Dear brethren,
Today's readings:
1Samuel 15,16; 1Chronicles 1; Psalm 39; Acts 11
1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
And many will often use this excuse to brush off accusations or justify personal desires.
Appearance does not matter? Really? What do we read of David who is supposedly a man after God's own heart (1Sa 13:14)? Observe 1 Samuel 16:12 -
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Seems like David is goodly too! But then again what do we read of Jesus? In Isaiah 53:2 -
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
So what is the point? The point is that we should keep things in context and in perspective. God was addressing Samuel's viewpoint and using that to drive home the fact that it was most important that a person's heart be right with God. In no way are we to use that to justify whatever we like to do and label them as unimportant because "God sees our hearts"!
The correct heart will always motivate correct action. And the godly person with a true heart will always see to do so in a humble manner and not insist on his own way and dismiss any form of criticism.
An excellent example is seen in the reading in Acts 11. Here, Peter was falsely accused of keeping inappropriate company. Couple of things here -
1) In spite of the seemingly petty attitude of the Jews, judging by the outcome, they were most likely approaching from the angle of trying to clarify rather than as the Pharisees were with Jesus, to merely find something to accuse. What further is commendable is the biblical approach of seeking out the party involved to clarify (c.f. Mat 18:15), rather than murmur among themselves.
It's not difficult to imagine in today's situation, the accusers would have started blasting Peter on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and what not social media you have, making things go viral and haywire!
2) No ONE, not even the venerable Peter is above board! And yes, if we truly love one another, it is our responsibility to seek clarification and if necessary correct and make right. There is no "close one eye" or "sweeping under the carpet" where spiritual matters are concerned! But of course, all to be done in humility and spirit of meekness.
3) Peter's response to criticism is exemplary. There is no need to beat one's chest or give prideful excuses like "God knows my heart". Just simply clarify! In other matters, it could very well be that we are misled or mistaken. Shouldn't we be glad that someone is pointing out our mistakes? Otherwise, calmly and humbly explain. And then...
4) Make whatever adjustments in attitude/action. If emotions got high, bring them back, apologise, make right, and MOVE ON! No bad blood, no bad mouthing thereafter, no prejudice! At the end of the day, we must all emerge stronger and closer to God and one another.
So let us continue to be humble and teachable, never bite and devour but be kind and tender hearted, yet never sweeping things under the carpet, and develop true godly love by seeking the welfare of others and help one another attain our heavenly goal.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Overthrowing God’s plan
Dear brethren,
Today's readings:
1Sa 1,2; Psalm 120; Acts 5
Acts 5:38-39
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
And many will say the same of the existence, persistence and even phenomenal growth of denominations. Might as well throw in the various similarly blooming world religions.
This was of course the non-inspired Gamaliel that was speaking. An obviously more well learned and level headed individual than his peers and an astute observation nonetheless.
Yes, God’s plan cannot be overthrown! Not the least by man.
But yet, what if the existence and yea even the proliferation of man made religions is part of God’s plan?
Observe what Jesus said in the parable of the wheat and tares in Mat 13:24-30 and especially in the conclusion in v.30 - “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Just as the existence of evil doing in the days of Noah, the 40 year sojourning of the Israelites in the wilderness, the installation of Israelite kings, did not mean God approved of it, the same concept applies. The fact of the matter is that God allows us to choose and those that insist on going against God will not be prevented from doing so. But ultimately, all have to answer to God and to the one standard (Jhn 12:48).
Today's readings:
1Sa 1,2; Psalm 120; Acts 5
Acts 5:38-39
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
And many will say the same of the existence, persistence and even phenomenal growth of denominations. Might as well throw in the various similarly blooming world religions.
This was of course the non-inspired Gamaliel that was speaking. An obviously more well learned and level headed individual than his peers and an astute observation nonetheless.
Yes, God’s plan cannot be overthrown! Not the least by man.
But yet, what if the existence and yea even the proliferation of man made religions is part of God’s plan?
Observe what Jesus said in the parable of the wheat and tares in Mat 13:24-30 and especially in the conclusion in v.30 - “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Just as the existence of evil doing in the days of Noah, the 40 year sojourning of the Israelites in the wilderness, the installation of Israelite kings, did not mean God approved of it, the same concept applies. The fact of the matter is that God allows us to choose and those that insist on going against God will not be prevented from doing so. But ultimately, all have to answer to God and to the one standard (Jhn 12:48).
