How Many Souls
Have You Saved Today?
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9
Who, if not you? Who will help assure that none will perish? With the question asked, we might even be tempted to answer. Like many of the rest of us, one could possibly begin to feel extreme guilt because we doubt we have saved anyone. Others might hang their head in shame when they think of the thousands credited to television ministers and world famous evangelists. Picture the scene at a rally of thousands and the evangelist asks the life changing question, "Are you saved?" and a course, a multitude responds, "Yes truly!" Wow! What do we have to compare with that? The scorecard tells the tale even if the playing field is not even. Truly these men are gifted; who are we in contrast? They have devoted their lives to saving souls, while we have pursued other occupations. Is it really fair to compare?
Is there any excuse in the fact that we do not have the gift of evangelism or should we read and study to improve our "track record?" It is recorded in Ephesians 4:11 that some are called to be evangelists, while others are called to different ministries. Maybe we don’t have the evangelical gift. Should more time be spent in church teaching people how to "save souls for Christ.?" Recognizing that we all are called into service and that He would not that any should be lost, what responsibility does the church have in equipping us with the tools for more effective evangelism?
Bill Hybels writes about the exhilaration he felt with his first experience at leading scores of high-school students to the Lord and invites us to join the effort (Becoming a Contagious Christian, p. 35, Zondervan, 1994). "Many of whom," he goes on to say, "will thank you for all of eternity in heaven…" (p.36). That’s a step away from claiming to have saved scores of people, but is it far enough away to avoid an obvious pitfall? Who does the saving? An evangelist is one who announces the gospel to others. He preaches the gospel to unbelievers. But it is through faith, not the works of evangelists that a person is saved. The Holy Spirit leads. It is He who gives us the very words we say. It is He who convicts not the evangelist. Lest any man boast. It is the work of the Kingdom we are invited to participate in, not the work of man. What pastor in good conscience would lay claim to have authored the excellent sermon just preached either in form, delivery or content? What teacher would own the lesson? Is it the intercessor responsible for the healing prayer? In the same respect, what evangelist can rightly claim to have saved a single soul? Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13). Is this the Scriptural basis for a "Look at what I did!" attitude?
Concerning His place in the books of the Old Testament, The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia notes this about the Holy Spirit; "the Spirit imparts special endowment of power without necessary reference to the moral character of the recipient." Praise God! Was it Solomon’s wisdom or God’s? In the New Testament, did Jesus the man resist temptation, preach, perform miracles and prophesy of Himself? He did not. Then, is to proclaim that we save, we preach, we heal or we teach setting ourselves above our Lord and Savior? To whom does the credit belong? As part of the Triune God, it belongs to God the Father, Jesus the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Unless we are part of that Trinity, perhaps we should not lay claim to any of their accomplishments. (Mark 13:11, Luke 12:12, Matthew 10:20, John 16:7-15). And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8)
By the way, the Scripture from 2 Peter 3:9 is not an assurance that none will perish. Rather it is, in his opinion, the desire of Jesus that none should perish. Nor may one, with any degree of Scriptural justification, conclude that He, Jesus, will not return until everyone is saved.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth
Acts 1:8†
For the Church as Organization
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
Footnotes to this passage from Romans suggest it covers the full range of things with the potential to separate us from the love of Christ. Nothing will stop His love for us. However, this partial list provided by Paul might end our love for Him. In any event, the Father of Lies can be much more subtle. In most instances, He needn’t resort to such obvious and extreme measures.
For the church, the factors preventing spiritual growth can be the very things intended for its promotion. They are cunningly deceitful and nearly always fatal. Things invariably carnal and seductively inoffensive sidetrack us. Isn’t a meeting place essential? Who could argue against having a church? Well, no one, but how much is enough? And, even with the most basic requirements to meet "essential needs," we must realize how easily we can be seduced. From start to finish, buildings are a distraction. They take resources to purchase and maintain. Invariably, like a new closet, our "needs" increase exceeding the capacity of our facility. Ever larger and more modern facilities are required to meet our ever increasing "needs." Ego becomes involved. Bigger is better. In actuality we may be keeping up with the denomination down the street, but we delude ourselves that our lavishly opulent worship facilities glorify God.
