Wishful thinking or assured reality

David is emotional. Here he is affected by the thoughts of running oil down his head and an overflowing heart. With a sense of wonder, generated by the moment, David is convinced about what is following. ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Within the Scriptures we have numerous episodes of his history. Does it bear out this assurance?

Surely it does! Goodness (of God’s grace and covenant) and mercy (God keeps His word) did follow David. It is to the Shepherd’s honour that He didn’t kick this sheep out of the fold. It was fortunate for David and maybe for you, definitely for me, when we wear His brand the Shepherd always seeks the wayward sheep. David’s story is one of great privileges, promises and achievements. It is also one of great betrayal, a father’s stupidity mixed with a spiritual ‘dark hole.’ Where can we see ‘goodness and mercy’ in his life?

It emerges from the wonder of God’s covenant. When He makes one with the nation or the individual He keeps it. Discipline is meted out for protracted insolence and rebellion, mercy is provided for repentance. Consequences for actions done are inevitable, but, God’s goodness offers comfort and hope. All of this is wrapped up in psalm 51. What David wrote in younger days and with emotion proved valid in his later and more turbulent years! Over and over his psalms vibrate with God’s steadfast love, faithfulness and mercy. From our perspective, words written by Paul to the folk at Rome promise a similar assurance. ‘We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.’ (Romans 8:28)

However, for Goodness and mercy and other blessings from God to follow us has a ‘depends’ clause. A father’s advice to his son explains it well enough. In Proverbs 4 the father uses such words as, keep you heart with all diligence, put away crooked speech and devious talk and don’t swerve from the path. Our Good Shepherd has endorsed those words elsewhere in His book of life. Sometimes we feel that the path of right living is restrictive and we are tempted to take detours. The word for paths in psalm 23:3 defines it as a ‘path for wagons.’  God’s lifestyle for us has space for us to enjoy the pleasures of His company and calling. He gives us the privilege of exercising our gifts and abilities with a proviso’ ‘Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord!’

To change the metaphor, we are warned that even as ‘sheep in His fold’ we will reap what we sow.’ We are deceived if we imagine we can sow to our sinful nature and reap spiritual blessings! In fact such thinking is a form of mockery to our Saviour Shepherd’s word and character. We are not to presume upon Him and His grace and mercy to us. Fortunately, God’s gift of repentance is available for us to grasp, embrace and unleash within our heart. We will still know the fallout from our detours or bad seeds sown, but God’s mercy lessens their impact. To know the forgiveness of God is to bow before Him in awe. It is to appreciate the power of grace won for us at Calvary’s cross. It is to offer back to Him our heart, now broken, but healed, and contrite yet joyful. It is as the forgiven, the restored, the humbled we are able to bear testimony to what it means to know Him, walk with Him and worship Him, the One we call Jesus.

It is by repentance we get back onto the right path. It is then our Lord is able to let loose ‘goodness and mercy’ to chase after us. It is when we are following the Shepherd a confidence arises. This happens despite our previous stupidity. Once again we can do no better than quote the one who knew this truth. ‘I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.’ Signed David, son of Jesse, King of Israel, psalm 27:13, 14.

To be concluded next week.

©Ray Hawkins. March 2016.

Oil to soothe, refresh.

It sounds idyllic, even exciting when we read about the Shepherd’s leading, and safe keeping. But the journey for the sheep can be a far cry from the ideal. Along the way are irritating shrubs that leave seeds and twigs in the fleece. Parasites lie in wait to jump on board for a free ride, meal and the fun of being an irritant. Eyes can become inflamed by dust or the sun’s brightness. It is in these moments the sheep appreciates the Shepherd’s care. The oil he pours soothes plus deals with the bugs and clears the eyes and refreshes the face.

In what way was David applying this imagery to his relationship with the Good Shepherd? How do we? This is especially important for us to understand as we are dealing with the spiritual, not literal experience. The journey aspect is easily understood. We get weary. Parasites latch onto our soul and annoy our spirit.  Our spiritual eyes can be inflamed by the dirt of the world and the heat and smoke of opposition. How does our unseen Shepherd apply the oil of His grace and compassion to our life?

The sheep must be in a secure setting as intimated by the set table. This allows the Shepherd access to the person a.k.a. the sheep. In psalm 19:8 David defines one of the ‘flasks’ of oil. ‘The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes.’ Why are there ‘blighted believers?’ The teachings of God’s Word have been resisted or neglected, not applied. It is no use singing ‘open my eyes, Lord …’ if you won’t open His book. When you read and heed His word Proverbs 15:30 is activated. ‘The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the body.’

Grief is another factor which contributes to cloudy eyesight. This is something we will all experience. Some will see through their tears the hope we have because of Christ’s triumph over death. Such comfort will keep the eyes clear and healthy. As Paul told the Thessalonians ‘so [do] not grieve as others do who have no hope.’ On other occasions a person may feel as though he is the victim in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Life’s spitefulness and unfairness assaulted him and left him in a bad state. How does our unseen Shepherd minister to such a person (who may well be you or I)? How does he pour His oil into our wounded heart, mind and body? Through a man or woman equipped with the necessary resources.