Friday, April 12, 2019
Gift of the Holy Ghost
Dear brethren,
Today's readings:
Judges 19-21; Acts 2
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The bible take on baptism is crystal clear. It is FOR the remission of sin. In other words the act of baptism remits or makes one free from sin. Paul would later recount what Ananias said to him about baptism in Acts 22:16 "...
arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins..."
Detracters will go to great lengths to explain away the simple command. For example, some claim that "for" really means "unto" and use 1Co 10:2 to explain that it is for the purpose of identifying with having had sins remitted in the first place.
Firstly, we cannot substitute one context with another. 1Co 10:2 was Paul purely using figures of speech to illustrate the types in the Old Testament. Everyone can understand that the same word can be used differently in different contexts! It's like saying when one says "I love durian" really means "I like to eat durian" and therefore "I love you" means "I like to eat you"!
Secondly, if anything, the primary use of the Greek word here is "into". So one is baptised into the remission of sins, which does not change the purpose and implication of baptism.
Thirdly and most importantly, we need to take the whole teaching of the bible! What about other verses like Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16, 1Pe 3:21, etc.? God doesn't expect anyone to be a Greek scholar to come unto salvation!
This is truly an example of what Peter wrote in 2Pe 3:16 of "wresting Scriptures unto own destruction"!
What about the "gift of the Holy Ghost"? Admittedly there is more "controversy" surrounding this. The most direct and relevant reference is found in Acts 10:45, supported by Acts 8:20 and 11:17. Contextually, Peter seems to be referring to miraculous gifts. Question then is, how are they given? Automatically after baptism? Or through some other means? Even as we shall further see in Acts, we realise latter is much more likely and is basically through the laying of hands of the apostles (c.f. Acts 8:17;19:6).
And since the apostles were they only ones with the ability to pass on gifts, this ability ceased with the passing of the last apostle.
So what after? What about us today? One of the clearest and most logical take is found in Heb 6:4 — Heb 6:5 (KJV)
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,"
So when we compare the "heavenly gift", "partakers of the Holy Ghost", "good word of God" and "the powers of the world to come", seems like the common factor is in the word of God. And when we consider in the broader context of things, the Word was inspired of the Holy Ghost (c.f. 2Pe 1:21), and the Word is the power unto salvation (Rom 1:16), hence the gift of the Holy Ghost in the post apostolic context points to the bible. And truly it is a gift, providentially given by God through the Holy Ghost, if anything, just by merely the fact how it had survived the ages and preserved prefectly for us today and into the future.
It remains for us to be eternally grateful for this gift and continually making use of it by studying and applying it to our lives, that we might be pleasing to Him and finally obtain our heavenly reward!
Today's readings:
Judges 19-21; Acts 2
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The bible take on baptism is crystal clear. It is FOR the remission of sin. In other words the act of baptism remits or makes one free from sin. Paul would later recount what Ananias said to him about baptism in Acts 22:16 "...
arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins..."
Detracters will go to great lengths to explain away the simple command. For example, some claim that "for" really means "unto" and use 1Co 10:2 to explain that it is for the purpose of identifying with having had sins remitted in the first place.
Firstly, we cannot substitute one context with another. 1Co 10:2 was Paul purely using figures of speech to illustrate the types in the Old Testament. Everyone can understand that the same word can be used differently in different contexts! It's like saying when one says "I love durian" really means "I like to eat durian" and therefore "I love you" means "I like to eat you"!
Secondly, if anything, the primary use of the Greek word here is "into". So one is baptised into the remission of sins, which does not change the purpose and implication of baptism.
Thirdly and most importantly, we need to take the whole teaching of the bible! What about other verses like Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16, 1Pe 3:21, etc.? God doesn't expect anyone to be a Greek scholar to come unto salvation!
This is truly an example of what Peter wrote in 2Pe 3:16 of "wresting Scriptures unto own destruction"!
What about the "gift of the Holy Ghost"? Admittedly there is more "controversy" surrounding this. The most direct and relevant reference is found in Acts 10:45, supported by Acts 8:20 and 11:17. Contextually, Peter seems to be referring to miraculous gifts. Question then is, how are they given? Automatically after baptism? Or through some other means? Even as we shall further see in Acts, we realise latter is much more likely and is basically through the laying of hands of the apostles (c.f. Acts 8:17;19:6).