What else must we have? Music! First a used piano is quite adequate then a new grand is a must. An electronic Wurlitzer would really enhance worship, then we can’t do without a small pipe organ. From a small group of volunteer praise singers, we graduate to a large, more elegant, choir directed by a maestro. Soon our tastes require an orchestra to accompany the magnificent thousand-pipe organ and hundreds of voices choir. All of this applies pressure on the Board of Deacons for a new sanctuary, a larger organ, video capabilities including a better sound system and, it goes without saying, more convenient parking. Our beautiful sanctuary, our spectacular music and our elegant pastor’s cultured sermons are packing them in. He, naturally, is a celebrity in his own right.
It goes without saying that the paid musical staff is in addition to the already burgeoning "pastoral staff." The "demands" of the congregation require an assistant and associate pastor to help carry the burden. The church could not survive without youth pastors, pastors for singles, women, men, those of college age, teen-agers, grade-schooler’s and kindergarten. A minister of evangelism and one for new members are absolutely essential. Each of these busy persons must have a support staff commensurate with their responsibilities – Acts 6:2 is cited as Scriptural justification. As the "work of the Lord" progresses, a director of building and grounds is added along with directors of art and worship. How can we get along without a director and staff to solicit major gifts? Now "It," whatever extravagance is questioned, "was given at the behest of an unnamed benefactor." The church takes on its own life. Then, there are absolutely necessary adjunct departments the organization could not do with out. On the short list are accounting, personnel and legal departments – advertising and audio-visual aids soon to follow. All cost money. Increasingly financial pressures require more and more of the church’s time and effort. Ultimately, it will taint what is said from the pulpit lest someone be offended and cease their financial support. The principle of not worrying (Matthew 6:25-34) seems no more considered by the "church" than for its individual members.
Much like wealth itself, there is no evil in buildings, organs, a professional staff or anything else until they become all consuming ends rather than the means they were intended to be.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual
house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:6)
†
Distractions II
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Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable
always abounding in the work of the Lord 1 Corinthians 15:58
The tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians within the early community of faith was a major hindrance to glory of God. Their issues were comparable to our contemporary disputes over the proper form of baptism or our millennial views. These relatively unimportant issues distracted them. We don’t seem to profit from reading of others mistakes. Instead, we trivialize their issues while regarding ours as weighty theological matters, the pinion upon which God’s sacred plan revolves. With our personal lives, we are the same way. Our wants prevail.
In contrast, the "principalities" separating us from Him are of great importance – in our opinion. We don’t even see these things as tribulations or distressful, or persecuting to us. Clearly we aren’t naked or starving. We invite them into our lives. They are harmless, "What harm is there in a little (you fill in the blank)?" We earnestly seek them out. We may consider them of inestimable value. Sometimes we even attempt to justify them on religious grounds
Diversions take us from doing His will and studying the Word. They are preoccupations, obsessions in the extreme. We often express our turning away with the statement, "I wish I had the time to study the word but ------ (fill in the blank)." The exercise is very much like the young man who earnestly expressed a desire to play the piano but never took a single lesson. We claim our priorities to be God foremost and then proceed to put everything else ahead of Him.
We recognize the significance of Matthew 6:19-21 that cautions us about storing up treasures on earth. But, we don’t connect so much of what we do with the idea of "storing up treasures" – ours are essential. We have to earn a living. We need a place to live, food to eat and all the everyday things. Are we to deny ourselves relaxation, recreation and vacation time?
We don’t seem able to make distinctions between "needs" and "wants." How much is enough, how much is excessive? The answer is in the finite quality of human life. Are some people slaves to their work who wind up giving all they have to an extended care facility. How often does a person, after spending over half their life "earning a living," slip into Alzheimer’s disease or die? Recognizing overeating as a major health issue in the United States, is it remotely possible we have moved from the "need food for nourishment" to "wanting food to satisfy a craving?" How many and what type of "distractions" do we "need" for relaxation? What "toys" do our recreational activities take? How distant and exotic must it be to qualify as a vacation? If it is idle hands, are we playing into his? As for those times for relaxation and recreation, are they of a nature and place pleasing to God or to the flesh?
Note the modern "family." Who "raises" the children, the nursery/daycare providers, grade-school/high-school "teachers" or the children’s peers? They are more responsible for child rearing than what we euphemistically call "parents." Biology may determine "parenthood" before the courts, time spent with children determines degree of influence. Quality time vs. amount of time carries no more legitimacy with children than with Christ.
