Question #6. God Asks 'Why Will You die?

Question # 6 God asks: Why Will You Die?

I was never much good at mathematics. However the significance of numbers intrigues me. This is especially true from the Biblical standpoint. The number two (2) is a case in point. It speaks of division, separation and alternatives. The number two calls upon us in certain situations to make a choice. The decision we make is

our own. The consequences of our choices are outside our control.

The Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, used the number two (2) in His parables frequently. The story of the two builders in Matthew 7:24–27 tells of people’s foundation for life. You can build your life on the quick, easy and worldly wise foundation depicted by sand. Or you can expend effort and determination to build your life on the rock. Both appear great until the storms of life come roaring down and over each life. Only the one whose foundations are on solid ground will stand the test.

I’ve seen may lives come crashing down due to having no support system, no sense of meaning, no hope and no sense of destiny. Jesus offered all people His foundation for life. It is a person’s choice whether or not to build upon the teachings and life of Christ.

Another parable is from Matthew 7:13–14 and relates to two gates, one narrow and one very wide. The wide gate is easy to find and is well trodden. It promises much. There is pleasure, prestige, power and plenty of everything. It introduces the unsuspecting to the Deceiver who is dressed in Mardi–Gras costume promising fun, fun, fun. I’ve seen young people rush to and through this gate without considering the consequences. The wreckage to their health, mind and relationships is a tragedy. I believe the Lord still offers escape routes out of the Broadway. It means turning of it and taking the narrow gate. Such fortunate escapees wear the marks of the Wide–gate but not the curse or destiny.

The Narrow gate seems unattractive to any superficial glance. To those who seriously consider what lies beyond and its destiny the appeal is irresistible. The path may be demanding yet it is meaningful, life enriching, health bestowing, offering forgiveness and mercy, noble relationships and a destiny in the Heavens. Why is this? Because the Narrow gate introduces a person to Jesus Christ as Lord, Saviour and Companion along the way! Where do we come across the Narrow gate? In the message of Jesus Christ and His life, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Some hear it as foolishness. To others it is a stumbling block, a scandal. Others receive it as the liberating, life changing, heaven opening message of God’s grace.

Perhaps the most striking illustration of the number two (2) is found at the crucifixion of Jesus. Two terrorists were crucified with Him, one on either side of Jesus. Read the accounts in the Gospels. Both started out cursing Jesus and challenging Him to display His powers by getting them all off the cross and presumably destroying their enemies. Then one of them took notice of Jesus and His demeanour and words. The other one was so busy cursing and suffering he couldn’t grasp what Jesus was doing. The former said, Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom. The reply of Jesus is eternally awesome ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’ Again the number two (2) reveals separation, division and choice..

The same is true now. It will always be true. You and I have a choice as to how we will build our life and destiny and the road we will choose to travel and its destination. In a sense each of us becomes one or the other on the crosses looking at Jesus. Jesus offers life in the midst of death, forgiveness and a new destiny. The other alternative is despair and an eternity of regret.

So what then is God’s question for you and me to reflect upon?

‘As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back; from your evil ways for why will you die…’(emphasis added).Ezekiel 33:11. As the Lord God also said to Israel, so He would say to each of us ‘I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses, Choose life, so that you and your descendents may live.’ (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Questions from God #5...Who Do You Say I Am

Who Do You Say I Am

The twelve disciples had been with Jesus for over two years. Now near Caesarea Philippi Jesus wants their assessment of who He is. That’s fair enough! If you are going to call yourself a follower of someone best to make a true and accurate judgement. The account of their assessment and that of others quoted is found in Matthew 16.

When you seriously consider this question your response becomes the most critical one you will ever make. So much hinges on your understanding and thereby your choices.

Views about Jesus range from him being a myth, a miracle worker, a teacher prophet to Saviour, Lord and Son of God. The overwhelming bulk of information about this Man of Nazareth comes from the Judeo-Christian Bible. Some say this is biased. True! However that doesn’t make it false. These 66 books have been placed under the severest scrutiny. No flaws have been discovered in their testimony even though they have undergone such stringent examinations over time.