And since the apostles were they only ones with the ability to pass on gifts, this ability ceased with the passing of the last apostle.
So what after? What about us today? One of the clearest and most logical take is found in Heb 6:4 — Heb 6:5 (KJV)
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,"
So when we compare the "heavenly gift", "partakers of the Holy Ghost", "good word of God" and "the powers of the world to come", seems like the common factor is in the word of God. And when we consider in the broader context of things, the Word was inspired of the Holy Ghost (c.f. 2Pe 1:21), and the Word is the power unto salvation (Rom 1:16), hence the gift of the Holy Ghost in the post apostolic context points to the bible. And truly it is a gift, providentially given by God through the Holy Ghost, if anything, just by merely the fact how it had survived the ages and preserved prefectly for us today and into the future.
It remains for us to be eternally grateful for this gift and continually making use of it by studying and applying it to our lives, that we might be pleasing to Him and finally obtain our heavenly reward!
No King in Israel
Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
It is interesting that this terrible incident was framed between a repetition of this verse (c.f. Jdg 17:6)
Would it have been better if there were a king? Judging by the times of the kingdom, doesn't seem much so!
The root of the problem was that people had rejected the true King - the Almighty Creator, the Father in Heaven, the Great I AM. (C.f. 1sa 8:7). All throughout the book of Judges, we see this played out again and again in the roller coaster ride of spiritual condition.
One might think, well...wasn't the genocide authorized by God Himself? (C.f. Jdg 20:18,23,28,35) Again we are reminded that what God allows doesn't necessarily means he approves! Notice that the Israelites did not first ask God if they could go against Benjamin but they had already decided to do so and merely asked who to send first.
And just as all sinful "pleasures", one is simply blinded by the "moment of folly" till the aftermath when the reality hits home and regret sets in (Jdg 21:2,3). You notice oftentimes sin begets sin! And they had to murder one group of people and steal from another to get wives.
We ask God why? Yet oftentimes it's because we had ignored God's principles and went on to willfully disobey and fulfill our own lusts.
And yes, it's all because we have no King in our lives or when we chose to ignore the ultimate Ruler in our hearts and go on to decide what we think is best for ourselves.
Brethren, let us learn from history! (Bro YY quoted George Santayana's famous "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" and of course more importantly God commands us to learn from the past Rom 15:4)
Let us not be mistaken. Twice over the proverb writer declared - "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Pro 14:12; 16:25)
Let us not say there is no King in our lives and take things into our own hands but constantly and faithfully acknowledge His Presence and obey His Rule, that we be found right and acceptable before Him.
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
It is interesting that this terrible incident was framed between a repetition of this verse (c.f. Jdg 17:6)
Would it have been better if there were a king? Judging by the times of the kingdom, doesn't seem much so!
The root of the problem was that people had rejected the true King - the Almighty Creator, the Father in Heaven, the Great I AM. (C.f. 1sa 8:7). All throughout the book of Judges, we see this played out again and again in the roller coaster ride of spiritual condition.
One might think, well...wasn't the genocide authorized by God Himself? (C.f. Jdg 20:18,23,28,35) Again we are reminded that what God allows doesn't necessarily means he approves! Notice that the Israelites did not first ask God if they could go against Benjamin but they had already decided to do so and merely asked who to send first.
And just as all sinful "pleasures", one is simply blinded by the "moment of folly" till the aftermath when the reality hits home and regret sets in (Jdg 21:2,3). You notice oftentimes sin begets sin! And they had to murder one group of people and steal from another to get wives.
We ask God why? Yet oftentimes it's because we had ignored God's principles and went on to willfully disobey and fulfill our own lusts.
And yes, it's all because we have no King in our lives or when we chose to ignore the ultimate Ruler in our hearts and go on to decide what we think is best for ourselves.
Brethren, let us learn from history! (Bro YY quoted George Santayana's famous "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" and of course more importantly God commands us to learn from the past Rom 15:4)
Let us not be mistaken. Twice over the proverb writer declared - "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Pro 14:12; 16:25)
Let us not say there is no King in our lives and take things into our own hands but constantly and faithfully acknowledge His Presence and obey His Rule, that we be found right and acceptable before Him.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Micah's Righteousness
Dear brethren,
Today's readings:
Judges 17, 18; Psalm 21; Acts 1
Judges 17:13 (KJV)
Then said Micah, Now know I that the Lord will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.