Entrepreneurs tell us that, "time is money," if so, how are we spending ours? Would reducing our needs to wants, give us more time for Him? Perhaps we should modify Romans 8:35 to read, "What will stop us from serving Christ? Shall pastimes, expensive restaurants or luxurious automobiles work or house or leisure or fine clothes or high-priced vacations?"
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
tribulation, or distress or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
†
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me
Matthew 16:24
There is a built-in appeal in what is nominally called "Prosperity Christianity," especially for Americans. Basing its theology on those passages of the Bible presuming to suggest that God does not want us to suffer or want for anything in this life and that, as our Loving Father, He wants only the very best for us. After all, we are informed, Jesus said exactly that, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). But, as usual, the rascal is in the details. Taken from the larger context of the Bible, and particularly the teachings of Jesus, they seem to point to a "Life of Riley," for Christians. Jesus unequivocally condemns worldliness with its self-centered materialism. In addition to the Scripture quoted above, He tells us, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal (Matthew 6:19)
Christ did not "slide down from the cross," as some have suggested, to prevent our suffering. Otherwise the cup promised the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 20:23) would have been an inexhaustible checking account. Even the good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over in Luke 6:38 is prefaced upon our helping the needy and promises help in return when we are in need. Matthew 16:24 speaks of the central importance of sacrificial living for Christians. To translate the idea of taking up one’s cross into an opulent, carefree life is stretching the point. It becomes more disagreeable within the framework of American Christians wanting for virtually nothing beyond some appreciation for what they already have. Much like His followers who, right up to the end, seemed not to fully appreciate His sacred person-hood, and the real gift His presence was, we also seem to look askance at His presence while demanding more and more of this life.
We have been called to serve, not to be served. He that believeth on me, Jesus said, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do (John 14:12). How is that even conceivable within the context of "me-ism?" For His part, within a few short day of "sliding down from the cross," He was outlining the work His followers were expected to do. He told them to Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). As Jesus prepared to ascend, He did not itemize the rewards they should shortly expect. Rather, He was fulfilling the reason for His ascension, Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22) -- not Santa Clause.
The life of Christ’s disciples is one of labor and hardship, not luxury and leisure. James and Peter did not die of old age. A disciple’s life is sacrificial rather than being sheltered from harm. That is, unless such passages as, And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me (Matthew 10:38) are in total error. Even more pointedly is that record found in Luke 14:27, And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. The sacrifices required by Him are not ceremonial like those under the old law. Nor do they justify, His blood does that. He requires nothing less than a total moral and ethical commitment. We are called to willingly sacrifice ourselves, not to give of our things in a temple ceremony. We are to repudiate ourselves in all respects. What else could Jesus mean by, For whoever wants to save his life will lose it (Matthew 16:25)? We must want to renounce everything worldly and, if necessary, our lives. How many of His disciples died of old age while living a prestigious life in the lap of luxury? Are the martyrs of Christendom to be mocked as misguided fanatics?
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14
†
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And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Able thy
brother?
And he said, I know not; Am I my brother’s keeper? Genesis 4:
What is, or perhaps we should ask, what should be our response to an errant brother or sister in Christ? Cain slew Able, his brother, with a knife. How often do we slay our wayward brother with a word or a glance? Cain’s murder ended his brother’s life, how often do our murderous words end another’s Christian service? How often, instead of a helping, healing process do we widen the wound? How often do we, through scorn and rejection, end the promising life of ministry and mission of another saint? Do we fail to understand words create deep wounds that resist healing? Those created with a knife can be seen and, consequently, addressed. Those from words are unseen and may never be treated. Then, that may be our intent. Cain meant to murder his brother should that be ours?
Did Jesus intend us to destroy those whom we deem to be sinners within our midst? Is that His message? He told Peter that how John was treated was none of his business, If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me (John 21:19). Is it our place, then, to execute a judgement that Jesus denied Peter, and determine another’s worth for ministry? Paul, the great architect of the church, counseled, if any may have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:12. He was grieved by disputes between members of the church. Yet, there are clear instances in which a believer endangers the ministry of the congregation by his flagrant and outrageous behavior. What then?
