WHEN GOD IS SILENT, IT IS NOT REALLY A SILENCE. IT SIMPLY MEANS HE HAS ALREADY SPOKEN
Ps 83:1. O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. NIV. (Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society). Genesis 13:7 (Contemporary English Version): “6-7At this time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the same area, and so there wasn't enough pastureland left for Abram and Lot with all of their animals. Besides this, the men who took care of Abram's animals and the ones who took care of Lot's animals started quarreling. Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
ABRAHAM AND LOT:
Lot was an orphan. One man decided to look after him and help him move towards his future. This man Abram (later Abraham) was his uncle being the brother of his deceased father. Lot has a remarkably blessed life on account of Abraham. When Abraham grew in riches Lot too became quite rich. The inevitable conclusion is that Abram shared with Lot his wealth thus the riches of Lot, were, in a manner of speaking, a gift of Abraham.
But, Lot apparently was not grateful. His shepherds started quarreling with the shepherds of Abraham. Such a thing could not have happened without him tolerating it or, at least, not taking an active step to stop his men. It was in fact a conflict not limited to shepherds in the final analysis of the two (2) rich men. But, Lot owed his wealth and his life to Abraham but this apparently was not even a factor in his relationship with Abraham.
In the midst of this ordeal, God opted not to say anything. He remained very quiet. Asaph says in Ps 83:1. O God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. NASB (Copyright, the Lockman Foundation). In Filipino, it seemed like God had said: “Away kong makialam diyan. Away nang magtiyuhin yan.” The remarkable thing is that when the problem was over, God spoke to Abraham and made many things clearer to him.
Why would God be quiet during momentous periods in our lives? Clearly, God did not say a thing. Was that we call silence? The dictionary gives us several possible understanding of the word “silent.” It can mean not inclined to speak; not talkative, unable to speak and choosing to speak. With the regards to the silence of God, the closest description is that this means that God has chosen not to speak. And, the very clear and therefore unmistakable reason is that He has already spoken and whether He speaks now or not, we must trust the words He already has spoken.
THE SILENCE OF GOD DURING TIMES OF ADVERSITIES.
Some of our adversities are of our own making. Adam was driven from the garden because he knowingly disobeyed God. Cain was punished because he was in full possession of mental faculties but he murdered his brother. During situations such as these, we do not usually question the silence of God.
On the other hand, some of our adversities are brought to us by others. Sometimes, others respond to our very act of kindness with a cruelty difficult to understand. Many mothers who have sacrificed the prime of their lives will end up being shouted at by their teenage children, disregarding the years of care and sacrifice put into action by the mother in favor of the welfare of the children. These are the times when we feel like questioning the silence of God.
Sometimes, our adversities are brought about by circumstances completely beyond our control such as, the force of nature and the resulting calamities. To this day, Bacolor, a lovely, historical and a close-knit community in Pampanga (Philippines) has not recovered its former stature and provably never will. Lives have been destroyed; families broken, properties rendered useless by the rampaging lahar from Mount Pinatubo.
Sometimes, our calamities and adversities are caused by our Genetic inheritance. I happen to have, from my genes, a tireless liver. Even when I already have sufficient amount of cholesterol, it just keeps on producing more and more that is why today, my diet is strictly no meat and no cooking oil. My son, Jonathan, is Trisomy 21 case or Down Syndrome, a problem that is genetic in nature.
How do you respond to your adversities? More importantly, what do we learn about God’s love and plan for us when we go through our moments of great difficulty and He remains silent? What is there to learn about God when He chooses not to say anything during times of great pain or disappointment?
God is love; that much we know from the Scriptures. Yet, there is that nagging and unavoidable question of His silence even when men go through their most painful suffering. The Deist thinks he has the answer when he proclaims that the reason evil takes place in the world is that God, in all His omnipotence, does not personally get involved in the affairs of man. That is why, the Deist explains, we have events such as Auschwitz, Darfur, Hiroshima and the like.
Probably more dangerous is the insistence of the modern TV Evangelist that sickness is a sign of a weak faith and that someone with sufficient faith is free from all these troubles in life. Of course by this definition, Ellisha the prophet was a man without faith for he died of a sickness. The truth is that we live in a world where personal tragedies and prolonged human suffering are visibly evident in the lives of the both the believers and the unbelievers. And when someone who expects God to speak in the times of his personal tragedy and prolonged suffering does not hear God, he begins to lose his faith and so he becomes adrift in the sea of doubts and uncertainties.
Let’s go back to the silence of God when Lot and his herdsmen acted with extreme arrogance toward Abraham. God did not say anything and so it can be described- (or so it seems) as the silence of God. But God is a relational God. He is a teaching God. He is a God who does not leave and abandon His people. His silence during deeply painful and difficult moments of our lives must not be viewed as a silence of neglect or lack of care. In fact, the case of Abraham and Lot provides us the clear explanation as to why God would sometimes not speak when we expect Him to speak.
When God does not speak, it simply means that He has already spoken and that all that we have to do is go back and hear again what He has already said and make our stand based on what He has already said and not on His silence during certain times in our lives.