Or so he thinks! It is interesting how often we can assure ourselves with our own ideas and conceptions. And here was a man who had a house of gods, complete with graven images and an Ephod! A complete and serious violation of what God had commanded (Ex 20:2-5) and yet he had the audacity to say "the Lord will do me good"!
Such is the sad state of affairs in man when he ignores God. As one of the recurring themes in Judges aptly states, "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." and it was not the problem of the lack of a physical king. As we would read later in 1Sam 8, it was basically a lack of respect and adherence to God's authority.
And the sad fact of the matter is, it is still happening today, even in the self-professed Christians of the world at large.
Micah can consecrate a priest for himself. One can have a grand church building, eloquent preachers, throngs of church goers, huge and massive benevolent projects, for that matter, even share the same bible, sing the same songs, and profess the same Jesus Christ as Lord. But yet will not follow the entire counsel of God, will not teach and practice how one truly becomes a Christian, how is one better than the likes of Micah? Isn't that merely doing what which is right in our own eyes? Again and again, we want to remind ourselves of the sobering reminder from our Lord Jesus Himself in Mat 7:21-23.
On the other hand, those that rightly profess Christ, how is that profession manifested? Or are we merely resting on our laurels, thumping our chests and wagging tongues at others?
Let us not deceived - there can be no righteousness and pleasure before God, separate from His Word. There can be no patting of backs with any amount of "good' that is not authorised by God, neither can one assure himself of having obeyed the gospel yet not willing to put one's shoulder to the good work.
Let us be subject wholly to the authority and pattern of God knowing we are new creatures created in Christ unto good works (Eph 2:10) and continue to practice such and teach others so.
Today's readings:
Judges 17, 18; Psalm 21; Acts 1
Judges 17:13 (KJV)
Then said Micah, Now know I that the Lord will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.
Or so he thinks! It is interesting how often we can assure ourselves with our own ideas and conceptions. And here was a man who had a house of gods, complete with graven images and an Ephod! A complete and serious violation of what God had commanded (Ex 20:2-5) and yet he had the audacity to say "the Lord will do me good"!
Such is the sad state of affairs in man when he ignores God. As one of the recurring themes in Judges aptly states, "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." and it was not the problem of the lack of a physical king. As we would read later in 1Sam 8, it was basically a lack of respect and adherence to God's authority.
And the sad fact of the matter is, it is still happening today, even in the self-professed Christians of the world at large.
Micah can consecrate a priest for himself. One can have a grand church building, eloquent preachers, throngs of church goers, huge and massive benevolent projects, for that matter, even share the same bible, sing the same songs, and profess the same Jesus Christ as Lord. But yet will not follow the entire counsel of God, will not teach and practice how one truly becomes a Christian, how is one better than the likes of Micah? Isn't that merely doing what which is right in our own eyes? Again and again, we want to remind ourselves of the sobering reminder from our Lord Jesus Himself in Mat 7:21-23.
On the other hand, those that rightly profess Christ, how is that profession manifested? Or are we merely resting on our laurels, thumping our chests and wagging tongues at others?
Let us not deceived - there can be no righteousness and pleasure before God, separate from His Word. There can be no patting of backs with any amount of "good' that is not authorised by God, neither can one assure himself of having obeyed the gospel yet not willing to put one's shoulder to the good work.
Let us be subject wholly to the authority and pattern of God knowing we are new creatures created in Christ unto good works (Eph 2:10) and continue to practice such and teach others so.
Monday, April 8, 2019
Gideon's Ephod
Readings today:
Judges 7,8; Luke 22
Judges 8:23 (KJV)
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you.
Judges 8:27 (KJV)
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
If the account ended in v. 23, it would have indeed been a perfect ending to the Israelite situation. But as it were, things took a down turn and we see the Israelites falling into idolatry again.
OK so first the positive observations.
Gideon was spot on when he declared that "the Lord shall rule over you". Indeed, if we are to be successful spiritually, the only way is to submit to God's authority. Yes, it is good for us to look up to faithful brethren, even as Paul exhorted in 1Co 11:1 (NKJV)
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." And the key here is the "just as I also" or "in so far as". And one of the problems that Paul was addressing in his letter to the Corinthians was that of sectarianism and cronyism (1co 3:3-5). The same will apply to our submission to the oversight of elders. Our submission is limited to them being Scriptually sound.
And then comes the negative.
