The Just Judge

“Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; lift Yourself up

because of the rage of my enemies; rise up

for me to the judgment You have commanded!

So the congregation of the peoples shall surround

You; for their sakes, therefore, return on high.

The Lord shall judge the peoples; judge me,

O Lord, according to my righteousness, and

according to my integrity within me.

“Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to

an end, but establish the just; for the righteous

God tests the hearts and minds. My defense is

of God, who saves the upright in heart.”

     Psalm 7:6-10 (NKJV)

When we see wrongdoing or experience evil in this world, our hearts should cry out to God.  We cry for His justice that will bring an end to the wickedness.  We plead for Him to intervene and make things right.  However, vengeance is best left to the Lord. Our efforts, particularly when we’re angry, are usually not effective for "the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20, NKJV)  But we can trust that God will bring about the right result according to His plan and timing, for He is the just judge.

 When faced with wickedness and wrongdoing, we must guard against self-righteousness, thinking we’re pretty good by comparison. However, we have no basis to just point the finger at others.  For we all sin and come short of God’s holy standard.  Yet humble sinners who come to the cross of Christ find pardon. There we are established as just and upright in heart. 

But judgment will come to those who continue in their evil ways and reject God, so we can leave things in His hands.  Thank God that we are spared His wrath because of our faith in Christ. Praise God that He is our one defense and our righteousness.

No Ways Tired

He had to go through Samaria on the way.  Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.  Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.  Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”  John 4:4-7

Are you tired?  The last couple of weeks have been the most mentally draining weeks of my life.  Yes, the George Floyd thing weighs heavy on my mind and heart.  But I will try to give it context.  A friend of mine the other day asked me what is so different.  Last week I spoke of the weight of fear for the last forty years.  Now, I speak of the fatigue that came with carrying it for so long.  There were friends that were tired of talking about it, and they wanted to grieve and deal with their own personal pain.  Because of my mom, I cannot.  She always taught me there were some things bigger than you, and she spoke of African Americans like Mary McLeod Bethune and Medgar Evers.  She was a History major at U of M, and she poured a lot of it out on me.  Moments like the Selma march and the March on Washington in the ‘60’s were told to me like bedtime stories.  And of course whenever I would complain about how tired I was, she would remind me of the history of people who too were tired but nonetheless kept walking.  Kept marching.  Theirs was a higher purpose.  In lieu of that, I had to keep speaking up because if one heart could be changed, it would make a difference.  I find solace in the words of Paul speaking with conviction to win others to Christ.  He said:

If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust.  What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.  1 Corinthians 9:17-18

So, while I am tired I am also guided by a greater purpose helping others join to help my African American brothers and sisters, who have been hurting for so long.  So while I may be drained of all my mental energy, I pray being reminded of the James Cleveland gospel hymnal saying:

I don't feel no ways tired,
I've come too far from where I started from.
Nobody told me that the road would be easy,
I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me. – I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired

God wants us to know He understands both who we are and where we are.  I was listening to a sermon that spoke of today’s verses, and it was eye opening the way he explained it.  He focused on the sixth verse where Jesus was said to be ‘tired from the long walk’ and ‘sat wearily beside the well.’  The part that perplexed him was this question.  If He is God, why would He be ‘tired’ and ‘weary?’  The pastor concluded, “I worship a God who is powerful enough to give me strength and was human enough to get tired.”  This part of the story revealed just how relatable He is to us.  When even Jesus was tired, He still shared a story with a Samarian woman who came to draw water.  When He was done with His conversation with her, “Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” (John 4:39).  You see even when we ourselves are tired, we can still change hearts and minds if we just rely on Him.  If Jesus could convert a town while tired with just one interaction, imagine what He could do for us if we trust Him in our times of fatigue and weariness.