Across the centuries individuals and religious movements have endeavoured to tie Jesus to their ideology. Such attempts feign to honour him when in reality they are either exploiting or denigrating Him. One such group today calls Him a prophet. That is true. Then they betray their real view by disclaiming most of what He said, especially about Himself. The biggest issue is His assertion to be the Son of God. (Matthew 26:63-64. John 10:22-39. Romans 1:1-6)

This religious and political movement also rejects what Jesus claimed to be His ultimate mission. He came to fulfil the references to the Messiah in the 66 books of the Old Covenant. That meant He was to be the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. To be that meant He had to die. For that to happen meant charges worthy of death. The Jewish people’s charge was about blasphemy. The Roman’s charge was about treason and sedition. The manner of capital punishment for non Romans of that time was Crucifixion. History and Scripture record that event.

Why then would any one who says they honour Jesus especially as a prophet call Him a coward and a liar? He is made into a coward by duping some other person to take His place. He is a liar because He claimed this was His mission. Jesus was to die as a substitute for Humanity. Why? To deliver them from eternal judgement and loss but if He chickened out it was a failed mission! Who wants to be named as a follower of such a wimp!

To deny the Eternal nature of Jesus is a subtle way of contradicting the biblical view of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Granted such a view of the Eternal Living God is hard to understand. However that is how He has revealed Himself. Some would try and say that when Jesus used the filial term of Father He was referring to Allah. This is nonsense and anti biblical. Allah has links with the Moon god not to the one who said ‘I am that I am’. The triune Lord God revealed in Scripture is the God from everlasting to everlasting.

Whenever people want to make Jesus more presentable to the modern age they actually rob Him of His identity. Included in that is the rejection of the cross and resurrection, His role as Judge and returning King to reign over the Kingdom of God.

So much more can be said. In coming question time more might be stressed about the person and work of Jesus. Why is the question Jesus asked about a person’s assessment of who He is so important? Because the answer you give will have eternal consequences that no other religious leader, prophet or guru can match. This is perhaps one reason Jesus isn’t liked by other religions. Jesus said ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me.’ On that there is no compromise!

What do you think of Jesus? On whose authority!

Questions God Asks #4 Can these bones Live?

The Question about Bones

You would have to feel some sympathy for Ezekiel. This prophet was asked a leading question by God. Remember he was a prisoner in the kingdom of Babylon for his nation had been conquered and scattered. The promises to Abraham and David had not yet been fulfilled. It looked like such promises would rot amongst the dry bones.

Ezekiel was granted a vision of a valley filled with dry bones. He understood it referred to the Nation of Israel. God’s question in Ezekiel 37:3 ‘Can these bones live?’ put him on the spot. I think the prophet knew God could do it, but would He? Like many Ezekiel remained neutral, uncommitted, afraid of being wrong.

There were unnumbered bones, dried, scattered. Being unburied was a sign of shame as well as defeat. Now the prophet was told to speak to this pile of bleached bones, how depressing. Sometimes we may feel we speak to disinterested audience, how must he have felt. What was the Lord God’s aim? Ezekiel 37:6 ‘You shall know that I am the Lord.’ Verses 13and 14 repeat this concept. In fact throughout this book that theme runs like a golden thread, a promise of events near to Ezekiel’s time and others in the far distant future.

Of course history records the return of the scattered remnant of Israel. The Gospels highlight the promised One the Old Testament spoke about. However those bones which came alive for the coming of the Christ once more experienced a warrior’s death under the military might of Rome in A.D. 70 and 135. The nation’s carcase was once again portrayed by Ezekiel’s vision. Through the pages of the Bible God again asked the question: ‘Can these bones live?’ Few believed they could or even should. However on May 14th 1948 the Nation of Israel came together from the scattered ‘bones’ of a persecuted, shattered, despised people.

