Fear of Man

"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe" (Prov. 29:25, ESV).

Do you worry about what other people think about you? Do you feel the crushing pressure to think, act or appear a certain way? Are you afraid to relax? Afraid to let people see the real you? Solomon tells us that this way of thinking is a snare. This way of thinking holds us prisoner to others opinions and strips us of safety. When we live in the fear of man we cannot please God. How different would the ministries of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, or any of the prophets for that matter, have been if they had let their fear determine what they would say and do? Instead of yielding to their fear of man, they trusted in the Lord.

Did trusting the Lord keep them safe? Yes and No. It did not keep them safe in the sense that everything was perfect. They faced ridicule, abuse, rejection, hardship, and so on. Trusting in the Lord did not spare them from the wrath of man, but it did keep them safe from the wrath of God. Their obedience was pleasing to the Lord and he preserved them through all of their difficulties and continued to care for them.

Speaking of the fear of man, Jesus said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28, ESV). Jesus stresses the futility of fearing man by expressing the limitations that man has. Man can only kill the body. In one sense, the killing of the body is a temporal thing. It does not determine where a person will exist after death, only that they are no longer alive. However, God not only has the power to terminate life, but the authority to determine where a person exists after that termination. We creatures are finite by nature, and thus our actions against each other have only finite consequences. God is eternal, thus our actions against him have eternal consequences.

The fear of the Lord has to do with hating evil (Prov. 8:13), it is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7) and the key to insight (Prov. 9:10). The fear of the Lord is not fear in the sense of terror. The Lord is not like some masked gunman breaking into our life or some crazed axe-wielding maniac. The fear of the Lord is a humble submission to his sovereignty that produces a life of trusting obedience and dependency. It is a life that looks to him to see what should be done next, because he alone possesses wisdom. As we follow in his footsteps, he leads us safely in the paths that please him most, draws us to himself, and sustains us by his power. Don't give in to the fear of man; it is a trap that will draw you away from God and away from safety. Look to the Lord who lovingly sustains you, and rest in him.

Wilderness Wonderings

A friend and I spent some time traversing through the woods today on 4-wheelers. As we drove through the paths so many things went through my mind. I was captured by the beauty I saw. My mind began to wonder what it must have been like for our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden. What did an unspoiled world look like?

On one path we had to pass through some brambles and I was quickly reminded of the curse brought into this world because of Adam's sin. Now amid beauty there is thorn and thistle. As we passed by a creek, I was reminded of how much the world must have been changed by the Flood of Noah's day. The world we now see must be so different from the world Adam first laid eyes on.

I thought about the hours I spent as a child playing in the woods in my backyard. I thought about the trails I hiked with friends when I lived in Pineville. I thought about a similar excursion Delia and I had two years ago in Cozmel, Mexico, and I hoped I wouldn't kill my friend's 4-wheeler (like the one I killed in Cozmel).

One thought that kept coming back to my mind revolved around our Lord. I kept thinking, if this place is so beautiful, so majestic, so breathtaking, so enlivening, what will it be like when we see Jesus face to face? When Jesus comes in all his glory, and we are able to behold him in his splendor, what will that be like? I can't say that I came up with an answer. I only know that if this world, even in its fallen state, is any indication of the beauty of that moment, then it will be something marvelous to behold. In that moment we will truly know what "awesome" means.

I thank the Lord for his marvelous creation, for the eyes to see it, the ears to hear it, the nose to smell it, the ability to taste it, and to be able to feel it. I am thankful for wonderful friends. I am grateful for the opportunity to just hang out and have a good time. I am thankful for so many things, things that I often take for granted, but bless my life in so many ways. I am grateful that I was able to get out and enjoy a glorious day, to laugh, to pray, and to play.

Reflections on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is finally here. I had hoped to have Sophia home by now, but we are still waiting. I know many of you have plans of turkey and stuffing, laughter and naps, football and parades, and so on. I also hope you have plans to actually spend time in giving thanks to God for the gifts and blessings he has poured into your life.