True strength comes not only on our own abilities but also our willingness to surrender to Him.  Yes, there are those times where we want to go back to our childhood, and have a tantrum saying, “I don’t want to!”  But the truth is we can find strength in God for as Paul said so well, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)  So rest your weary head on Jesus, and let Him renew your strength to continue pressing forward.  What can you lay at God’s feet today?  Where is your mind weary and in need of God’s perfect peace?”  My prayer is that even when tired, we remember Jesus is our refuge to feel no ways tired.  Amen.

Terrifying Darkness, Awesome Light

Faith substantiates hope and validates what cannot be seen (Hebrews 11:1), so hope is vital to our faith. Hope is the expectation of a future event or circumstance. All sorts of things are the object of hope: financial security, grand children, a comfortable life, even the lottery can be an object of hope. We can hope in the short-term like the successful completion of a project. We can hope in the long-term like retirement. But not all objects of hope are worthy of faith. 

For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.” (Hebrews 12:18-21 NASB)

The holy presence of Yahweh at Mount Sinai required extreme measures by the people, terrifying measures. They heard the voice of the Holy One, and could not endure it. They saw the terrifying cloud, fire, darkness which spread to gloom over them all, and they didn't want to go near it. It was nothing like the gods of Egypt, idols in temples, and statues in the thoroughfares. This was the realm of spiritual realities breaking into the physical realm of their daily lives. It was shocking, so different that they could not wrap their heads around what they saw. It was Yahweh, the Creator of the universe right there before them, physically present on a mountain. Rightly, they were terrified.

But that is a not a comfortable object of hope. To see and experience our Savior that way causes us to tremble, and duck our heads in terror. Yet, it is still our Savior. What the people of Israel saw at Mount Sinai wasn't just a show, it was a revelation. And it's as true about our Savior now as it was then. That's still part of who He is. Still, why would we expect the Creator of this unimaginable universe to fit even on a mountain? Regardless of what they saw, that could not be the whole truth about their Savior. The object of our hope includes a somewhat different view of our Savior:

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24 NASB)

We hope in an eternal life with our Savior in His city. The city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem is our true home, and not this twisted fallen world. In that city are the myriads of angels, the collection of disciples of Jesus called out of the corrupt world. But we also will see God. God, the Judge of all, is the primary resident of that city. It is to His presence we are headed. And there we will join the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and Jesus, the One mediating for us through His perfect blood.

So much of this world cries for our attention. We live on a ship sinking with people going down, never to rise. Of those people, some are called to "jump ship". We are among those with that call, and we have been given the responsibility to sound an alarm, blow a whistle, to point to the salvation of our God, and to the holy city. If all the hate in this world drowns out our message, will they hear? If all the evil darkness encroaches our light, will they see? The response to hate is love, the response to darkness is light, the response to agitation is peace. 

Will we succeed? The way our Savior defines success, yes. Will we see peace in our lifetime? We are eternal, so absolutely we will. Will this world ever heal? Well, not this world, but a new heaven and new earth will (Revelation 21:1). The content of our hope will not fail, will not fade, and will not delay. Faith substantiates this hope, drives us to share this hope, and ensures our connection to this hope. We are saved by grace, and that salvation means we have heaven to look forward to, the very face of our Savior. 

This should change everything. The challenge for us is to be so focused on it that everything does, in fact, change. We are free to love because of this hope. We are free to give away everything because of this hope. We are free to loose everything in this life because what we have in the next is secured by our the Creator of the universe. We are free to live at peace because of this hope. We are free to live every day in joy, blessed joy, because of this hope. And nothing spiritual or material can diminish, tarnish, or remove this hope we have because it is established by the One having spoken matter into existence (Romans 8:38,39).

Reflecting Him

“Let your light so shine before men, that

they may see your good works and glorify

your Father in heaven.”

     Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding

as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are

being transformed into the same image

from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit

of the Lord.”

