Wise Words --- Ecclesiastes 12:6-14.

The book of Ecclesiastes is a collection of wise words. Strange then that it opens with ‘Vanity, vanity, all is vanity.’ Stranger still is the fact that as it nears its conclusion the words are repeated. It seems to me that this is actually the end result of ignoring, rejecting or ridiculing God’s wise words. All ages should read this collection of sacred and secular wisdom and know its profit to heart and mind, relationship and motivation.

 The preacher, as he is called, concluded his insights to life and his testimony with incisive words for all, and especially for writers.  ‘The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. He likened that which was included within the collection to ‘goads and nails’ Ecclesiastes 12:10-11. Apparently in the days of the Preacher you needed to insert any nails where you wanted them as you built the wall. This was due to the fact that such structures were either too hard or fragile to have nails hammered in.

Be that as it may, when applied to our writing the principle is correct. The penetrating force of our words is woven into the story, not something simply attached later. Whether we write fiction or non-fiction our writings needs to have in them some goads and nails. These are for the Lord to use as He uses our stories to construct His dwelling within a reader’s life. As the reader journeys with us through the story, let us hope and pray something written goads them. A goad is a stick with a sharp point and is used to stick into the rump of the oxen. Such a reaction may well produce a kick-back or quicken the conscience. It can cause an about turn in behaviour (C/- Acts 9:5) an awakening to a greater understanding of our Lord and His call upon their lives. How many of us have read a book and felt the conscience react to something? Great! Your Lord has purpose in mind to goad you out of something or into something. If you feel somewhat reluctant, that’s okay. Think about all God’s reluctant servants whose names and deeds are honoured in Scripture and Church history.

The ‘nails’ are word pictures or illustrations upon which the reader can hang his heart or mind and know it will not give way. It could be something the Holy Spirit puts on it which is a constant irritation until resolved. You know, verses calling on you to worship when you’d rather be surfing, or learn to pray instead of playing with phone games.  Then, when acted upon it becomes a blessing! In the gallery of the mind there will be many ‘nails’ on which pictures, ornaments and other items will be placed. In our writing we should offer the best to be placed in another’s gallery. Some things we may have previously delighted in and had framed have become an embarrassment. The trouble is, they cannot be taken down. What the life changing Lord does with them is graffiti them. The Holy Spirit writes across them with the poured out life of Jesus ‘forgiven. Cleansed. Cancelled.’

 Being bookish type people we know the quote, ‘Of making many books there is no end and much study wearies the body.’ Ecclesiastes 12: 12. Your shelves probably echo “Amen!” However if my understanding is correct this statement is actually a warning. For in the preceding verses he is highlighting the words, proverbs and sayings of the one Shepherd. By my understanding that is a significant term for our Lord. The writer of Ecclesiastes concluded his own insights with a call for the recognition of priorities. There will always be new books and reprints on the market to capture our time, hearts and minds. Just make sure you do not neglect the most important, the most stimulating and the most spiritually enriching book for all time. That is, the book written by the Shepherd through the life experiences of His ‘pens’, the prophets, priests, apostles and faithful servants.

As the preacher is giving instruction to his son there is always ‘and further’ attached. ‘Be admonished’ arouses in the mind a sense of being prodded or disciplined into action. However, the Hebrew word holds within it such concepts as, teach, warn and shine. What the boy’s father is wanting to see is the words of the wise, the masters of the assembly and the one shepherd ‘shine’ into his heart and mind. That holds true for you and me today. What we allow to shine into our heart will teach us, warn us, guide us – or it will corrupt us, lead us astray and produce ignorance. The same applies to what you write. Will the light it shines open the heart and mind reveal the wonder of God’s grace, creation, providence, character?

 His concluding words remain true.

'Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.'

 This isn’t a grovelling attitude of terror but a recognition of God's holiness and power. For Christians, this fear is also a reverence flavoured by gratitude and amazement. By His mercy Jesus is able to deal with those secret things of the heart. What the Lord requires is when His light reveals these dark areas to confess them and hand them over to be dealt with and a new freedom to be experienced.

 

Ray Hawkins.

