I was listening to a speaker explain the full cultural impact that the parable of the "Prodigal Son" would have had on the people of Jesus' time. The following is a modern version of this parable which trys to give the equivalent cultural impact of the original story.
The focus of this parable has often been the wayward son who realizes his mistakes and goes back to his father in repentence and humility. This re-telling of the story highlights what is thought to be the greater theme within the story - "The Running Father". It reveals a father who is not concerned about humiliating himself when he chooses to run after his wayward sons. His forgiveness is not withheld because of his pride or because of community expectations. He is like our Father in heaven who loves us with a pure sacrificial love.
Further to this, I was surprised about my misunderstanding of the character of the older son. I now realize that my past thoughts and actions had been most similar to those of the older son who had, until now, the benefit of my misplaced sympathy.
The Running Father
A Father with two sons had decided it was time to retire. He had lost his wife to cancer the previous year but continued working until he was 61 to put his adopted sons through university and post-graduate studies.
Shortly after he retired, news came that a good friend had suddenly died of a heart attack. As a result the friend’s son, who had become the soul beneficiary of his Father’s estate, quit his job and rapidly embraced a decadent life-style of luxury and pleasure.
When the younger son returned from university his Father told him about the friend’s death and the surviving son who was now independently wealthy. His younger son lay awake that night dreaming about the freedom an inheritance could give. As he drifted off to sleep he had resolved to speak to his Father in the morning.
Shortly after sunrise the younger son found his Father in the kitchen enjoying his morning coffee. He sat down and proceeded to ask his Dad if he would consider re-mortgaging the family home. His Father, caught totally by surprise, composed himself and calmly asked why he should entertain such a request. Without skipping a beat His son explained, “If you freed up the equity from the house you could give my brother and I our inheritance before you die. Just think of the pleasure you would have seeing us enjoy the benefits of your legacy.” The Father nodded and asked for some time to think about the request. This would mean an abrupt end to his retirement and the sacrifice of continuing to work in order to make ends meet.
Friends and family became furious with the two sons when they heard that their Father was delaying his well-earned retirement so they could have an advance on their inheritance.
The younger son quickly packed his suitcase and said goodbye to his Father and older brother. He was sick of his life at home, sick of the little town where nothing seemed to happen, and sick of having to struggle his way through life. He was now free!
His new found liberty was short-lived. The money was gone before he knew it. Reality was now burning away the alcoholic fog that he had drifted in for months. The girl who shared his bed had left when the money ran out. The soup kitchen line-up was always longer than anticipated. He was miserable. Could he dare consider returning home?”
Every day, after the departure of his younger son, the Father would anxiously check the mailbox. Once the supper dishes were done he would sit on the porch, sighing with sadness, hoping his son would push open the screen door and step back into his life.
One evening after work the Father stopped at the local donut shop for a coffee. He would often chat with old friends who frequented the place. “I heard a rumour that your younger son will be arriving on the 7:00 o’clock train,” said one of his neighbours who had just sat down. The Father quickly jumped up from his chair after glancing at his watch – it was 6:55. He rushed out of the donut shop and ran toward the train station as fast as his legs would carry him. As he rounded the corner, within sight of the station, the Father could see his two brothers standing with his younger son. From the yelling and the arm gestures he realized it was not an amiable conversation. His son, with his head down, was turning to get back on the train as the Father stepped onto the platform calling out to his boy, “Son, Son, stop!” With three steps he quickly closed the gap between his son and himself. He embraced him with hugs and kisses. Tears of joy were flowing down his wrinkled face. It was time to celebrate. His son had come home.
The next evening the house was buzzing with the conversation of family and friends who had gathered to celebrate the father's unconditional love for the younger son who had come home. Music was playing in the background, steaks were sizzling on the barbeque, and laughter filled the air as everyone partied into the early hours of the morning.
Few people had heard the indignant older son yelling at his Father earlier that evening. He couldn’t comprehend why he and his friends had not been given such lavish parties? He was the dutiful son who had stayed home with his Father. How could this irresponsible son of his, who had squandered his inheritance, deserve such extravagant treatment? Trying to calm him down, the Father drew nearer and put his hand on the older son’s shoulder. He tried to reason with him saying, “You have always had access to everything I own. I held nothing back. All you had to do was ask.” The Father could see that the older son, who had stormed off into the darkness, was unhappy with his answer. He knew that his older son’s problem stemmed from an unwillingness to forgive his brother. Because of the hardness of his heart he was spiritually blind. He could not see beyond a selfish younger brother who should be punished and himself as the injured party who should be more appreciated.
