What separates those who are highly successful from those who only do what is necessary to get by? Why is it that some people can swim so much faster, run so much farther, bicycle so much longer, or golf so much better than do others? Part of the answer lies with talent and natural abilities. Some people’s bodies are more naturally wired to do certain things better than others. But, an even greater explanation lies within the dedication, the drive, and the motivation that some people have to excel over others.
A successful athlete must choose very carefully what he/she will eat or drink. One cannot hope to compete at a high level if we fuel our body improperly. A successful student must choose very carefully how he/she will spend their time. One cannot hope to achieve high grades if we needlessly waste our time in front of a television or in playing video games. The extent to which we excel in life and enjoy life is not limited to our physical, mental, environmental, or social advantages. Many have overcome tremendous obstacles, adversities, and disadvantages because of the motivation within themselves to do so.
Solomon says it like this: “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil” (Proverbs 4:25-27). The Hebrew writer adds: “Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish” (Hebrews 12:1&2). So, “mark out a straight path for your feet” (12:13). And Jesus reminds us, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
God is the One who gives us the will or the desire to do those things which are necessary to pleasing Him (Philippians 2:13). Highly successful people are disciplined people. They are people who know what they want to do, plan how to achieve what they want, and then stick to their plans without wavering. As Christians, our plans must always be about doing what God wants us to do. Our goals should always encompass bringing honor to Him through our achieve-ments. God has great plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11-14). He will place His power at our disposal if we will but discipline ourselves to glorify Him. What plans are you making?
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
May 25
Solomon spent much of his time as a building superintendent. Many were the projects he completed. At the same time, he acquired great wealth, greater than anyone else in the world. Most of us would look with envy at Solomon. People came from all over the world to hear his wisdom. His fame and reputation, as well as his wealth, were unmatched. He had everything that most human beings think they need and want to enjoy life. But, listen to the words of the man who had it all: “I said to myself, ‘Come now, let’s give pleasure a try. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.’ But I found that this, too, was meaningless.......I also tried to find mean-ing by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards......I had everything a man could desire!.....But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere” (Ecclesiastes 2:1,4,8b,11).
Of all people, Solomon should have known that man’s greatest needs are not physical, but spiritual. In his own words, Solomon would write, “God has planted eternity in the human heart...” (Ecc.3:11). And while Solomon obeyed all that his father, David, had commanded him; and although Solomon came to the conclusion the most important thing any of us can do is to, “Fear God and keep His commands” (Ecc.12:13), he still didn’t seem to get it. For all his wisdom, Solomon did not understand that all we have and all we are, is a gift from God to us. But, God does not give us our talents, our abilities, our wealth, or our opportunities for our own selfish ends. We will find our greatest pleasure in life when we use what God has given us for His glory and not our own pleasure. Jesus understood this. “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing His work” (John 4:34). “That which brings me the greatest satisfaction in life is not in trying to please myself, but in trying to please God.” “I feel best about myself when I am serving Him. For in a weird sort of way, it is those who give of themselves to doing His will by serving others, who also seem to get the most out of what they are doing” (Luke 6:38). Whatever advantages, talents, or opportunities God has given us will best be utilized when we use them for Him, and not for ourselves. Depending upon the choice we make, we will either feel empty like Solomon, or satisfied like Jesus. Which will we choose?