 

  

Of Cups and Sheep

When someone refers to me, either in jest or seriously “You’re a bit of a sly dog” is that because I have paws, a tail and slink around? Of course not! They are using a figure of speech termed a metaphor. It’s a descriptive use of words which define one thing and applying it to another person or situation. This must be the case in here in psalm 23. What use does a sheep have for a cup? A trough perhaps but a cup! David must be applying a full cup to how he feels when experiencing the care of the Shepherd. The cup surely is a description for his heart’s gratitude to his Shepherd. Was David looking back over what he wrote and realised how fortunate he was. Something about the ‘oil being poured’ must have stirred the emotions.

Consider the ‘cup’ as being a metaphor for the heart. As David reflects upon the faithful care of the Shepherd an overwhelming sense of gratitude arises. The psalms, are often the expression by the various writers of their feelings at that moment. This is why we still find them to interesting and authentic. In fact, we can find ourselves and our situations already recorded. As we are considering the rejoicing, not the burdened heart let’s see some reasons for this overflowing pleasure.

In psalm 4 is having some difficult people trying to dishonour his character. His sanity’s security is safeguarded by his confidence in the God who hears. “You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.” David is enjoying a relationship with his Lord that thrills him with more pleasure than having a party after harvest. Living a godly life within a community and working among and with others can stir up animosity. Unless our hearts are filled with a sense of the Lord’s pleasure, constantly, we will be drained. Remember the promise of the Lord in John 7:38? He wants your life to be a waterfall. That is, out of your life Jesus wants His people to know they are overflowing with ‘Living Water.’ He was referring to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. What is the purpose of this overflowing relationship? So you and I can provide the spiritual thirst quenching water of God’s grace. I guess that would make us a ‘cup’ in the hands of the Shepherd.

Sometimes our full and flowing heart makes us burst out in song. The more creative may even write out words and melodies to how they feel. David is one of the most prolific at this. Psalm 108:1 “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody.” The cause of David’s joy was the Lord’s faithfulness and victories over Israel’s foes. For all of David’s weakness his heart is wonderfully expressed in “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.’ When such a longing permeates our faith relationship with the Good Shepherd surely our ‘cup overflows.’ He knows we need both the oil of anointing for our failures so that we can, in a sense, return the favour. That’s what appeals to me about the cup. It is ‘my cup’ a.k.a my heart, that is overflowing. For what purpose? That the One who has lead me, cared for me, protected me, stood by me might receive my praise and gratitude.

Others might hear what I sing, shout, say that’s okay. But my heart is for the Lord. However, there are times when only the angels hear it with delight and the demons shudder with displeasure. Whatever the scenario, we honour the Lord for He is good and His compassion never fails. One of the amazing facts about a full heart is it isn’t limited to those in pleasant pastures. It is the wonder seen in men and women in difficult, unsafe and distasteful circumstances who praise the Lord. The writer of Proverbs 15:15 makes this observation and its effect. “All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” How can they maintain that? Only through a knowledge of their Good Shepherd and where He will ultimately take them. Where is that? “You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.’ Psalm 16:11.

That we will consider next week from psalm 23:6.

©Ray Hawkins March 2016.

Husband and Wife in Mutual Ministry

A prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14b.

When asked what has been my greatest asset in ministry I unhesitatingly reply, ‘My wife!’ Mary has been my help-mate in every area of my life and ministry. From a human perspective without her I could not have had as fulfilled and successful ministries.

In 1 Corinthians 9:5 there is a snippet concerning the Apostle Peter in regards to the unsung role of an apostle’s wife. The Apostle Paul wrote, ‘Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?’ Why would Peter have Mrs. ‘Peter’ accompany him on at least some of his ministry ventures? Once again the silence of Scripture intrigues and teases the imagination. The macho apostle in a male chauvinistic world was uninhibited and unashamed to have his wife by his side. When Peter wrote about wives and husbands in 1 Peter 3:1-7 was it out of personal experience. Could he have been showing appreciation of a ‘one flesh’ relationship within ministry? It must have motivated him (with her encouragement?) to see converts separated by their faith woo and win their spouses to the Lord. His advice is still relevant.

There is another couple within Scripture about whom we know a little more and yet not enough. Aquila and Priscilla stand out as a wonderful, faithful, energetic couple. Something which has aroused some commentary responses are the occasions when Priscilla is given precedence over her husband. Again we do not know much about their relationship or up-bringing. We do however gain insights about their team ministry. It wouldn’t be far from the mark to say they were comfortable with each other’s role. Neither would have felt threatened when the other was mentioned first in despatches. How different it has been with some others in the ministry.