After saying goodbye to the last few guests, the Father sat down on the front porch. His eyes became moist and tears gradually dampened his cheeks. His heart was aching for his older son. Which path would he choose to take?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
True or False?
A large portion of today’s culture does not believe in absolute truth. Quests for truth are often suppressed in the public arena or washed away by waves of relativism. When people claim that all truth is relative they are actually making a “truth statement”. This creates a self-defeating argument.
The crux of the problem, I believe, is a moral one. Many prefer “relative truth” because it permits them to do as they choose. The popularity of “relativism” is due to its reduction of moral accountability as opposed to the guilt-inducing boundaries imposed by absolute moral standards. As if "guilty feelings" are to be avoided at all costs.
My own conscience tells me that life is made up of many things, spoken or done, that are absolutely good or bad, true or false. The fact that we have this sense of right and wrong within us provides reasonable evidence for the existence of an “external objective moral law” which then logically points to a moral law-giver – to God Himself!
This is where "relativism" breaks down even further. If truth is relative, then no words or actions can be classified as absolutely true or false, good or evil, right or wrong. In this scenario a child could be tortured to death and no one could say, with absolute certainty, that torturing and murdering a child is wrong. Continuing with this type of world view would throw our culture into social chaos and further uncertainty. It would eventually be found unlivable.
The Bible, I believe, reveals portions of absolute truth. It provides a solid explanation of reality that can be fully trusted and relied upon. God’s Word provides coherent and fully integrated answers regarding: (1) Origin, (2) Meaning, (3) Morality, and (4) Destiny. This doesn't mean that Christians have full absolute knowledge of all absolute truth. No! We have access, with God's help, to portions of His absolute truth which have been revealed at various times and in various ways through the prophets and in these last days spoken by His Son - Jesus. This is truth that we can rely on absolutely. In the following readings I found some examples of God's absolute truth woven into the fabric of scripture:
2 Chronicles, Chapter 31:
(a) The Book of the Law, as written by Moses, was discovered after many years of disuse and newly declared to the people of Israel and Judah. This revelation of God’s truth initiated a revival in worship. The Passover was celebrated and the people carried their renewed convictions, based on the truth of God’s Word, back to their towns and villages.
(b) God’s truth helped expose the false worship of other god’s. As a result, the people dismantled and destroyed all things to do with idolatry.
(c) An understanding of God’s truth provided the people with real hope for the future and fostered true gratitude and sacrificial giving. They were donating 23% of their annual income to support the temple worship and its leaders. After meeting the needs of the Priests and Levites the huge surplus of givings was used to support the poor.
Revelation, Chapter 17:
(a) The bowls of God’s "righteous & true" judgments are targeting Babylon which represents the “Final World System”.
(b) The great harlot is a symbol of "false religion" and "religious apostasy" that will be prominent during the end times.
(c) World leaders will ally themselves with the harlot (false religion) who rides the scarlet beast (the antichrist). The harlot will be the beast’s pawn for a period of time in order to establish world unity by fostering false hope through a counterfeit peace. At the right time the beast will discard the harlot and assume political control under a one world government.
Zechariah, Chapter 13:
(a) We are told that false prophets will receive harsh judgement from God because they misrepresented His truth
(b) We hear the truth of prophecy (500 years before Jesus' birth) concerning a "Shepherd Savior". He will be a companion of God (the second person of the Trinity "God-the-Son"). The sword will strike the Shepherd and the sheep (His followers) will be scattered.
John, Chapter 16:
(a) The ultimate truth concerning our salvation will be available throught "The Helper" (the third person of the Trinity "God-the-Spirit") who Jesus says he will send to us after he rises and returns to God-the-Father.
(b) The Helper: (1) will guide us into all truth, (2) will not speak on His own authority but with the authority of the Father and the Son, (3) will glorify Jesus by taking what is the Son's and declaring it to us, and (4) will glorify the Father because all things that belong to the Son have come from the Father.