Has this nation felt again the living breath from Heaven? It is apparent that the bones have come rattling back into a coherent form. The testimony of their continued existence against the fury and fighting forces of surrounding nations says something about God’s oversight. Unfortunately their spiritual ‘breath’ has not yet been blown into them. When will that happen? At a time known only to the Lord God! This we do know, it will happen. On what authority do we claim that? The Scriptures of both the Old and New covenants, and also the words of the Lord Jesus. This will take place after a most terrible time (Matthew 24. Revelation 6-20. These refer to the Nation of Israel, not the Church)





In this 21st century the question isn’t ‘Can these bones live?’ They have come together into a most impressive nation. I think should God speak to any of us today His question would be; ‘Can this nation of assembled bones survive?’ The Islamic world and their Western allies say ‘No! Not if we can help it’. Many a sympathetic supporter of Israel might squeeze out ‘I hope so’. The Word of God says unequivocally that the Lord returns to rule from Jerusalem, be worshipped in the Temple and to fulfil the promises made to Israel through the prophets.

There are many difficult times ahead for this nation. However there are greater and more severe times ahead for those who seek to make God’s promises to this Nation a lie. If you are interested look up the following references as you ask yourself ‘can this nation of assembled bones survive?’

Isaiah 54:17. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.

Zechariah 14 1-21

Isaiah 2:1-5

Ezekiel 341-31. 36:38.

Joel 3:1-21

Etc.

Questions God Asks #3

God Makes His People Laugh

Has God made you laugh at some challenge or invitation? He certainly made Abraham and then Sarah laugh at a promise. For Sarah to conceive was biologically impossible. She was in her nineties. Abraham had the capacity even though he was one hundred years old. He had already fathered Ishmael. Later after Sarah died he remarried and had six other children.

So when the Lord told him (Genesis 17:17) he would have a son from Sarah why did Abraham laugh in his heart? He had believed the Lord’s promise years ago. Was it becoming too much for him to believe now? When Sarah heard the Lord tell Abraham she would conceive she laughed. The Lord questioned Abraham ‘Why did Sarah laugh, and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?”’ She tried to deny it, a natural reaction. She did conceive and Isaac was born.

God likes to make His people laugh at some impossible command or mission. As you read the history of the Church it is a recurring theme. God calls upon His disciples to undertake some task which is far beyond them. The possibilities of success are humanly speaking almost zero. However after enjoying what they see as a joke they realise the Lord is serious. They have been commissioned. When you read the story of Christian Missions over the centuries and across the world it is a wonderful story. From laugher at what is impossible the faithful servants bow in awe as the Lord brings it to pass.

I like hearing the testimony of men and women and their encounters with the Lord. Whether they have been self righteous, self satisfied individuals or rampant rebels against God and society God called them to himself. Often they say how people scratched their heads and laughed that God would save such a person. In such situations the Lord likes to help such scoffers ‘eat their words and swallow their laughter.’

Whether calling a person out of sin and judgment or commissioning them to undertake mission impossible God hears people laugh. That’s okay. What the Lord God is doing over and over again is demonstrating His grace and His power. The words ‘Is anything too wonderful (‘hard’ in another translation) for the Lord?’

The Bible is the account of the Lord God doing the impossible. The nation of Israel is an example. Their formation, history, continued existence speak of God keeping His word. There is still more to come for that nation! People laugh at what the Bible promises about this besieged nation today. However once again The Lord says to an unbelieving world ‘Is anything to hard, impossible, wonderful’ to me to do?’ And guess what? He has spelt out His intentions. Don’t let your laughter be one of scorn. It will choke you. Let your laughter be one of amazement and of faith.

The birth and ministry of Jesus the Christ and the impossibility of His rising from the dead repeats the theme. Nothing is beyond the power and Grace of God. The Easter Sunday morning shout is “He is Risen! Christ Jesus has triumphed over sin and death.”

 You may consider it impossible however when you check it out, and ask God to verify it to your heart something wonderful takes place. Doubt gives way to conviction; conviction leads to commitment; commitment leads to the laughter. Laughter leads to a life of discovery with the Lord God of the impossible.

Questions God Asks #2. The Face Reveals the Heart.

In cartoons anger is drawn by distorted face, glaring eyes and a smoke fumes rising from the shoulders. I doubt if Cain would have been like that in reality though the Bible says his face ‘fell.’ The Lord God used the occasion to ask him a question: “Why are you angry?”

