It is surprising how many people come to the Lord and His people with serious and distressing troubles. Illness, abuse, difficult family relationships, and low self-esteem plague many. And having grown out of some difficulties, new ones often arise. While we struggle to help people grow and develop, if we’re not careful we can become exhausted ourselves. Peter famously warns, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Is he invincible? Can we rise above his schemes? Are fledgling new Christians doomed? Let’s have a look at John’s encouragement in the Bible’s final book.
Revelation 12–13 presents us with a frightening lineup of great enemies of God’s people. Their appearance is startling, their voices roar with threats and blasphemy, and their tactics are deceptive. Their goal is to make war with God’s people and fool them with abilities that are similar to the godly prophets of old. They speak with authority, work signs, and wear crowns. Many believers would be fooled and still more would give in to their forceful pressures.
Chapter 12 features the tireless schemes of the devil himself, pictured as a powerful dragon capable of sweeping away a third of the stars of heaven with his tail. He promptly sets himself before an innocent woman about to give birth, intending to devour the newborn child. She represents God’s people persecuted by Rome, and many others like it. What hope is there?! Yet twice we’re told how God sweeps her to safety in a wilderness place where she is protected (v 6, 14). We must never forget that God is willing to work hard for His people and provide for them.
While the devil lost in chapter 12, he sends two more enemies in chapter 13. One is pictured as a beast coming up from the sea featuring ten horns and seven heads! Many agree this pictures Rome as a persecuting civil power. (See a similar vision found in Daniel 7). He speaks arrogant words and has great authority as he “makes war with the saints…to overcome them.” (v 7). We must stop and ask, “What hope do we have against such a beast? How can vulnerable new Christians continue to stand?” Let’s put this question on hold, for one more enemy is about to appear: “Another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.” (13:11).
This final enemy looks harmless, like the lamb of chapter 5, but his tactic is to fool people by exercising great signs, conning people into following him, deceiving them so that they will divert their loyalty away from Jesus and His people. It is believed that this is Rome as a corrupt religious renegade. Rome certainly had lots of that with her idols and shrines – all financed by the wealth of the empire. How many Christians were fooled by the religions of the world that had come to Rome? How could a new follower of Jesus Christ negotiate through the labyrinth of false religion? How many today do the same in our modern world?
It could be said that the devil and his beasts still operate today, still fooling people, still making troubled people all the more troubled. He delights in drawing people away from the Lord’s church into groups that seem more exciting, yet the pure gospel is dropped. Is there no hope for them – and us? Chapter 14 tells us there is!
Here we see THE LAMB – not the false lamb of chapter 13 – standing on Mount Zion where God’s blessings and protection are found (see Psalm 2:6; Hebrews 12:22). And who are with Him? All of God’s people, represented by the 144,000. They are at peace and have been honoured to wear the name of God on their foreheads – marked for God’s care and preservation. And now John hears thunderous sounds, musical in nature, and realizes it is the singing of the 144,000. Its music personalized by the experiences of these Christians who have faced great battles. They are righteous, chaste, faithful, blameless – even heroic. God has purchased them and now protects them.
Here is our hope in our mixed-up world where the devil still prowls, searching for people he can hurt and fool. Sure, he is powerful, but we look to the Lamb for strength and protection. We “Run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1–2). Despite life’s troubles, we must determine to be faithful, chaste and righteous.
Vulnerable new Christians can stand, secure and hopeful, knowing the lamb stands with them. The endless troubles that surround us can be faced with strength and hope because our all-powerful God can send us “mercy and [we] may find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Weary Christians helpers can find strength to carry on because they can see the Master in Scripture doing the same.
We must remember, that even though we have powerful enemies and enormous tasks, the saints still sing!
Barrie, Ontario
In Ecclesiastes 3:11 it says, “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” We can’t know all the purposes of God, but we can certainly be aware of eternity. He has put it into our hearts – a certain taste or longing for it that cannot be discovered through the experiences of life. Men may deny eternity, or laugh at the need for it. But there will always be a longing within us for something more than we have experienced.
Creatures are not born with desire unless satisfactions for those desires exist. A baby feels hunger – there is such a thing as food. A duck wants to swim and there is such a thing as water. People desire to work and there is work to be done.
We find in ourselves a desire that no experience in this world can satisfy. The most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.
Augustine, the great thinker and church leader of the 4th century, said, “Thou has made us for thyself, and our hearts are restless until they learn to rest in Thee.” That says it as succinctly as it could be said. The unrest we see in our world and in our hearts, tells us we have not found our rest until we have entered the world for which we are made – eternity.
C.S. Lewis, the popular British theologian of the 1950’s, helped us when he said, “Our Heavenly Father has provided many delightful inns for us along our journey, but he takes care to see that we do not mistake any of them for our home.”
Barrie ON
(David Johnson, with revisions from Tim Johnson)
The prophet Daniel lived in two difficult societies: first at home in a morally decaying Jerusalem, and then for the rest of his life in the more severe Babylonian/Persian cultures ruled by idolatrous kings. Yet he managed to stay faithful to God and was respected by all who called upon him for advice and direction. One can’t think of Daniel without thinking of wisdom and faithfulness under tough conditions.