     2 Corinth. 3:18  (NKJV)

A friend and I were talking about a question posed by a ministry leader, asking whether others can see Christ in us?  That is the goal of the Christian walk, to be transformed more and more into the image of Christ. If we are born again believers, Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20) and that should be evident by how we speak and act and live.  As we are in process of being sanctified, people around us should notice positive changes in us, should see something of Christ in us.

As Jesus said, we are to let our light shine before men. But this isn’t our own light, as if we have some inner goodness that shines through. I’ve heard it explained that Jesus is like the sun and we are to be like the moon, reflecting His light and His goodness.  We’re not perfect in being His reflectors but that should be our goal and the intent of our heart. It’s something I desire but I’m challenged when I think about how I come across to others. 

My family and friends know that I am a Christian but do they see Christ in me?  I’m not sure.  I have a feeling many just think I’m strange, that I take the matter of following Christ to an extreme.  But perhaps they see something of His peace in my demeanor, maybe they hear some of His hope in my words. I hope so; people sure need the Lord Jesus Christ, today more than ever.

So I pose the question to you….do others see Christ in you?  My hope is that this question challenges each of us. My prayer is that as a result, we would be more intentional about walking closely with the Lord every day, so we reflect Him brightly to those around us.

Thursday Devotional - Strength and Encouragement from?

Where do you go to get strength and encouragement? Do you talk to a friend or sibling or parent? Or, do you talk to God first?

He’s the One Sovereign over all. He has all the answers and all wisdom. He’s watching over everything.

My parents and sister have had several health challenges recently that have been scary. Then, there have been some huge decisions made in a couple of the non-profit organizations where I’m involved. Some have been stressful and/or confusing.

As I was crying and praying, God reminded me of the verses my kids and I memorized a couple weeks ago.

Joshua 1:8-9 ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I don’t need to be afraid or discouraged. God is with me and will be with me wherever I go! He and His Word are to be my focus. As I meditate on His Word and listen to Him daily, He will provide the direction, strength, and encouragement He knows I need. He can do the same for you! Will you choose to daily spend time with God, learning His truths? Then, we will be better able to rely on His strength and recognize His presence!

Alice

Cuts Like A Knife

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 2:36-38 

For the first time in nearly forty years, I feel like I can be pulled over by police and not have to worry for my life.  I cannot expect most of you to understand that.  It is not as if I had a view of police that they would always do me harm, but there have always been stories of people who look like me and never made it home to tell about it.  As the flashing red and blue lights come on, I repeat in my head the things my parents taught me.  Smile.  Put your hands in a defensive position.  Speak respectfully.  Answer, “Yes sir,” or, “No sir.”  Make no sudden movements.  Comply at all times.  These are the things most African Americans are taught at an early age.  Why?  Because if you roll the dice and you get the wrong cop on the wrong day, your name becomes one in the news like Philando Castille or Tamir Rice.  When someone would tell you that the police did these types of things all the time, the typical responses were, “He must have done something wrong,” or, “Those things do not really happen.”  The more recent answer was, “Well, you know the news sensationalizes everything to divide us.”  Many did not even believe these things happened until a man named George Floyd was pulled over by police and senselessly murdered for all the world to see.  I literally broke down in tears in my wife’s arm because all I could ever do to be safe was pray that God protected me and my family.  Nothing could guarantee my safety. 

However, something has changed.  Now, people look at me and say, “That really happens?  Kent, I had no idea!”  For the first time, I was not the only one crying.  All of us cried.  Together.  Something had changed that day for most of us, and we can’t go back.  If your spirit was not stirred by the injustice that occurred, then perhaps your heart may be further from God than you realize. 