The Genesis 4 record gives the occasion though with so little explanation. Both brothers had come to the altar to present a sacrifice to God. This had probably been a regular ritual since Adam and Eve had been evicted from Eden. They had violated God’s tenancy laws. The Lord provided a sacrifice to cover their treason and we assume Adam realised the ongoing need for such a practice. It was a reminder of failure; a testimony to mercy; a promise of a greater reality to which the sacrifice pointed.

For whatever reason the brothers, Cain and Abel, came together to present their sacrifices to God. The former offered the vegetables of the ground. Remember all of society at this time would have been vegetarian. But there was a problem with this being used in a sacrificial manner. The ground had been cursed (read Genesis 3) and it required self effort to sow plant and reap.

The latter brother offered an animal from his flock. From later references we realise this was reminding the offerer that to come before the Lord required the covering of a substitute. (This is one of the many teachings about Christ’s cross. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.) Abel’s was accepted. Cain’s rejected. We may rightly assume the reason for rejection was not following the principle set in Eden. Included would be the fact that Cain was giving back to God what God had cursed. (This is the danger today by Christians offering God worship whilst endorsing or practising lifestyles God’s word has called abominable)

When the Lord of glory asked the question of Cain it was to save the man from a greater calamity. He was envious of Abel and angry with God. As he couldn’t tackle the Almighty, Cain took it out on Abel. As it brewed in his heart the poison spread and dominated. The result was murder. That is always the outworking of unresolved issues and anger. Murder may not be as literal as what Cain did however many relationships, enterprises and personalities have been ‘slain’ by envy and anger.

Actually I believe the sacrificial act was the final ‘straw’ for Cain. It seems to me he had developed animosity towards his brother over an extended period. I wonder if that was another reason for Yahweh confronting him with “Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?”

When I was going into Bible College my minister gave me a New Testament with a well known saying in it: ‘This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.’ Cain let sin dominate and smother God’s word and inquiry. The result stands as a constant warning to us all. We need to realise anger isn’t the real issue. We all experience this emotion, even Jesus. The issue is not allowing it to lead us to sin. (Ephesians 4:26, 31-32).

The ‘why’ is what the Lord also asks of us! Can we look Him in the eyes (as it were) and explain it? Will we confess it? Deal with it? And be cleansed and forgiven from it? The issue is therefore a sinful heart unbowed before the Lord which He is wanting to transform by grace through personal surrender. To ignore God’s question is to self destruct in time and beyond.

Ray (who heeded the question) Hawkins.

Questions God Asks. #1.

God’s First Recorded Question

We can be so busy asking questions of God and about God that we fail to hear the questions He is asking us. The very first question is found in Genesis 3:9: The Lord called to the man (Adam), and said to him, “Where are you?”

 

Why would the Almighty do that? Does God have poor vision? Is it possible for any of us to hide from Him? Surely the Lord God knew where  Adam was and what had happened, so why the question?

As you read the account it becomes apparent the searching out by God and the seeking question was for Adam’s sake. Here was his chance to come clean, take responsibility and own up to what he had done. Instead of that Adam tries to explain his and Eve’s situation by blaming her. Then she blames the Serpent.

Humans are a funny bunch. As Adam and Eve tried hiding their nakedness with fig leaves, we do the same with the spiritual/moral equivalents. Trouble arises when we hear within our heart and mind the searching, questioning voice of God. We experience dread. The very first time we read of fear is in this account. What we sew together by our own efforts will never stop the penetrating gaze of the Lord. Isaiah 64:6 reveals how we really see ourselves when God calls out and our ‘leaves’ unravel. ‘We have all become like one unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.’

Within Society are those who seek to promote nakedness as a life style. The problem is the so called body beautiful falls apart with wear, tear and age. It needs covering for appearance sake, for comfort sake and for self respect. That which is true physically applies to the spiritual. Our opinions of our goodness when honestly assessed sag, slip and shame us. How can we stand before the questioning God in our self righteous garment of leaves or be bold in our nakedness?

“Adam, where are you” is God’s way of calling you (as the Adam of Genesis) to be truthful about your rebellion. It is also a plea to accept your inadequate protection from the mire of ungodly actions and attitudes you have fallen into. In the Genesis account you will notice that the Lord God provided a covering for the man and woman. In a similar though spiritual manner He has provided covering for you and anyone who is prepared to step out of their ‘leaves’ and cover their nakedness.

