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.

 

 

God's biggest problem.

The greatest problem God has is me! And you! Even the Devil has to work overtime to get us to play ‘ball’ with him. Why is this? Because of what he, as the serpent, offered to Adam through Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Humanity has believed the lie and imagines itself as ‘god.’

There have been numerous rulers claiming this title, Pharaoh being top of the list and the Roman Caesars next. But there is a little of this lie running loose in us all, even when we become disciples of Christ. Such twisted thinking is infused into our nature. We want our own way! We debate with God about matters recorded in His word. Most of our relationship battles can be viewed from the perspective of ‘a battle between the gods.’

When Paul wrote the Galatian letter this underlying problem is the cause of so much personal conflict and interpersonal battles. Why? Because the ‘Sarx’ (human nature) wants its own way despite what God, wisdom or anybody else says. This relates to morality, spirituality, personal and godly integrity. So much sadness and destructive behaviour flows from out of our addiction to obeying our ‘Sarx.’

It has taken all the resources of God, supplied to those who claim Jesus as Lord and Saviour, to deal with our notion of self-rule. As Jesus said ‘Why call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say’ (Luke 6:46). We cannot pick and choose what we will or will not do when Jesus has ruled on a matter. There isn’t any way we can have fellowship with our Lord if we walk contrary to His expressed will. That is the basis for most of a Christian’s poor witness, sense of estrangement and loss of joy in their worship and faith.

How we treat other people, whether believers or not, impacts upon the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. His grieves and is prevented from fulfilling His ministry within us and through us (Ephesians 4:30). We release Him from this grief when we put things right, humble ourselves and begin walking in agreement with God and His word.

There is a tendency to imagine we can do something for God and earn some bonus points. Trouble is, whatever stems from our Sarx, our self-will, is anathema to God (Romans 8:8). What comes from our Ego and not God’s initiative, stated will or command will not stand in His presence (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). A good example of this is found in Luke 21:1-4. There the difference between a widow’s 2 mites and the rich person’s abundance as a gift to God is highlighted. They did it for show. She did it as unto the Lord.

In Galatians Paul makes a distinction between what flows from our Human Nature and our born again spirit. One is a works program. The other is the fruit of a faith relationship. Our Ego is infected with the ‘Georgie Porgy’ syndrome, ‘what a good boy am I.’ When you consider the fruit of the spirit it is evident that we are unable to make ‘fruit.’ Also, you will notice that fruit isn’t for the ‘tree’s’ benefit. It is for those in need of being fed by such life enriching food. We can fall into the misguided notion that the fruit is for our consumption. No! It is God’s desire that you are His ‘tree’ to feed those in need of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, and self-control.

How then are we to be saved from our ‘god syndrome?’ By identifying with Christ and the cross. To deliberately say ‘not my will but yours, Lord’ and choose to obey His word is our safeguard and deliverance. That allows us to walk in step with Christ Jesus and know His joy and companionship. By the grace of God we can be called ‘sons and daughters of the Most high.’ That, however, crushes our independent assessment of our ‘god-ness’ because there can ever only be one God.

Forgive me for those times when I have grieved you, my Lord and my God. Rivet my heart and mind to the cross of Calvary so that I do not forget I’m a sinner saved by grace. Weigh my heart down with this awesome truth so that my walk with you will be with the vibrancy of your joy. Lord, look on me and smile I pray. Amen!

Next week will be a two-part finale. The time has come to exit cyberspace and engage in some other enterprise. My finale is 'This I know...!' and as indicated above will be in two sections.
Hope you will look into it. Thanks.

©Ray Hawkins 11 Feb. 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where Marriage was created.

The sexual debate has gone full circle from Caesar's time to now. When the Church began its entrance into Gentile territory it faced a sexual minefield. Rome's attitude to sexual relations was in stark contrast to that upheld by the Judeo-Christian faith. How did the Christian faith take on the challenge? 

By paying a high price in its commitment to the Scriptures Jesus believed in. By an understanding that marriage had links to the Creation of Adam and Eve. Believers showed a better way in their marital relationship and its impact upon the children. I don't read of Christians holding protest marches but rather being vilified for their stance and power of debate. The cross triumphed over the sword and the arena by the faithful witness even unto death.