God spoke to Abram and clearly told him that he would be blessed (Gen. 12). Whether God would speak again or not is no longer the point. He has already spoken and Abraham opted to trust God’s words. In fact, it was after that period of quarrel with Lot that God spoke again to Abraham – not during the time of his problem with Lot. After the parting of ways with Lot, which have been a painful experience, Lot was alone thinking about all the implications and then, in that condition, God spoke to Him. God basically told him 3 things: I have a plan for you; I have a plan for your offspring and it cannot be stopped; I will carry out my plan for your and your offspring.
You see, the silence of God during your difficult moments is not really silence as we know it. It simply means that He has already spoken and He will act based on that He has already proclaimed. Yes, we can trust Him for never abandons His people.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
THE BEAUTY AND POWER OF BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES:
THE BEAUTY AND POWER OF BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES:
Wings To Make Us Fly Over The Mountains
Lights To Ward Off The Insistent Darkness
Truth To Help Us Navigate Through Dark Thoughts
Food To Last Our Entire Wilderness Sojourn
Except when otherwise indicated “Scripture is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”
Phil 4:1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
NASB
King David, more than most people, understood the sublime majesty of the Word, its penetrating and cleansing impact, it life-changing qualities and its absolute necessity in the life of the believer. The Word of God has a greatness and quality of vast magnitude far beyond arguments and comparison.
The Word established David’s moral boundaries: Ps 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. David looked into the Word to examine the purity of his heart: Ps 119:11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. He understood that during moments of deep anguish and sense of loss and meaninglessness, his revival would come through the Word: Ps 119:25 My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Thy word. When weeping was too deep for the body to do and the soul takes up the groaning and weeping that comes with a soul-battering pain, David understood that the renewal of his strength would come through the Word. Ps 119:28 My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Thy word.
Expressing his utmost joy of knowing the Word of God and his utter blessedness in having access to God through His Word, David states: Ps 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
David understood the nature and benefits we derive from the Word of God. From its pages, the Word of god provides us with:
Wings To Make Us Fly Over The Mountains
Lights To Ward Off The Insistent Darkness
Truth To Help Us Navigate Through Dark Thoughts
Food To Last Our Entire Wilderness Sojourn
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE WHAT YOU CAN DO. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING.
Phil 4:13. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Simple but majestic, the verse presents three (3) gems that were his but also ours to enjoy: First: Our unusual God-given ability: We can do all things. Second: The explanation for this unusual God-given ability: It is through Jesus Christ. Third: The secret is that the Lord is giving him strength. This was not an ability unique only to Paul. I’m sure he was stating a truth that can and should be applied in the life of every believer: A believer can do all things which means nothing in this world can really defeat him. He points to the Lord as the reason for his ability (Though Him) and he explains what the Lord does to him: strengthens me. Watch the language again: It does not say: He STRENGTHENED me or He WILL strengthen me. “Strengthens” indicates a continuing provision of strength for whatever situation one is facing in life. You have the Lord Jesus with you. What more proof do you need that you can make (KAYA MO YAN) it and that you will, in the end, rise above your troubles and enjoy the glory of victory. Repent if you have been having self-pity. Tell God you are grateful for the guaranteed victory. Have a lively prayer conversation with Him.
IT’S BEYOND ANY ARGUMENT: ONE SECRET OF A CONTENDED LIFE IS TO HAVE PEOPLE YOU WILL ALWAYS LONG TO SEE.
Phil. 4:1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved
Paul was living at a time of affliction and great difficulty. He goes through life, day after day with all the uncertainties he faced but his mind and heart were focused on people he calls “my beloved brethren, whom I long to see, my joy and crown.” Without someone to love or care for, life can become bland and tasteless to the soul. The hardship of the moment becomes bearable because you know that soon you will see someone or do something good for others you love.
Paul had a number of good partnerships with but his relationship with the Philippians was a very special one. They were the ones he longed to see- in Tagalog one would say- “pinanabikan kong makita.” Find out the identities of people whose presence can make you smile with satisfaction, sit with serenity and lean back with an unworried confidence. Find out who these people are who can boost your confidence, soothe your emotions, calm the raging waves of doubts and extinguish the burning fire of rage. Who are the people you long to see? This can be a spouse, a son or daughter, a parent, a potential life-partner and the like. But Paul was referring to another group: Spiritual people with whom you can find shelter in times of stress, comfort in times of loneliness, guidance in times of difficult journey; in other words, people of God who long to see you and you also long to see. This was one of Paul’s secrets. Is it yours now? Ask God to bring to you the people who can best guide you, make you strong and walk with you even through the valley of the shadow of death.
HARSH AS IT MAY SEEM, ANXIETY IS A CHOICE
AND A RESULT OF LIMITED SELF DISCIPLINE.
Phil. 4:6. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Paul was a very gifted man. His primary gift was in the area of making us understand the sometimes not so easy to understand spiritual principles. Here he tells us of the principles on anxiety. How simple and how relevant these are. He tells us two important principles involved in dealing with anxiety.
The first is that anxiety is a choice. He says “Be anxious for nothing.” The reality is that there are many things in this world that can make us anxious. But knowing all these anxiety-generating issues, Paul says: “Be anxious for nothing.” It’s a way of saying, “Be aware of what you need and what you do not have but don’t let it worry you. Knowing about a need and worrying about it are two different issues.” He is saying, if something is worrisome, decide not to worry. But how? Does it sound as simple as it seem to be? Here is the second principle.