There is much to be said about how God did this. Simply put it involved Jesus Christ, the cross and the resurrection. Now the Lord offers you, me, anyone a good spiritual and moral cleansing and new garments acceptable through all eternity. This is Heaven’s designer label. It bears the brand ‘Christ Jesus, Lord and Saviour.’ Galatians 3:26-27 invites you into Heaven’s fitting room to be properly dressed for ever and a day. ‘In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.

 

How do you know when the Lord is asking you that question? If you are feeling a little uneasy about your standing in His presence at this moment, then He is calling you. Reveal yourself to Him. Claim His mercy and ask to be clothed eternally in Christ Jesus’ righteousness. You will never need feel naked again or hide behind the leaves of fading self effort.

(Ray (eternally dressed in Christ Jesus) Hawkins

THE DARKSIDE OF GOD #5.

The Dreadful Words from God

Have you ever attempted to get into a movie or some other event without a ticket? You are denied the right of entry. It has nothing to do with who you are. You haven’t a ticket. Of course there are those who have ways of sneaking in or bribing the door-keepers.

That cannot be done concerning involvement in the Kingdom of God. Sure the Lord doesn’t set up a stall and sell ‘tickets’ to His kingdom. He does however have a pass that allows the guardian angels to admit the person holding it. What does the Bible say is ‘printed’ on the pass you and I must offer for acceptance into the presence of the Lord?

Jesus defined for each and everyone of us what was needed to be written on the 'pass.' It would state that the person carrying this mark was one  ‘who does the will of my Father in Heaven’. In the context the Lord states the Father isn’t impressed by mouthing words such as “Lord, Lord”. Doing miracles and making prophesies doesn’t impress God. In fact the Eternal God doesn’t recognise them in any capacity. Without the proper certification they would not gain admission. In fact they are dismissed from His presence. (Matthew 7:21- 23) His dreadful words ' I never knew you, go away from me you evildoers' would linger in their mind for all eternity.

The question each must ask and follow through on is simply ‘What is the will of God?’ I need to limit this to the consideration of entrance into the Kingdom of God.  Once we have that assurance we will discover the Lord has other expressions of His will for us to undertake. Such obedience isn’t for entrance into the Kingdom. We would already be there. Rather it is for enjoyment in the Kingdom.

In John 6 is a most wonderful message from Jesus. Verse 40: ‘This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life…’ Therefore to enter the realm of God depends on your relationship with Jesus. Is he your example? No ticket there! Is he one of many ways to God? No ticket there! Is he simply a myth or a misrepresented historical figure? All those views are a slap in the face to the Father’s integrity; the Bible’s accuracy and the defaming of the person and work of Jesus the Christ. In fact according to 1 John 5:10 by doing such things you are calling God the Father a liar! Then people with such attitudes and belief systems wonder why the righteous Lord burns with anger and will bar them from His Kingdom.

As you can realise it isn’t who you are or what credentials you have that impresses God. What He looks for is whose you are! Actually your ticket into God’s kingdom, which is open now is in reality the person of Jesus Christ. It is as you are accompanied by Him that the grace of the Eternal Father envelopes you, embraces you and accepts you.  To feed your heart and mind on this read the 1^st letter of John found near the end of the Bible.

Jesus becomes your Lord and Saviour by a commitment of faith based upon the knowledge of Him presented in the Bible. By such a decision you are doing the will of God. In the mind of the Father you are accepted into His Kingdom. The spiritual reality will, in His appointed time, become a tangible reality. What lies ahead until then is to get to know the Lord Jesus through His Word, worship and witness.

To let unbelief rule your heart will keep you out of the Kingdom. Why? It is such an insult to  the Lord's grace and you are actually calling Him a liar. All that awaits such a person is to experience the Lord God's dark-side. Not a pleasant prospect. 

2 Corinthians 6:2  reminds us: Now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation.' Escape from God's darkside now! Call out to the risen Lord Jesus to be your Saviour, Lord and companion in life, through death and into His Father’s Kingdom.

Ray (who obeyed the will of the Father) Hawkins.

This completes the series.