Of all people, Solomon should have known that man’s greatest needs are not physical, but spiritual. In his own words, Solomon would write, “God has planted eternity in the human heart...” (Ecc.3:11). And while Solomon obeyed all that his father, David, had commanded him; and although Solomon came to the conclusion the most important thing any of us can do is to, “Fear God and keep His commands” (Ecc.12:13), he still didn’t seem to get it. For all his wisdom, Solomon did not understand that all we have and all we are, is a gift from God to us. But, God does not give us our talents, our abilities, our wealth, or our opportunities for our own selfish ends. We will find our greatest pleasure in life when we use what God has given us for His glory and not our own pleasure. Jesus understood this. “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing His work” (John 4:34). “That which brings me the greatest satisfaction in life is not in trying to please myself, but in trying to please God.” “I feel best about myself when I am serving Him. For in a weird sort of way, it is those who give of themselves to doing His will by serving others, who also seem to get the most out of what they are doing” (Luke 6:38). Whatever advantages, talents, or opportunities God has given us will best be utilized when we use them for Him, and not for ourselves. Depending upon the choice we make, we will either feel empty like Solomon, or satisfied like Jesus. Which will we choose?
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
May 21
When the Israelites first left Egypt, God commanded Moses to build a large structure, called the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-7). The Tabernacle would be like a huge tent that could be taken down and moved as the people traveled, and then built again when the people stopped. God gave very specific instructions as to how the Tabernacle was to be built, what furnishings would be inside, what the purpose would be for those furnishings, the appointment of priests to minister in the Tabernacle, what the priests would wear, etc. (Exodus 25:8-31:11). Moses did exactly as God commanded (Exodus 35:4-40:33). Whereas, God first appeared to the Israelites when He descended on Mount Sinai in the form of fire, covering the mountain with smoke and causing an earthquake to shake the mountain (Exodus 19), God now filled this Tabernacle in the form of a cloud. And whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle and moved, the people of Israel followed it until such time that the cloud stopped. They would then erect the Tabernacle again. God would fill the Tabernacle as a cloud during the day and at night there was a fire in the cloud so all the people of Israel could see it (Exodus 40:34-38).
While David had wanted to build a permanent structure that God could dwell in, called the Temple, God insisted the task be given to David’s son, Solomon. Solomon enlisted 30,000 Israelites to go to Lebanon in shifts to gather the wood for the Temple (I Kings 5:13) and 153,600 foreign men living in the land of Israel to actually build the Temple (I Kings 5:15-18; II Chronicles 2:17&18). The task of building the Temple took Solomon 7 full years (I Kings 6:38). The Temple itself was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high (I Kings 6:2; II Chron.3:3). The walls were overlaid with gold, as were many of the furnishings. The Temple would be a permanent facility that God’s presence could appear in. It was a magnificently beautiful structure paid for by the willing offerings of the people of Israel. But, in truth, God’s presence inhabits the entire Universe and no building made by human hands can fully contain the Lord (II Chron.2:6; 6:18; I Kings 8:27; Acts 7:48&49; Psalm 139:7-16).
We are later told that under God’s New Covenant with His people, a covenant sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s presence fills the body of EVERY person who believes that Jesus is the Messiah sent by God to redeem us, and who places their trust entirely in his sacrificed blood to forgive us and reconcile us to God (I Corinthians 6:19&20). That truth means we no longer belong to ourselves to do as we please (Romans 14:7&8; Galatians 2:20). Our bodies are to be instruments of God, doing what God wants us to do, and going where God wants us to go. If the Temple housing the presence of God under the Old Covenant was valuable and expensive to build, what does that say about the Temples God now resides in under the New Covenant? As Paul said, “You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you MUST honor God with your body” (I Cor.6:19&20). God no longer desires the sacrifice of dead animals as He did under the Old Covenant. God desires that we be living sacrifices, honoring and glorifying Him in these earthly Temples He has redeemed (Romans 12:1&2).
While David had wanted to build a permanent structure that God could dwell in, called the Temple, God insisted the task be given to David’s son, Solomon. Solomon enlisted 30,000 Israelites to go to Lebanon in shifts to gather the wood for the Temple (I Kings 5:13) and 153,600 foreign men living in the land of Israel to actually build the Temple (I Kings 5:15-18; II Chronicles 2:17&18). The task of building the Temple took Solomon 7 full years (I Kings 6:38). The Temple itself was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high (I Kings 6:2; II Chron.3:3). The walls were overlaid with gold, as were many of the furnishings. The Temple would be a permanent facility that God’s presence could appear in. It was a magnificently beautiful structure paid for by the willing offerings of the people of Israel. But, in truth, God’s presence inhabits the entire Universe and no building made by human hands can fully contain the Lord (II Chron.2:6; 6:18; I Kings 8:27; Acts 7:48&49; Psalm 139:7-16).
We are later told that under God’s New Covenant with His people, a covenant sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s presence fills the body of EVERY person who believes that Jesus is the Messiah sent by God to redeem us, and who places their trust entirely in his sacrificed blood to forgive us and reconcile us to God (I Corinthians 6:19&20). That truth means we no longer belong to ourselves to do as we please (Romans 14:7&8; Galatians 2:20). Our bodies are to be instruments of God, doing what God wants us to do, and going where God wants us to go. If the Temple housing the presence of God under the Old Covenant was valuable and expensive to build, what does that say about the Temples God now resides in under the New Covenant? As Paul said, “You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you MUST honor God with your body” (I Cor.6:19&20). God no longer desires the sacrifice of dead animals as He did under the Old Covenant. God desires that we be living sacrifices, honoring and glorifying Him in these earthly Temples He has redeemed (Romans 12:1&2).
May 18
“O God, your ways are holy.......you are the God of miracles and wonders!” (Psalm 77:13& 14). God demonstrated that truth over and over again throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament. He continues to demonstrate that truth even today. Day after day, God performs miracles all around us. Only those prepared to see them, will actually do so. Those not wanting to see God’s miracles will either miss them, or attribute their origin to some other source besides God. Take for instance, the Israelites crossing the Red Sea as they fled from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:15-31). The ungodly would prefer to believe that the waters parted because of an unusual changing of the tide, or some earthquake. They don’t even attempt to explain how the ground was immediately dry, allowing the Israelites to walk across right away. Neither do they attempt to explain how the waters returned to their original place at the precise moment the Israelites had completed their crossing, drowning the Egyptians who attempted to pursue them. To the rationally minded, it would seem that it takes more faith not to believe in the miracles of God than it does to believe in the God who regularly performs miracles.
How true it is, that we see what we are prepared to see, and hear what we are prepared to hear. Paul wrote to Titus, “Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are defiled” (Titus 1:15). In other words, someone whose mind is pure will see things differently from someone whose mind is corrupt. And likewise, someone who is prepared to see God’s hand in miracles will see miracles coming from God, while someone who refuses to believe in God must find another explanation for miracles besides God. When Martha suggested to the Lord that removing the stone from in front of her brother’s grave might be a mistake since he had already been dead for four days, Jesus reminded her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:39&40).
It is important that we who believe in a miracle-working God, point out His miracles to those around us (Psalm 75:1). It is important that we share these miracles with our children so they, too, are prepared to see them (78:4). When we do, then each generation will find reason to put it's faith in God (78:5-7).
How true it is, that we see what we are prepared to see, and hear what we are prepared to hear. Paul wrote to Titus, “Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are defiled” (Titus 1:15). In other words, someone whose mind is pure will see things differently from someone whose mind is corrupt. And likewise, someone who is prepared to see God’s hand in miracles will see miracles coming from God, while someone who refuses to believe in God must find another explanation for miracles besides God. When Martha suggested to the Lord that removing the stone from in front of her brother’s grave might be a mistake since he had already been dead for four days, Jesus reminded her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:39&40).
It is important that we who believe in a miracle-working God, point out His miracles to those around us (Psalm 75:1). It is important that we share these miracles with our children so they, too, are prepared to see them (78:4). When we do, then each generation will find reason to put it's faith in God (78:5-7).
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
May 16
What do I see when I look in the mirror? Do I see skin, eyes, hair, ears, nose, etc.? Do I see me? Or, do I see God? No, I am not suggesting we are God. What I am suggesting is that when we look at any aspect of God’s creation, we should see the Creator rather than the created. The essence of life is ALL about who or what we choose to focus on. If I go through life with my focus on me, then I will see every opportunity and every open door through the prism of how it can benefit me. I will assume that every good thing which happens to me in life is because of my hard work, my intelligence, my abilities, etc. But, if I go through life with my focus on God, then I will see every opportunity and every open door through the prism of how I can give God glory. I will assume that every good thing which happens to me in life is because of God’s grace and God’s goodness to me.
As we read through the many Psalms, including those David wrote and those he didn’t, we can often see the prism through which the composer is writing. There are even times when the composer changes his focus in the same Psalm.
On the one hand we read, “O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day. O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face away from me?....Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me.....You have taken away my companions and loved ones; only darkness remains” (Psalm 88:13&14, 16,18). And on the other hand we read, “The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours - - you created it all....Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Your throne is founded on two strong pillars - - righteousness and justice....Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. Our power is based on your favor. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord” (Psalm 89:11,13-18a).
‘Lord, help me to always keep my focus on you. Help me to see Creation as a manifestation of you. And help me to see my life not through the glory, or riches, or fame I can receive; but for the glory and fame I can give to you.’
As we read through the many Psalms, including those David wrote and those he didn’t, we can often see the prism through which the composer is writing. There are even times when the composer changes his focus in the same Psalm.
On the one hand we read, “O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day. O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face away from me?....Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me.....You have taken away my companions and loved ones; only darkness remains” (Psalm 88:13&14, 16,18). And on the other hand we read, “The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours - - you created it all....Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Your throne is founded on two strong pillars - - righteousness and justice....Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. Our power is based on your favor. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord” (Psalm 89:11,13-18a).
‘Lord, help me to always keep my focus on you. Help me to see Creation as a manifestation of you. And help me to see my life not through the glory, or riches, or fame I can receive; but for the glory and fame I can give to you.’
May 14
We have a tendency to look for our sufficiency within ourselves or even within others. We often talk about trusting God, but when it comes down to it, we place a lot of trust in what we can do me. David got it right when he said, “all human help is useless. With God’s help we will do mighty things” (Psalm 108:12&13). “If the Lord had not been on our side when people rose up against us, they would have swallowed us alive because of their burning anger against us.....Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.....Our help is from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth!” (124:2&3,5,8). In the New Testament, Jesus said, “without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). And Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Our strength, our wisdom, our hope, and our peace all come from the Lord.
David considered himself blessed in many ways and his gratitude toward God compelled him to live a life of praise. “Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things” (103:2-5a). How often do we praise the Lord? Is it only when He has given us what we wanted? Is it only in those times we feel He has rescued us from our enemies? It is good to give praise to God in all our circumstances.
Though they were innocent of any wrongdoing, Paul and Silas were arrested, stripped of their clothing, severely beaten with wooden rods, and placed in an inner dungeon with their feet clamped in stocks (Acts 16:22-24). But, instead of complaining, instead of getting mad at God, and instead of questioning God’s sovereignty, the two were praying and singing hymns of praise to God. Their example spoke volumes to their fellow prisoners about the power of the God they worshipped. May our example shine as brightly as theirs.
David considered himself blessed in many ways and his gratitude toward God compelled him to live a life of praise. “Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things” (103:2-5a). How often do we praise the Lord? Is it only when He has given us what we wanted? Is it only in those times we feel He has rescued us from our enemies? It is good to give praise to God in all our circumstances.
Though they were innocent of any wrongdoing, Paul and Silas were arrested, stripped of their clothing, severely beaten with wooden rods, and placed in an inner dungeon with their feet clamped in stocks (Acts 16:22-24). But, instead of complaining, instead of getting mad at God, and instead of questioning God’s sovereignty, the two were praying and singing hymns of praise to God. Their example spoke volumes to their fellow prisoners about the power of the God they worshipped. May our example shine as brightly as theirs.