You cannot successfully NOT WORRY if you do not have a substitute activity. He says: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” It means that the primary antidote to anxiety is thanksgiving. Count your blessings. Count how many people are close to you. Examine how God has been so good to you. Then out of this thanksgiving, proceed to tell God your requests. Here then is the process of overcoming anxiety: First, affirm that although many things in life are worrisome but you WILL NOT WORRY ABOUT THESE. Second, Be grateful to God for all the signs of His goodness. Third: Tell God your requests. The result is that you will not be anxious and you can pray effectively Tell God you are grateful. Count your blessings. Then tell Him about every issue that is bothersome, difficult and oppressing to you.
YES, REJOICING IS A CHOICE. SO DECIDE
Phil. 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Most people rejoice as a reaction to a nice experience. That is rejoicing as a response to an event. Paul is talking about a rejoicing that is a matter of choice and one that becomes a part of daily life. Of course it is true that it is not easy to rejoice if we do not know of a reason to be happy.
The secret of rejoicing is not so much that there is something too wonderful and too extraordinary that has happened to you. The secret really is the realization that the Lord is with you and that He is deeply involved with your life. That is why Paul does not only say rejoice; he says rejoice IN THE LORD! One who is very close to the Lord won’t have a difficulty rejoicing. So, develop your relationship with Lord as a believer. It can make the difference whether you will be happy or not. Tell God why He is important to you. Then pray for others. If this becomes a habit, you will note that rejoicing becomes easier to do.
BRINGING JOY TO SOMEONE BRINGS JOY TO YOU.
THE JOY-GIVER IS ALSO A JOY-RECEIVER
Phil. 4:10. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity
Paul talks about his own experience of joy. He says: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly.” The reason for this is quite simple: “you have revived your concern for me.” Sometimes we miss the spiritual truth that an act of kindness can generate joy in the heart of the one who was the recipient of your kindness. “You have revived your concern for me” Is it possible that there is someone who will be gifted with happiness through your kindness?
Don’t let this day pass without doing something good or saying something good to someone. Make someone happy today by showing an act of kindness and concern. God can use you to make others happy. Ask God to lead you so that you can help others the right way, at the right time and with the right kind of help.
PEACEMAKER AND HARMONY ENHANCER” ARE YOU?
Phil. 4:2. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
We do not know a lot about Eudia and Synthyche. From the reading, it appears like they were mature and hard working missionaries with Paul. But, something had happened and Eudia and Syntyche had a relationship that lacked harmony. It had gotten so bad that Paul had to ask the Philippians to help these women be reconciled to and with each other.
The story of Eudia and Syntyche reminds us that there is a great need to look into and to maintain harmony in the Christian community or home. Disharmony happens even to the very mature. But it should not be allowed to linger. If this problem is happening in your case, do something bout it. Don’t wait too long. Pray for others who have, at one time or another, have hurt you. Prayerlessness breeds anger and a desire to exact revenge.
RUNNING OUT OF SUPPLY (BLESSINGS), WHY?
SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME
Phil. 4:19. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
It is so easy to misread many verses in the Bible. This is one of the most misread and misinterpreted parts of the Bible. We all like the part which says: God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory…” The truth is that based on actual observation, many Christians are running out of supply. They do not seem to receive regular supplies from God. Why? The verse before this helps us understand what this is all about.
Paul confirms that he has received supplies from the Philippians. It must have been difficult for them to do this. To those who were faithful in supplying others, especially those in the ministry, God will supply them also and provide for all these needs. It’s simple really: One who is generous in helping others will also received generous help from God. So don’t miss the point. Bless and you will be blessed.
Ask God to help you bless others. Then ask for wisdom as to how you should help others because you know the principle: As you supply, you will be supplied.
Wings To Make Us Fly Over The Mountains
Lights To Ward Off The Insistent Darkness
Truth To Help Us Navigate Through Dark Thoughts
Food To Last Our Entire Wilderness Sojourn
Except when otherwise indicated “Scripture is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”
Phil 4:1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
NASB
King David, more than most people, understood the sublime majesty of the Word, its penetrating and cleansing impact, it life-changing qualities and its absolute necessity in the life of the believer. The Word of God has a greatness and quality of vast magnitude far beyond arguments and comparison.
The Word established David’s moral boundaries: Ps 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. David looked into the Word to examine the purity of his heart: Ps 119:11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. He understood that during moments of deep anguish and sense of loss and meaninglessness, his revival would come through the Word: Ps 119:25 My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Thy word. When weeping was too deep for the body to do and the soul takes up the groaning and weeping that comes with a soul-battering pain, David understood that the renewal of his strength would come through the Word. Ps 119:28 My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Thy word.
Expressing his utmost joy of knowing the Word of God and his utter blessedness in having access to God through His Word, David states: Ps 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
David understood the nature and benefits we derive from the Word of God. From its pages, the Word of god provides us with:
Wings To Make Us Fly Over The Mountains
Lights To Ward Off The Insistent Darkness
Truth To Help Us Navigate Through Dark Thoughts
Food To Last Our Entire Wilderness Sojourn
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE WHAT YOU CAN DO. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING.
