holy, You, who inhabits the praises of Israel.’ In some way, Hold would ‘fashion’ out of the genuine praises of this Nation a feeling place.

 We may find this strange, even egotistical, until we look back into the ancient world and its religious systems. There were virtually no grounds on which the people could stand and give praise to their gods. Fear dominated the service and sacrifices. How could you praise that idol which required child sacrifice or depraved worship. God was raising a people whose worship came from a redeemed people with the hope of the Messiah. From gratitude to Yahweh for mercy, forgiveness, providence and protection song of praise would arise. What a magnificent collection can be found in the Bible, especially I the book of Psalms and even in Revelation!

Israel expressed the glory of the Lord of Hosts in praise. It was as though they were to be His choristers and performers on the world’s stage. Their melody, harmony and message, was to capture their ‘audience’ with the wonder and glory of Yahweh. The psalms of course resound with this testimony. Unfortunately, Satan sought to drown out their praises through stifling their voice and scattering the ‘choir.’

What seemed to be a successful strategy for silencing the song actually added to the Lord’s glory! He achieved His purpose of fulfilling His word concerning the Messiah, the cross and salvation.

Yahweh will fulfil what He promised regarding Israel.  Some key aspects such as the millennium Kingdom are coming. The Nations of the world will join them, especially at the Feast of Tabernacles to celebrate the Lord’s power and glory (Zechariah 14). Isaiah is captivated by the idea of his nation shedding their laments and entering into the courts of the Lord with singing during that time. At least 18 times the prophet wrote about the people, the land and even the Heavens singing praises to the Lord. Why? For He has done marvellous things and He, He alone, is worthy of praise.

Ray Hawkins 2020/18/3.

Commanding the Impossible

A devotional soliloquy from Ray N. Hawkins

You’ve made it rather difficult Lord.

No. It’s impossible!

The sermon this morning made me very conscious of it. The preacher actually made me feel despondent as he worked through the love sequences of 1 Corinthians 13. I agree, love is noble but really as I listened I thought you asked too much.

Over the years I’ve tried and tried to live out what Paul wrote about. Mary and I even had it in our wedding service. But honestly Lord, I know I’ve failed, time after time. When I concentrate on making sure one facet of Love works, others are collapsing through neglect. After a while it all gets too much and I give up.

What you are asking is beyond my power to fulfil. Well, that’s how I see it. Sure, I can give an appearance of Love to others and people will think (unless they know me real well) that I’m doing fine. But how could you expect me the get all the sixteen facets of Love together and maintain the momentum?

I can’t do it! It is as simple as that. I can’t! It is beyond my capacity, even if I had an overwhelming desire to try. Maybe that’s part of my problem. Every time I’ve given it a go something within me rises up and short circuits the desire and will power. You know what I mean ‘cause you know me. Love calls on me to keep no record of wrongs. In all sincerity I do forgive those who hurt or offend. I pray for them. I go out of my way to be reconciled, but…! When that person treads on my toes again, all those past hurts appear in my mind as if by magic. The old memory’s accounting sheet doesn’t seem to allow for any erasing. One good thing I have to admit, you keep me from having a poison pen with which to embellish their faults. Maybe, just maybe, that is what loving you achieves.

As I sit in this café, sipping tea and munching a biscuit I recall what John wrote about in 1 John 4:19. ‘We love because you first loved us’ so it strikes me I’ve been going about this Love requirement all wrong. It’s been a self effort exercise rather than a self– surrender to you experience. How many times do I have to learn that without you I can do nothing in meeting your standards for living? So, it looks like the only way I’m going to meet the impossible command to Love is by keeping close to you and drawing on your inexhaustible grace.

Lord, the café owner is looking at me with a strange look in his eyes. He’s probably wondering why I’m taking so long over a cuppa. Best get a move on. Thanks Lord for your time.

Copyright March 2020. Ray Hawkins.

Thank God for the Eight Day

     God is a numbers person. He has arranged for us in His word some very specific numbers to stress eternal principles or doctrinal messages. You will be aware of such numbers as one, two, three, seven, ten and twelve and don’t forget forty. There is one number I find biblically significant from a personal point of view. It is most apparent in the King James translation more so than some others. That number is, eight.

 Leviticus 17:12 spells out the day on which a male baby was to be circumcised. It was the eighth day. That marked the entrance into the covenant of God with the Nation. Jesus was eight days old when He was circumcised. Luke 2:21).

When the Aaronic Priesthood was established, they had to remain within the tent of meeting seven days after their ordination. In Leviticus 9:1 they emerge to serve the Nation on the eighth day.

When a man or woman with a skin disease was cured seven days were required for confirmation. On the eight day he or she was welcomed back into the community via a prescribed sacrifice.

Remember the Apostle Thomas’ eighth day experience. He wasn’t in the upper room that first Sunday of the Resurrection morning.  It was the following Sunday, eight days later that the Lord met Thomas, with the other disciples, in the upper room (John 20.). How thankful we should be to Thomas for being absent that first Sunday. His testimony about Jesus is succinct and awesome, “My Lord and My God”!

There are other references but that should suffice.

How then does the number apply to us? You will have picked up the concept. The eighth day points to a new beginning! Sunday is the first day of the week, Saturday the seventh which completes the cycle, the eighth day speaks of a new start.

I like to think that we live continually in the eighth day. 2 Corinthians 5:17: ‘If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, everything old has passed away, see, everything has become new’. (NSRV). When you and I gave our lives to Christ Jesus we entered a new realm with a new relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We have a new song and a new destiny. Our worship is in spirit and truth and we live not by the letter but by the Spirit and when we fail, we have the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ ever fresh in our eighth day ‘world’.

A new year by the World’s reckoning is about to begin. Unfortunately, it will be filled with the moral and spiritual junk of past years, and probably worse. However, we who are in the ‘eighth day’ experience are to enter the coming year with a sense of mission. That is to live out the wonder of our ‘day’ and pray, share through word, writing and witnessing to encourage others to have their own personal eighth day encounter with Jesus.  

Ray (enjoying the day) Hawkins.