May 10
The sinful who have never, or rarely, been exposed to the truths of God, have very little concept of how depraved they really are. “Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God to restrain them. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful.....They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots” (Psalm 36:1-4). Their conscience has been seared and they know nothing different. When people turn away from God, they are corrupt and their actions are evil (Psalm 53:1,3). We can pity them, ignore them, and thank God we are not like one of them (remember the unrepentant Pharisee in Luke 18:10-12?). Or, we can demonstrate by the way we live, the joy and peace that comes from following God. IF they saw more of a contrast between what we have and what they don’t have, maybe they would be more interested in the God we serve. Maybe, one of the reasons they aren’t attracted to the Jesus they observe in us is because they really aren’t seeing much of Jesus in us. Jesus said that if we lift him up in the way we live, if we show the world Jesus in our lives, he would draw the unsaved world unto himself (John 12:32).
Living my life for Jesus is not just about the eternity I can have because of the salvation Jesus brings me. Neither is living my life for Jesus just about the abundant life I can experience in the here and now because of the wisdom Jesus brings me. If my life is going to count for any-thing, then living for Jesus is also important because doing so attracts other to the Jesus I know. That is the ultimate purpose of our lives. That is a meaning beyond anything we will ever do for ourselves. Those who “trust in the Lord and do good will live safely in the land and prosper.” Those who, “take delight in the Lord” will find the Lord giving them, “your heart’s desires.” “Those who trust in the Lord will possess the land” (Psalm 37:3-6,9). “For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly” (37:17). So, what are you doing with your life these days? Are you making any kind of impact in the lives of others? The only way to do so is by following the example of Jesus (John 13:15). Are you?
Living my life for Jesus is not just about the eternity I can have because of the salvation Jesus brings me. Neither is living my life for Jesus just about the abundant life I can experience in the here and now because of the wisdom Jesus brings me. If my life is going to count for any-thing, then living for Jesus is also important because doing so attracts other to the Jesus I know. That is the ultimate purpose of our lives. That is a meaning beyond anything we will ever do for ourselves. Those who “trust in the Lord and do good will live safely in the land and prosper.” Those who, “take delight in the Lord” will find the Lord giving them, “your heart’s desires.” “Those who trust in the Lord will possess the land” (Psalm 37:3-6,9). “For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly” (37:17). So, what are you doing with your life these days? Are you making any kind of impact in the lives of others? The only way to do so is by following the example of Jesus (John 13:15). Are you?
May 5
David was a great man of God, an exemplary warrior full of courage, and a wise king. But, God had determined that David would not be the one to build a permanent Temple for the Lord (I Chronicles 17:7; 22:6-10; 28:2&3). Being the leader he was, David decided that if he could not personally build the Temple, he would make sure the one who did, would have all the resources necessary to build a Temple worthy of the Lord. The key to David’s gathering so many materials for building the Temple, was his willingness to contribute so generously from his own personal wealth (I Chronicles 29:2-5). Seeing his example, the leaders in David’s army and government followed suit, as did the rest of Israel. In fact, no one was commanded to give. Everyone gave because they wanted to, freely and willingly (29:6,9). What motivated people to be so generous? Why is it that some Christians are generous today while others are not?
David seemed to hit upon the secret in his thanks given before the whole assembly. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the One who is over all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything....Every-thing we have has come from you, and we give you only what you have already given us!” (29:10-14). It seems like the view we have of God is the biggest factor in how generous we are in our giving to Him. When we acknowledge God as the source of all we are and all we have, how can we not be sacrificial in return? As Job reminds us, “The Lord gives and the Lord can take away again” (1:20&21).