Phil 4:13. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Simple but majestic, the verse presents three (3) gems that were his but also ours to enjoy: First: Our unusual God-given ability: We can do all things. Second: The explanation for this unusual God-given ability: It is through Jesus Christ. Third: The secret is that the Lord is giving him strength. This was not an ability unique only to Paul. I’m sure he was stating a truth that can and should be applied in the life of every believer: A believer can do all things which means nothing in this world can really defeat him. He points to the Lord as the reason for his ability (Though Him) and he explains what the Lord does to him: strengthens me. Watch the language again: It does not say: He STRENGTHENED me or He WILL strengthen me. “Strengthens” indicates a continuing provision of strength for whatever situation one is facing in life. You have the Lord Jesus with you. What more proof do you need that you can make (KAYA MO YAN) it and that you will, in the end, rise above your troubles and enjoy the glory of victory. Repent if you have been having self-pity. Tell God you are grateful for the guaranteed victory. Have a lively prayer conversation with Him.
IT’S BEYOND ANY ARGUMENT: ONE SECRET OF A CONTENDED LIFE IS TO HAVE PEOPLE YOU WILL ALWAYS LONG TO SEE.
Phil. 4:1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved
Paul was living at a time of affliction and great difficulty. He goes through life, day after day with all the uncertainties he faced but his mind and heart were focused on people he calls “my beloved brethren, whom I long to see, my joy and crown.” Without someone to love or care for, life can become bland and tasteless to the soul. The hardship of the moment becomes bearable because you know that soon you will see someone or do something good for others you love.
Paul had a number of good partnerships with but his relationship with the Philippians was a very special one. They were the ones he longed to see- in Tagalog one would say- “pinanabikan kong makita.” Find out the identities of people whose presence can make you smile with satisfaction, sit with serenity and lean back with an unworried confidence. Find out who these people are who can boost your confidence, soothe your emotions, calm the raging waves of doubts and extinguish the burning fire of rage. Who are the people you long to see? This can be a spouse, a son or daughter, a parent, a potential life-partner and the like. But Paul was referring to another group: Spiritual people with whom you can find shelter in times of stress, comfort in times of loneliness, guidance in times of difficult journey; in other words, people of God who long to see you and you also long to see. This was one of Paul’s secrets. Is it yours now? Ask God to bring to you the people who can best guide you, make you strong and walk with you even through the valley of the shadow of death.
HARSH AS IT MAY SEEM, ANXIETY IS A CHOICE
AND A RESULT OF LIMITED SELF DISCIPLINE.
Phil. 4:6. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Paul was a very gifted man. His primary gift was in the area of making us understand the sometimes not so easy to understand spiritual principles. Here he tells us of the principles on anxiety. How simple and how relevant these are. He tells us two important principles involved in dealing with anxiety.
The first is that anxiety is a choice. He says “Be anxious for nothing.” The reality is that there are many things in this world that can make us anxious. But knowing all these anxiety-generating issues, Paul says: “Be anxious for nothing.” It’s a way of saying, “Be aware of what you need and what you do not have but don’t let it worry you. Knowing about a need and worrying about it are two different issues.” He is saying, if something is worrisome, decide not to worry. But how? Does it sound as simple as it seem to be? Here is the second principle.
You cannot successfully NOT WORRY if you do not have a substitute activity. He says: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” It means that the primary antidote to anxiety is thanksgiving. Count your blessings. Count how many people are close to you. Examine how God has been so good to you. Then out of this thanksgiving, proceed to tell God your requests. Here then is the process of overcoming anxiety: First, affirm that although many things in life are worrisome but you WILL NOT WORRY ABOUT THESE. Second, Be grateful to God for all the signs of His goodness. Third: Tell God your requests. The result is that you will not be anxious and you can pray effectively Tell God you are grateful. Count your blessings. Then tell Him about every issue that is bothersome, difficult and oppressing to you.
YES, REJOICING IS A CHOICE. SO DECIDE
Phil. 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Most people rejoice as a reaction to a nice experience. That is rejoicing as a response to an event. Paul is talking about a rejoicing that is a matter of choice and one that becomes a part of daily life. Of course it is true that it is not easy to rejoice if we do not know of a reason to be happy.
The secret of rejoicing is not so much that there is something too wonderful and too extraordinary that has happened to you. The secret really is the realization that the Lord is with you and that He is deeply involved with your life. That is why Paul does not only say rejoice; he says rejoice IN THE LORD! One who is very close to the Lord won’t have a difficulty rejoicing. So, develop your relationship with Lord as a believer. It can make the difference whether you will be happy or not. Tell God why He is important to you. Then pray for others. If this becomes a habit, you will note that rejoicing becomes easier to do.
BRINGING JOY TO SOMEONE BRINGS JOY TO YOU.
THE JOY-GIVER IS ALSO A JOY-RECEIVER
Phil. 4:10. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity
Paul talks about his own experience of joy. He says: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly.” The reason for this is quite simple: “you have revived your concern for me.” Sometimes we miss the spiritual truth that an act of kindness can generate joy in the heart of the one who was the recipient of your kindness. “You have revived your concern for me” Is it possible that there is someone who will be gifted with happiness through your kindness?
Don’t let this day pass without doing something good or saying something good to someone. Make someone happy today by showing an act of kindness and concern. God can use you to make others happy. Ask God to lead you so that you can help others the right way, at the right time and with the right kind of help.
PEACEMAKER AND HARMONY ENHANCER” ARE YOU?
Phil. 4:2. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
We do not know a lot about Eudia and Synthyche. From the reading, it appears like they were mature and hard working missionaries with Paul. But, something had happened and Eudia and Syntyche had a relationship that lacked harmony. It had gotten so bad that Paul had to ask the Philippians to help these women be reconciled to and with each other.
