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Friday, 03 February 2012 10:33 |
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And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
(Luke 9:23-26)
To take up our cross is to suffer for the sake of being true to Christ (Luke 9:22, 24). It is to enter into fellowship with Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10). As we bear our cross, however, we will never suffer all the bitterness, pain and agony that Christ suffered to secure our salvation. The suffering of Christ was unique and cannot be repeated. He suffered the judgment and rejection of God, so that we should no more be rejection by God. To be sure, we may suffer rejection, but at the hands of men, and we may not be innocent in our suffering. But our Lord suffered for sins once for all, the just for the unjust that he might bring us back to God (1 Peter 3:18).
No matter how intense our suffering may be, it can make no contribution, whatsoever, to our reconciliation with God. Our reconciliation rests on the finished work of God in Christ and, for that matter, does not need to be augmented by our suffering. Our cross intercrosses, however, with Jesus’ cross, and there is no escaping of suffering for the Christian. It is through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
Suffering will come, even though it is not sought. As followers of Christ, it is inevitable that we suffer. The cross is serviceable to our sanctification (2 Thess. 2:13). Peter says, ‘Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though some thing strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, and that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed,…” (1 Pet. 4:12-14). Moreover, the cross keeps us humble. Without it, we would probably feel that we could live the Christian life on our own strength. The cross keeps us from proud confidence and looking to God.
Taking up our cross and following Christ is a matter of bearing witness to Christ and to our existence as Children of God. Moreover, it points to the future revelation of the glory of the Lord. As we bear our cross, we find ourselves longing and praying for the hastening and coming of the day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:12). Bearing our cross helps us to remember this truth and encourages and comforts us, as we wait for that glorious day.
In this light, let us take up our cross and follow Christ. It will strengthen our faith and obedience in love. From the suffering that will come to us, in different forms and more than once, we will emerge stronger than we were before. Even our Lord had to learn obedience through suffering (He. 5:8). He subjected Himself to suffering for our sakes. As we are disdained to be conformed to His image, we cannot be exempted from suffering ourselves (Ro. 8:29). It is God’s rule that His children learn obedience through suffering. The Lord chastens those whom He loves, and not one of those whom He loves is yet to be found who does not deserve it (He. 12:6). Bearing our cross will renew our gratitude and strengthen our assurance of salvation.
Whatever the cross you are called bear, whether it is a headache, some terminal sickness, poverty, living with an unsaved spouse, raising rebellious children single handedly, persecution, or the loss of a love one, it is not unfair but just. If we think otherwise, we will resist God’s providential dealings with us for our sanctification and salvation.
May God give us the grace to yield in recognition of His wisdom and to rejoice, in so far as we share Christ’s sufferings! Says our Lord Jesus Christ, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whosoever would save his life will lose it; and whosoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it”
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Sunday, 29 January 2012 21:03 |
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“God is Love”
(1 John 4:8)
God is love must be understood in its context. We read in verse 9, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” With a similarity of predication, we are told in verse 10, “In this is love not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.” The love of God is God’s act in sending Jesus Christ. God’s loving is concerned about our salvation and receiving us into fellowship with Himself. In loving us God gave us Himself, and in giving us Himself, He has given us the greatest blessing, because God has nothing higher or greater to give than Himself, and in giving us Himself, He has given us every blessing.
God’s loving is not, however, contingent upon our love for Him, or any reciprocity of love to Him. God’s loving is also not conditioned by any worthiness on our part. “We love God [only] because he first loved us” (1 Jo. 4:19). God loves because He loves. Loving is His being, His very nature. God loves us out of His good pleasure. “Beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1Jo. 4:11). “By this we know love that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? [L] et us not love in word or in speech but in deed and in truth” (1 Jo. 3: 16-18).
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Saturday, 28 January 2012 08:29 |
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"On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"
(Mk. 4:35-41)
Jesus had just spoken about the light set on a candlestick and the parable of the seed, which grows and becomes a great plant. As the disciples did not fully understand, Jesus privately explained everything to them. These instructions should have prepared them for the storm. Moreover, they were not alone with just the recollection of the words of Jesus, during the storm. Jesus Himself was with them, but He was in the stern sleeping on a cushion. The storm became so fierce that the waves broke into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. The disciples who had already received so many promises and consolation in respect of their own existence were afraid.
They cast off their faith, even though they had the assurance of Jesus’ presence and resorted to their seamanship. So much like us we try to take matters in our own hands and when things do not work out we panic. All the truths that they had learned, all the spiritual experiences they had had, even the presence of Jesus was useless. The storm was too violent, and they thought that no one could control it. They were terrified. They thought that Jesus, the ship and they themselves would perish. The situation was too much for them.