But, discipleship by it’s very definition, requires discipline. All of us have some areas of our lives that we have totally given to Jesus, and other areas of our lives in which we are still spiritual infants. David was no exception. For all of his outstanding characteristics, David appears to have been a lousy father. Apparently, that was simply not an area of his life David was all that concerned about. His handling of the rebellion of Absalom was one example and now the problems David has with another son, Adonijah, seem to indicate being a dad was an achilles heel for David. Perhaps, most indicting are these words: “Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him (Adonijah) at any time by asking, ‘What are you doing?’” (I Kings 1:6). There is a lesson for all of us. No matter how much money we accumulate, how import-ant of a position we’ve attained at work, or how many things we have come to possess, the measure of a person’s success can best be gauged by how we do at home. In our efforts to make a living or even serve the Lord, let us not neglect the one area in which we can leave our greatest legacy, our family.
David seemed to hit upon the secret in his thanks given before the whole assembly. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the One who is over all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything....Every-thing we have has come from you, and we give you only what you have already given us!” (29:10-14). It seems like the view we have of God is the biggest factor in how generous we are in our giving to Him. When we acknowledge God as the source of all we are and all we have, how can we not be sacrificial in return? As Job reminds us, “The Lord gives and the Lord can take away again” (1:20&21).
But, discipleship by it’s very definition, requires discipline. All of us have some areas of our lives that we have totally given to Jesus, and other areas of our lives in which we are still spiritual infants. David was no exception. For all of his outstanding characteristics, David appears to have been a lousy father. Apparently, that was simply not an area of his life David was all that concerned about. His handling of the rebellion of Absalom was one example and now the problems David has with another son, Adonijah, seem to indicate being a dad was an achilles heel for David. Perhaps, most indicting are these words: “Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him (Adonijah) at any time by asking, ‘What are you doing?’” (I Kings 1:6). There is a lesson for all of us. No matter how much money we accumulate, how import-ant of a position we’ve attained at work, or how many things we have come to possess, the measure of a person’s success can best be gauged by how we do at home. In our efforts to make a living or even serve the Lord, let us not neglect the one area in which we can leave our greatest legacy, our family.
April 30
It is amazing the things some people become upset about. David was forced to leave Jerusalem because of the uprising of his son, Absalom. After Absalom had been defeated and David is returning to Jerusalem, a dispute broke out between the men of Israel and the men of Judah. Apparently, the men of Judah were more involved in David’s return to Jerusalem than were the men in the other ten tribes (the Levites were priests and would have been excluded from this dispute). “There are ten tribes in Israel, so we have ten times as much right to the king as you do. Why did you treat us with such contempt? Remember, we were the first to speak of bringing him (David) back to be our king” (II Samuel 19:43). Sounds almost like little children.
“Mommy, tell Johnny to give me back my toy!”
We see other similar stories in scripture. Jephthah was an outcast. Because his mother was a prostitute, his half-brothers chased him from their land. But, when the Ammonites began to war against Israel, the leaders of Gilead sent for Jephthah, requesting his help (Judges 11:4-6). After Jephthah successfully led an army composed of men from the tribes of Gilead and Manasseh and defeated the Ammonites, the tribe of Ephraim voiced their anger. They felt they had been slighted because they were not asked to also fight against the Ammonites (12:1). In truth, they really despised the tribe of Gilead, and Jephthah ended up having to defeat them in battle also.
Why is it that people fight over some of the most petty of things? James says it’s because of “the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them” (4:1&2). Consequently, even brothers and sisters will fight with one another, friends will fight with one another, and Christians will fight with one another over what one wants but doesn’t have. The people of God should be smarter than that. As Solomon said, “there is a time for war and there is a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8). May God grant us the wisdom to know the difference between the two.
“Mommy, tell Johnny to give me back my toy!”