The story of Eudia and Syntyche reminds us that there is a great need to look into and to maintain harmony in the Christian community or home. Disharmony happens even to the very mature. But it should not be allowed to linger. If this problem is happening in your case, do something bout it. Don’t wait too long. Pray for others who have, at one time or another, have hurt you. Prayerlessness breeds anger and a desire to exact revenge.
RUNNING OUT OF SUPPLY (BLESSINGS), WHY?
SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME
Phil. 4:19. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
It is so easy to misread many verses in the Bible. This is one of the most misread and misinterpreted parts of the Bible. We all like the part which says: God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory…” The truth is that based on actual observation, many Christians are running out of supply. They do not seem to receive regular supplies from God. Why? The verse before this helps us understand what this is all about.
Paul confirms that he has received supplies from the Philippians. It must have been difficult for them to do this. To those who were faithful in supplying others, especially those in the ministry, God will supply them also and provide for all these needs. It’s simple really: One who is generous in helping others will also received generous help from God. So don’t miss the point. Bless and you will be blessed.
Ask God to help you bless others. Then ask for wisdom as to how you should help others because you know the principle: As you supply, you will be supplied.
Monday, September 13, 2010
BE WHAT YOU SHOULD BE
BE WHAT YOU SHOULD BE:
DECIDING TO HAVE THE CORRECT VIEW OF SPIRITUALITY
Harsh as it may seem, the Bible hammers into our consciousness the hard fact of life that many of our emotional ups and downs are products wrong choices motivated mostly by either uninformed spirituality or a stubbornness coming out of our old nature. The Bible also tells us that our spirituality, as an experience, begins by being born again. That implies that we start our journey as babies in the faith, excited but still uninformed about the deeper truths of our salvation. It is expected of every believer to outgrow infanthood and grow to become a person mature in the faith and skilled in making decisions for his daily life. However, we know that this is not often true. Many believers who should have mature long ago still remain toddlers in their faith.
We are to decide, by the grace and mercies of God, to be what we should be before God and even before the world. There is no excuse of immaturity. We all must grow to maturity for though we are Christians in this world we are not worldly Christians.
COURAGE IS A CHOICE SO CHOOSE TO BE COURAGEOUS.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is a deep spiritual truth that we must make a part of our library of principles: THE CROWD CANNOT HIDE YOU FROM THE LORD’S LOVE AND KINDNESS. Close your eyes and picture this: The Lord had come down from the mountain. The multitudes (not multitude- did you notice?) were there, waiting for Him and when they saw Him, they followed Him. A more modern translation renders the verse this way: Matt 8:1. “When Jesus came down from the hill, large crowds followed him.” TEV. In a literal sense, we can say that they were all followers. With all the people there, ONLY ONE ACTUALLY directly benefited from the love and kindness of the Lord. A leper approached the Lord and, with all humility, said: “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” The Lord says: “I am willing, be cleansed.” It may not appear a lot to us but IT WAS! The Lord healed the Leper so he can go back and be reconciled to Society. But, here is the challenge to you: Out of the multitudes that were there, one who had a serious need received the blessings. You see, the multitudes cannot hide you and your need from the loving and kind eyes of the Lord. I don’t know where you are now as you read this but it makes no difference because wherever you are, nothing can hide you and your needs from the eyes of the Loving Savior. Is it your turn today to be noticed by the Lord? Claim it! Think about your need. Tell the Lord that if He is willing (and He will certainly be willing), He can meet your needs.
CONFIDENCE IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE SO CHOOSE TO BE CONFIDENT:
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is another wonderful truth for our library of principles: NOBODY CAN KEEP YOU AWAY FROM THE PRESENCE AND PROVISIONS OF THE LORD. Both by the prevailing law and culture of those days, a leper cannot just approach any other person. Jesus was already regarded as a Rabbi or a teacher at that time. A leper approaching a Rabbi risks being stoned away. The leper knows his condition; it’s quite serious. The leper knows what the people can do to him; they might stone him away. But there was one thing more the leper knew and was certainly confident about: he was certain the Lord would not turn him down so he took the risk, approached the Lord and got healed. He never doubted that if Jesus willed, the Lord could make him clean.
Sometimes there is something in us that prevents us from approaching the Lord with confidence. Is it sin? Is it discouragement? Is it frustration? Whatever that is, just take the attitude of the leper. He knew the seriousness of his condition and the risks he was taking but he also, without a shadow of a doubt, had pure confidence in the Lord and so he approached him. He understood that the basis of approaching the Lord was not his (the leper’s) lack of qualifications but the love and kindness of the Lord. Try this principle of APPROACHING THE LORD WITH CONFIDENCE and ask Him for a favor today. Right now, pause and talk to the Lord. Be confident. You may actually be disqualified (just like most of us) as a sinner but that is not the issue. The Lord loves the unlovable and accepts the outcast.
HUMILITY IS NOT AN EASY CHOICE BUT WE MUST CHOOSE TO BE HUMBLE.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
He is the third of those wonderful principles you may want to add to your library of principles: APPROACH THE LORD WITH CONFIDENCE NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING YOU HAVE BUT APPROACH HIM WITH THE “IF YOU ARE WILLING” ATTITUDE. The leper was courageous; give him that. He knew the risk of being stoned away but no threat of stoning can prevent him from approaching the Lord. The leper was confident; he was banking on the Lord’s already talked-about kindness and not on his personal disqualification as a leper. Yet, when he actually got in front of the Lord (how it happened without him being stoned away is in itself a miracle), he “bowed down” and said: Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.”