The story of God's grace begins with the creation. When God spoke the world into existence and created a lush paradise that was to be ruled by his image bearers. God formed man out of dirt and woman from man's side. He created them to reflect his glory, but our original parents, Adam and Eve, rebelled against God when they ate the forbidden fruit. Their sin brought death into the world and separated humanity from its Creator. God was not willing to let death reign over mankind. The eternal Son of God, stepped out of heaven, taking on flesh in the person of Jesus the Christ, lived a sinless life, willingly dying on the cross, to make atonement for the sins of the world, was buried and rose again on the third day. Now ascended into heaven, Jesus is king over all and extends forgiveness to whosoever will believe. Jesus is the only way that sinful humanity can be reconciled to their holy Creator, therefore every person is called upon to repent and believe. When we turn from our sin to the Lord, trusting Jesus' work for our salvation and righteousness, we enter into eternal life. It is a life that Jesus describes as "abundant" (John 10:10).

For those of us who have embraced this good news there is an unending stream of gracious care and blessing that flows into our lives. I am not saying that there isn't difficulty in the Christian life. There will be tribulation, trouble, turmoil, grief, hardship, testing, and suffering, however, where these are present, the grace of God is there also. That grace strengthens us for the task, empowers us to endure, and points us to the day when God rewards us with the desire of our heart--Himself. Everything else will fade away on the day we meet our Creator-Redeemer. When we see Jesus face to face our troubles and trials will melt away like butter over a hot flame, and in the glorious joy that will accompany that moment all will be forgotten except for our Master.

I hope this Thanksgiving is your best to date. I hope you carve out pleasant memories that will endure throughout your lifetime. I hope your family is strengthened as you gather around the table this year. But, I also hope you will look at your feast and realize that a greater feast is still to come--when Christ returns for his bride. I pray as you bow your heads for grace today your heart will overflow in gratitude for your Lord and Savior, and not just for the gifts he has provided. I hope your turkey is moist and your yams are sweet, but I pray that you have truly tasted the goodness of your God, and yearn for more. I hope you have pleasant dreams when you nap today, but I pray that you are consciously resting in the Lord. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Sermon Preview 11-30-08

Special Note: Since the 30th is a 5th Sunday there will be donuts and coffee in the basement at 9:30 am. Everyone is welcome.

Morning: Lord willing, we will conclude the sermon series, Jesus Our Great High Priest. This sermon is entitled, "Nothing but the Blood" and comes from Hebrews 9:1-10:18. The main idea of the the passage is, "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Heb 10:14).

One of my favorite hymns asks:

What can wash away my sins? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)
What can make me whole again? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)

This passage expresses this truth through an elaborate discussion of the tabernacle and the sacrificial system. The author tells us that the tabernacle pointed to the coming of a greater sacrifice that could cleanse the conscience, not just make one ceremonially clean. He tells us that Christ had to die to cleanse us, because "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22). And he also demonstrates that Jesus willingly shed his blood on our behalf.

I. The division of the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place points to the reality that the sacrifices were not sufficient to cleanse the conscience (9:1-10).
Hebrews 9:9 states, "This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper."

II. The Law decrees that blood must be shed in order for sins to be remitted (9:11-28).
Hebrews 9:22 states, "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

III. It was for this purpose that Jesus willingly entered our world (10:1-18).
Hebrews 10:9-10 states, "Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ . . . And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

This passage compels us to cling to Christ alone as our righteousness. It calls us as believers to worship the Lord for his gracious gift. It calls us to walk in confident faith, knowing that Christ has perfected us in righteousness. It compels the unbeliever to turn to Christ and find forgiveness.

Evening: We will look at giving thanks.

Seasons of Grief

"Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda" (Prov. 25:20, ESV).

What does this proverb mean? What is Solomon trying to tell us? More importantly, what is the Holy Spirit trying to tell us?

It appears that there is a conspiracy to minimize grief. Stand in line at a funeral home and it won’t be long before you hear someone say, "God has a plan in this," or "God is in control" or "Eventually it will get better" or some other well-worn, good intentioned cliché. From experience, I can say, that walking through the line and greeting the family is always difficult for me. I want to comfort them. I hate that they hurt. I am made uncomfortable by their discomfort and I am afraid I may cry (this fear is a vestige left over from my life before Christ that seems almost impossible to shake). I often say the only thing that will come out, "We are so sorry for your loss. We’ll be praying for you all." I want to escape this discomfort, and experience has taught me I am not alone.

Grief is a solemn reminder that all is not well in our world. Death is not natural, even though it currently operates within the natural order. Humanity was intended for more. Grief seemingly functions like a person, coming and going freely, in the lives of those it has stricken. For some grief is a nearly constant companion, although never a positive one. For others grief is more like an unwelcomed house guest rushed away at the first opportunity. Is all grief bad? I mean bad in a moral sense. Is grief sin?