Why would people once happy with a free and easy, unrestrained sexual taste remove themselves from that scene? Why would they be willing to be scorned by those once considered friends? Because the came to understand that marriage was more than sex and having legitimate heirs. Behind it was a spiritual dimension that only the Creator would explain much later. This reason undergirding marriage has for many Christians and church goers been neglected, or worse still, debunked.

Genesis tells us that the Lord created Adam first and from his side made Eve. How ridiculous! We all know it is the woman which gives birth. Why would the Creator stretch our credibility with Adam producing Eve? This isn't only recorded in Genesis 2:21-25 but by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:13. It is only the Scriptures that tells of the reason and it is twofold. One is that when a husband and wife come together in the sexual act they become one flesh. This is why the Bible is so strident against promiscuity. It is also the same reason as to why same sex relationships will never be valid  in the Lord God's sight. 

The other reason is that Eve being formed from out of the side of Adam pointed to Christ and the cross. Jesus is the redeemer. He is also the One (and the only One) from whom the Church could come. The significance of the spear into His side is for forgiveness, yes, but more so for the creation, birth, forming of the Church. That is why the Church is likened to a bride. It takes us back to the Creative act of God in Genesis. Therefore when a person was converted and realised the call upon his or her life a new mindset based upon the Bible developed.

Within this new realm grew a desire to honour the Lord and Saviour. To do that required making a commitment to live a life pleasing to Him. There are many verses in the New Testament explaining the difficulties but determination in living such a life. Too many disciples of Christ have too little understanding of the lifestyle required as pleasing unto their Lord.

Let us stand our ground as to why the Christian concept of marriage is best for our society. we don't have to be rude, crude or derogatory towards other views. However we may need to develop a mindset which will endure various forms of opposition. The best answer is in many ways is being muffled by relationship breakdowns of church goers. What is needed by non-Christians to see is a fulfilled, interesting, growing and enjoyable marriage between a man and a woman who seek to honour Jesus. Let it be your!

Ray Hawkins 13.8.2017
The devotional 'From Eden with Love is about Marriage. It is available from Christian bookshops and as an ebook.

You can get it from me, the author, also.

Times up.

Now we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1.

   

New Testament Greek language contains interesting ‘pictures’ which give great insights into their meaning and application. In this devotional will be found just such ‘pictures.’  To gaze upon them give us some wonderful glimpses into the hope we have because of Christ.

The apostle Paul is in a Roman prison under sentence of death. His ‘crime’ was that he called Jesus, ‘Lord.’ This was a direct threat to Caesar’s claim to be lord and worthy of worship. Christians would only call Jesus ‘Lord.’ This was considered subversive. As such it was considered a threat to Caesar and the Roman Empire.

In writing to Timothy Paul saw his execution as an act of devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:6 he likens what he will undergo as a ‘drink offering.’ In the Jewish sacrificial system this was the finale to the sacrifice of a lamb at the time of First Fruits and the Feast of Weeks. It was for the Lord’s honour alone. As the apostle contemplated leaving this life he used a word applied to a ship being loosed from its moorings. It’s also used for soldiers breaking up an encampment. Within the framework of Paul’s ministry both have meaning. However the ‘picture’ which best suits the situation would be the military one. This is in the light of his confidence that he had completed the good fight. Christians must always bear in mind that we live in a conflict zone. The World is under the dominion of the Devil and his wickedness. Those involved in the Christian ministry are in a front line role. This requires us to be constantly on guard against the enemy’s strategies aimed at destroying us.

The Scriptures reveal various conflicts we will face in the service of the Lord. Sure none of us will face them all or to the same degree. Unfortunately we will have times of ‘hand to hand’ conflict with at least some. Our Commander in Chief has made sure these things are recorded so we will not be taken by surprise or imagine things out of the ordinary have befallen us. The Lord Jesus has listed them to serve as a warning as well as to encourage us that He is with us in the ‘fight of Faith.’
      
Switching metaphors Paul goes on to liken the ministry to a marathon. He is about to ‘breast the tape’ and appear before the Judge. Being told in advance about certain aspects of the course he had to run, Paul was under no illusions to what was ahead. (Acts 9:15, 16.  26:12–19) Not many of us ‘run’ under such clear guidelines. We are more like ‘running’ under the principles of Proverbs 3:5–6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.’