How about us? Our own society often alarms us when we see open immorality, shameless greed, mockery of religion, and shocking violence. How can we remain as faithful and vibrant in our own society as Daniel was in his? How did he do it?
First, he held to his principles carefully.
When Judah slid into open idolatry under its final kings, Daniel learned to seek faithfulness rather than follow the sins of his countrymen. When Nebuchadnezzar invaded and took Daniel along with other captives back to Babylon, our man was already primed to be faithful to God in this new direction his life had taken. No doubt he had good parents who raised him to respect the law and please God. Faithful parents are vital!
Nebuchadnezzar wanted to weaken Jewish society by taking away their best and brightest young men, and at the same time strengthen his kingdom by training them in all things Babylonian. Part of their new regimen was to eat of the king’s choice food and drink, which was likely far more appealing than the food was back home. But here Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah would not compromise, considering all the Jewish food restrictions in the Law of Moses.
Tactfully, Daniel approached the commander of the officials and sought permission to eat vegetables and drink only water, plus be tested after 10 days for healthy appearance compared to those who ate the king’s rich delicacies. Amazingly, Daniel and his three friends achieved better results in such a short time, astonishing those over them. Even the king was impressed with their “wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them” and found them “ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm” (Dan.1:20).
To do well in our own difficult society we must hold to our principles carefully, not weaken and compromise. The Christians in Colossae were also tempted to abandon what they had been taught, and Paul encouraged them to “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Col.1:9-10). Like them, we must uphold godly principles.
Second, Daniel had great confidence in God and practiced personal humility.
Lumped together unfavourably with dishonest magicians and conjurers over their failure to reveal and interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s bad dream, the death penalty was threatened. While all panicked, Daniel calmly approached the furious king and promised to come up with the desired answers (2:14-18).
Notice that Daniel replied “with discretion and discernment” about the situation, demonstrating a strong trust in God through his prayers for help. He had a sense that God stood with him. Calmness, discretion, prayer, confidence: these are keys to deal with challenges to our faith in our own society. And when it came time to stand before this skeptical king and give him the answers, he demonstrated humility when he could have shamed his competitors and exalted himself. As God’s prophet he put the Lord ahead of his own reputation and included a word of self-effacement (2:27-30).
Peter recommended the same when he wrote, “But even if you should suffer for he sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence to everyone who ask you to give account of the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet.3:14-15). Confidence and humility are impressive just about everywhere.
Third, they treated the king with respect, but also stood up to his flaws.
All of us remember how Daniel’s three companions faced the fiery furnace, but do we remember their attitude to Nebuchadnezzar when he demanded they bow down to his national idol?
They could have protested, scoffed, or displayed insolence. But they knew God “changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings” (2:21). God had installed this idolatrous king for His own reasons, and respect was in order. When they replied, they used civil language (“O king”).
But respect doesn’t always mean agreement. They would not bow down to the idol. They simply said, “We do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter” (3:16). They also explained that God was perfectly able to rescue them from the furnace if He chose to do so, but that had nothing to do with their decision not to bow down.
Today we may not agree with the decisions of our own government, but respect is in order because God has installed them in office for His own purposes. Peter said, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet.2:13-15).
Fourth, Daniel refused to be tempted by greed.
He could have eventually amassed a large fortune due to all the direction and advice he had given to the kings he served. But money was not his goal, as king Belshazzar would soon find out. This king was a drunk and spent his time partying. God wrote His objection upon the wall when this miserable ruler drank out of Jerusalem’s temple vessels. The short phrase had frightened the king so badly, his wife had to come in and tell him what to do! She urged him to bring in Daniel to interpret what God had written. When Daniel appeared, the king dangled a golden necklace in front of him as a gift if he could succeed. The prophet replied, “Keep your gifts for yourself, or give you rewards to someone else; however, I will read the inscription to the king and make the interpretation known to him” (5:17).
We live in a country that seems to idolize great fortunes. But we’re told to be free from the love of money (Heb.13:5), and to consider greed as something we are dead to, for it is a form of idolatry (Col.3:5). This prevented Daniel from entangling himself in the worldly ways of Babylon. It will do the same for us today in our own times.
Fifth, Daniel was a man of study and prayer.
His enemies tried to eliminate him with another clever scheme: convincing Darius to sign a document preventing anyone from petitioning any god or man, except him, for 30 days. This was backed by a threat of being thrown into a den of lions.
Yet Daniel refused to stop praying to God (6:10), resulting in the attempt to have the prophet executed. He was a courageous man of prayer and diligently studied the scriptures (9:1-3). This kept him grounded as a servant of God. Our society can chip away our principles and weaken our desire to serve our Lord – and it can happen slowly, even imperceptibly. Study and prayer will keep us strong.
Are things difficult and trying where you live? Hold to your principles carefully; develop confidence in God and couple it with personal humility; respect those in authority but be unafraid to stand up to their flaws; keep from greed; practice study and prayer.
These principles maintained Daniel for over 70 years in tough surroundings. Think what they can do for you.