Speaking of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied that he was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isa 53:3, ESV). During his final hours Jesus told his disciples, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death" (Matt 26:38, ESV). These passages demonstrate that grief is not, in and of itself, sinful. Jesus never sinned, but did know grief. Therefore, since grief is not bad in a moral sense, we need to avoid minimizing it. Grief is a powerful means appointed by God to bring about some greater end. Or it may be better to say, that God has order circumstances in such a way that he can bring about good from even the worse situation (i.e., the cross).

The experience of grief is like coming to a crossroads in life. As Yogi Berra allegedly said, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." Grief presents us with two distinct alternatives. It will either drive us to God, who alone is sufficient to help us. Or it will drive us away from God in search of something else, something that will ultimately leave us worse off than when we started. Some may be inclined to argue that there must be other alternatives. However, Jesus strips us of such arguments when he states, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Matt 12:30, ESV). Exodus 20:2-3 remind us that there is but one God, he alone must be served.

It is important to understand the positive role suffering plays in the life of a believer. Paul states, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Rom. 5:3-5, ESV; see also James 1:2-4, 2 Pet. 1:3-11). Paul also states that God comforts us "so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Cor. 1:4, see 2 Cor. 1:3-11). Thus, the Scriptures teach us that grief (suffering or affliction) is used by God to shape our character and faith, as well as, to equip us to minister to others who grieve. Therefore, any attempt to minimize grief short circuits the process.

Grief, and the emotions that come with it, create within the griever a vacuum. It leaves them searching for something to anesthetize them to their pain, to rescue them from their situation, and to help them carry on. This response is natural and is often used by God to draw his people to him (see 1 Sam. 1:10; 2 Sam. 22:7; Neh. 9:27; Pss. 4:1, 6:7, 13:2, 18:6, 25:17, 31:7, 9, 55:4, 81:7, 106:44, 107:6, 13, 19, 28, 118:5, 120:1; Isa. 26:16). 2 Chronicles 15:4 states, "but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them" (ESV). In essence, grief has the power to be a good thing if it draws us closer to God. If in our grief we are sent scrambling for God, then we will find in him our all-in-all.

This truth brings us back to Solomon’s words, "Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda" (Prov. 25:20, ESV). The Spirit is saying through Solomon that the wise know that there is a time for grieving (see Eccl. 3:1-8). It is cruel and aggravating to stop the grieving process short of its goal. There is a place for encouragement, but sometimes we need to just mourn with the mourners. Ask questions, seek understanding, listen attentively, and when appropriate, gently point them to God. Don’t feel the need to correct them for expressing their grief. Give them the benefit of the doubt, but if necessary, gently remind them of God’s grace and his love for them. Don’t talk about you and your experience too much. If you are moved to tears, let them flow. Allow their pain to affect you, and ask God to use you as an agent of comfort. Wisdom instructs us to distinguish between those who are grieving in a healthy manner and those who are grieving in an unhealthy manner.

Bitterness and apathy are often signs of unhealthy grief. These people have become stuck in grief like a boot in thick mud. Some people wallow in grief, allowing the loss to define them. Others consciously deny grief, while being slowly eroded away by feelings of despair. As believers, these options are not open for us. We know that we are not to grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thes. 4:13). We know that the things we suffer are not worthy to compare to the glory we will receive (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor 4:17-18). And we know that the Lord will remove our sorrow (Isa. 51:11; Jer. 31:13, 25; Rev. 21:1-4). Until our final foe, Death, is cast into the lake of fire, we will continue to mourn. However, we must always remember that God is willing and able to comfort us. The next time you are in line at the funeral home; don’t worry about what to say. Instead, pray that God will grant the grieving the wisdom to draw close to him. Pray that he will comfort them as only he can. Pray that at this crossroads of life, they choose to run to Jesus. Then when it is your turn, let them know that you love them and are praying for them.

Sermon Review 11-23-08

Morning: We continued the series Jesus Our Great High Priest. The sermon was entitled, "The Nature of His Priesthood," and came from Hebrews 7:1-8:13. The main point of the passage is that we have a priest who has sat down an the right hand of the throne of Majesty in heavy. That is to say, Jesus has completed his work and upholds us before the Father. The sermon sought to answer three questions: What does it mean that Jesus was a priest in the order of Melchizedek? Why was another priesthood necessary? and How was Jesus' ministry different from the Levitical priesthood?