The male ego is often fragile while at the same time lapping up the ‘crumbs’ of public applause. Sometimes an immature personality is unsettled or jealous when his wife receives accolades for her exercising gifts and abilities. The attitude of Diotrephes (3 John) can be rampant within the minister’s house as well as with a local congregation. Where, O where, is the beautiful Biblical incentive of ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others’ Philippians 2:3, 4. In the context of a minister’s relationship with his wife and her expressions of ministry surely the same rule applies.

Proverbs 4:5-9 is about Wisdom. This information can be so easily applied to a minister’s wife by her husband. There is great benefit to him personally and therefore to his ministry in treating his wife as Proverbs explained Wisdom. The word ‘Wisdom’ has been changed in the following passage to ‘wife.’

‘Do not forsake your wife, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you… Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honour you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendour.’ Such an outlook releases the wife to express her gifts and abilities with the husband’s encouragement and pride. The consequences of all this trust is to enrich her life and expands her love, respect and admiration for her man. The testimony of such a mutual ministry and relationship is a wonderful attraction and a strong challenge. 

When Adam was created God gave Eve to him to be the man’s help mate. There wasn’t any intention of competition or inferiority. God’s principle inherent in that relationship still exists and should be best expressed within the marriage of a minister and his wife.

Reflection:  How well do I release my wife to fulfil the Lord’s calling upon her life? Do I have any idea what it may be?

Request:  I love my wife and I thank you for her role in our mutual ministry. May I be sensitive to her needs and help her to fulfil your gifts and abilities. Amen!

Wrongful-mess or Righteousness

Violence against women is headline news and there is much angst about it. However, who will be brave enough to confront some of the things which promote it? Many of the Television shows denigrate women.  The internet is also saturated with material designed to degrade a woman’s intrinsic worth. Add to those, certain religions which treat women as objects for men’s pleasure and second-rate citizens. But, why are such attitudes and actions wrong?

The same question can be asked about child-abuse, same-sex marriage and polygamy. What about abortion, euthanasia, drug dependence, Sharia law and corruption, are these wrong? If so, on what basis are they wrong? Are we beginning to experience the ‘fruit’ of the sowing the ‘seeds of no absolutes?’ Is society’s rejection of absolutes walking us into scary times? The forces which are turning off the lights of life’s absolutes cannot offer any flickering light in their place. This results in a creeping darkness infected by unbridled Wrongful-mess. A Proverb sums it up well: ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.’ (Proverbs 16:25 

There are those in our society who claim it is freedom to be unfettered by moral and spiritual absolutes. Yet, without such unchanging sunlight a darkness envelops the soul and fear begins to roam, demons torment and grief explodes. Only in the Light of absolute righteousness and truth is true freedom able to exist. In the words of an old Proverb ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.’ (Proverbs 14:35) In the context ‘sin’ equals unrighteousness or as I’ve put it ‘wrongful-mess.’ Christian nations which once had a certain moral nobility and godly fervour are being dragged out of the light which exalts. The result, moral and spiritual disintegration and disgrace in the prison of darkness.

The question then arises, ‘where can such absolutes be found?’ If they exist they must proceed from someone who is unchanging, whose words can be trusted who also understands us and desires the best for us. In the face of all who clamour for this title only Jesus Christ and His Word rises above the pack. He practiced what He preached and didn’t back down when faced with crucifixion. If Jesus had remained in the tomb no one would be talking about Him. His resurrection exalted Him as Lord and Saviour. Therefore, His words have the power to light up our darkness and point us to a way out of the darkness.

Across the centuries it is recorded how forces aligned with Wrongful-mess have corrupted and condemned people and society to despair. What is also revealed is that men and women with faith in Christ Jesus took on the darkness. A high price was sometimes paid but slowly the lights of Righteousness, Truth and Hope were switched on. Believers in Jesus Christ as Lord, Saviour Almighty God may be called upon in coming days to pay a similar price. Are we up to it?

 ©Ray Hawkins 1^st June 2015.

When The LION Roars!

I wonder who gave the Lion the title ‘King of the Jungle?’ Did he take the word picture from the Judeo-Christian Bible, or did it commandeer it? The first mention of a lion is in Genesis 49:9. It is applied to the tribe of Judah, which was also the tribe considered to give Israel their king. In Revelation 5:5 we discover the full meaning of linking ‘Lion’ and ‘Judah’ together. It is a title for Jesus, the risen Lord!