Barrie, ON.
When John wrote his three short New Testament letters, he was an elderly man. It is highly likely that he was the last living apostle of Jesus Christ. He had contributed the Gospel of John, and the great book of victory, Revelation. The shortest of his letters is 2 John; it only has 13 verses. It would have been one of his final letters. As in the case of the book of Revelation, did he write it in exile on the island of Patmos? We can only speculate.
And what did the last apostle have to say in one of his last letters? He reminded us to love one another (v5), uphold the truth (v2), and refuse deceivers (v7-11). THE TRUTH dominated his thoughts. Everything dear to Christians is built upon it. Even love for one another is related to it; “…whom I love in truth” (v1).
It was a violent time in the Roman world and John writes in a discreet way. Rather than identify the congregation of the church that was to receive his letter, he calls them “the chosen lady and her children” (v1). A fellow congregation is mentioned as “the children of your chosen sister” (v13). It is John’s love for these churches that shines through the ages. He speaks of love four times in the letter. They were people in the Lord “whom I love in truth” (v1).
The challenge for us is not just to walk in truth, but to love the church as John did – and to love it in truth. Love without the truth is just sentiment. God calls us to a higher love for His people.
Our care for the church is not because our building is convenient or some of its members may be relatives. We love it for the sake of the truth, because its people know the truth and walk in it, and because the truth abides in them forever.
The last apostle laid down a challenge for all succeeding generations of Christians – love each other in truth.
In my last month of high school, I signed up for a high-jumping contest. As the bar kept being raised, contestants were eliminated when they failed to jump over it. Finally, only two of us were left: one tall girl and me. “Can I do it?” The question bit my enthusiasm, but I decided to give it my best. Somehow, I succeeded. She did too. But in the next round I failed, and she won. Surprisingly, her victory didn’t bother me. I was thrilled to do more than I thought I could. Later, she congratulated me. I had the feeling I had forced her to jump higher than usual.
Squeezed by life’s challenges, we’re forced to ask the question, “Can I do it?” Past failures sometimes teach us to shy away from important work. The sloppiness of others makes us beware. Life’s struggles disappoint us. We doubt ourselves. Will the future be too hard to handle?
It’s not a sign of weakness to wonder if we can do something challenging. We are limited human beings who often fail, or find that we can’t handle certain things very well. It’s normal to wonder if we are capable. But don’t let your doubts stop you from trying.
How many things in life challenge us to the bone? Some things are just too hard, yet, we know they can be done. The successes of others encourages us, but sometimes there is no one else. It’s us or nobody. Never forget this: God has a habit of standing with the weak and the scared, helping them to succeed.
Moses wondered if he could adequately lead the Israelites, offering God plenty of excuses why he couldn’t (Exodus 3-4). He thought that he couldn’t speak publicly, yet spoke to the most powerful head of state of his time, and succeeded. Moses led Israel until his death over 40 years later.
Cowering in a winepress, Gideon was called to lead Israel against invading armies. God’s angel called him a “valiant warrior!” while he sputtered about his inexperience and lack of clout. (Judges 6). God looked at what Gideon would become, not at what he was. He stood with a man whose faith was weak in order to lead others like himself to ultimate success.
Jeremiah thought he was too young to become a prophet (Jer.1:6). God said this was nonsense and promised to protect him. He looked too young and inexperienced, a nobody. How could he face the old guard of Judah? Have you ever worried whether or not people would listen to you? To Jeremiah, that thought soon became nothing. He went on to preach for over 40 years. His bravery and persistence were so legendary, that many of the Jews thought that Jesus was Jeremiah all over again! (Matt.16:14). Let God’s words to Jeremiah always encourage our doubting souls, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord” (Jer.1:8). This lonely prophet who went through horrors and converted few has become an inspiration to every preacher.
Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah, and a host of others asked themselves, “Can I do it?” God stood with them all. Each of them took a deep breath and went ahead. All of them succeeded.
Never let self-doubt keep you from obeying God.
The greatest work of all time was handed to the twelve apostles. Jesus said: “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations” (Mt.28:18-20).
How could a group of twelve men accomplish such a world-encompassing charge? They trusted a new fact, and a new promise. The new fact was that Jesus had been given “all authority in heaven and on earth.” The new promise was that Jesus would “be with [them] always, even to the end of the age.” His authority to rule the nations would open doors and help them speak with courage. His promise to be with them gave them confidence they were not alone.
How are we going to spread the gospel right here in our own communities, let alone the whole burgeoning world of 8 billion people? We’ve barely reached all ten Canadian provinces and three territories! How can we plant new congregations in the host of communities where they are needed? How are we even going to defeat sin and temptation in our own lives? How are we going to get over big disappointments and cruel circumstances? How are we going to get along with other Christians so the church can grow and develop?
We aren’t the first to ask these questions, nor will we be the last to wonder if we are capable. Remember the great men and women of Biblical history. Read Hebrews 11 and exult in their successes. All of them were mere human beings with faults and failures. They succeeded in the times and places where God called them to accomplish what seemed impossible.