It baffles the mind why Gideon would ask for a golden ephod. It was uncannily similar to the gold calf made by Aaron way back in the days of the Exodus (Ex 32). And we all know how it ended up. Perhaps it was due to pride, that he wanted some sort of trophy for himself. Perhaps it was due to fear that the people in succeeding generations will forget he and his descendants. Whatever the case, Gideon made a big mistake as we read in v. 27. He had no authority to do so. And we realise that man is totally clueless in spiritual matters without the word of God (pro 14:12, 16:25, Jer 10:23). As a result, he caused a stumbling block to be put before the Israelites and they yet again fell into idolatry and neither did the people remember Gideon and his accolades (v. 35).
Thus it remains vital for us to continually and consistently subject ourselves to the rule and authority of God because man can change but God will always remain constant and faithful. Man can let us down, but God will always live up to His Promises. And only by submitting to God’s perfect rule, can we be found pleasing in His sight and finally lay claim to our heavenly reward.
Judges 7,8; Luke 22
Judges 8:23 (KJV)
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you.
Judges 8:27 (KJV)
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
If the account ended in v. 23, it would have indeed been a perfect ending to the Israelite situation. But as it were, things took a down turn and we see the Israelites falling into idolatry again.
OK so first the positive observations.
Gideon was spot on when he declared that "the Lord shall rule over you". Indeed, if we are to be successful spiritually, the only way is to submit to God's authority. Yes, it is good for us to look up to faithful brethren, even as Paul exhorted in 1Co 11:1 (NKJV)
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." And the key here is the "just as I also" or "in so far as". And one of the problems that Paul was addressing in his letter to the Corinthians was that of sectarianism and cronyism (1co 3:3-5). The same will apply to our submission to the oversight of elders. Our submission is limited to them being Scriptually sound.
And then comes the negative.
It baffles the mind why Gideon would ask for a golden ephod. It was uncannily similar to the gold calf made by Aaron way back in the days of the Exodus (Ex 32). And we all know how it ended up. Perhaps it was due to pride, that he wanted some sort of trophy for himself. Perhaps it was due to fear that the people in succeeding generations will forget he and his descendants. Whatever the case, Gideon made a big mistake as we read in v. 27. He had no authority to do so. And we realise that man is totally clueless in spiritual matters without the word of God (pro 14:12, 16:25, Jer 10:23). As a result, he caused a stumbling block to be put before the Israelites and they yet again fell into idolatry and neither did the people remember Gideon and his accolades (v. 35).
Thus it remains vital for us to continually and consistently subject ourselves to the rule and authority of God because man can change but God will always remain constant and faithful. Man can let us down, but God will always live up to His Promises. And only by submitting to God’s perfect rule, can we be found pleasing in His sight and finally lay claim to our heavenly reward.
Friday, April 5, 2019
Beware the Snare
Dear brethren
Today's readings
Judges 4-6; Luke 21
Luk 21:34 — Luk 21:35 (KJV)
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Certainly some sobering warnings from no less the Lord Himself!
The word "Surfeiting" refers to the overconsumption of something. The NKJV and NIV renders it as "carousing" while the ESV and NASB as "dissipation". The Greek word kraipale alludes to a headache from a hangover or overindulgence. Hence the idea of excessiveness.
It is interesting that the "cares of this life" is added to the mix of supposed wanton living. Though the word "cares" here relates more to anxiety (c.f. Matt 6:27, 31), it is often true that even seemingly legitimate activities can cause us to loose our focus.
The snare is a simple but effective contraption that hunters use to trap animals. Typically consists of a loop of wire anchored to a sturdy object, for the animal to pass through and get entangled. And once caught, the struggling actually makes the snare tighter. The skilled hunter does not place snares at random but along the trails of the hunted animal thus greatly increasing the chances of a catch.
And so it is with Satan and his devices! The devil will attack the places we are most vulnerable and oftentime it's the "legitimate", "healthy" activities where it is least expected that catches one off guard. Work is good and indeed important (2Th 3:10), but is it taking our time off to serve God and worship Him? Families are important and we certainly have obligations to them (Eph 6:1-4), but are we using a spiritual or secular approach? Even the work of the Lord, without argument being the most important thing, can be a snare if we allow our egos to rule over us (c.f. Phi 1:15,16; 2Co 12:7).
Well did Paul write in 1 Cor 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
Let us take heed, take care, take precautions, by continually focusing on the right things and be with like minded brethren to keep one another on our toes (we can't do it alone!) so that we will not be caught unawares on that Day.