Jesus gives us a four-step formula for correcting a straying disciple, it is found in Matthew 18:15-17. First, there is to be a warm and caring, personal meeting between the two (v. 15). Should that fail to resolve the issue, the second level of correction is to approach the offender with one or two witnesses able to attest to the good faith of the accuser and the deeds of the offender (v. 16). Third, if that does not result in the person turning from his destructive ways, the matter is to be taken to the congregation (v. 17). If the sinner still refuses to repent, and only then, he is to be cut off from the fellowship of the church (v. 17). All of this is intended to restore the offending party, not to punish or to reject. It is for his edification and growth, his return to the flock, rather than to berate and rebuke. We think of the parable of the Lost Sheep as pertaining to the unsaved and perhaps it does. Just as surely it concerns those members of the congregation who have gone astray. Clearly, that is the message of the Prodigal Son.
Too often, unfortunately, we seem to delight in playing Cain. Like him, we seem to feel a "pound of flesh" is just compensation for being wronged. Unlike him, we all too often lack the courage of his conviction and resort to lying in wait under the cover of darkness to assail those we perceive as offenders of the faith with the "slings and arrows" of our scorn and gossip. What glory is there in having a church with a "revolving door" which, in too many instances, we find as many, maybe more, leaving out the back as are coming in the front? Even more egregious is when the exodus is produced by our unwillingness to come to the aid of another. If we cannot lovingly reprove a brother, how can we possibly evangelize an unbelieving world? Are we our brother’s keepers? God’s response to Cain’s denial would surely suggest that we are. It is well to remember this ancient dispute was over the acceptability of one’s service to God.
And he said, What hast thou done?
The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground (Genesis 4:10)
†
Rapture
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Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
What a glorious day! Amen!
Who can deny its advent? Excuse the play on words, but there will be a glorious day when Jesus returns and when we join Him. It is the fifth major principle of Christian life along with His virgin birth, His crucifixion, His resurrection and His ascension. "Coming again," we sing, "Coming again; O, what a wonderful day it will be – Jesus is coming again!"
He is! Amen!
Rejoice as we should, full of the Spirit rejoice as we must. Herbert Lockyer suggests that we should not only believe in His return, but that we should pray for it, cherish the thought of His return, preach it, watch for it, expect it, look for it, wait for it, don’t spurn it, hasten it, recognize its certainty as a source of power in our daily lives, live for His coming and be unashamed of His coming (pp. 280-281, All the Doctrines of the Bible, 1994, Zondervan). In short, the joy of its certainty and our expectation of the Rapture should be the central point of our lives. That’s the point, to make Him the all-consuming passion of our lives. Christianity is serious business – the most serious – not to be taken lightly. It isn’t a pastime or a hobby, something to be taken up when the mood strikes us or put down when we are through. We are never through. As one of Yogi Berah’s famous sayings puts it, "It ain’t over ‘til it’s over."
Who could keep silent about such a glorious event? Many are. They don’t want to appear arrogant or to alienate non-believers, perhaps. There is even the expressed "fear" of being exclusive in seeming to say that only Christians are going to heaven. We shouldn’t ever give so much as an appearance of arrogance. It, haughtiness, was one of the things Jesus said made a person "unclean" (Mark 7:22). Speaking the truth should never be done so with rudeness but sincerity and compassion. It should never be avoided either. To answer the question, "Do you actually believe that only Christians are going to heaven?" with an excuse such as, "Well, I really don’t into heavenly matters, is as blasphemous as a "no." This is a "dark side" the Second Coming, there will be those not participating. Not only will some be :left behind," many will spend their lives in hell.
They are not our enemies. Indeed, they may be our loved ones whom we cherish above all. Our joy will be for His return, not for their loss. Our prayers are for His return, not for their condemnation. Such would be a masterpiece of arrogance. What then should w do, spend our days in anticipation; attempt to divine the time, place and circumstances of that which Jesus said, But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only (Matthew 24:36)? He also said, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (John 4:35). Now this seems to be more our "appointed round," yet some never leave the bunkhouse and others never lift a scythe. Perhaps we should be praying, "Forgive us Father for we know not what we do. While the field is ripe and the workers few, we spend our days in supplication for more from you."
If we should constantly celebrate and pray for His return, we sould as frequently ask His forgiveness for our failure. Christ did not grieve over Jerusalem, He grieves over Jerusalem. How much are we like the Disciple s at the eleventh hour asleep while He prays for the souls of those soon to be lost?
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20
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TO BASICS
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.
KJV
Some Christians seek a united front with other denominations. Some seek common ground with other religions and world peace. Some seek to empower Christians to get out of the pews and on with their God given ministry. Others wish to carry the Word to their neighbors or foreign lands.