What big challenges are you facing this year? You can’t do it on your own, but you can succeed by trusting in Jesus and relying upon His help. He has all authority in this world, the very world into which He sends us. He is with us every day, all day, giving us courage, energy and grit. We’re weak, He’s strong. We can’t, He can. We wonder, “Why me?” He says, “Because I can help you!”
Don’t just ask if we can do it, turn the question into a statement: “WE CAN DO IT!”
Barrie ON
After healing Peter’s mother-in-law in Capernaum, news of Jesus’ power spread quickly throughout the town. By evening, the street was full of people who had come to seek His help. Mark describes it: “And when evening had come, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.” (Mk.1:32-35)
What a concise and startling account of Jesus’ effect on the people of that city. Mark was a dynamic writer on a mission to show his readers that Jesus was the Messiah. “They were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying ‘We have never seen anything like this.’”
Yet Mark had a difficult start to his work as an author and evangelist. His desertion of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:13 later caused a rift between the two in 15:36-41, although Barnabas, his cousin, took him on a mission trip to Cyprus. Later in the New Testament Paul’s relationship with Mark had vastly improved (2 Tim.4:11); the man had matured. Peter seems to have John Mark fondly in mind when he included him in a greeting to the recipients of 1 Peter (see 5:13). Second century writers all claim that Mark had become something like a secretary of Peter’s. His proximity to the events affecting the early church in Jerusalem put Mark in the middle of early Christianity (see Acts 12:12). He may well have been acquainted with Jesus Himself, although there are no direct New Testament references to back that up, other than a possible hint in Mark 14:51-52. Overall, Mark was well positioned to hear from various apostles and witnesses of the teachings and works of Jesus. He poured them into his book.
Mark’s gospel emphasises action and power. Some believe his intended audience was the Romans and Greeks, both of whom were impressed with power. He used the word “immediately” 41 times in its 16 chapters, giving the impression of action. Every chapter contains one or more miracles, except chapters 12-15 which record his final teachings and the trials in Jerusalem.
Allow me a moment to answer the question, “What is a miracle?
The New Testament itself provides a definition through the terms it uses. There are three basic texts: Acts 2:22; 2 Cor. 12:12, and Heb.2:3-4. These scriptures use the words miracles, wonders, and signs.
Miracle comes from the Greek word DUNAMIS, which means “powerful or mighty deeds of supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means.” (W.E. Vine). It’s the same word used in Rom.1:16, “the gospel is the power of God for salvation.” The basic idea is the power of God, which is the source of the event. When people saw a miracle, they knew it was from God. There was no other valid explanation. See Acts 4:16.
Wonders comes from the Greek word TERAS, which means “Something strange, causing the beholder to marvel.” (Vine) It’s always used in the plural. The idea is what happens within the one who beholds the display of supernatural power. A person was struck with wonder. The word describes man’s amazement. See Luke 5:8-9 where Peter was struck with wonder at a miracle of Christ and confessed his unworthiness.
Signs comes from the word SEMEION, which means a sign or token. It’s used of miracles and wonders with the intent to instruct. God doesn’t strike wonder into the heart of man just to put on a show. His power is always designed to lead the beholder beyond the supernatural display to something else, or to a conclusion they need to make. Nicodemus who came seeking more information from Jesus, said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2)
Therefore, these three words were used by the Holy Spirit to define and describe miracles in the Bible. They give us three associated ideas: God’s power, man’s amazement, and God’s purpose to instruct. The major difference between the miraculous and providence is God’s method. The miraculous is supernatural; providence is natural yet controlled by Him. While God does not utilize miracles today, His providence is extended to do His will in the world and to answer our prayers.
There is much to learn from miracles. When Jesus healed all those people who crowded the street in Capernaum, we learn of God’s compassion and kindness. Anyone, rich or poor, can turn to Him for help with any problem. His care is never exhausted, and He is willing to extend it out of love.
In Mark 4:35-41 we’re told that Jesus fell asleep in a boat piloted by his disciples. One of those fierce Sea of Galilee storms roared through and threatened to swamp the boat with huge waves and strong winds. The disciples panicked, but Jesus slept! Upon waking Him, He simply “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.” He pointed out their timidity and faithlessness. But don’t we act the same way when a crisis roars through our own lives? The power of Jesus on this occasion teaches us that no problem is too big for Him to address, and no force is too great for Him to control.
In Mark 5:21-43 a man named Jairus approached Jesus in a crowd, fell at His feet and begged Him to go with him to help his 12-year-old daughter who was dying. Jesus promptly went with him, as did the crowd. In the middle of all this, a woman who had suffered with a hemorrhage for 12 difficult years forced her way through the crowd and, reaching out, touched His garment, believing she would be healed. Was Jesus too absorbed in Jairus’ emergency to stop and help her? Certainly not. He turned and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” Then, resuming His rush to Jairus’ home where he encountered people who announced the death of the girl, He challenged the man: “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” And believe he did. Jesus raised his daughter from the dead. These things “completely astounded” everyone.