After all of Paul’s experiences, mistakes, opposition and disappointments, he could lift his hand in a winners salute. His cry is ‘I’ve kept the faith!’ He wasn’t boasting of his own prowess. He was acknowledging the grace and goodness of God that had brought him this victory. What he looked forward to was the garland bestowed by the Judge of the world for running the race. This garland of victory is ‘Righteousness.’ Never will it fade, rust or disappear. This is what awaits us as we breast the tape and leave this arena. We will see our Lord face to face. All the conflict, all the sacrifice, all the tears, all the frustrations will evaporate when we kneel before the Lord. What a privilege we will then comprehend about being His servants.

Martyrdom: Devotion's ultimate expression.

 
Martyrdom is overwhelming the Church in places such as Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, parts of Africa and many, many other countries. Especially, though not exclusively by any measure, pastors and missionaries are targeted. The testimony of these faithful people of Christ Jesus reaches around the globe and becomes a challenge with conviction leading to conversions. It has been well said that the growth of the Church flows from the blood it sheds under persecution. Surely, we cannot be unmoved by their willingness to die for the Name of Christ and His glory.

The New Testament Greek language contains interesting ‘pictures’ which gives insights into the hope which empowers believers. To gaze upon these pictures give some wonderful glimpses into the hope disciples have because of Christ. This is far, far different to the so called reason for Islamic martyrdom. It is love's response to Christ Jesus and His love for us expressed in His coming to fulfil Scripture. It is faith in what Jesus as the crucified and risen Saviour promised to those who claim Him as the Son of God, their Saviour and Lord.

 

The apostle Paul epitomised this when in a Roman prison under sentence of death. His ‘crime’ was that he called Jesus, ‘Lord.’ This was a direct threat to Caesar’s claim to be lord and worthy of worship. Christians would only call Jesus ‘Lord.’ This was considered subversive. As such it was considered a threat to Caesar and the Roman Empire. Today, believers are confronted with a similar challenge. Renounce Jesus as the Son of God, Saviour and Lord and obey Mohammed, or die. In a more subtle manner, Christians are being

seduced to compromise Biblical morality and lifestyle or be ostracised in christianized countries. Once again we will be faced with a test of our faith and love and for Jesus.        

In writing to Timothy, Paul saw his execution as an act of devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:6 he likens what he will undergo as a ‘drink offering.’ In the Jewish sacrificial system this was the finale to the sacrifice of a lamb at the time of First Fruits and the Feast of Weeks. It was for the Lord’s honour alone.

As the apostle contemplated leaving this life he used a word applied to a ship being loosed from its moorings. It’s also used for soldiers breaking up an encampment. Within the framework of Paul’s ministry both have meaning. However the ‘picture’ which best suits the situation would be the military one. This is in the light of his confidence that he had completed the good fight. Christians must always bear in mind that we live in a conflict zone. The World is under the dominion of the Devil and his wickedness. We live in the midst of passive or very active opponents to Christ, His Church and His cross. Those involved in the Christian ministry are in a front line role. This requires us to be constantly on guard against the enemy’s strategies aimed at destroying us.

The Scriptures reveal various conflicts we will face in the service of the Lord. Sure, none of us will face them all or to the same degree. Unfortunately we will have times of ‘hand to hand’ conflict with at least some. Our Commander in Chief has made sure these things are recorded so we will not be taken by surprise or imagine things out of the ordinary have befallen us. The Lord Jesus has listed them to serve as a warning as well as to encourage us that He is with us in the ‘fight of Faith.’

Switching metaphors Paul goes on to liken the ministry to a marathon. He is about to ‘breast the tape’ and appear before the Judge. Being told in advance about certain aspects of the course he had to run, Paul was under no illusions to what was ahead. (Acts 9:15, 16.  26:12–19) Not many of us ‘run’ under such clear guidelines. We are more like ‘running’ under the principles of Proverbs 3:5–6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.’

After all of Paul’s experiences, mistakes, opposition and disappointments, he could lift his hand in a winners salute. His cry is ‘I’ve kept the faith!’ He wasn’t boasting of his own prowess. He was acknowledging the grace and goodness of the Son of God who had brought him this victory. What he looked forward to was the garland bestowed by the Judge of the world for running the race. This garland of victory is ‘Righteousness.’ Never will it fade, rust or disappear. It is the righteousness of Jesus without which we could never enjoy His glory. We enjoy it by faith now but then it will be in its fullness. This is what awaits us as we breast the tape and leave this arena. We will see our Lord face to face. All the conflict, all the sacrifice, all the tears, all the frustrations will evaporate when we kneel before the Lord. What a privilege we will then enjoy as we understand more fully about being His servants.