Why was the Good Samaritan travelling with the ancient equivalent to our first aid kit? He must have been a much travelled person and had learnt to be resourced to meet the unseen emergencies. The Lord wants to equip us with His grace, wisdom, compassion and practical skills to help others in their crises. It is costly in both the learning and then the applying of what was needed. Why would anyone really enter upon such a venture? For the Lord’s honour and His compassion which dwells within and compels a follower to care. I often wonder if the victim ever met his benefactor. Does that really matter? How fortunate are those assaulted by life to have someone known or unknown who becomes their Good Samaritan.

Part of the spiritual first aid kit requires the renewing power of knowing and obeying the Good Shepherd. As Jesus put it, He knows His sheep and they know Him. We only get to know Jesus when our relationship is put under pressure. Theory must be replaced by practical experience which only happens when you do His specific will. The bruises from attempting and failing are pleasing to the Master. The oil of His pleasure and its soothing power is able to be applied by His Spirit. Out of such a ministry we can truthfully bear witness to the character of the Shepherd. What psalm 100 says becomes more than a theological statement. It takes on the personal dimension of witnessing to your own discoveries of knowing Him and His anointing. We are the ‘sheep of his pasture’ and wear His brand.

To be continued.

©Ray Hawkins March 2016.

Wolves versus the Good Shepherd

Animals are used to depict certain aspects of human behaviour or characteristics. Such metaphors are easily understood. Psalm 22 is a brilliant illustration of this. It is a prophetic insight written a thousand years before the crucifixion of Christ. The psalmist used such animals as, bulls, lion, dogs and wild oxen. You can see their human counterparts around the cross in the Gospels.

Jesus used animal terms on a number of occasions. Two of them I want to emphasise , they are Wolves and Sheep. We understand that because Jesus is the Good Shepherd the sheep are His people. Matthew 7:15 ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.’ Jesus, in His great message about the events preceding His return, highlighted the fact of false prophets proliferating. Matthew 24:24.

It seems to me that we are living in their ‘breeding and marauding season.’ The Church is being mauled by the Devil’s brood. Sadly, the non-churched community think these ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ are part of the ‘sheep’ community. This results in people cursing the Church and rejecting Christ because of the evil actions of the false prophets. There are seven species of wolves and they roam in specific areas. There’s the gray wolf and the artic, the red wolf and Himalayan, an India one plus an Ethiopian and Eastern breed. Within our Church and Society scene it is a good reminder to be on ‘red alert’ for their human counterparts.

Within the pages of the Bible the term wolves is applied to men in official positions (Ezekiel 22:27) intent on dishonest gain. Zephaniah 3:3 applies it to Judges who use their position for personal gain and revenge. It is an amazing fact that so many of the wolves in religious sheep covering strut the world’s stage. Television and the internet make them sound so plausible and personable as they promise much whilst stripping your soul and bank balance.

In an article on wolves was the following quote: ‘The majority of victims of predatory wolf attacks are children under age of 18 and, in the rare cases where adults are killed, the victims are almost always women.’ As I read the New Testament I find something very similar. The writers of the New Testament letters give strong warnings about this danger. Paul warned the Ephesian Elders that such predatory wolves were prowling even as he was talking. His warning was their call to be on guard and not be a mere hireling who runs away from protecting the flock. (John 10:12). I’m left with the impression that the majority of these mangy mongrels are males (I wouldn’t call them men).

How is this being played out today? Child abuse in Church run institutions and parish churches are under the spotlight. The predators in cleric garb have ripped out the faith and innocence of children many of whom are wrecks of what they were meant to be. Those who knew and did nothing are mere hirelings, not shepherds.  Christ Jesus speaks of a greater judgement which will fall upon such wolves (and I think it will fall on those who neglected their shepherd’s calling). I believe Christ holds such victims in a special section of His heart and affections. May they discover it, though they have to struggle through a lot of emotional and spiritual rubble!

What then is our best defence in dealing with these spiritual and moral predators? How are we able to develop an inner alarm system which gives out warning vibrations? Paul’s words to the Elders in Acts 20:32 is a good commencement place. ‘I commend you to God and to the message of His grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified.’ His words to Timothy also undergird the importance of knowing Biblical teaching. ‘Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching, continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.’ (1 Timothy 24:16)

The strange thing about Christ Jesus as the Shepherd is His command to His sheep. ‘I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them…’ Matthew 10:16-42. We are not to be cowered by the wolves but to take the message of transforming grace to the society in which they prowl. Jesus says it is nerve-wracking and dangerous but that the wolves are actually afraid of sheep with a message of the cross. He also promised personal recognition and reward for His people rising up to the challenge.