From these miracles we learn the place of faith in our lives when there is a crisis. We learn that no one is unimportant with God. No one is forced into a long lineup to secure His care, and nobody needs to take a number and wait for Him to get through with others first. And a small yet important problem of ours is just as important to Him as an emergency. Isn’t it comforting to know that His words to both people were kind and compassionate, even with mobs of people interrupting?
More could be said of the many miracles in the gospels. Read them over and find relief, comfort, courage, and joy. Mark had a way of making these events unfold with grace and power. The young, uncertain cousin of Barnabas became an accomplished author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and appreciated by both Peter and Paul. Doesn’t that teach us about second chances and hope? We are grateful for his growth and persistence as a Christian, and for the powerful things he shared in his gospel.
Barrie, ON
It’s hard to read this title and not think of the 1966 Burt Bacharach song of the same name. The mid-1960’s was a time of social upheaval, student rebellion and the Vietnam war. As in the song, the call went out for more love as the answer for everything. Love has certainly always been needed, and especially when so many things in society are in a state of upheaval. But one must ask, does love really correct everything that’s wrong with the world? Can love alone bring sanity to crazed world leaders? Can it stop disease? Can it deal with the deep sins that lurk in the human heart? Can it give men and women jobs and affordable homes? Obviously not. More is needed.
Long ago, God sent a message into the world about what He would one day do, to deal with man’s worst troubles. Long before Jesus arrived, the prophet Isaiah foretold His coming and the message that Jesus would bring. He said, “A voice is calling, ‘Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness, make smooth in the desert a highway for our God’ …The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Is.40:3, 8). The word of God, embodied in Jesus, is the message that stands for all time. It is so effective that it can solve our most deep-seated sins, if only we would listen.
The apostle John, after spending years with the Lord, later remembered what he heard and saw. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.” (John 1:4, 9)
Burt Bacharach meant well with his song about love, but the message of Jesus Christ goes much deeper. It deals with sin and provides salvation to produce the love for which the world longs. This is what the world needs now – and always has.
Have you heard and understood the message of life?
Barrie ON
It was 1975, a year that saw the end of the Vietnam War, a dramatic rise in the price of oil by OPEC, the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior, and the last naturally occurring case of smallpox in the world diagnosed and treated. It was also the year I graduated from the White’s Ferry Road School of Preaching in West Monroe, LA, and we embarked on a long drive to Moncton, New Brunswick, to preach the gospel and begin a new congregation in a city that had none. We were newlyweds, naïve, scared, and possessed little money. Our U-Haul trailer seized up and had to be replaced, the car had a flat, and we pulled into our new province in the middle of a January blizzard. Not a nice welcome.
Every missionary faces similar uncertainties, and most are more serious than the kinds of things we experienced. In fact, for all of us, life is much like a journey through a foreign land on our way to our ultimate home in heaven. We can find motivation and solace in the journey of Abraham and Sarah as they wandered from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran, then on to Canaan and a new life. For them, every step of the way must have seemed difficult after leaving the security of their hometown.
Ur of the Chaldees was a large, wealthy community in Abraham’s day. Archaeologists have been excavating the place for over 100 years. National Geographic describes the work of Leonard Wooley in the 1920’s excavating the southeastern Iraq site, and his fabulous discoveries that revealed a rich society. (You can Google the NG article for details). Due to war and unrest in that part of the Middle East, archaeologists have been kept out until last year, when work resumed. It seems ancient Ur during Abram’s time was a powerhouse of trade and manufacturing. The family of Abram’s father, Terah, was prosperous and cultured. Ur was the kind of place people desired to move to, not leave. There was security there. Yet when God told Him to leave, the family obeyed without objection. We’re not told how God contacted them, whether through a dream, vision, or audibly, but Abram was convinced the God of heaven needed to be obeyed.
Terah decided to go with them and brought Abram’s brother, Nahor, and his nephew, Lot. They delayed in Haran, which was situated in the northern section of the fertile crescent in the area where the Euphrates River emerges from the Taurus-Caucasian mountains. After Terah’s death, they moved on into the land of Canaan.
It must have been a large caravan, for the Genesis record says, “Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan.” (12:5) There is a debate over Abram’s actions, whether he really left his relatives behind, and whether he should have stayed in Haran as long as he did.
Comments by Charles Pfeiffer are helpful: “Abraham was a man of ‘like passions’ with ourselves, however. He seems to have delayed in Haran when he should have moved on into Canaan (Gen.11:31-12:5)1.”
Hebrews 11:8 simply states, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
What can we learn from Abraham’s journey from Ur to Canaan? Let me suggest three things to consider.
First, we are all pilgrims, not permanent residents. Hebrews says of Abraham, “By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land.” (11:9). Peter called Christians in Asia Minor “aliens and strangers” (1 Pet.2:11). Statements like these remind us that this world is not our permanent home, therefore we shouldn’t act like it is. Many of us put down roots in places we would never think of leaving. And it may not be the best thing for you to go somewhere else. But how are we to view ourselves in this world? I’ve met several Christians who told me, “I love it here and I could never live anywhere else.” Yet, how is the church to spread the gospel throughout the world if we are determined to remain at home? Pilgrims and aliens understand that their lives aren’t vested in this world alone, for we have turned our attention to “the city which has foundations whose architect and builder is God.”