We see other similar stories in scripture. Jephthah was an outcast. Because his mother was a prostitute, his half-brothers chased him from their land. But, when the Ammonites began to war against Israel, the leaders of Gilead sent for Jephthah, requesting his help (Judges 11:4-6). After Jephthah successfully led an army composed of men from the tribes of Gilead and Manasseh and defeated the Ammonites, the tribe of Ephraim voiced their anger. They felt they had been slighted because they were not asked to also fight against the Ammonites (12:1). In truth, they really despised the tribe of Gilead, and Jephthah ended up having to defeat them in battle also.
Why is it that people fight over some of the most petty of things? James says it’s because of “the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them” (4:1&2). Consequently, even brothers and sisters will fight with one another, friends will fight with one another, and Christians will fight with one another over what one wants but doesn’t have. The people of God should be smarter than that. As Solomon said, “there is a time for war and there is a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8). May God grant us the wisdom to know the difference between the two.
April 28
Jesus told a parable about a shrewd, but dishonest manager who had been hired to take care of a rich man’s business affairs. The dishonest manager used business practices that were not right and did not match how the rich man would normally do things. Consequently, the rich man called the manager in and told him to pack his things because he was being fired. Before he left his job, the manager called in several of his master’s debtors and reduced the amount owed to the master. One man owed 800 gallons of olive oil to the master and the manager wrote him a new bill for 400 gallons instead. Another man owed 1,000 bushels of wheat and the manager wrote him a new bill for 800 bushels instead. Jesus’ commentary on the parable is found in Luke 16:8&9. “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the citizens of this world are more shrewd than the godly are. I tell you, use the worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.”
An Old Testament example of the shrewd manager is Absalom. Apparently, King David would serve as the judge of Israel, in much the same way Moses had. But, also like Moses, David found himself falling behind in the cases he was able to listen to. Absalom planted him-self in strategic places where he could listen to people’s cases and then express his regrets that David did not have time to listen, as well as his wish that he was a judge so he could listen to those legal cases. “Then people could bring their problems to me, and I would give them justice!” (II Samuel 15:4). And when people tried to bow before Absalom and thank him for even listening, he refused to let them worship him and instead embraced them with a loving hug. And the Bible says, “in this way, Absalom stole the hearts of all the people of Israel” (vs.6). Absalom wasn’t really interested in the affairs of the people so much as he was in becoming king. He simply took advantage of the situation so as to put himself in a position to steal the throne from his father. Absalom eventually did, for a time.
Jesus is not commending dishonesty in the parable he told. What he is advocating is that God’s people use the opportunities, the talents, and the abilities He has given them to promote His kingdom and benefit those in need as shrewdly (but honestly) as people of the world use their opportunities, talents, and abilities for personal gain. The first question we all need to ask ourselves is, “Are we using the gifts God has given us?” And the second question we need to answer is, “Are we using them for our own gain or for His glory?”
An Old Testament example of the shrewd manager is Absalom. Apparently, King David would serve as the judge of Israel, in much the same way Moses had. But, also like Moses, David found himself falling behind in the cases he was able to listen to. Absalom planted him-self in strategic places where he could listen to people’s cases and then express his regrets that David did not have time to listen, as well as his wish that he was a judge so he could listen to those legal cases. “Then people could bring their problems to me, and I would give them justice!” (II Samuel 15:4). And when people tried to bow before Absalom and thank him for even listening, he refused to let them worship him and instead embraced them with a loving hug. And the Bible says, “in this way, Absalom stole the hearts of all the people of Israel” (vs.6). Absalom wasn’t really interested in the affairs of the people so much as he was in becoming king. He simply took advantage of the situation so as to put himself in a position to steal the throne from his father. Absalom eventually did, for a time.
Jesus is not commending dishonesty in the parable he told. What he is advocating is that God’s people use the opportunities, the talents, and the abilities He has given them to promote His kingdom and benefit those in need as shrewdly (but honestly) as people of the world use their opportunities, talents, and abilities for personal gain. The first question we all need to ask ourselves is, “Are we using the gifts God has given us?” And the second question we need to answer is, “Are we using them for our own gain or for His glory?”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