What does it mean that Jesus was a priest in the order of Melchizedek? It means that Melchizedek foreshadowed Christ and that we can draw parallels out of his life that help us to understand Jesus' priesthood. First, he was a king. More specifically, he was the king of righteousness and the king of peace (Salem). Likewise, Jesus is a king who reigns in righteousness and is referred to by Isaiah as the Prince of Peace. Second, the are both priests of the God Most High. Jesus is even called the Son of the Most High. Third, Melchizedek's story possesses no genealogy. He appears in Genesis 14, seemingly out of nowhere (chronologically), and blesses Abraham. The fact that there is no reference to his beginning or end, is used by the author of Hebrews to stress Jesus' own timelessness. Before he was the man Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, existed eternally with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Forth, Jesus is greater than Abraham, as he states in John 8. As the author of Hebrews states the greater blesses the lesser.

Why was another priesthood necessary? Because the old one was flawed. It demanded a righteousness that it could not produce. Unlike the old one, the new priesthood came sealed with an oath that guaranteed success. The old order of priests died, and thus had to be replaced. Our resurrected Lord cannot die. The old order of priests sinned, and therefore had to offer sacrifices for their sins before they could offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. Jesus had no sin--in fact, that author states that Jesus is , "one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above he heavens" (Heb. 7:26). Thus, he could offer one sacrifice once for all. Therefore, his work is finished.

How was Jesus' ministry different from the Levitical priesthood? It was superior. While it was still a ministry that offered gifts and sacrifices it offered them in a better place and was built on better promises. The sacrifice was offered in heaven on the original altar of God, not a copy like the earthly tabernacle and temple. Jesus was at the right hand, the place of honor. It was the right hand of the throne of Majesty, that is God's throne, and he was seated which indicates the completion of his task. The location of his service placed him above his earthy counterparts. Also, his ministry was founded on better promises. It was not man who found the Old Covenant to be useless, and thus, required God to come up with a new one. No, it was God who saw the flaw (man was unable to keep the covenant; there was no flaw in the covenant itself), and promised a new one. In the New Covenant, God would place the ability to keep the law within man, through his indwelling presence. The Lord expresses this truth by saying he will write his law on their hearts and minds. In the New Covenant sins are forgiven and remembered no more, because Christ, our great High Priest, has offered himself in payment for our sins and has cleansed us in the sight of God. Our crucified and resurrected Savior has secured our way to God.

Evening: We had a good time watching "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." This VeggieTales movie is a modern parable that reminds children and adults that God will enable us to do what he has called us to do; we need to only trust and obey.

The Gospel According to Luke

I started reading through the Gospel of Luke today. I was struck by three themes God's sovereignty, his covenantal faithfulness, and his providential care for his people. There is no doubt that the Scriptures present God as Sovereign. Luke's Gospel is no different. God' s sovereignty is demonstrated in his pronouncements concerning John the Baptist and Jesus. It is further demonstrated by his opening of the barren womb and then the virgin womb.

Mary states, "He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever" (Luke 1:54-55). And Zechariah proclaims that Jesus' coming was "to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham" (Luke 1:72-73). We should not underestimate the importance of covenant faithfulness. The covenantal promises defined the people of God and their relationship to them. Just as Israel's identity was tied to the Old Covenant, so our identity as believers is tied to the New Covenant. But more important than the Covenant is the One on whom the Covenant rests. It was God who promised, and confirmed it with an oath, and God cannot lie. Jesus' coming is demonstrated to be the fulfillment of the promises and the completion of the covenant.

We also see God's providential care in Luke's Gospel. He demonstrates God's providential care through his references to the ordering of circumstances. Such facts as "in the days of Herod," "[Zechariah] was chosen by lot," and "the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David" (Luke 1:5, 9, 26-27) all demonstrate God's ordering and his care. These events are no mere coincidence, but a clear plan emerges as we are reminded that these events have been forth-told by the Lord through His prophets.

These concepts are the heart and soul of practical theology. God's sovereignty, His covenantal faithfulness, and His providential care are all practical matters. If we understand these realities correctly they will shape our lives and bring us great confidence in the Lord. They help us to move beyond our circumstances and feelings. They aid us in pressing forward in faith and obedience, confident in the knowledge that God is in control and he cares for us.