Second, we can trust God for answers we don’t have yet. Without the full destination yet revealed, Abraham and his family must have wondered every day where they were going. Would they run out of supplies? Will the weather cooperate? Will foreign people interfere? What will become of us? Much later, the Israelites asked the same questions as they pulled up roots regularly and moved around the desert. Don’t we tend to ask the same questions, especially as costs keep rising and the world seems so uncertain? God looked after Abraham and Sarah as they proceeded on their journey. Their growing wealth is not mentioned until their stay in Haran, which may be an indication that Abraham was a skilled herdsman and businessman. God had promised to bless him and make his name great (Gen.12:2), and that would only increase as time passed. We are told many times in the New Testament not to worry and to put the kingdom first, for God will never desert or forsake us. He will answer our questions and eventually make our way clear (Matt.6:25-34; Heb.13:5-6). This is the outcome of faith as we journey through life.
Third, we are to focus on a heavenly home, not earthly riches. Western society seems fixated on accumulating wealth at all costs. The homes of the super-rich are displayed on the Internet – bragging like the kings of France over their palaces. One game-show host lives in a $16-million behemoth of a house. Many want luxurious properties and bulging bank accounts by the time they retire. By contrast, while God blessed Abraham with wealth and possessions, he lived in tents for the rest of his life, “for he was looking for the city which has foundations whose architect and builder is God.” (Heb.11:10) Clearly, his focus was on a heavenly home in the future. This prevented greed, selfishness, and cruelty towards others. Paul warns us, “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Col.3:1-2)
It is said of people like Abraham and Sarah, “But as is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” (Heb.11:16) He foreshadowed the life of faith that God now wants us to practice.
Stephen, Paul and the Hebrew writer all point out that Abraham was a man of faith who trusted God to sustain and guide him on his great journey. May we do the same as we journey though ours.
1Charles Pfeiffer. “The Patriarchal Age”, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, Page 15. 1961.
Barrie ON
James 3
James has provided us with one of the Bible’s great chapters about the blessings the human tongue can give and the troubles it can inflict. While it is often profitably studied as a general presentation of the nature of the tongue, it is meant for teachers. He points this out in the first verse, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment” (3:1). We will look at it from this standpoint.
The early church suffered from many inadequate men who were anxious to teach and sway the church in various directions. Paul told the Corinthians, “For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” Later, in 2 Corinthians 11:13, he called their teachers “deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” He warned the Ephesians not to be like “children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (4:14).
James is warning people not to jump too quickly into the role of a teacher, for the ill-prepared can cause much damage. On the day that the Lord will judge, teachers will be held to a stricter standard, for their effect on others is far-reaching. In a country like ours where congregations are mostly small there is a tendency to thrust teachers before us who haven’t considered the seriousness of the task, or who may handle the work unwisely. The words of James are a precaution well heeded.
A RESTLESS EVIL
James provides us with a wealth of illustrations that reveal the main problem for teachers: the instability and devastating effect of the tongue when it is used unwisely. Jesus Himself (most likely the brother of James) also spoke with memorable parables and illustrations. James, in a similar way, tells us that “the tongue is a small part of the body and yet it boasts of great things” (v5). He points out the great ships of ancient times that were steered with small rudders and large war horses directed by small bits in their mouths. The tongue is influential!
Like dangerous wild animals that cannot be tamed, the tongue can cause great damage at the most unlikely of moments. How many of us have attempted to control what we say, but in an unguarded moment have unleashed hurtful words that cut people down, or demeaned precious souls?
James points out “the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity…and is set on fire by hell” (v6). Thus, the tongue needs constant attention and discipline. As a king and spiritual leader, David knew he must control his tongue and asked God to help him. “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps.141:3). We can’t trust our tongues; they are restless and unpredictable. Careless teachers will make many mistakes if they do not beware of the damage the tongue can do.
INCONSISTENT
Just as the apostle Paul, in his absence, was criticized by hurtful teachers in Corinth (2 Cor.10:1), James points out that with our tongues we can often “bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God” (Jas. 3:9). There is nothing as inconsistent as a teacher who praises our Lord, then says hurtful things about his fellow human beings, or yet, fellow teachers. We are capable of cursing the highest part of creation. “My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.” James points out it is impossible for “a fountain to send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water.” Nature will not speak out of both sides of its mouth, only man does. Teachers beware!
WHO SHOULD NOT TEACH
The quality most needed by Christian teachers is wisdom. “Who is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behaviour his deeds in gentleness of wisdom” (v13). Knowledge alone will not do, for knowledge without wisdom can be harmful. Furthermore, a teacher who lives a reckless, selfish, insensitive life will lose his influence and credibility. He must show gentleness and wisdom in his life and not just boast about having it. Earlier in the book James said, “But prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (1:22). Chapter 3 applies this to teachers.