Perhaps we have miscalculated our readiness for empowerment, missions or bridge building. All may be premature. The church's foundations may be on sinking sand. It seems unlikely we can build bridges or become contagious Christians without knowing the fundamentals of our own faith. There are indications many do not.
The first warning is Christians abandoning their faith. Since the World Trade Center disaster, thousands of American Christians have converted to Islam. That suggests a total lack of understanding of the quality of garment they so willing to cast off. Chuck Colson's organization thinks the attraction to Islam is the very dogmatism Americas disdain. Out of the frying pan into the fire.
The second is the move to reconcile with other religions. Even more disturbing is Christians defending other religious faiths. Not to do so is un-American. Bigot, fanatic, fundamentalist, even (Heaven forbid!) evangelical are the acrid labels spat upon those who dare suggest our mission is to convert rather than reconcile. "What? You think only Christians are saved?" "Everyone else is going to hell?" "Islam has its bin Laden, Christianity has its Klan." as though all these were self evident, meaningful and end-all statements. Is this our calling?
Third, ask Christians to identify the fundamentals of their faith. Be prepared for a jolt. Most pew sitters don't concern themselves with millennialism, election, total depravity, transubstantiation, heterais glossais or other complex theological matters. Although they have divided the Christian church, such weighty matters are irrelevant in the lives of the laity. They don't seem to grasp John 3:16 either. The entertainment value of the music or the eloquence of the preacher might arouse some discussion. Political issue and social concerns certainly will. What the pulpit has managed to convey to the pew crew is, "Christians are here just to get along." "God is love." Love my neighbor, but don't try to convert him." "The Bible is confusing." "No one really understands it?" "Who knows God's will?" "What we believe is a matter of personal opinion."
The task confronting congregations today may not be finding peaceful coexistence, the missionary field or combating passivity. It may be as simple and crucial as helping Christians discover Christianity. Before we proclaim the esoteric, we should learn the essentials. So far we seem to have failed at both. Maybe we should stick to preaching and teaching foundations, the fundamental Truth of Christianity before probing rarefied theology. First, we must know Jesus the Christ before we can serve others.
A better understanding of the basics of our faith might, just might, help resolve the differences between the multitude of denominations. After all, what is really important? We would undoubtedly discover that attempting peaceful reconciliation with other religions is laying them open to the possibility of eternal condemnation. It might help inoculate us to the deceptive appeal of other religions. We would certainly become more effective witnesses for our Lord and Savior.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
KJV
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
KJV
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All ye shall be offended because of Me this night
Matthew 26:31a
This passage was just after Jesus celebrated the Lord’s Supper for the first time. Then He and His disciples went up to the Mount of Olives and He told them all would deny Him. If we look closely, something very profound was occurring. Remember Peter’s response to Jesus’ unequivocal statement that ALL would stumble? Basically he said, "Not me! Everyone else might but I sure won’t! I’ll drop dead before I deny you!" Of course, with belated conviction, the rest chimed in that they would too. But Peter was contradicting his Lord. He knew better!
Wasn’t Peter’s response arrogant? Wasn’t he claiming to have a stronger character, a greater faith, perhaps superior understanding than the rest? Yes, yes it would appear so on all three counts. Even during Christ’s arrest Peter’s actions betrayed a side of his character suggesting he thought he was the most faithful, the most loyal, the most brave, the most willing to die for his Master. John (18:10) "credits" him with loping off the ear of a servant of the high priest. Was this more arrogance? Did he understand that Christ could pray to His Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53) for His defense? Why did he think Jesus needed his help? Within hours, perhaps minutes, His prophetic words came true. Before 3:00 a.m. that very morning Peter denied he even knew of or heard about Jesus Christ to say nothing of being a follower. He cursed and swore an oath. The rooster crowed.
This isn’t to assail Peter. Like everything in Scripture, it is for our edification. Perhaps, this instance is intended as a reminder of just how vulnerable we are. If Peter was subject to such evil influences, how much more so are we? Perhaps this Scriptural lesson could be called "The Peter Principle" suggesting the dangers of too much confidence in one’s own abilities. Paul writes, Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. (2 Corinthians 3:4) Isn’t to think and act differently prideful and arrogant? Paul again,
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this think I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most Gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(2 Corinthians 12:7)Surely the lesson is realizing our strength comes from the Lord. The Bible is full of the folly of men, none more common than our inclination to rely on our own strength and understanding. It started in the Garden, it plagued the people of the Covenant for their entire history, it haunted the disciples/apostles their entire lives and it plagues us today. If I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) is true just as surely I can do nothing without Him is also true. Still, we persist. We don’t heed the counsel against relying on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) and insist upon conforming all things to our level of comprehension.