Here is demonstrated humility. He presented a request not based on his right. He says: “If you are willing.” It would be like saying: “I know my needs and I know that You can meet my needs but I am presenting this request to you because I know that if you are willing, You can make me clean.” Humility goes a long way. It can open the door to the presence of the Lord. Tell God about your needs and just say: Father, if you are willing, You can give me the desires of my heart.
NOT EVERYONE CAN ACCEPT THE NEED TO BE REVERENT BUT WE MUST CHOOSE TO BE ONE:
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is our fourth principle for our library of principles: APPROACH THE LORD WITH PROPER RESPECT AND GIVE HIM THE GLORY DUE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. The NASB tells us that the leper BOWED DOWN. The NIV says the leper KNELT BEFORE HIM. The KJV tells us that the man WORSHIPED HIM. There is a good reason for the use of the word Worshiped in the KJV. The Greek verb is proskunein, and it really means worship! But worship is usually accompanied by the behavioral act of bowing down or kneeling, the NIV and the NASB opted to refer to the physical act- probably to make it more understandable – while the KJV opted to use the word “worshiped” to reveal the meaning of the act.
The crowds followed the Lord but at this stage there is no record of the Lord being worshiped. Now, one man, disqualified by their law and culture from approaching the Lord, did approach Him and demonstrated the proper way to approach the Lord: REVERENTIAL WORSHIP. A rephrased translation would be like this: “he (the leper) approached Jesus, worshiped Him and said; Lord…”. In the passage, we see three signs of reverence: The attitude (worshipful), the act (bowed down or knelt before Him) and the Title used (Lord). Approach the Lord with reverence because this is the proper way to talk to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Try this: Find a place to kneel down (you can use pillow to protect your knees if you want to). Start worshiping God on your knees. Tell Him who He is in your life. Sing if your spirit feels like doing so. Towards the end, tell the Lord about your need. It is a wonderful experience. Try it today.
MANY PRAY WITH HOPELESSNESS AS THE CONTROLLING MINDSET. DON’T BE LIKE THEM. BE EXPECTANT WHEN YOU ASK SOMETHING FROM THE LORD:
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Our fifth principle in our library of principles: YOU ARE APPROACHING THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS WHOSE POWER IS UNLIMITED AND WHOSE COMPASSION KNOWS NO BORDERS. Imagine this: Crowds following the Lord. Then one man, a leper at that, managed to find his way to the Savior (if there’s a will, there’s a way, right?). The leper worshiped Him (bowed down or knelt before Him). Do you see the picture now? The leper was blocking Jesus’ path! He was that expectant! Of course the leper did not say : you can only move forward over my dead body.” It was more like: “ The Lord will soon walk forward over my HEALED BODY.”
Then the leper felt a touch; Jesus was touching Him (unthinkable really, in those days) and the leper heard the words that would end his misery, mend his broken life, free him from the misery of social isolation and usher in the hope which long ago had been taken from him: “I am willing, be cleansed.” I suppose that since that day, the leper may have become the LEAPER; one who leaps for joy. Read Matthew 7:7 and apply it in prayer today. Be expectant.
COMPASSION IS FADING AWAY AS AN ATTITUDE BUT WE MUST BE DIFFERENT. WE MUST BE COMPASSIONATE.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is our sixth principle in our library of principles: IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED GOD’S COMPASSION, IT IS NOW YOUR DUTY TO BE COMPASSIONATE TO OTHERS. The leper was literally “untouchable” in the sense that others were not allowed to touch him. Compassion, however, notices the need, feels the hurt and goes beyond what is usual and ordinary. It generates healing, gives comfort, assists and restores. This is what the Lord did to the leper. The touch of compassion, the words of compassion changed the life of the leper. He was not a leper anymore. He had become a LEAPER; leaping for joy.
The Bible tells us that God is gracious and compassionate. Joel 2:13. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate , slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. (NIV). The Bible tells us to be compassionate. Eph 4:32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV). Here is something I discovered from observing life and by actual experience. He who has received the Lord’s compassion and goes out and becomes compassionate to others has more chance to enjoy life and to enter into a deeper and closer relationship with the Lord. . Read Eph. 4:32 again rephrase it this way (to become your prayer): Father, make me kind and compassionate to others, to forgive others just as you have also forgiven me in the Lord Jesus Christ.
THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENT: BE A WITNESS FOR THE LORD.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is our seventh principle for our library of principles: To be a good witness for the Lord, be prepared to do it the right way. The last verse in our text for the week is a bit strange for most people. The healed leper was told not to tell anyone about his healing. Why should you be quiet about such wonderful news? There is a good reason for this. If you want to be (and we should) a witness for the Lord, you have to be prepared to do it the right way, otherwise you bring more harm than good.
The Lord told the leper to go to the priests to make the correct offering and to go through the process required to receive a certificate that he has, indeed, been healed of his leprosy. The process is discussed in Leviticus 14 (read it some other time). Finally, after a thorough process, he gets declared as having been healed of his leprosy. Then he gets a certificate. At this stage, he can tell others because others will actually demand of him.