Competition, jealousy, and the desire for prestige cause one to actually lie against the truth because the truth requires us to teach against these human flaws. Selfish ambition is at the root of many efforts by teachers to promote division and rivalry, causing many Christians to become discouraged. It’s no wonder James remarked that this kind of wisdom is “not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural (“unspiritual”), demonic.” It is more from the devil than it is from God, producing “disorder and every evil thing.” Teachers who behave with such faults should not be in the pulpit.
WHO SHOULD TEACH
Instead of earthly wisdom, teachers should strive for “wisdom from above” (v17). Good teachers know that they are inadequate in many ways and will approach God for wisdom, as James said in 1:5, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Did not Jesus Himself often seek solitude in wilderness places so that He could pray (Mark 1:35)? We can do the same in our own need for wisdom. It will make us better teachers.
Wise teachers leave a trail of good works and good fruits that are easily noted by all. “Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable (“willing to yield”), full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy” (v17). They pursue purity of life, peace with brethren and are gentle and approachable with those who ask questions or need clarification. They know the truth and hold to it without wavering. They teach the truth with kindness and love.
Jesus spoke of the word as a seed. Here James speaks of the seed (or fruit) of a righteous life is sown by teachers in a peaceful way (v18). He experiences peace from God, behaves in peaceful ways, and teaches peacefully. These fine qualities should be carefully considered by those who want to be godly teachers.
Tim Johnson
Barrie, ON
2 Peter 1:12-15
In Peter’s second and final book he penned in the New Testament, his words are not only strong and insightful, but also personal and tender. Verses 12-15 of the first chapter along with the first two verses of the second display the latter characteristics.
Peter was nearing the end of his life on earth. He had gone from fisherman to nascent apostle, to great apostolic preacher, and now an older, wise, and inspired church leader (See elder and witness, 1 Pet.5:1). His audience may have been situated in the same Asia minor locations listed in the opening verse of his first book, or perhaps to the Christians in Rome if early uninspired Christian writers are correct in their claims. No doubt he was aware of the universal scope of his material which would reach the entire brotherhood. We’ll leave these matters to our other writers this month and next. My point here is that Peter genuinely cared for the Christians he was writing to and expressed his earnest desire to “stir them up by way of reminder” as an older apostle and preacher.
With whatever time he had left, he was “always…ready to remind you of these things.” Did he have a year or two left, or just months? While He didn’t know exactly, he did know that his death was imminent. Jesus himself had told him this. Peter may have been referring to the Lord’s words in John 21:18-29, “signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.” It is more likely the Lord had revealed a clearer timing for the apostle’s demise through other inspired messages. Peter knew death was coming soon and he took this final opportunity to encourage his brethren.
Notice how he viewed his current life in view of its upcoming end. He called it “this earthly dwelling” (v13-14). The word means “tabernacle” or “tent.” Paul used the same imagery in 2 Cor.5:1-2. When the Israelites came out of Egypt they lived in tents in the desert and struggled to carry the holy tabernacle as they went. This was temporary, for more permanent structures would be built when they reached the promised land. Peter viewed his earthly life as temporary in view of something greater to come. Death, then, is a matter of laying the temporary aside for something permanent and glorious, much like one would change out of work clothes for something nicer. God has greater things for us after death (see Phil.3:21). Peter didn’t see the end of life as something empty and frightening; he saw it as a transition to something much greater and wonderful. Further, in verse 15 he spoke of his departure. Using the word exodus, he again calls up the image of Israel taking the road out of Egypt towards the land of promise. The apostle thought of his death as taking the road out of this life into heavenly realms. Let’s be encouraged by Peter’s thoughts as all of us eventually approach the end of our lives on earth.
Having stated these things, Peter pointed out that he was determined in his final stretch of life to remind them of the need to “be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you” (v10). They already knew the truth. Peter pointed out they had been established in it, implying a settled and ongoing commitment to it. It was present with them, almost as if the truth was alive like a person among them. He expressed similar thoughts in 1 Peter 1:23 about “the living and abiding word of God.” They could lose its presence by neglect and unfruitfulness, which would be disastrous. So, he was determined to “stir you up by way of reminder” (v13). Most of us have many opportunities to be taught each week among brethren, and to be stirred up and reminded about the principles, commands and directions found in the word of God. This may seem tedious at times, but it reinforces the truth within our hearts as we go about living in this difficult world. We need it just as much as the people to whom Peter was writing. The mind is forgetful, the Bible is a large book, and we need regular reminders of the words of life.
Let’s also learn from Peter about the value of a purpose right to the end of our lives. Even though he was soon to face death, he “considered it right” to stir them up. He repeats this in 3:1, “I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder.” His body may have been failing him as he aged, but he was determined to fulfil his purpose until his dying breath. We, too, must find ways to serve our Lord until the end. The ways we can serve may change but serve we must. My father used to make intricate wooden 1930’s type cars and trucks with church kids on Wednesday nights after a short Bible lesson. Now adults, they prize these little marvels of engineering. But the time came when he could no longer do it, so to keep active he made phone calls to people to check up on them and encourage them. He was busy doing this right up to within a few weeks of his death. It’s what he could do, and he did it well.
Two thousand years later we benefit from Peter’s final recorded words written to stir us up and remind us. He was aware that through his final acts of diligence, “you may be able to call these things to mind.” What a great way to utilize our own final years of life on earth before our own departure: serving and reminding others.