You see, God’s truth always cuts to the heart, and when it does, we must respond.  As Christians, we are taught to respond with the love of Christ to those who are in pain for as Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)  As I read Peter’s speech to Israel shortly after receiving the Holy Spirit, he spoke with such passion and conviction.  It felt like one of those stirring sermons where the preacher was in the zone and the entire church was standing and praising.  Peter’s words were so powerful that, “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41) Remember the last time your finger was cut where the blood continually came out.  You could feel its pain and it was impossible to ignore.  As you can see from today’s verses, Peter’s words ‘cut to the heart,’ and it was impossible for those to ignore God any longer.  Perhaps you too are feeling pain today.  The pain I felt had been there for over forty years.  The pain most African Americans feel has been there for a long time as well.  The goal here is neither to make one feel ashamed nor apologize for any prior views.  It is for you to be aware of the suffering that goes on not only around you but also possibly within you.  God heals all wounds, but healing wounds does not mean to just leave another in pain to God.  We are to reach out to others and love on them as He first loved on us.  Pray for God’s love to be filled in your heart and theirs.  Pour the love onto them as you would anyone else.  Be sincere.  You do not need to be someone you are not, but reach out to someone.  Ask if they are ok and listen. 

God’s love has always been the answer!  We are living in different times, and many of the things that have occurred may cause fear and apprehension.  But I think of the words of Paul that further strengthen this new awakening in our hearts and spirit that can no longer be ignored.  He said: 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails.  1 Corinthians 13:6-8a 

Let us move forward as God’s children loving, rejoicing, protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering for victory is already ours.  Where is your heart today?  How have the events of the past week caused you to think of God’s purpose in your life?  My prayer is that God’s spirit cuts like a knife in our hearts to make changes for His Kingdom.  Amen. 

Enabling All The Rest

I remember, as a kid, going to "camp". It didn't really matter what sort of camp, they all had one thing in common:  a list of what to bring. In a sense, we attempt to do the same thing with our relationship with our Creator, act like there was a list of what to bring. But there isn't. Every bit of our righteousness is like dirty rags. Paul writes of "putting off the old man" and "putting on Christ Jesus". Yet that's a difficult concept to receive and live out.

But here's why that is so crucial, if we bring anything with us in our relationship with Jesus, our hope is divided. We may hope in Jesus, but we also hope in whatever we bring. And hope is essential for faith and love. 

Now faith is the  assurance of things  hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 NASB)

How can faith be assurance of something we don't have? And if we have it, but it isn't entirely in Jesus, then how is our faith in Jesus alone?

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 NASB)

Faith, hope, and love remain, or abide, or dwell, live together. The greatest is love, although they come as a set with the other two, and, as the previous verse makes clear, there's no faith without hope. Hope is essential for faith, and, as it turns out, love.

Think about the idea of hope for a minute. Does it bother you? Is there a little fear, fear that it will not be fulfilled? That's common, and the best indicator that our hope is mixed with Jesus and something else. But what does hope in Jesus look like?

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. (Hebrews 12:14-16 NASB)

Hope in Jesus looks like disciples actively pursuing peace with all men, pursuing the process of being made holy to Jesus, working together to ensure we reach the grace of God together, ensuring roots of bitterness are removed even as they spring up, and not permitting godless or immoral activity among disciples as if it were simply part of our culture. Why? Because we are pursuing something not of this world:

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16 NASB)

Paul applies the call to follow the pattern of thinking in Jesus using himself as an example in Philippians 3:7-16. In Philippians 2:5-11, he lays out the pattern of Jesus, in 2:19-23, Paul uses Timothy as an example of Jesus' servanthood. In 2:25-30, he uses Epaphroditus as an example of Jesus' obedience to the point of death. But the emptying of Himself, for that element of Jesus' pattern Paul uses himself as the example in 3:7-16.

It's crucial for the disciple to grasp this, because it is the application of hope. That is the effect on us of having hope. And it is the antithesis of what we are seeing in our nation, in Hong Kong, in Indonesia, in India, and all throughout our world. People, without hope, will follow the pattern of the devil, stealing, killing, and destroying. Only Jesus came that we might have life, and have it to the full.

Next week, I want to share about the "content", or focus of our hope. Stay tuned.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation