Drawing Near and Experiencing Grace

Few of us forget the grace of God in the salvation of our souls, but how many of us experience the grace of God in our Christian lives? What does grace in the Christian life look like?

 If you are like me, you have no doubt heard James 4:7-8 before many times. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you . . ." This is an important passage, but even more so including the entire context of the chapter.

Chapter 4 opens calling for Christians to not fight or quarrel because the origin of these actions is from selfish desire and lusts. (v.1-3). He then states that you do not receive the things you want because you either don't pray about it, or when you pray, you are praying according to your desires (v.4) Basically, you bring your conclusions and your will to the Lord and then ask Him to bless your actions. James then calls these Christians "adulterers and adulteresses" because we are violating the purity of our marriage to Christ since the church is the bride of Christ. He reminds us that we are enemies of Christ if we love the things of the world (v. 4)

In v. 6 we find out about grace. "  . . . God RESISTETH the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." When we fight to fulfill selfish desires and our own will, the Holy Spirit is not allowed to inhabit us fully. He's there, but we push Him deep inside. We push, hurt others, and move forward fearlessly in our own power to accomplish what we have set out to do. All the while, we miss out on the grace of our Lord.

Maybe you're like me and haven't fully understood what the grace of the Lord to the Christian is! In AWANA (children's Bible program), I learned that grace is "God giving me a gift I don't deserve" which is correct. Salvation alone is evidence of God's free gift to us. Sometimes, however, we forget about grace once we become Christians. We go on with life as usual never allowing the Holy Spirit to consume us so that we can experience the grace of God. While listening to a sermon a couple of weeks ago, the pastor defined grace as, "God allowing me to be part of the furthering of the gospel."

What does grace look like? He was using the example of Mary when Gabriel came and told her she would have Jesus. In Luke 1, Gabriel says, " . . . Hail thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou among women. "(v.28) In v. 38, Mary responds, ". . . Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word . . ." Mary was about to face the biggest challenge of her life. She lived in a society that would persecute and exclude her completely for being pregnant outside of marriage. She was engaged to a man that she didn't know for sure would stay with her when she told him about her pregnancy. Imagine her having to tell her parents this news! Mary had no easy road ahead of her and she ended up having Jesus in a barn! I don't know about you, but that just didn't sound like someone that was "highly favoured" to me! The point I missed was that God's grace will include suffering, and grace can be given to any ordinary person that is humbled before God. The point of God's grace is that I can be included in bringing glory to God by furthering His gospel and seeing souls saved and the world changed! As a result of her total commitment to God, Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ our Savior! That is grace!

I don't know about you, but I want to be as close to God as possible to experience this grace! When we think of drawing near to the Lord, some translations use the words come near, but according to my study, a more proper understanding of the meaning of "drawing nigh" is found in Hosea 12: 6 "Therefore turn thou to thy God:keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually." The waiting on God is what the drawing near is referring to. And isn't it in our time of struggle that we are closest to God? We learn to depend and trust in God alone for our strength. (Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary) So what are the steps to drawing near to God?

1. Submit yourself to God (v.7)  We must follow Him and His will for our lives. He should lead us in our steps- not us bring our will and our ambition to Him for approval.

2. Resist the Devil (v.7)  We must realize that we have a sin nature and that God alone has the power to keep us strong in the face of temptation. God has already defeated satan, and the Holy Spirit that has that power lives in us!

3. Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts (v.8)Hands are part of the outward appearance while the heart is part of our inner soul. Our actions must be practically pure- this is always the foundation. What we put in our bodies, what we see with our eyes, how we speak to others, etc. is a manifestation of how pure our hearts are. Beg God to purify your heart and your hands will be cleansed.

4. Be afflicted, mourn, and weep (v.9) We should be genuinely sorrowful over our sin and seek true repentance which includes actions that point in the opposite direction.

5. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord (v.10) This never means to demean yourself. This means that you must realize that your identity and worth comes from your Creator. He is your Lord and Savior and so we must remember our relation to Him as our Lord.

(Partially taken from Life Application Study Bible)

James concludes by reminding us that our words are so important and that none of us has the promise of tomorrow. We are not invincible, and we should not take what we have for granted. James reminds us that our lives are like a "vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (v.14)" We should live everyday to glorify the Lord because we have no promise of tomorrow. Our lives are so short in relation to eternity, so let's ask God to fill us up and help us to glorify Him and Him alone every day! James concludes by saying, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (v. 17) Just a reminder here, when God calls us to do something like loving our neighbor, it's not enough to refrain from fighting with them. We must be proactive in showing the love of Christ to our neighbor.

The grace of God is the privilege waiting for us and "great and mighty things which we know not" are the result! Surrender and experience the grace of God on a regular basis!

Wisdom and the Tongue

It takes one spark to light a fire, one match, one candle. It doesn't take much and paramount destruction is the result. At the end of James 2, James concludes that "faith . . . if it hath not works, is dead." The statement here refers to the fact that good works should be a natural reaction to a growing faith in the Lord, and does NOT recommend works-based salvation. You were saved by faith, and good works is a natural outpouring of that. Just like an apple tree produces apples-it can't produce anything else. On the heels of this statement, James turns to a more practical subject in chapter 3. That of the tongue- more specifically our mind that controls the actions of our tongue.

James 3:2 " . . . If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect [holy] man, and able also to bridle the whole body."

James 3: 6 " And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."

James compares the strength of our words to a ship's rudder or a bit in a horse's mouth (v.3-4). They are both such small objects that bring a huge object under submission in an instant!  (see picture below)

Wow! That's some strong language! We all know it's true. Think about a gossip-how many times does a gossip cause someone to judge others based on lies all by using his/her mouth? Think about a complainer- how many times do we find ourselves in a foul mood complaining after listening to this person do it with their mouth for an hour. Think about a heated argument- How many times have you said something that you instantly regretted and ruined a relationship that had taken years to grow?

If we are to be like Christ, how can we spew blessing and cursing out of our mouths at the same time (v. 10)?. According to the Expositor's Bible Commentary, "We use the same instrument to 'praise our Lord and Father' and to 'curse men.' " But praising God and cursing men is tantamount [virtually the same as]  . . . praising and cursing the same person for in v.9 James describes man as 'made in God's
likeness' ['made after the similitude of God' in KJV]. "


Let's face it-our mouth can do a world of hurt in an instant. But what controls our mouth? It's a choice to speak made by our mind. We dwell and think on these things and then our hateful statement comes out. That's why James says our mind defiles our whole body and like that old saying goes, "What's down in the well will come up in the bucket!" So we need to ask God to clean our water so that when our buckets come up its' clean! While the next section, which touches on genuine wisdom, is separated by paragraph, we find the answer we're seeking for.

James 3: 13-18
¹³ Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

It states here that the genuinely spiritually wise man will live a godly lifestyle (conversation in KJV) with gentleness or "an active attitude of deliberate acceptance" (Expositor's Bible Commentary). It is an active attitude of submission to and acceptance of the Father's will and his presence and power to be preeminent in my life.

 The opposite is selfish zeal ("bitter envy" according to Expositor's Bible Commentary) and selfish strife (quarreling, antagonism, vigorous or bitter conflict). A Christian should not be so zealous for their cause that they destroy other people, whether Christians or not, with their words. Being hateful is not going to change anyone's heart. Also, we should not quarrel with others out of envy or just to be destructive because we're prideful, insecure, or just plain bitter because of past experiences. Sometimes the words we use when we say things can be demeaning or just stir up trouble that isn't necessary. Please don't misunderstand- Biblical truth and standing publicly for that is important- but what is your motivation for bringing up controversial topics? What words do you use when you don't agree with others- is it demeaning or judgmental in tone?  Point is, don't bring up things for the sake of a need to show superiority or to just be quarrelsome. Even if you're Biblically correct, use gentle, peaceable words to make your point. Also, realize that someone may have more wisdom than you in this area and you may be wrong or they may just have another valid viewpoint that is equally correct. (" . . . let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" James 1:19). Why? James says the end result of these attitudes is confusion and every evil (or meaningless) work. And satan loves that- confusion in the church coupled with every one tearing down one another makes the joint work of Christ non-existent.

Now the question is "How do I know if I am a truly wise person?" James challenges us to ask, " Do I mirror these characteristics?"

1. Pure- this is the root of true Godly wisdom. Pure actions motivated by a pure heart made that way by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Never forget the basics! Total commitment and obedience to the Lord is always the most important! And that applies to every day life- what you watch on tv, what you put in your body, sexual purity, etc.

2. Peaceable- He/she is not unkind and does not stir up strife intentionally. It is an active approach to being a peacemaker with all. 

3. Gentle- He/She speaks the truth in a gentle way with the motivation of glorifying God.

4. Easy to be intreated- It is not a struggle for this person to submit totally to it. He/She does not continue in stubborn disobedience once wisdom is given.

5. Full of mercy and good fruits- He/She is compassionate toward the other person, Christian or not, and their situation, and it is effective!

6. Without partiality- He/She is no respecter of persons regardless of appearance, race, or status.

7. Without hypocrisy- A person with wisdom does not say one thing and do the other! 

In conclusion, it is stated that the fruits of righteousness are sown in peace. Be an active pursuer of letting the Lord control your mind and take away that selfishness, misplaced zeal, envy, or personal insecurity. People will not always be peaceable with you because if you are living righteously, that exposes their sin and makes them want to avoid you. This doesn't give you any reason to not be peaceable with them, and that starts with your mind because if your mind is at peace, your words and actions will naturally reflect that. Remember, faith without works is dead.

The Christian and Society II

"Do we have the same willingness today, neither clinging onto values that society used to hold but no longer does, nor separating from society over values that are part of our Christian subculture rather than truly a matter of allegiance to Christ? Would this make it clear to our society what being a Christian really means and thus assist the witness of the church?" -Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary

I Peter 3: 8-22

⁸ Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
⁹ Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
¹⁰ For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
¹¹ Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
¹² For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
¹³ And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
¹⁴ But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
¹⁶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
¹⁷ For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
¹⁸ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
^**19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
^**20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
²¹ The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
²² Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

(** Note- there is some uncertainty regarding the spirits in prison referenced to here so I decided to focus on what was being accomplished as part of the theme and not figuring out what these are- I consulted several commentaries with differing opinions)

Our greatest example is Christ and Peter concludes this in this chapter. He was mocked by Jewish leaders and family members for His beliefs and actions. He was thought to be a menace to society. He was completely defeated according to human standards- he was sentenced to the most degrading death possible in Roman society- the cross. By all accounts, He was a fraud. But it says that he was "quickened by the Spirit" and has resurrected, is in heaven and rules over all! He was supremely victorious in His sacrifice. He was tortured and suffered emotionally and spiritually beyond any trauma we could understand. The weight of the entire sin's world was on His shoulders! But He won the victory and is in Heaven now interceding in our lives personally!

This is our Lord and Savior. This is who we are to be like. Peter lays our 5 specific characteristics that should shine forth in the church-

1. "Be ye all of one mind"- Unity with brethren
     How many times have we seen church splits? How many times
     have we seen one church berate another because they have drums
     or they dress up too much? Paul mentions the important things that
     must be agreed upon to unify with another body of believers in
     Eph. 4: 4-6 (Please see previous post "Unity of the Body
     Explained")

2. "having compassion one of another"-sympathy and empathy for
     others; do you seek out the needs of others and work to meet
     those with what God has given you? Do you truly rejoice and mourn along with your brother or sister that is mourning or rejoicing?
     (Rom. 12:15)

3. "love as brethren"- Need we bring up I Corinthians 13? God is love.
     I Cor. 13:1-3 " Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

Do you truly love like Jesus loves your brothers and sisters in Christ?

4. "pitiful" sensitive towards others
     Are you kind in general to others? Are your words constantly critical
     of your brothers and sisters? Are you perceptive to know when
     someone is hurting?

5. "courteous" Are you humble and do you uplift your brothers and
     sisters? Are you ready to encourage them and rejoice with them
     even when you feel jealous?

Peter goes on to state that you should give blessing to those who persecute and work against you (v. 9) He also speaks about ensuring your words are holy and uplifting and do not contain hate or contempt (v. 10). He then states to resist evil and do only good and then to seek and pursue peace- it is a state of action. You pursue to resolve conflict immediately and heal wounds (v.11). The Lord then promises that he hears the prayers of the righteous (v.12).

I would like to conclude with the reasoning behind all this. In v. 15-17 the Bible says, "but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation [behavior] in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."

What is the purpose behind our conversation or behavior? It is to be ready to give an answer to those who are not saved why we have the hope we have, and why we act the way we do. Sadly, our lives do not always reflect these character qualities which the Lord commands- I know I don't. May we live in such a way that even government officials see our actions for the glory of God even in the face of direct persecution from that person. We are to respond in gentleness and respect for that person (v.15- "meekness" and "fear") which is an aspect we forget many times. Shouting at someone never made them want to listen.

 Have you not nailed the Lord to the cross with your sin? How can you not then, give your all to your Lord, and be ready to even suffer to proclaim His name and bring Him glory! God saved us from death and eternal separation from Him in a place of eternal torment. We don't deserve grace any more than our persecutors. Pray that the Lord would help you to see others from His perspective- but more importantly, pray that you would see yourself from God's perspective without His grace. Only then will you understand the significance of your testimony to others. You may be the only glimpse of the Lord others will ever see. An eternal soul hangs in the balance . . .
     

The Christian and Society I

There are many views of society in religion. Take the Amish- cut off completely from society and current events. They shun society because they see all of it as vain or sinful. They don't drive cars and don't take pictures of themselves. Then there's us Christians which  are split across the board to Amish-like to an extent to fully immersed in culture- even in the sanctuary. There are some basic principles in the Bible in regards to government and society, and unfortunately for some of us more politically minded, our like or dislike for the leaders of our society don't make a difference in our response.

In I Peter, Peter tackles many issues facing the church in their society. Remember, Nero, one of the most Christian-hating emperors ever, is reigning. Also, in Roman society, the man is the head of the household and what he says goes-wives just had to go along with it. Also, there were slaves. Keep in mind that these facts of society were just that- facts. Peter isn't speaking on whether these facts are right or wrong. Today, man is sinful, and most men are not saved so there is an overwhelming sin controlling a majority of our society- that's a fact. Abortion, homosexual marriage, and feel-good Christianity is rampant- this is a fact.

I Peter 2: 11-20

¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
¹³ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
¹⁴ Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
¹⁵ For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
¹⁶ As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
¹⁷ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
¹⁸ Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
¹⁹ For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
²⁰ For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

 What does it say here? "Honour the king, submit yourselves to ordinance of man . . ." And then slaves are to be subject to masters, even the mean ones! The Lord says that this "is the will of God . . . and is acceptable . . ." He didn't mention anything about if your leader is a democrat, or a Muslim, or pro-choice. There's not an exclusion clause here. Now I know your thinking- you want me to be a Democrat Muslim Pro-choice Christian???!!! No, absolutely not! The Bible also says in Acts 5: 29 "We ought to obey God rather than men." We are never to obey an order or praise someone's actions that are black and white sin like abortion, murder, demoting Jesus to a prophet, etc.

But . . . there are some things here that don't make the list - patriotism for instance is sometimes elevated to a position of prominence over the Bible. We should support our troops and their sacrifice, and we should pray for our country and work to put Godly leaders in place. But how many times do we get more upset or emotional about "I'm Proud to Be an American" and gripe about all the sin in our society while doing nothing about it? Oh church, why do you think America is in the social decline it is in? Because the church hasn't been doing their job. Why does the government have medicaid which we gripe about constantly draining our economy? Because the church stopped meeting the needs of the orphans and the widows like we are commanded to do! We were founded as a Christian nation but satan is always at work- I found out just this week from a missionary that Christianity is on the rise in every country EXCEPT AMERICA! Just like the Israelites, the Lord's presence is present and uninhibited and yet we take it for granted and stamp it out of every aspect of our lives. We can go to church freely and learn and we can speak out against sin for the most part. No other country has these opportunities or luxuries. The people in Roman society sure didn't! 

Peter then turns to wives whose husbands are non-Christians. Remember, women are to be submissive entirely and obey their husband in this culture. Peter states in 3: 1: "Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversations [behavior] of the wives." Again, Peter states that subjection, so long as it does not violate a black and white area of holiness, is to be followed to the letter of the law.

The theme here is this: Regardless if the Christian was a slave or a wife of a non-Christian, they were the presence of the Lord to their leader. That might have been the only glimpse the non-Christian got of the gospel. Husbands, masters, and government officials could be changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in these Christians' lives. It's one of those moments where questions begin to be asked and souls begin to be saved. So church, what is your attitude toward your boss, your non-Christian family members, and your government officials? Our best example is that of Christ- Continued in Part 2.

Faith in the Dead

In 2 Kings the story of kings that come to power and do evil in the sight of the Lord become an expectation after a while. You come to realize that the children of Israel had no intention of ever fully getting rid of their idol worship. In 2 Kings 13, we meet Jehoash the king of Israel at the time and he is offered a priceless opportunity. Elisha, the prophet, is on his deathbed. When Jehoash finds out he says, " My father! My father! . . . the chariots and horsemen of Israel!" (V.14) This verse also states that he wept over Elijah. This was the same exact statement which Elisha uttered at the departure of Elijah (2 Kings 2). Elisha had much to learn as a new prophet just like this king had to learn now. A basic understanding of this statement is "What am I supposed to do? You are the defense of Israel!" Where is there sorrow rooted? It's definitely not centered around general grief for losing a friend to death. But what is it? It's sorrow at the thought of losing someone they idolized- someone who was full of God and was a lighthouse to the world! In short, they had faith in the prophet- not in the God of the prophet.

The difference is in the lesson learned. When Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha proceeded to take Elijah's cloak and state, "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" (2 Kings 2:14). The verse goes on to state that when he struck the water with Elijah's cloak, the waters parted to reveal dry land. Elisha knew that God was real, God alone was the source of power which Elijah had, and now he was to be the prophet that depended on God to minister and lead Israel.

The scene that unfolds with Jehoash is different. Elisha tells the king to pick up a bow and then places his hands on the king's hands symbolizing he is about to offer an opportunity to obey the Lord's words which were about to come. He was to take an arrow and shoot it out of the window facing east. This symbolized a victory against Arameans- one of Israel's many enemies. He then states to take the bow and arrow and shoot the arrows at the ground. Jehoash obeys but stops after shooting three arrows. I think his reasoning is that maybe poor old Elisha is losing his mind seeing how he's on his deathbed. Jehoash's lack of faith in the words of God and his half-hearted obedience cost him. Elisha states that had he shot all the arrows he had instead of just three, the Arameans would have been totally destroyed. Because of his disobedience, now they would only defeat them three times without total destruction (see 2 Kings 13:15-20)

One last scene occurs to remind Israel and the King their source of power. A scene occurred when a man is to be buried. All of the sudden, the men burying this man see a group of thieves come up and so they lower the man in the first available grave they have, which happens to be Elisha. The moment that this man touches Elisha's body, he is revived. Who revived this man? Elisha was dead in body, God is very much alive. It wasn't the spirit of Elisha from heaven that came down and raised this man. Jehoash's faith was in the man, Elisha. Elisha was now dead. It was God. God is alive and He is our source of power.

Faith in any man will fail you- faith in your pastor,  your mentor, your friend, your parents, a televangelist, and even yourself.  Humans have a sin nature and while Christians are saints who choose to sin since they have the power of the Holy Spirit to deny it, they still fall short. Your God is omniscient, omnipresent, perfect, just, and will not fail. He is your father, your brother, your friend, but equally your Lord. Can you honestly say that God is all these things in your life?

I know in my life recently, standing on the fact of the Words of God and not my emotions has been difficult. Faith in an inspirational quote or the hope of what may happen tomorrow is far easier. My logical reasoning can not make sense of circumstances because I don't see where they're headed. God asks for commitment and full obedience in the face of your fear and uncertainty and that's hard, I know! As Adrian Rogers says, "It's not great faith in God you need; it's faith in a great God!" Read and memorize about the character of God. Please see my earlier post "Biblical Names" about the LORD, the great I AM, and claim these facts in your life. Entrust Him with your circumstances and keep your eyes "on the old rugged cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain." Then, and only then, will you stop questioning the power and love of your LORD.

Instrument or Servant

Everyone wants to look back on their life and feel fulfilled- like they accomplished something worthwhile. Even Erikson confirms this in his famous life stages, with those 65 years and up facing the struggle of integrity vs. despair. In II Kings 9 and 10, we find the story of Jehu, his assignment of God, and his reign as king of Israel which was the longest reign while the kingdom was split.

Jehu's story starts as the captain of the army of his predecessor. Elisha sends a servant to anoint Jehu and inform him he is to be the next King. God uses Jehu to then remove all of Ahab's family and also to remove Jezebel which was foretold by Elijah long before. (Ahab was the most notoriously evil king mentioned in I Kings and dealt with Elijah).

While this is a bloody tale, the point of it was that God wanted Baal worship removed from His people and Elijah had prophesied the fulfilling of this long before. They needed to be purified. Since this was before Jesus came to the earth and died for our sins, purification had to be found literally. This was because Israel was to show God to others in the world as His chosen race. They were to be pure and committed to the Lord. Jehu obeyed the Lord in this respect and removed all of Ahab's family which eliminated all of the Baal worship.

Then, Jehu becomes an instrument of the Lord rather than a servant of the Lord. He readily went and destroyed anyone in His way for His throne. This was an easy command to follow of the Lord, because He felt that he was in control and would receive everything He wanted. However, he did not become what he had the potential to be- a king which would shine with the glory of God to purify Israel and finally eradicate all idol worship. He was happy with his kingdom and his control. He though things couldn't get any better. So- he settled for mediocrity because he was in charge and that was good enough for him.

Problem is, he forgot he was anointed by God to remove all idol worship and cleanse Israel. He got rid of Baal all right, but he didn't get rid of these golden calves that his people worshiped which had been existent since before Baal came around. According to Life Application Bible, his reasons could have been: " . . .his people would have traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem in the rival Southern Kingdom, and worshiped there, [the golden calves] had a longer history in the Northern Kingdom and were valued by all political factions . . . the golden calves were thought by many to be visible representations of God himself, even though God's Law stated clearly that such worship was idolatrous." So he said, 'God, you got me here and I'm good, so I'll take it from here.'

What a blessing he missed out on. As a result, his kingdom was reduced dramatically and he died- end of story. How many times do we think our control is so important that we cut God's will out of the plan? I know I've been there. I've been stubborn against God when I was desperately trying to hold on to control when God had so much more in store. What is your control worth to you? Is. 64:4 states, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him." Jer. 33:3 states, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." And let's not forget one of our favorites to misuse when we want things to go our way! Ps. 37:4"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Ps. 37:23: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD; and he delighteth in his way."

Are you simply an instrument of the Lord? You let God in but you limit His area of control. You follow black and white commands, you go to church, you give to missions, you volunteer to help in Awana, but all the while you are driven by your own ambition- your "kingdom." Unfortunately, our ambition is often presented as God's will and only leaves destruction in its path. Only God can see the beginning and the end. Why not rest in Him and let Him lead you? Why not see what God's plan is for you in His kingdom? Why wouldn't you want God to control your life- the God who created you, loves you, and is longing to reveal His glory in you- the great I AM- the one who parted the Red Sea, the one who shuts mouths of lions, the One who longs to do the "great and mighty thing which you know not" in your life? Be a servant and see the glory!

Please click on the link and meditate on being held!

"Just Be Held" by Casting Crowns 

My Ax Heads

While reading about the life of Elisha, a lot of miraculous things of the Lord are accomplished through this prophet. Raising of the dead, healing a prominent man from leprosy, and purifying poisoned food to name a few. There's one installment that seems a bit out of place found in II Kings 6. It's only a few verses so I will quote them here :

 V. 4b-7 "And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam the ax head fell into the water: and he cried and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed, And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee: and he put out his hand and took it."

Basically Elisha had a school for those who wanted to be involved in ministry that he lead. The school they had was not big enough so they decided to build a larger building. This is when this miracle occurred. You're probably thinking like me- how is this significant  enough to be in the Bible? I mean Elisha just saw Namaan healed of leprosy by the power of God and now he helps a guy find a broken ax head? Why is that such a big deal?

Are there things going on in your life that don't seem like a big deal?  Do you ever think God is too big or too glorious to be concerned about what little things you are dealing with every day? Maybe a child struggling in math. Maybe a coworker that goes out of their way to offend you. Maybe the fact that you don't have a really close special friend.

It says in the Bible that, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father." Matt. 10:29 Let's just let that sink in. An animal which has no soul and no eternal value is of worth to God. How much more you, as His special creation in His image does He treasure? Am I saying that the Lord does what you want when you want it? Or that each petty want will be fulfilled? No. What this is about is the needs the Lord knows you have that He is waiting to help with dependent upon you bringing these things to Him. The Lord wants to be intimate with you and be involved in every aspect of your life. Bring everything to Him, take nothing for granted, and think about all the blessings you don't see because you discredit all the little things as having any influence from God. Blessings are around you every day, in so many ways- drink them in!

 

Living Water

Isaiah 41 follows up one of the most well-known passages of the Bible. Is. 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; thy shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." While we could spend a lot of time studying this verse, it's the next chapter that's not talked about as much. There's a certain imagery described in this chapter that is a beautiful picture of the gospel! Found in 41:17-20:

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear  them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together; That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

 For some NT application, I would like to turn to John 7:38-39 " He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" In this verse we see that the Christian is given a river of living water which spills out from them but only because the Holy Spirit lives in them. He is a life-giving source that flows from the Christian. (Note here- Jesus had not died and rose again yet at this point in the Scripture so the Holy Ghost had not come to live in any Christians at this point in Scripture)  Now let's look again at Isaiah 4.

Israel was to be this light to the Gentiles in OT times  because Jesus had not come yet to offer salvation. We as Christians are now part of this chosen race because we are adopted into His family since we have salvation available to us. The picture here is that the Lord is taking Israel through the wilderness of persecution surrounded by Gentiles steeped in sin and ignorance. The Lord himself produces water in the wilderness through his people, and the Gentiles are effected! Matthew Henry states in his commentary:

Our way to heaven lies through the wilderness of this world. The soul of man is in want, and seeks for satisfaction; but becomes weary of seeking that in the world, which is not to be had in it. Yet they shall have a constant supply, where one would least expect it. I will open rivers of grace, rivers of living water, which Christ spake of the Spirit, John 7:38,39. When God sets up his church in the Gentile wilderness, there shall be a great change, as if thorns and briers were turned into cedars, and fir-trees, and myrtles. These blessings are kept for the poor in spirit, who long for Divine enlightening, pardon, and holiness. And God will render their barren souls fruitful in the grace of his Spirit, that all who behold may consider it.