There is arrogance in power. There is also arrogance in pride that tempts us to believe we are worthy to occupy positions of power and influence because of our intelligence, our knowledge, skills and abilities. The declaration found in Matthew applies just as surely to us today as it did to the disciples, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.( 26:31c)
I do not know-God knows..…I do not know but God knows (2 Corinthians 12:2-3)
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It started in the Garden
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We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ Genesis 3:2
God told Adam, Of every tree in the garden you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat (Genesis 2:16-17). Virtually everything has been thrown into the "evil" category. A process of elimination seems to determine "good," leading some to claim His will is a mystery. "It all seems relative? What I do is wrong, what you do is OK." Isn’t the answer "willfulness?" Who is in charge? Disobedience, sin, is attempting to be "morally independent from God."
There is no record of Adam or Eve apologizing. Instead, the first thing the guilty couple did was to make some clothes and get dressed. They asserted themselves in choosing to eat the fruit. They asserted themselves by deciding to hide their transgressions. At that point, the relationship they shared with God was broken. God was still approachable. He even came into the garden searching for them. They weren’t available. They didn’t even appreciate the leather jackets and slacks God fashioned for them. Clearly, there was an attitude problem – no responsibility, no remorse, no repentance. Maybe that’s why they were given the "bum’s rush."
Willfulness broke the relationship impenitentence widened the gap. Now, they had to go to work. Living wasn’t free any more. Their judgment, their opinions distracted them from God’s will and from their relationship with Him. This was not the first for Satan. Exerting his will over that of the Lord God Almighty brought about his expulsion from heaven -- exactly how he distracted Adam and Eve. Remember that he is the author of the values in this world, as our intellect becomes the author of reason and design.
Is it just coincidental that Eve named her first offspring Cain meaning "possessions/acquisitions?" (Actually, brass and iron representing things of great value in that culture.) It is he who killed Able the remorseful and repentant son. After his banishment, Cain attempted to justify himself by building a city that some commentators suggest is the prototype of those who seek their satisfactions and rewards in this life. Greediness, possessiveness, larceny, fraud, selfishness, the love of things, materialism immediately entered the scene.
First, Satan tempted our Lord and Savior with food (Matthew 4:3), then personal safety (v.5), and privilege, power and prestige (vs.8-9). Is it surprising that we euphemistically refer to the "man of the house" as the "bread winner?" Isn’t he to provide all these things for his family? Aren’t these the measure of his success? The obsession with such things is a distraction. It is a passion to control one’s destiny. The lilies of the field depend upon the whims of nature. The architect of a house or a city controls those elements. The beggar is aware of his dependence. He with wealth is under the illusion he has security designed by him and under his control regardless of how often he is robbed, his house burns or the market crashes.
With our lips we make empty concessions to His control over our lives, in our hearts we seek our own. We forget about the bread of life. We choose not to remember the Good Shepherd. We don’t recall the indestructible treasures to be laid up in heaven. "Let go and let God" just as long as He doesn’t interfere with my will, my plans, my desires or my reasoning.
Revisiting the Garden, isn’t the lesson of the tree of knowledge about dominion over one’s life? Adam and Eve were carefree and living in the very presence of the Lord God Almighty. With one bite, they began to worry.
Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (Matthew 6:25)
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SO I CAN BETTER SERVE YOU
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I know thy works, and charity, and service and faith,
and thy patience,
and thy works; an the last to be more than the first (Revelation
2:19)
Today, we would call these words of Christ a "praise report." All Scripture commends the works energized by faith which are charity, service, patience and maturity in the Word. Faith is the source of our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ and all humanity. Only through faith is such love possible. To Paul (1 Corinthians 12:2), charity is the foundation of all Christian virtue. Service to others is the expression of such love for God. For those whose salvation has been purchased by His blood, there can be no more admirable desire than to serve Him better.
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, says his book, The Prayer of Jabez, is about service. "Would You please bless me? Would You use me more? Would You expand the places of influence so I can be Your mouth, Your hands, Your feet? Send me somebody who needs You that I can help." Let us say Amen and Amen over and over again. Praise God, for surely such a prayer would be heard and would be answered. Surely to goodness and mercy it would resuscitate Christianity.