Without the certificate, he can talk about what the Lord had done but it will simply trigger troubles for everyone, including the Lord. The Romans would be suspicious, the Jewish leaders would be disturbed and the population may want to make the Lord their King and fight the Romans. On the other hand, when he finally gets the certificate from the priests, then he has incontrovertible proof of having been healed and he can point to the Lord as the reason for his healing and it cannot be disputed anymore. He was being prepared to become a good and credible witness for the Lord. Are you being trained to be a witness for the Lord? Without being trained, one can sometimes becomes a HOSTILE witness; doing more harm than good. Ask God to help you become a good and credible witness of His love and compassion.
DECIDING TO HAVE THE CORRECT VIEW OF SPIRITUALITY
Harsh as it may seem, the Bible hammers into our consciousness the hard fact of life that many of our emotional ups and downs are products wrong choices motivated mostly by either uninformed spirituality or a stubbornness coming out of our old nature. The Bible also tells us that our spirituality, as an experience, begins by being born again. That implies that we start our journey as babies in the faith, excited but still uninformed about the deeper truths of our salvation. It is expected of every believer to outgrow infanthood and grow to become a person mature in the faith and skilled in making decisions for his daily life. However, we know that this is not often true. Many believers who should have mature long ago still remain toddlers in their faith.
We are to decide, by the grace and mercies of God, to be what we should be before God and even before the world. There is no excuse of immaturity. We all must grow to maturity for though we are Christians in this world we are not worldly Christians.
COURAGE IS A CHOICE SO CHOOSE TO BE COURAGEOUS.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is a deep spiritual truth that we must make a part of our library of principles: THE CROWD CANNOT HIDE YOU FROM THE LORD’S LOVE AND KINDNESS. Close your eyes and picture this: The Lord had come down from the mountain. The multitudes (not multitude- did you notice?) were there, waiting for Him and when they saw Him, they followed Him. A more modern translation renders the verse this way: Matt 8:1. “When Jesus came down from the hill, large crowds followed him.” TEV. In a literal sense, we can say that they were all followers. With all the people there, ONLY ONE ACTUALLY directly benefited from the love and kindness of the Lord. A leper approached the Lord and, with all humility, said: “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” The Lord says: “I am willing, be cleansed.” It may not appear a lot to us but IT WAS! The Lord healed the Leper so he can go back and be reconciled to Society. But, here is the challenge to you: Out of the multitudes that were there, one who had a serious need received the blessings. You see, the multitudes cannot hide you and your need from the loving and kind eyes of the Lord. I don’t know where you are now as you read this but it makes no difference because wherever you are, nothing can hide you and your needs from the eyes of the Loving Savior. Is it your turn today to be noticed by the Lord? Claim it! Think about your need. Tell the Lord that if He is willing (and He will certainly be willing), He can meet your needs.
CONFIDENCE IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE SO CHOOSE TO BE CONFIDENT:
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is another wonderful truth for our library of principles: NOBODY CAN KEEP YOU AWAY FROM THE PRESENCE AND PROVISIONS OF THE LORD. Both by the prevailing law and culture of those days, a leper cannot just approach any other person. Jesus was already regarded as a Rabbi or a teacher at that time. A leper approaching a Rabbi risks being stoned away. The leper knows his condition; it’s quite serious. The leper knows what the people can do to him; they might stone him away. But there was one thing more the leper knew and was certainly confident about: he was certain the Lord would not turn him down so he took the risk, approached the Lord and got healed. He never doubted that if Jesus willed, the Lord could make him clean.
Sometimes there is something in us that prevents us from approaching the Lord with confidence. Is it sin? Is it discouragement? Is it frustration? Whatever that is, just take the attitude of the leper. He knew the seriousness of his condition and the risks he was taking but he also, without a shadow of a doubt, had pure confidence in the Lord and so he approached him. He understood that the basis of approaching the Lord was not his (the leper’s) lack of qualifications but the love and kindness of the Lord. Try this principle of APPROACHING THE LORD WITH CONFIDENCE and ask Him for a favor today. Right now, pause and talk to the Lord. Be confident. You may actually be disqualified (just like most of us) as a sinner but that is not the issue. The Lord loves the unlovable and accepts the outcast.
HUMILITY IS NOT AN EASY CHOICE BUT WE MUST CHOOSE TO BE HUMBLE.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
He is the third of those wonderful principles you may want to add to your library of principles: APPROACH THE LORD WITH CONFIDENCE NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING YOU HAVE BUT APPROACH HIM WITH THE “IF YOU ARE WILLING” ATTITUDE. The leper was courageous; give him that. He knew the risk of being stoned away but no threat of stoning can prevent him from approaching the Lord. The leper was confident; he was banking on the Lord’s already talked-about kindness and not on his personal disqualification as a leper. Yet, when he actually got in front of the Lord (how it happened without him being stoned away is in itself a miracle), he “bowed down” and said: Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.”
Here is demonstrated humility. He presented a request not based on his right. He says: “If you are willing.” It would be like saying: “I know my needs and I know that You can meet my needs but I am presenting this request to you because I know that if you are willing, You can make me clean.” Humility goes a long way. It can open the door to the presence of the Lord. Tell God about your needs and just say: Father, if you are willing, You can give me the desires of my heart.