Gill states also in his commentary:

 ...Now by all these are figuratively meant converted persons in the Gentile world, in whom as great a change was wrought, as if, instead of briers and thorns, came up such trees as these; and who, by the grace of God, were made as goodly and beautiful as some of these trees were; as odorous and of as sweet a scent in their graces and duties as others; and as profitable and fruitful in grace and good works like others of them; and comparable to them, as being some of them evergreen, durable, and incorruptible; because of their perseverance in grace and holiness.

So the Holy Spirit is this water, and also symbolizes provision for his people through the wilderness. He then states His life-giving water will effect Gentiles to the point that they will grow up to be healthy, durable trees and will never be left the same!

So what does this mean for me? The Holy Spirit in my life is a literal life-giving source of water to me and all my needs are met in Him. This life-giving source should be allowed to flow uninhibited to others wandering and thirsty in the desert, and their life will be changed forever. This life-giving source will turn them into a strong, thriving tree in a wilderness of sin so that others will see and know that only God could accomplish this in them! He says they will see, know, consider, and understand that God is the only one true God and only person that can meet all their needs. Think about the wonderment of discipleship. The Lord meets your needs and fulfills you to the brim so that His glory is revealed to all and flows over into their lives so that they are saved and the cycle repeats. Praise God, our source of living water! 

"Good" Doesn't Mean Right

Isaiah is a sad book because the Lord calls Isaiah to be a prophet to his chosen people and then tells them "they're not going to listen to you!" That's a tough sale to have any motivation I would say. But the Lord had shown Isaiah his absolute holiness and made him aware of his own sinfulness and powerfulness without God. Preceding the passage I want to focus on, Isaiah is able to experience God in person Himself, and a seraphim (order of angel) comes to him and puts a live coal on his tongue representing the purging God must do in our lives to make us holy and sinless like Him. At the end of this encounter, Isaiah's response is "Here am I Lord, Send Me!" His motivation was based on the glory and will of the Lord, not what He would benefit from it.

Now to the passage of focus. Let me set the stage. Isaiah has just finished with this awesome experience and answering the call of the Lord on His life. Now he comes to the king, Ahaz, and tells him about a coming attack and the Lords plans for it. What stuck out to me most was not all the prophecies, but King Ahaz's response to Isaiah.

"Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. And he (Isaiah) said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Is. 7:10-14

God commanded Ahaz to ask Him for a sign that God would keep his promise and keep Syria from destroying them. What was his response? "I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord!" What kind of answer is this? It sounds well enough. We could say he's in such awe of the Lord's goodness that he feels like he can't ask any more of God. We could say that as Christians we should have faith and not need a sign for God to prove Himself to us. Unfortunately, that is not the case here.

The fact of the matter is that God commanded Ahaz to ask Him for a sign. No other logic is pertinent in the light of this truth. Part of faith and yielding to God is obeying the black and white. He commands it- we do it. We try to make our Christian lives sometimes so spiritual and awe-inspiring that we miss the joy of everyday, practical Christian living- the kind that really helps us to grow. According to The Expositor's Bible Commentary, "There are situations in which outward piety and inward  unbelief are identical." Ouch- I know I've been there.

So what was his motivation for this answer? He really didn't care what God had to say. He knew the correct response that a so-called "righteous" person would give. Maybe you use a phrase like "It's God's will" when you want to reject or accept something but you don't really have peace about it. Maybe it's the culture of your church. Maybe the way you dress or the way you worship is influenced by the culture around you and not based in worship and honor of the Lord. Having set guidelines like standards of dress, which some call legalism, is not worship to the Lord. Convictions of your heart based on your personal relationship and leading of the Holy Spirit are. Having a praise band, mood lighting, and the in-style undercut while raising your hands every other minute is not worship to the Lord. A pure heart and a church who's purpose is to glorify God is true worship. Being so in awe of the glory of God that you raise your hands is true worship. Stop following the culture! Just because it's right for your pastor or your best friend, doesn't mean it's right for you.

Give God an opportunity to speak and lead. Don't just do "good" things- go to the college that everyone in your family went to, marry the person that all your friends say is best for you, etc. Christian fellowship has it's place but our goal is not to become clones of each other and say "good" things and do "good" things. Our goal is to allow Christ to consume our soul so that others can see Him. When others see you, they should see God instead. So don't limit yourselves to what you feel or think is right. Give God the chance to lead you and help you conquer great and mighty things which you know not!

Looking for a Miracle

The OT is full of stories of great battles and great displays of the glory of God: just to name a few, the parting of the red sea and the battle of Jericho. I was able to study one of those great displays of the glory of God recently in I Kings 18.

Here we find the triumphant victory of God through his prophet Elijah over Jezebel's prophets to Baal. In a great display of God's power, a fire is sent down which consumes the sacrificed animal, the altar, and a large amount of water that had been poured over the altar per God's instruction given through Elijah. King Ahab was even impressed as all the people of the land said "The LORD, he is the God; the LORD he is the God" after falling flat on their faces in praise to the Lord. After  that, Ahab follows Elijah's instruction as Elijah prophesies the coming of rain in the land. After this wonderful display of the power of the LORD, Ahab runs off to Jezebel and BLAMES ELIJAH in a negative sense to Jezebel for killing her prophets of Baal.

In I Kings 19, we see a scared and defeated Elijah. He runs for his life after Jezebel threatens him and becomes severely depressed. He states in v. 4 "O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." We've all been there right? Woe is me, don't you see what I've done for you God? Why do I have to run for my life and be lonely? The Lord then sends an angel to feed Elijah and commands him to Mt. Horeb.

Mt Horeb is so significant because it's where Moses met with the Lord in person and received the Ten Commandments. The Lord speaks to Elijah there and says "What doest thou here, Elijah?" What does Elijah respond? " I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy propets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life to take it away." How many times does this guy say I or my? He's not concerned about being jealous for God because His people are worshipping other gods. He's concerned about the bottom line- why He is having to deal with all this adversity after He's done such great things for God and obeyed Him in the face of complete opposition.

The Lord responds by telling Elijah to prepare himself to experience the LORD. What happens next is a great wind and then an earthquake, and then a fire! All ways the LORD has communicated to others before! But the Scripture specifically states, the LORD was not in these events. How does the LORD come? "and after the fire [came] a still small voice . . . and said What doest thou here Elijah?" and what does Elijah respond? " I have been very jealous for the Lord" but I, my, I, etc. Same song, second verse. He's not getting the picture right?

The Lord basically responds, no Elijah, you need to go back and you need to do what I tell you. And by the way, you're not the only one that is serving me- there are others in this fight, don't lose heart, you are not alone! (v. 18) The Lord allows him rest, then confronts him with his sin, then encourages, and sends him back to accomplish His will.

Maybe you're where Elijah was. I know I've been there recently. Take a rest in the Lord, allow Him to show you the error of your attitude and direction, let him fill you up, and do His will everyday.