Today's readings
Judges 4-6; Luke 21
Luk 21:34 — Luk 21:35 (KJV)
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Certainly some sobering warnings from no less the Lord Himself!
The word "Surfeiting" refers to the overconsumption of something. The NKJV and NIV renders it as "carousing" while the ESV and NASB as "dissipation". The Greek word kraipale alludes to a headache from a hangover or overindulgence. Hence the idea of excessiveness.
It is interesting that the "cares of this life" is added to the mix of supposed wanton living. Though the word "cares" here relates more to anxiety (c.f. Matt 6:27, 31), it is often true that even seemingly legitimate activities can cause us to loose our focus.
The snare is a simple but effective contraption that hunters use to trap animals. Typically consists of a loop of wire anchored to a sturdy object, for the animal to pass through and get entangled. And once caught, the struggling actually makes the snare tighter. The skilled hunter does not place snares at random but along the trails of the hunted animal thus greatly increasing the chances of a catch.
And so it is with Satan and his devices! The devil will attack the places we are most vulnerable and oftentime it's the "legitimate", "healthy" activities where it is least expected that catches one off guard. Work is good and indeed important (2Th 3:10), but is it taking our time off to serve God and worship Him? Families are important and we certainly have obligations to them (Eph 6:1-4), but are we using a spiritual or secular approach? Even the work of the Lord, without argument being the most important thing, can be a snare if we allow our egos to rule over us (c.f. Phi 1:15,16; 2Co 12:7).
Well did Paul write in 1 Cor 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
Let us take heed, take care, take precautions, by continually focusing on the right things and be with like minded brethren to keep one another on our toes (we can't do it alone!) so that we will not be caught unawares on that Day.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Seek and save the lost
Dear brethren
Today's readings
Joshua 22-24; Psalm 116; Luke 19
Luke 19:10 (KJV)
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Jesus previously mentioned how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom. (Luk 18:24-25) And yet here's a successful example. Because Jesus also said with God all things are possible (Luk 18:27)!
This goes to show that where there are willing souls, God will always provide.
This passage also suggests to us that by giving our lives wholly to God (c.f. 2Co 8:5) it does not mean we have to forsake all our material possessions and live an ascetic (abstaining from all forms of finer living) life [for example in the case of the rich ruler, it was his attitude of holding higher regard to riches that was the problem (c.f. 1Ti 6:17-19) not the actual act of forsaking all and in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, not the actual act of giving up the entire proceeds from the sale of land but the fact they lied about it (Act 5:4)] but that we give priority to spiritual matters. That IF we had to forsake all, we will do so.
This passage also reminds us that we need to be active in our evangelism endeavors. We also should not be choosy about the person and not judge based on our own preconceived notions but jump at every opportunity as it presents itself. God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:11) [meaning to say He is not prejudiced against anyone but all have an equal opportunity to be saved] so all the more we cannot be!
Let us be like Jesus in our zeal and willingness to bring the gospel everywhere and to anyone and everyone, and be like Zacchaeus, always ready and willing to obey God's Word and do His good will!
Today's readings
Joshua 22-24; Psalm 116; Luke 19
Luke 19:10 (KJV)
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Jesus previously mentioned how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom. (Luk 18:24-25) And yet here's a successful example. Because Jesus also said with God all things are possible (Luk 18:27)!
This goes to show that where there are willing souls, God will always provide.
This passage also suggests to us that by giving our lives wholly to God (c.f. 2Co 8:5) it does not mean we have to forsake all our material possessions and live an ascetic (abstaining from all forms of finer living) life [for example in the case of the rich ruler, it was his attitude of holding higher regard to riches that was the problem (c.f. 1Ti 6:17-19) not the actual act of forsaking all and in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, not the actual act of giving up the entire proceeds from the sale of land but the fact they lied about it (Act 5:4)] but that we give priority to spiritual matters. That IF we had to forsake all, we will do so.
This passage also reminds us that we need to be active in our evangelism endeavors. We also should not be choosy about the person and not judge based on our own preconceived notions but jump at every opportunity as it presents itself. God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:11) [meaning to say He is not prejudiced against anyone but all have an equal opportunity to be saved] so all the more we cannot be!
Let us be like Jesus in our zeal and willingness to bring the gospel everywhere and to anyone and everyone, and be like Zacchaeus, always ready and willing to obey God's Word and do His good will!
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