Similar situations have also been too much for us. In the face of great danger we too become afraid, no matter how many times God has brought us through. But the truth is the disciples had no reasons to be afraid and so do we. Jesus was present and is present with us. If Jesus were not in the ship, the disciples would have perished. But He was in the ship and for that reason they could not have perished. They really had no need to wake Him up. Our position is the same in Christ. No matter what the situation may be, Jesus is with us, and for this reason alone things will work out for our good. We need not fear. The disciples were rebuked for their fearfulness, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"
Even if the storm had not abated, but had gotten worse, and the disciples had become powerless in the face of the storm they should have trusted in Jesus. Their instruction about the mustard seed and the presence of Jesus should have been enough to assure and reassure them that everything would be fine: that the ship and everyone would be preserved. Jesus rebuked the wind and showed how groundless it was to be afraid, and that their life and our life are in His hands: that He is our Lord, deliverer and peace. It is only through Christ and Christ alone that we find peace, are sustained and preserved, not through our abilities or prowess. So in the midst of threatening situations, just remember that Jesus is with us. Put your trust in Him. Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
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Sunday, 22 January 2012 07:19 |
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“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.”
(Psalm 146:3-5)
These words are always a good reminder, but appear especially relevant as the political fervor increases in our nation in preparation for another presidential election. Just as the people of Israel were tempted to put their trust in the king’s sons, the next generation of potential leaders – the “princes” – so we are tempted to place our hope in presidential candidates and the next generation of political leadership. We are reminded by these verses, however, that “in a son of man … there is no salvation”. There have been a wide array of political and social leaders in the history of this country and planet, but none of mere human descent has every succeeded in addressing our deepest human needs and saving us from those things which most imperil our souls. Some have helped to ease temporal pain and increase order and security for their subjects, but even the best of them has succumb to death and failed to provide eternal life and reconciliation with our Maker.
If you are placing your trust in a democratic, or republican, or libertarian (or pick your party) candidate, realize that he cannot save you. Even if he is elected and walks in integrity, he likely cannot live up to a fraction of his campaign promises, because he does not possess all wisdom, power, and benevolence. He will make mistakes. His plans will be thwarted by opposing parties, new tides of public opinion, or by death itself. And his own heart will be tempted to pride and the abuse of the power and authority entrusted to him.
Therefore, “put not your trust in princes” or political candidates or any mere man. Rather, hope in the Lord. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” It is the God of the Bible who “made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry … sets the prisoners free … opens the eyes of the blind … lifts up those who are bowed down … loves the righteous … watches over the sojourners … upholds the widow and the fatherless, [and] brings to ruin [the way of the wicked]” (Ps. 146:6-9).
No political candidate can truly fulfill all your hopes or meet all your deepest needs. Only God can. And He has already established a ruler in whom we are to place our trust – to Jesus Christ God has given the throne of His father David. It is He who “will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33) Of Him it is said, “The government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” (Isa. 9:6-7) Through Him alone there is forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with our Maker, and eternal hope with God.
So while you watch the political ongoings of our day and prepare to cast your vote this coming November, do not be lured into placing your hope in a political candidate or promoting a political agenda over, above, or instead of Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
“The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!” (Ps. 146:10)
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Friday, 20 January 2012 06:58 |
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If Jesus were living in our world, who among us Christians would not long to speak to Him, let alone receive some sure word from Him, or to gather strength from His presence? The answer is obvious. Crowds would throng him. We would run to Him at every turn of decision. Although He is not physically present that does not limit our access to Him. In fact, He assures us of His presence. He said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Matt. 28:20). He is with us and He asks us to come to Him in prayer. So willing He is to speak with us that He commands us pray and not just pray, but pray without ceasing. He knows that we have many needs and he bids us to pray. Until we are in heaven, we must pray.
The church today is slow to pray because of our self-sufficiency. We act as if we can take of things, even when we know that this is not the case. Prayer and obedience can change things. Through prayer, Peter, who a few days earlier had cravenly denied his Lord, fearlessly confronted the same kind of mob that crucified the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. Elijah prayed and there was no rain for three years, after which he prayed and there was rain. Through his prayer he was able to stop apostasy in Israel, though for a season.
Prayer can shed light on our path, enable us to gain courage and wisdom and understand the mind of Christ. Our needs are so great and varied that we cannot, but pray. Christ Himself has promised if you knock, seek, ask, a door shall be opened to you, you shall find and it shall be given to you. Therefore, pray without ceasing. Pray that this year you may grow in the knowledge and grace of God. Pray that God would work in you, so that you may work out your salvation with fear and trembling: That you may do all things without murmuring and disputing: that you may be blameless and harmless, children of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; that you may shine as lights in the world and hold forth the word of life (Phil. 2:13-16). Pray without ceasing. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ (Phi. 4:6-7).
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