The Lord had just won an enormous battle and allowed Elijah to be the servant to accomplish His will through this, but the Christian life is not based on huge supernatural and awesome experiences. What is our mission as Christians? Micah 6:8 "The Lord hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee; but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." That's it. That's the secret to the successful and joyful Christian life. What counts is the everyday concern for the souls of others, the love for others like Jesus has, and the daily submission to the commands and will of God.

Will you have great supernatural experiences in God where He shows His glory like a beacon in the night? Absolutely! But if you're living from awesome experience to awesome experience you're missing out on the substance of true joy. The greatest victories in Christian life are when God shows you a special lesson in your study, or gives you a special encouraging friend, or blesses you with a refund on a bill so you can make ends meet that month. The LORD is present and ever-working, but maybe you're missing Him because you forgot the basics. Rest in Him and obey Him and I promise your joy will be full! Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD everyday!

A Personal Mission Statement

The book of Micah is pretty intense. The people of God certainly were not acting like it- just to name a few issues that were pointed out by Micah- plotting to do evil, coveting, thievery, murder, taking bribes, distorting the truth for others, etc. While Micah is pretty harsh on the leaders (and rightly so since they lead the people to sin and then had the gall to ask for God's help when things got hard) the people should have also spoken up for what is right. In Micah, we find a wonderful nugget to apply to all ages for all Christians. Our ministry is to be three-fold if you are a Christian.

Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good:
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?

God literally says "I've already told you what to do, you just need to do it!" This brought me to what Jesus stated His ministry was on earth. In His own personal mission statement in Luke 4:18-19 we find it. Let me set the stage. Jesus goes to the synagogue on Sabbath and he was to read from Isaiah. Isaiah had already prophesied these words. The verses state:

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.

He then follows that up with v. 21 which states, " .... Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." The men in the synagogue in v.22 respond: "And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips;and they were saying , "Is this not Joseph's son?" So obviously they were shocked because Jesus was the son of a carpenter which was not looked upon as anything of high social status in that time and yet He just stated he was the fulfillment of prophecy. Keep in mind these people did not have the New Testament, only the Old. This was all the Scripture they knew!

So how does the ministry of Jesus relate to us?

-Doing justice: Jesus specifically stated that His emphasis was on the poor, captive, blind, and oppressed not just literally but spiritually as well. We should share the gospel with all as well as help meet the needs of those who can't meet needs for themselves. Remember, when Jesus extended salvation to others he met their practical needs (healing the blind, lame) before he told them to sin no more

- Loving kindness: Are you kind to the unkind? Are you kind to the people who hate Christians? Who work at Planned Parenthood? Who get promotions and have lied and cheated to get them? Do others see the love of Jesus through you? Jesus loved all, even the thief on the cross. His salvation is for all and His love is for all people. Why else would he sacrifice His only son and put the weight of all sin on Him? Are you practically kind and loving to all? Furthermore, do you love to be kind to others who don't deserve it?

-Walk humbly with our God: Jesus stated he was here to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord- in other words bring Himself and His Father the glory deserved. Our primary focus is the be the glory of the Lord. Are you humble in your every day dealings? In submission to the Lord? In admitting your power comes from Christ alone?

The Lord has told us what to do so let's do it! Make this Scripture you personal mission statement. Justice, Kindness, Humility- all glory to God!

An Unexpected Study

The Bible is God’s words given to us. His words are without any error. When you study using other resources, you are able to glean from the revelation that has been given to others regarding their personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and their Bible Study. Then, the Lord can show you what he wants to reveal to you as an individual. Reading Nehemiah, I learned a lot about effective Christian leadership and how God can use any willing servant regardless of their background. Through further study, the Lord unveiled a whole other layer to my study of Nehemiah. I have previously done a post on the importance of Biblical names, but there were just so many in Nehemiah that I had to share. They are all focused around our Yahweh (literally means “I AM” please see previous Biblical names post) and are not only pertinent to the text but to our application today. So here they are!

 (All definitions taken from The Expositor's Bible Commentary)

 

Chapter 1 (please reference previous “biblical names” post for others)

 

Chapter 2

1. Asaph: “Yahweh has gathered” This was the man that was the head of the forest where Nehemiah was authorized to go and get lumber to rebuild the wall and city. Yahweh had gathered his remnant together to begin this work

Application: We are the body of Christ and must be unified to be effective. I Cor. 12:20 “But now are they many members, yet but one body.” The chapter talks about spiritual gifts and how we are to be one body unified in Christ to accomplish His will. All members of the body are necessary.

 

Rephaiah: “Yahweh has healed” God sent Nehemiah to allow the Spirit to heal the broken-hearted remnant.

Application: James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Allow the Spirit to exude his healing powers to others through you.

 

Hasshub: “Yahweh has considered” He knows you and comprehends what is going on in your life.

Application:  Psalm 31:7 “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;”

 

Chapter 8

Hadiah: “Yahweh is splendor” splendor: magnificent appearance or grandeur; The Lord is so great and awesome that we can not understand it!

Application:  I Timothy 1:17 “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

 

Pelaiah: “Yahweh has acted wonderfully” Application:  Joshua 3:5 “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”Are you in awe of the sheer magnificence of your Lord? Are you purified to enjoy the wonders of the Lord He can do in a humble servant?

 

Chapter 10

Abijah: “Yahweh is my Father” Application: Romans 8: 15 “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Abba is a very endearing term meaning “daddy” He is our Father and He will never let us down.

 

Maaziah: “Yahweh is a refuge” Application: Psalm 46: 1”God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” He is present, he knows, and he is our safe house

Hoshea: “May Yahweh save!” Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” His salvation is sure and available to all who ask! It is only through his power that salvation is accomplished!

 

Pelatiah: “Yahweh delivers” Application: 2 Kings 17:39 “But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.” Your relationship with the Lord must be right- He will deliver you from temptation- trust in Him and allow him to purify you!

 

Ahiah: “My brother is Yahweh” Application: Exodus 33:11 “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.” We are a part of the family of God!  Brother and friend are interchangeable when talking about the family of Christ- He is as close as a family member and we can have this level of intimacy if we will just allow Him to do His work in us!

 

Anan: “Yahweh has manifested himself” application: 2 Corinthians 4:11 “For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” When people look at us, they should see and be in awe of Jesus, not us! We must allow God to put death to our old man so that He can make Himself manifest to others through us!

 

Chapter 11

Athaiah: “Yahweh has shown Himself preeminent” Application:  Col. 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” The Lord is to be first in our lives- it says in the Bible that our love for God should be so preeminent that in comparison we hate our family members. He will always be in control and everything is done for His glory.

 

Hazaiah: “Yahweh has seen” Application: Prov. 15:3 “ The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” He saw and judged Israel for her sin and He blesses them for their good. The Lord will chastise His own in order to bring him back to Himself. He blesses the righteous and those who delight in His way will be given the desires of their hearts.

 

Joed: “Yahweh is witness” Romans 8: 16 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” The presence of the Lord via the Holy spirit bears witness of our being a part of the family of God

 

Kolaiah: “Voice of Yahweh” Application: I Sam. 3:10 “And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” Samuel did not know the voice of the Lord at first. Are you acknowledging the Lordship of God in your life? If so you will hear his voice.

 

Pelaliah: “Yahweh has interposed” Interposed: to intervene, intercede Application: I Tim. 2:5 “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” Jesus Christ has become our literal mercy seat meaning he intercedes for us as His child to remove our sins and make us perfect before God the Father (please see Mercy seat blog post) - Satan is the great accuser while Jesus is the great intercessor

 

Ahzai: “Yahweh has grasped” Application: John 10: 28 “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” The Lord is our sure foundation- no matter our circumstances, trust God- He has a firm hold of you as His child

 

Mica (short of Michael): “Who is like Yahweh?” Application: Exodus 8:10 “And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.” God is the only true God.

 

Abda: “slave of Yahweh” Application: I Cor. 7: 22 “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.” The Lord frees us from the bondage of sin so that we can be willing servant just as Jesus demonstrated on the earth. In order to be great in God’s kingdom, one must be a willing, humble servant. This is Lordship demonstrated in our lives.

 

Zerah: “Yahweh has shown forth” Again, see the others which are more specific. The Lord will show up in His time and way. Our job is to allow Him to work in us and trust Him to accomplish His perfect will.

 

Chapter 12

Hoshaiah: “Yahweh has saved” Application: 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.” Anyone is welcome- He is waiting for you!

 

What a blessing to end with the reminder that Yahweh has saved. The people of the OT did not have Jesus’ sacrifice yet, but trusted Him to send their Savior as He promised. They learned the proper relationship and position they have with God. They learned how the Lord worked through His unified body of believers with servant-leadership to accomplish His perfect will. When will you submit to the Lord so that He can lead you to your wall to build?

Biblical Names

So continuing to read through Nehemiah, I came to the chapter where the names of those that committed to help with the rebuilding of the wall are mentioned which is important!Us
 ing the Expositor's Bible Commentary, I have been able to uncover the meanings behind the names of the characters involed. I found an excellent article that explained why names were different in Bible times as far as the meaning being significant. Please see the following which is a direct quote from a Christian leader named  Wes Woodell entitled " The Significane of  Names in the Bible:

. . . a biblical name could record some aspects of a person’s birth. Moses was given his name because his mother drew him out of a river (Exodus 2:10). His name literally means “to draw out. . . ." 

Biblical names sometimes expressed the parents’ reaction to the birth of their child. Examples include Isaac (Genesis 21:6) which means “laughter”, and Abimelech (Judges 8:31) which means “my father is king.”

Biblical names were sometimes used to secure the solidarity of family ties. An example of this is found in Luke 1:59 when John the Baptist was nearly given the name of his father.

Biblical names could be used to communicate God’s message. The prophet Isaiah named his first son Shear-jashub which means “a remnant shall return” (Isaiah 7:3). This was in line with God’s message to the Israelite people that they would be reduced to a mere remnant of what they once were, and would eventually return from exile to the promised land.

Biblical names were also used to establish affiliation with God. All the names ending with -jah or -el(and there are many of those) are saying “with the Lord” or “with God.”

Then you have the giving of a new name. This was used to establish authority over another, or to indicate a new beginning or new direction in a person’s life. For instance, Pharaoh changed Joseph’s name to Zephenath-paneah when Joseph entered his service (Genesis 41:45), another Pharaoh changed the name of the Jewish king Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:24). . . . Name changes indicating a new life direction include Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), Cephas to Peter (Mark 3:16), and some would say Saul to Paul (Acts 13:9).

Here’s the really interesting part: names were often used to express the nature and function of a person. They were used to indicate a person’s purpose in the world, and the greatest example of this type of naming is Jesus.

So as we can see, put here very nicely,people of the Bible's names were of utmost significance and many times revealed God's message to His people. Which brings me to my main point. There is a theme of  "YAHWEH is this or that" in some of those building the wall as well as Nehemiah and His family members. What does YAHWEH really mean? This was a name of God that Hebrews would not even speak because the name had such reverence to it! Anytime you see LORD in all capitals, the reference is to the name YAHWEH. The best example is seen in Exodus 3:15:

15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

YAHWEH means "I AM" and  so God tells Moses, I exist, I have always and will always exist and I AM the one and only supremely powerful God.  I found another article by John Piper entitled " 10 Things Yahweh Means" and while I would disagree with some of Mr. Piper's interpretations in other areas of Scripture, I thought that these 10 items were excellent in thinking through the true meaning of the name:

1. He never had a beginning.
2. God will never end. If he did not come into being he cannot go out of being, because he is being.
3. God is absolute reality. There is no reality before him. There is no reality outside of him unless he wills it and makes it. He is all that was eternally. No space, no universe, no emptiness. Only God.
4. God is utterly independent. He depends on nothing to bring him into being or support him or counsel him or make him what he is.
5. Everything that is not God depends totally on God. The entire universe is utterly secondary. It came into being by God and stays in being moment by moment on God's decision to keep it in being.
6. All the universe is by comparison to God as nothing.
7. God is constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He cannot be improved. He is not becoming anything. He is who he is.
8. God is the absolute standard of truth and goodness and beauty. He himself is the standard of what is right, what is true, what is beautiful.
9. God does whatever he pleases and it is always right and always beautiful and always in accord with truth. All reality that is outside of him he created and designed and governs as the absolute reality. So he is utterly free from any constraints that don't originate from the counsel of his own will.
10. God is the most important and most valuable reality and person in the universe. He is more worthy of interest and attention and admiration and enjoyment than all other realities, including the entire universe.

So let's begin with Nehemiah. All of these name meanings are taken from The Expositor's Bible Commentary:

Nehemiah: "the comfort of Yahweh" or "Yahweh has comforted"
Interesting because God sent Nehemiah to unite and lead the people of Israel to rebuild their land. They were therefore comforted by the Lord through the leadership of Nehemiah. Nehemiah himself was first comforted by the Lord as he approached the king only after God's direction and strength was given to him. The Holy Spirit comforted him when he was so distraught after finding out that his people's land was so destroyed. He could've stayed in self pity but allowed the Holy Spirit to comfort Him and move him to action

Hachaliah Chap.1): "wait for Yahweh" This was Nehemiah's father which coorelates to the fact that he would have been part of the Jewish remnant that had been degraded and destroyed. He had known before that the wall had already attempted to be rebuilt and had been stopped so Hachaliah literally knew that he was waiting for the I AM to bless the remnant again.