 

Reflection: Now we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1.

Request: Lord, be to my spirit ‘faith drink’ through the dry times; be my ‘bread’ for strength in the lean times; be my joy and hope in the disappointing times. My Lord and Saviour, may I breast the ‘tape’ with praise to you for your faithfulness to me across the years of my ‘race.’ Amen! 

 

 

 

The Battle of the gods

The Lord God and the gods

The claim of the atheists that all the wars have been religious ones has a ring of truth about it. They could have used the term political wars as well. They may not agree with the assessment that even Atheism is a religious belief yet as it requires faith it qualifies.

Perplexed people ponder why is it that nations and individuals find it hard, indeed impossible to get along. Is there an answer? The Bible says ‘yes’ in words plain and clear. Why then do men and women find it hard to accept? I think it is due to the fact the Bible makes us realise that all of us are part of the problem.

What does the Bible reveal as the basic cause of strife, wars and various other aggressive facets of our human nature? Genesis chapter three paints the picture. Satan leads Eve and Adam into an act of rebellion against the Creator God. This fallen angel tempts them with the notion that by taking of the fruit forbidden by Yahweh they will become gods. I think Satan believed their treason would make them slaves in his realm. The unexpected happened and it has infected all their descendents ever since. Humans came to believe they are gods.

The most striking examples of this are the Pharaohs, Caesars and current North Korean leaders. What we fail to appreciate is that each of us possesses this spiritual and moral disease. Within individuals this legacy of Adam’s disobedience will express itself in various ways. From the dominating bullying ego centric despot to the servile, cringing and manipulating weakling. What is the outcome in real life of people? Quarrels and arguments as we seek to assert our rights, our will, our wisdom, even our dislikes and revenge! The human heart wants to rule. It craves sovereignty and the obedience of others. Consider that in the light of James 4:1-3. It is a battle of a ‘god’ seeking lordship over others who think they are ‘god’.

When Adam and Eve took the fruit Satan must have been dismayed, frustrated and angered. Why? Because they didn’t succumb to being his slaves in his kingdom of darkness. Ever since this angel of evil has sought to seduce Humankind to accept his sovereignty. He has done this through the occult, magical arts and the promise of power.

Where has the Lord God almighty, the Creator been in this conflict? He too has been endeavouring to bring the descendents of the first couple back into His Kingdom of Light. He continues to do this before the declaration that time is up. There can only be one Sovereign. Only One who is to worshipped. Only One whose will is to be obeyed.

Therefore as you read the Bible it becomes clear the Lord embarked on a reconquest of His creation and the children of Adam and Eve. His call to them to bow to His sovereignty embraced a number of issues. Love motivated Him for He knows that Judgement awaits those who refuse His offer. Forgiveness has been made possible as the basis for re-entry into His presence. How, for treason is a capital offence? Here is the wonder and the power behind the events we call Christmas, the Cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has dealt with the moral and spiritual expressions of the conflict and consequences of the battle of the gods with the one and only God.

What now is the issue? Individuals can hang onto their ‘god-ness’ or join with the powers of darkness. Or they can realise the unwiseness of fighting against Yahweh and rejecting His right to their allegiance Such recognition by you, by me, means we reject our claims to personal sovereignty, we acknowledge our rebellion and delusion, we accept His amnesty offered to us in Christ Jesus. It means we bow the knee in surrender and worship.

When we yield up the rights to ourselves to the Lord God Almighty we discover many wonderful truths. We know peace, we have hope and there is no fear in meeting the God before whom all must stand. Sure each of us will face many conflicts and issues which challenge our allegiance to Christ Jesus but we know He stands with us in the fight. We know we have the victory for all eternity. It isn’t ours but Christ Jesus’ and He has given it to us. Our faith commitment to Him is a declaration that for us the battle of the gods against the Lord God has been won by Him. That is a most wonderful defeat and glorious surrender.

Ray (who surrendered and won) Hawkins