There are some wonderful insights presented in the Scriptures about the lion. In Numbers 24:1-9 this term is applied to the God of Israel. What is interesting is that He is pictured as a lion on the hunt. A feature of the lion is his roar. Within the Old Testament we are told that the Lord God ‘roars.’  The prophets see Him in this metaphor as coming in judgement (Hosea 13:7 is upon Israel and Jeremiah 25:30-31 is upon the Nations.)

Another reason why Yahweh, the Lion of Heaven, is forecast as ‘Roaring’ is something God will do to Israel. ‘They shall go after the Lord, who roars like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the Lord.’ (Hosea 11:10-11) The prophet Joel tells us that the Lord God will roar from Zion and it will shake the heavens and the earth. His breath and its sound will engulf the multitude of Nations in the ‘Valley of decision.’ That will make a person’s hair stand on end. However Joel goes on to say that God, at that time, will be a refuge and a stronghold for Israel. (Joel 3:16.)

The thing I like about the Bible is its use of words with deliberate, specific and defining intent. This is especially true in regard to the character of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.  The mystery of the Godhead is always before our eyes as we read the Bible. It is once again before us when we consider the title of the Lion! Yahweh is the Lion of Israel. Jesus is the Lion of Judah, the future King of that Nation and indeed of the whole World.

The term ‘the Lion’ not only implies the Lord’s regal stature, it also upholds His warrior status. He is the Lord God of Hosts. When He returns it will be in that warrior capacity to bring His rule and reign to earth. People shy away from the image of Jesus as warrior and Judge. It means they are accountable to Him in some way or other. They prefer the babe of Bethlehem. In a manger Jesus isn’t so threatening. However, He is no longer in the manger. Nor the carpenter, or Rabbi. He is the crucified, entombed and risen Lord and Saviour. At this moment His offer is about the grace of salvation by obedient faith. That has a time limit, known only to him and also our own mortality. That is why the Bible says, ‘Now is the day of salvation’ don’t let it pass you by.

Proverbs has two quotes referring to earthly kings. I would like to apply them to Jesus Christ in His status as the Lion of Judah, King of Israel. ‘A king’s anger is like the growling of a lion, but his favour is like the dew on the grass’ (19:12). What would make Jesus angry? Our refusal to bend our knee in gratitude for His salvation! In 20:2 the author takes it further. ‘The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion; anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits his life.’

When the Lion of Judah roars from Heaven and prowls upon this earth He will not be laughing. HE comes to set up His kingdom. He comes to reign. He comes to Judge. Those who know Him as Lord and Saviour will rejoice at the sound of the roar. Others will be filled by terror.

©4.5.2015.  Ray Hawkins

Free Speech - Free Expression

Freedom is such a precious privilege and craved for by many. However, freedom can be so easily abused. There is something perverse in the psyche of Humanity which often uses Freedom’s arena to justify vindictive actions.

We cry out for Freedom of speech yet have we asked what type of speech? Do we have the right to tell deliberate lies aimed at vilifying, harming or destroying someone? Do we have then the Freedom to take unilateral action in revenge even to the extent of murder? Does Freedom have boundaries and if so who decides what they are?

The Christian Faith has its teachings on Freedom and it covers numerous facets of life. On the matter of speech it places some boundaries. Christians are instructed to speak the truth and to do it in a special manner. That is in an attitude of love. That isn’t a sentimental sugary type of language. Rather, love is words spoken softly or strongly with a desire that the recipient of the words be helped rather than crushed.

Speech ultimately will flow from lips whose minds are dominated by one of two forces. Will it be Truth or will it be Lies? This then creates a problem for those who believe there is no such thing as absolute Truth. For them there can be no such thing as a lie. What wins out in a contest between people or ideologies? More than likely it will be some type of muscle power. Are we not witnessing this at the moment from supporters of terror? We may call them ignorant, cruel, depraved, and other terms but they justify the lie of their words with actions of brutal force. Their reaction to what they don’t like, or agree with, whether expressed by satire or statement, is to destroy. That applies to the source as well as the content.

Freedom of speech and expression is important within any society. This is extremely true to those who seek justice over injustices, revealing corruption and criminal activities, and exposing error as well as terror. We should esteem those who have risked their lives, reputation and careers to reveal the deeds of men done in the darkness of deceit or depravity. Such Freedom must be safeguarded. At the same time it must be held within the bounds of Truth.

 What can we expect from a debate on Freedom of speech and expression? A clash between the Truth of the matter and Lies masquerading behind clichés and self–righteousness. It is ultimately a contest between light and darkness, between exposing and deceiving, between community welfare and vested interests. Sometimes it appears that the darkness has won the field of battle. It is an illusionary victory. Truth has resurrection qualities and will not remain captive to its consigned grave. Time and again this is demonstrated within any arena of human endeavour. The unfortunate aspect of a Lie’s temporary victory is much sorrow, pain and ultimate shame to the Lie’s promoters.

In Matthew 12:33-37 is a statement by Jesus on an aspect most don’t take into account. Each of us must give an account to Him on how we have used our words. Not so much what was said, though that is under review, but the condition of the heart that was verbalised.

Freedom of speech and expression as well as people’s reaction to it actually uncovers the inner morality and spirituality of a person. May Proverbs 8:6–7 be our heartbeat: ‘ will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips’.

 ©Ray Hawkins Jan 2015

Boundary Breakers of the Law

The book of Proverbs has great sayings about life and relationships. The one in chapter 29:16 is so apt for our world today. A look down history’s ‘corridor’ verifies its truth. ‘When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases …’

What do we mean by ‘transgression?’ It means crossing the boundary into unlawful territory. When the sign says ‘keep out’ and you don’t. Why would such conditions prevail under the rule of the wicked? Usually such reigns are cruel and oppressive. The standard set is what the unprincipled, the oppressed and the unrighteous will follow. If all that they can expect is defined by this life then the saying ‘let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die’ rings true.’ Perhaps we could rearrange the saying a little. ‘Let us cheat, lie and be violent for tomorrow we die.’

When religion overtly or covertly endorses such attitudes what was meant to erect boundaries actually destroys them. The treatment of women of all ages, as ‘things’, is in the news as they are used and abused by violent men! From Papua New Guinea to Pakistan, from the Western to Eastern cultures men crash the barriers of respect and restraint. The tragedy of child abuse and slavery has destroyed so many lives. So true is Proverbs 29:2b ‘When the wicked rule, the people groan.’ In Australia a Royal Commission is being set up to investigate corruption in the Union movement. There are numerous areas around the world which also needs such a Commission.

When the wicked smash the boundaries ‘Hell’s horror’ stalks the land. However who defined the boundaries? 1 John 3:4 ‘Sin is lawlessness.’ The word for sin means a falling short of a standard. Which standard? Mohammed’s! He was a mere man who fell short of the standard. Buddha? Offered fine words for selfish living but also missed the standard. The standard must be set by the Lord God of Hosts, the Creator. He has recorded these in the Bible. No other book can measure up to its standard. No other book can endure the scrutiny it has endured. No other book spells out the benefits for staying within the boundaries. No other book reveals dire consequences for breaking through the moral and spiritual boundaries God has set. No other book reveals the way to restore the broken boundaries and lives. No other book points the person to the One, Jesus Christ, who can give you a clean heart and a new beginning. He also gives the power and wisdom to live within the boundaries.

If you took the time to look at society you will notice some interesting facts. It is the Law of the Lord Jesus which is attacked by the nice and not so nice lawless ones. As one ‘T’ shirt worn by a young women put it ‘No god, No shame.’ Such an attitude leads to ‘No shame, no blame’ and ultimately they hope ‘no consequences and no condemnation.’ In every case the ‘T’ shirts will be wrong. However in the meantime that personal view will spill over and dominate politics, morality and the treatment of the unborn, the aged, infirm and the needy around the world. It is such lawless people, views and behaviour the Lord Jesus declared His people must resist. Indeed Jesus calls upon us to be boundary riders preserving righteousness, truth and caring for the poor and despised. It is by such men and women of faith Proverbs 29:2 speaks about ‘When the righteous are authority the people rejoice.’

Jesus made a promise. To walk with Him will prevent you from walking in the darkness of the lawless. To walk with Jesus is to walk in His light of righteousness, truth and grace. It will be a blessing to some. Others will be offended, guilt-ridden and curse you. However as you live within the boundaries He has set, you will know a hope, peace, health and meaning no lawless participant will ever experience. By the power of our risen Lord Jesus, He will keep us safe. By His grace we will measure up to His standard.