NOT EVERYONE CAN ACCEPT THE NEED TO BE REVERENT BUT WE MUST CHOOSE TO BE ONE:
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is our fourth principle for our library of principles: APPROACH THE LORD WITH PROPER RESPECT AND GIVE HIM THE GLORY DUE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. The NASB tells us that the leper BOWED DOWN. The NIV says the leper KNELT BEFORE HIM. The KJV tells us that the man WORSHIPED HIM. There is a good reason for the use of the word Worshiped in the KJV. The Greek verb is proskunein, and it really means worship! But worship is usually accompanied by the behavioral act of bowing down or kneeling, the NIV and the NASB opted to refer to the physical act- probably to make it more understandable – while the KJV opted to use the word “worshiped” to reveal the meaning of the act.
The crowds followed the Lord but at this stage there is no record of the Lord being worshiped. Now, one man, disqualified by their law and culture from approaching the Lord, did approach Him and demonstrated the proper way to approach the Lord: REVERENTIAL WORSHIP. A rephrased translation would be like this: “he (the leper) approached Jesus, worshiped Him and said; Lord…”. In the passage, we see three signs of reverence: The attitude (worshipful), the act (bowed down or knelt before Him) and the Title used (Lord). Approach the Lord with reverence because this is the proper way to talk to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Try this: Find a place to kneel down (you can use pillow to protect your knees if you want to). Start worshiping God on your knees. Tell Him who He is in your life. Sing if your spirit feels like doing so. Towards the end, tell the Lord about your need. It is a wonderful experience. Try it today.
MANY PRAY WITH HOPELESSNESS AS THE CONTROLLING MINDSET. DON’T BE LIKE THEM. BE EXPECTANT WHEN YOU ASK SOMETHING FROM THE LORD:
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Our fifth principle in our library of principles: YOU ARE APPROACHING THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS WHOSE POWER IS UNLIMITED AND WHOSE COMPASSION KNOWS NO BORDERS. Imagine this: Crowds following the Lord. Then one man, a leper at that, managed to find his way to the Savior (if there’s a will, there’s a way, right?). The leper worshiped Him (bowed down or knelt before Him). Do you see the picture now? The leper was blocking Jesus’ path! He was that expectant! Of course the leper did not say : you can only move forward over my dead body.” It was more like: “ The Lord will soon walk forward over my HEALED BODY.”
Then the leper felt a touch; Jesus was touching Him (unthinkable really, in those days) and the leper heard the words that would end his misery, mend his broken life, free him from the misery of social isolation and usher in the hope which long ago had been taken from him: “I am willing, be cleansed.” I suppose that since that day, the leper may have become the LEAPER; one who leaps for joy. Read Matthew 7:7 and apply it in prayer today. Be expectant.
COMPASSION IS FADING AWAY AS AN ATTITUDE BUT WE MUST BE DIFFERENT. WE MUST BE COMPASSIONATE.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is our sixth principle in our library of principles: IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED GOD’S COMPASSION, IT IS NOW YOUR DUTY TO BE COMPASSIONATE TO OTHERS. The leper was literally “untouchable” in the sense that others were not allowed to touch him. Compassion, however, notices the need, feels the hurt and goes beyond what is usual and ordinary. It generates healing, gives comfort, assists and restores. This is what the Lord did to the leper. The touch of compassion, the words of compassion changed the life of the leper. He was not a leper anymore. He had become a LEAPER; leaping for joy.
The Bible tells us that God is gracious and compassionate. Joel 2:13. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate , slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. (NIV). The Bible tells us to be compassionate. Eph 4:32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV). Here is something I discovered from observing life and by actual experience. He who has received the Lord’s compassion and goes out and becomes compassionate to others has more chance to enjoy life and to enter into a deeper and closer relationship with the Lord. . Read Eph. 4:32 again rephrase it this way (to become your prayer): Father, make me kind and compassionate to others, to forgive others just as you have also forgiven me in the Lord Jesus Christ.
THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENT: BE A WITNESS FOR THE LORD.
Matt 8:1-4. And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." NASB
Here is our seventh principle for our library of principles: To be a good witness for the Lord, be prepared to do it the right way. The last verse in our text for the week is a bit strange for most people. The healed leper was told not to tell anyone about his healing. Why should you be quiet about such wonderful news? There is a good reason for this. If you want to be (and we should) a witness for the Lord, you have to be prepared to do it the right way, otherwise you bring more harm than good.
The Lord told the leper to go to the priests to make the correct offering and to go through the process required to receive a certificate that he has, indeed, been healed of his leprosy. The process is discussed in Leviticus 14 (read it some other time). Finally, after a thorough process, he gets declared as having been healed of his leprosy. Then he gets a certificate. At this stage, he can tell others because others will actually demand of him.
Without the certificate, he can talk about what the Lord had done but it will simply trigger troubles for everyone, including the Lord. The Romans would be suspicious, the Jewish leaders would be disturbed and the population may want to make the Lord their King and fight the Romans. On the other hand, when he finally gets the certificate from the priests, then he has incontrovertible proof of having been healed and he can point to the Lord as the reason for his healing and it cannot be disputed anymore. He was being prepared to become a good and credible witness for the Lord. Are you being trained to be a witness for the Lord? Without being trained, one can sometimes becomes a HOSTILE witness; doing more harm than good. Ask God to help you become a good and credible witness of His love and compassion.
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