Hanani (Chap, 1): "Yahweh is gracious" This was Nehemiah's brother and is also intriguing since he was the one who gave Nehemiah the news that God's people were so vulnerable and degraded. Even when giving this news, the people of God knew that God was full of grace and would bless them beyond any level of deserving blessing on their part.

Uzai (chap. 3:25) (thought to be short for Azaniah): " Yahweh has heard" This was simply a name of one of the builders' father. It is interesting to note that none of the builders noted were said to be carpenters, metalsmiths, etc. but were all common people united together to serve the Lord. Also, an interesting note is that the son's name was Palal which possible means "God has judged" so while Yahweh is not used in his name, it is interesting to note that the father's name meant that the I AM has heard their petitions and has judged the people as he said he would for their sin. It shows a level of faith considering Uzai lived through the judgment.

Pedaiah: "Yahweh has ransomed" This was simply one of the builder's names. When looking at the timeline of how these names are put in sequence is interesting. Palal (God has judged) the son of Uzai (Yahweh has heard) now immediately leads to Pedaiah. The great I AM has judged the people and a remanant now remains. Hachaliah knew that he would wait for the great I AM and Hanani knew that Yahweh is gracious even in the judgment. Uzai knew that Yahweh had heard his people even though they were a struggling remnant. God impressed upon Nehemiah to become the leader of His people to accomplish His will by comforting Him in his sorrow and by bringing the comfort of the Holy Spirit to God's people. Lastly, Yahweh has ransomed his people. He promised his intervention and it was given. . They had hope in the Lord that would rebuild Hs people's wall along with His people for His glory to be a testimony to the Lord. They knew Jesus would finally ransom His people in the future and they had hope and faith in that- God would provide the Lamb that would save His people eternally!

While this sequence and the translation of some of these names is difficult, the fact of the matter is that God did do these things, and that Bible Study is important as a whole new layer of understanding via the Holy Spirit is given as a blessing to the student. Praise our Yahweh! Remember who He is! The great I AM!!

Nehemiah's Prayer

I have recently moved my study to the Old Testament for a change in style and have happened upon the unique little book of Nehemiah. God used this man in a great way to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem which was of utmost importance in that day and age as a wall was  a major defense mechanism. What was impressed upon me immediately was that Nehemiah was a man of God, was an effective Christian leader, and was a man of great prayer. Prayer is a foundation of Christian leadership. Why?
1. Prayer is our access to God the Father in personal conversation. Jesus is our literal mercy seat that allows us access to the throne of God (please see my post on the Mercy Seat). Also, Jesus is our Mediator as our Mercy Seat constantly being our advocate (same kind of idea as lawyer) before the Father.
2. Prayer puts us in the right attitude of resting in the Lord and knowing His will to know when action is appropriate.
3. Prayer allows us to thank and praise God like we should.
4. Prayer gives us the opportunity to repent and turn from our sin.
5. Prayer allows us to ask specific requests of the Lord to be answered.

Nehemiah engaged in different prayers- when he spoke to the King (whom he risked angering as he was the king that put a stop to the previous building of the wall of Jerusalem) a very short prayer came from his lips asking for God to help Him-with words, to have bravery to make his request of the king, etc. and the Lord delivered. Nehemiah was blessed by the Lord by putting it upon the heart of the king to approve Nehemiah's request and to approve further help from those who dealt in lumber, etc. The prayer of focus is his initial prayer in chapter 1 which was a longer prayer.

v.5 I beseech thee, O LORD, God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that kept covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments
Beseech meaning begging of the Lord
great and terrible meaning giving the Lord due credit as the Lord of all and a Lord to be feared or respected
Nehemiah knows and believes in the covenant God has made to Israel (including all Christians-see post on circumcision) that if we love him we will obey His commandments and the Lord will have mercy on us and keep his promises to us.
v.6 let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now , day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee:both I and my father's house have sinned:
Nehemiah is getting ready to ask for a specific request and identifies himself in an attitude of submission as "servant." Also, he prayed day and night meaning he lived in an attitude of prayer and so dependence upon God. He also points out that the children of Israel as well as himself and his family have sinned gravely against the Lord. We all have. Sin starts with ourself.
v. 7 WE have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments , which thou commandants thy servant Moses.
Again he points out the depravity of his people in not following OT law which was so critical in this day as Israel was to be the testimony of Christ to other's before the sacrifice of Jesus.
v. 8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandants thy servant Moses, saying, If ye  transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9 but if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chose to set my name there.
Nehemiah is quoting back to God his  promises  which is quoting the Lord's word back to Himself. Scripture is there for us to use in this way. He also states that Israel is spread apart and defenseless because of their sin which is what God had stated would happen. However, God also promised that repentance would bring the people of Israel back together and would bring them to a place promised and blessed by God. Repentance may seem hard, but once done restores our relationship with the Lord. The Lord does not walk away from us, rather, we walk away from Him and hinder our relationship.

v. 10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
Nehemiah remembers that Israel (again ref. back to my post on circumcision) is God's chosen people that are set apart for the will of God. They have been redeemed alone and made special alone by God's power and will- Nehemiah is again recommitting himself and his people as God's servants and people that the Lord has shown great favor to.

v.11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to thy prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. (the king)
Again he is begging the Lord a specific request in the attitude of being a servant of the Lord- He can ask this request in confidence because he knows it is the Lord's will as he says it is the desire of him and the people to fear the Lord's name and live in His will. This is why he is justified in asking the Lord to prosper him and have mercy in the sight of the king- because it is fulfilling the will of God.

Nehemiah's prayers are seen in chapter 1, 2, 4,  5,  6, and 13. Many of the prayers are in regards to his enemies. They are considered enemies because they are the enemies to God's will making them enemies of God. We ourselves are not to take matters in our own hands unless the Lord tells him to do so (e.g. Nehemiah was ready with weapons if God were to tell them to attack their enemies). Otherwise, Nehemiah gave fear, stress, and his enemies with their action to the Lord to deal with. Others were prayers to remember him and prosper him which was because he knew what he was accomplishing was the will of God. Other times it literally says that he was just in a state of prayer meaning He was simply in a constant attitude of prayer to God. Leadership begins and ends with prayer just like this chapter. Take homes for today:

1. Prayer is a constant attitude to be in and essential to the Christian life.
2. The Lord hears and responds to your prayers. Rest in Him and allow Him to call you to any action.
3. Ask for specific requests given that they do not contradict any of God's desires for you.
4. Pour your heart out to the Lord including your emotions- fear, anger, stress, disappointment- He cares. Allow him to go before you and fight your battles.
5. Speak Scripture back to the Lord.
6. Praise the Lord and realize your position in relation to him. Redeemed, a servant, and powerful.
7. Prayers can be short in times of crisis, but true communication comes from a time of dedication to prayer.
8. Remember that acknowledging your sin as wrong is imperative.
9. Remember that yielding to God should be the heart in all our prayers.