The book has set off a marketing bonanza. Millions of copies have been sold. Not only is it in at least 16 different languages, there is one for women, for "young hearts," for teens, for small children, one for kids, and one called, The Prayer of Devotions For Kids – Living Big for God. There are journals, Bible study outlines, pocket reminders, cards, key rings, and, of course, magnets. There are Bible covers, prayer lockets, Prayer of Jabez pendants, The Prayer of Jabez Devotional, Inspiration from the Heart and Prayer of Jabez Music. According to one estimate, there are over 64 "Jabez" items on the market. A web site offers personalized posters featuring the prayer of Jabez and gift certificates. There are dozens of additional sites featuring aspects of this now famous prayer.
However, there are many condemning Dr. Wilkinson as a charlatan getting rich hawking religion by taking advantage of people’s gullibility. Indeed, is this a fad? His detractors’ question if 60 (NKJ) words forgotten, neglected for thousands of years, unnoticed by Bible scholars ancient or modern, suddenly discovered can so dramatically change our personal faith and thus the Body of Christ. Critics ask, "Where is the focus for Christians, the prayer of Jabez or Jesus Christ? Why didn’t He, Jesus, tell us to pray the Prayer of Jabez instead of The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:8-13)? Do we have an extraordinary relationship with God through verbatim recitation of a prayer or through Jesus Christ? Christianity is reduced to a magical incantation."
Recognizing all of this, what’s the "fuss" about? Why the millions of copies sold? It is about service! The very popularity of the Prayer strongly suggests that Christians and non-Christians are thirsting for something to make their lives meaningful. Isn’t it eloquent testimony that they are seeking fulfillment through service? Our National response to 9-11 was to service. If his little book is taken as a guide to service, so be it. If it brings Christians, individually and collectively, into a closer walk with the Lord, let us offer up praises to the Lord rather than criticisms of Bruce Wilkinson. There is an old hymn that says, "I’ll go where you want me to go dear Lord, and I’ll do what you want me to do." Let us pray that this is the spirit in which the millions of people are attracted to Dr. Wilkinson’s writings.
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Luke 22:42†
Let Us Pray For One Another!
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For ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always
Matthew 26:11
What is Jesus saying to us in this passage? Is it a suggestion we ignore our poor? Many take it that way although it was actually a rebuke to His disciples. There came a woman it is recorded in Matthew 26:7 having an alabaster box of very precious ointment and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. The disciples were righteously indignant that He allowed this to happen. What a terrible waste! The ointment should have been sold and the proceeds used to help feed the poor. Indeed, such concerned, practical minded disciples. Were they of one political party and Jesus of another? She, He promised, would be remembered all over the world, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her (Matthew 26:15). Seemingly, the incident so infuriated Judas Iscariot that he forthwith went to the chief priests and betrayed Him.
How many times has the passage about the poor been used to harden our hearts against them? Contemptuously we say, "Teach them to fish." "Anyone who wants to work can work." Unemployment figures put that statement to the lie. A capitalist society must have a surplus of labor. "If you can dream it, you can do it!" Whose dreams, ours or God’s? "Anyone can succeed if they put their minds to it." Perhaps anyone can, but everyone cannot. How does our Master regard such comments especially when the very same people come on bended knee begging Him for more – praying the prayer of Jabez in poorly contrived effort at deceit? Does He rejoice in the enlightenment shown by those using His very words to condemn the poor to their station in life? Or does He cringe at their callused insensitivity and incomprehension of His Word? We needn’t guess. The Scriptures are painfully clear on the matter – it is there for everyone to read.
First, may we say the implication of the Scripture in question was that we would have future opportunities to assist the poor. Jesus earthly ministry was rapidly coming to an end. The anointing was a hint of His impending burial – For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial (Matthew 26:12). This was an act of faith and belief in Jesus as her Lord and Savior, an act of love and respect. The best that can be said of the disciples’ reactions was that it was their frugality. It could have been their envy and jealously. It certainly was their lack of understanding of the symbolism of the event and their lack of comprehension of His impending death. Can the same be said of our contemporaries who use His words to condemn the poor, who harden their hearts to the suffering all around them? We shall see
Scripturally, what is the answer? Jesus said, Woe unto you that are rich! For ye have received your consolation (Luke 6:24). Some commentators suggest that He was speaking to the Pharisees because they loved worldly thing, sought after them, and found their comfort in them. Should we, would His words to us be the same? In verse 25 He says, Woe unto you that are full! For ye shall hunger. Maybe He was referring to not wanting for food or to feeling a lack of need other than worldly possessions and that these will be taken away from us. In either event, it is a "woeful" situation. Jude writes, Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core (Jude 11). That is to say they hate their brothers and sisters and corrupt the Word, refining its meanings to suit their purposes in rebellion against the authority of God.