I, too, have reminded us.
Barrie, ON
While doing mission work in New Brunswick, we missed being with our extended family – the closest member was 1,000 miles away. But once a year my parents would come for a visit, or we would drive for days to visit them. During these times my dad would often take me out for breakfast to check up on me, and we took many walks together as a family. I cherished those times because of what we discussed, but more importantly it was a joy simply to be together. It is like that in our relationship with God: we walk with Him.
Great men and women in the Bible are held up as examples of people who did exactly that. The scriptures imply that we, too, are to walk with God. But what does this mean? We obviously can’t physically walk with Him today, like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. It is more the manner in which we live our lives for God. Let’s consider a few examples of people who did this well.
Perhaps the most famous was Enoch who appears in Genesis 5:18-24, seven generations removed from Adam. Soon it would be time for the great flood, so we can safely assume the world was already sinking into corruption in Enoch’s time. By contrast, “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (v24). The Bible implies that Enoch had a strong relationship with God which took great determination while surrounded by sin, and which lasted a lifetime – some 365 years! The Hebrew writer points out that Enoch was a man of faith and that God was pleased with him (Heb.11:5-6). He believed, that God would reward him for seeking Him, and the result was that God “took him up” into heaven without suffering death. From this great patriarch we learn that walking with God involves more than just a relationship; it also involves faith, determination, and a life that pleases Him – no matter what everyone else is doing.
Enoch’s great grandson, Noah, did the same. “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God” (Gen.6:9). The world had become worse, and judgment was coming. But this man was different; Noah “found favour in the eyes of the Lord” (6:8). For him, walking with God meant refusing to participate in the sins all around him. When God told him about the coming flood, he was quick to begin building the ark, careful to follow God’s specifications. He was determined to do it well (“reverently”) for the life of his family would soon depend on it. He stuck with God through horrific events. What about us? Don’t we become discouraged when things get hard, and our trials seem to last too long? Noah teaches us to stand up, to hang onto God in faith, and to look for the good things that God will supply. We don’t let the world overcome us. Didn’t Jesus say He had overcome the world? (John 16:33)
Walking with God demands patience. Abram was told, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless” (Gen.17:1-2). It had been 24 years since God announced He would bless this man with descendants, but there weren’t any yet. He waited patiently for the child that God had promised and a son arrived the following year. Patience and faith go hand-in-hand. Faith allows us to trust that God will come through with what He has promised, even if it seems to be taking longer than we expect. Have you prayed for help, but nothing seems to come? Just wait; answers will arrive in due time. Abram had to learn this, and he was blessed with a multitude of descendants. We walk with God when we trust.
What should the world see in someone who walks with God? David and Solomon give us a clue when God said, “And as for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you…then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever…” (1 Kings 9:4-5). These men had integrity of heart. People could trust them, depend on their words, and admire their dedication to God. What do people see in us? Let us make it our goal to live a life of integrity and uprightness. This is especially important right now in our society where immoral and untrustworthy behaviour festers, like a pandemic of sin. God wants His people to be known as dependable and trustworthy – just like He is.
Unfortunately, for some people, upright lives lead to arrogance. We do well to remember that when God sent Micah to both Israel and Judah, it was to confront their guilt and to remind them, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) We don’t walk with God as equals. We are his created beings, saved by His grace, and we must proceed in life with humility. In much the same way, Paul urged God’s people to: “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph.4:1b-3). Our walk with God moves us to be kind and gentle with fellow Christians, working hard to be peaceful and unified.
It is amazing that the God of the entire universe wants us to walk with Him. What a joy to be able to do this. Great people of the Bible show us how. Like them, walk with Him every day.
Barrie ON
I like watching Antiques Roadshow. One episode stands out in my mind, when an old lady brought in a small, fragile-looking table. The appraiser looked it over and became very excited because the table was worth a half-million dollars! Turns out it was genuine Chippendale, the queen of all furniture. It was a great moment for antique lovers.
There’s a moment like that in the Bible. Jesus spoke of a man who found a treasure buried in a field (Matt.13:44). In those days there were no banks, and people hid their wealth in places where thieves couldn’t find it. The man was thrilled to discover this long-lost buried treasure. But he had a problem: the owner of the field was the rightful owner of the treasure buried in it. So, the man sold everything that he had and bought the field, thus securing the treasure. Obviously, the treasure was of much greater worth than all his other possessions.
Jesus explained that the kingdom of heaven is like this man who found the treasure. When someone looks into the Bible and understands what the kingdom is, and goes out and finds it, he has discovered a treasure. I’ve met people who discovered it by simply encountering the church, not really intending to search for spiritual treasure. People with good hearts are often thrilled to find it and do everything possible to become part of it. It’s like selling all you have to gain something wonderful.
The New Testament tells us about another man who found the treasure of the kingdom of heaven. His name was Paul. Later, he wrote a letter to some fellow believers and declared, about the Savior, “Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
The question is – have you found the treasure yet? And if you have, do you treat it as more valuable than all that you have?