Jesus did say, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor (Luke 4:18). And, He did mean those lacking material wealth and comfort because they would be less distracted and more receptive to His message. Is it any surprise, therefore that He told the rich young man to sell everything he had and give it to the poor (Matthew 19:21)? Then there is that little cited passage saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me (Matthew 25:45). Where does that leave us? We are the richest people on the face of the earth. Most of us have riches greater than generation’s of kings dared to dream about. Yet there are poor, starving, destitute people in the world. There are those in our very midst wanting for food, clothing, medical care and shelter – even our brother’s and sisters in the faith. That they are hungry and wanting is why we must pray for one another
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment Matthew 25:46
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What Do You Pray For?
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Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: 2 Chronicles 2:10
In deciding what "wishes" he would ask for, Solomon overlooked the obvious things such as wealth and power. He didn’t even ask for health or safety or security. Instead, he asked for wisdom and knowledge. Now we can argue, in hindsight that he certainly did not seem to exercise very much of that – at least in most areas of his life. It is true he was a powerful ruler leading Israel to the status of a "world-power." He did appear to exercise considerable wisdom – the "Wisdom of Solomon" is legendary. Even if some Biblical scholars feel it’s undeserved, his Songs and Proverbs suggest he was a masterful, wise and knowledge person. However, there was an IF and a warning. If he would continue to obey God’s law (1 Kings 9:4) then God would bless Israel forever. If he did not, then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people (1 Kings 9:7).
God may not appear in our dreams with a shopping list as He did with Solomon. On the other hand He just might. We may not notice because we are too preoccupied petitioning Him with our own "Santa’s list." Then, again, it is one thing to ask and receive. It is another to benefit. Are there "If-Then" conditions attached to the blessings He showers down upon us? Solomon "picked his poison." Then he picked hundreds of foreign wives and worshipped their gods. Not very smart. Not very wise. He liked the "If," he ignored the "Then," consequently, The Temple, His palace, Israel exists no more except as a memory and a pile of rubble.
There was another who seemed to have suffered the same consequence on an individual level. His entire story, inserted into a genealogy, consumes exactly two verses and 72 words in the King James Version. Of course, you know him. It was Jabez. He asked for wealth and God’s protection from evil. His wish was granted and the genealogical account continued without any further recollection of the man (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
So now, we have two. Solomon prayed for knowledge and wisdom. His wish was granted and the name of the people of Israel remains, to this very day, a slur. Jabez prayed for wealth and security. History only tells us his prayers were granted. He must have become very rich and lived quite securely because it is written that God granted his wish. So what? Not even a comma in the book of history.
There was a third who petitioned The Lord God Almighty. He prayed to be forgiven for His sins, to be delivered from future temptations and to be delivered from the evil one and for the necessities of life, much like the lilies of the field. But first, before all else, He said, "Thy will be done (Matthew 6:9-11). Amen. The whole universe knows His name, He is Jesus the Risen Christ.
His kingdom was and is and forevermore will be – worlds without end as it is said. And this is how He told us we should pray! Now, who should we model our prayer life after, Solomon, Jabez or Jesus? Please, we should remember, before anything else, Jesus said, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name (v. 9).
Should we pray, "Oh God that thou wouldest bless and enlarge my ministry?" What about, "Grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may know thy ways?" Is it any better to pray, "Prosper me and my family, heal our afflictions and save our souls?" Jesus said, give us, forgive us, lead us, deliver us. He does seem to have in mind more than one, doesn’t He?
Perhaps we should take great care in not only what we pray for but how and why we pray as well. Sufficient preachers have reassured us that there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer. They are probably right. The only caution is that we just might get exactly what we pray for and regret it throughout eternity. Maybe we should remember, regardless of how noble the request, that this isn’t about me or you, it is not even about us, it is about our Father’s will. It is about His glory not mine, yours or ours. What more should we seek than to be greeted with Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23) at the end of our days?
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus Ephesians 2:6
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