(c) True Joy - Jesus says, as prophesied by Zechariah, that His disciples will be scattered when He is struck down. Initially they will lament and weep because of sorrow and the world will rejoice. But their pain will turn to joy because they will see Jesus alive again and no one will be able to steal that "true joy"
(d) True Victory - Jesus tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. He has achieved "true victory" over sin and death.
The crux of the problem, I believe, is a moral one. Many prefer “relative truth” because it permits them to do as they choose. The popularity of “relativism” is due to its reduction of moral accountability as opposed to the guilt-inducing boundaries imposed by absolute moral standards. As if "guilty feelings" are to be avoided at all costs.
My own conscience tells me that life is made up of many things, spoken or done, that are absolutely good or bad, true or false. The fact that we have this sense of right and wrong within us provides reasonable evidence for the existence of an “external objective moral law” which then logically points to a moral law-giver – to God Himself!
This is where "relativism" breaks down even further. If truth is relative, then no words or actions can be classified as absolutely true or false, good or evil, right or wrong. In this scenario a child could be tortured to death and no one could say, with absolute certainty, that torturing and murdering a child is wrong. Continuing with this type of world view would throw our culture into social chaos and further uncertainty. It would eventually be found unlivable.
The Bible, I believe, reveals portions of absolute truth. It provides a solid explanation of reality that can be fully trusted and relied upon. God’s Word provides coherent and fully integrated answers regarding: (1) Origin, (2) Meaning, (3) Morality, and (4) Destiny. This doesn't mean that Christians have full absolute knowledge of all absolute truth. No! We have access, with God's help, to portions of His absolute truth which have been revealed at various times and in various ways through the prophets and in these last days spoken by His Son - Jesus. This is truth that we can rely on absolutely. In the following readings I found some examples of God's absolute truth woven into the fabric of scripture:
2 Chronicles, Chapter 31:
(a) The Book of the Law, as written by Moses, was discovered after many years of disuse and newly declared to the people of Israel and Judah. This revelation of God’s truth initiated a revival in worship. The Passover was celebrated and the people carried their renewed convictions, based on the truth of God’s Word, back to their towns and villages.
(b) God’s truth helped expose the false worship of other god’s. As a result, the people dismantled and destroyed all things to do with idolatry.
(c) An understanding of God’s truth provided the people with real hope for the future and fostered true gratitude and sacrificial giving. They were donating 23% of their annual income to support the temple worship and its leaders. After meeting the needs of the Priests and Levites the huge surplus of givings was used to support the poor.
Revelation, Chapter 17:
(a) The bowls of God’s "righteous & true" judgments are targeting Babylon which represents the “Final World System”.
(b) The great harlot is a symbol of "false religion" and "religious apostasy" that will be prominent during the end times.
(c) World leaders will ally themselves with the harlot (false religion) who rides the scarlet beast (the antichrist). The harlot will be the beast’s pawn for a period of time in order to establish world unity by fostering false hope through a counterfeit peace. At the right time the beast will discard the harlot and assume political control under a one world government.
Zechariah, Chapter 13:
(a) We are told that false prophets will receive harsh judgement from God because they misrepresented His truth
(b) We hear the truth of prophecy (500 years before Jesus' birth) concerning a "Shepherd Savior". He will be a companion of God (the second person of the Trinity "God-the-Son"). The sword will strike the Shepherd and the sheep (His followers) will be scattered.
John, Chapter 16:
(a) The ultimate truth concerning our salvation will be available throught "The Helper" (the third person of the Trinity "God-the-Spirit") who Jesus says he will send to us after he rises and returns to God-the-Father.
(b) The Helper: (1) will guide us into all truth, (2) will not speak on His own authority but with the authority of the Father and the Son, (3) will glorify Jesus by taking what is the Son's and declaring it to us, and (4) will glorify the Father because all things that belong to the Son have come from the Father.
(c) True Joy - Jesus says, as prophesied by Zechariah, that His disciples will be scattered when He is struck down. Initially they will lament and weep because of sorrow and the world will rejoice. But their pain will turn to joy because they will see Jesus alive again and no one will be able to steal that "true joy"
(d) True Victory - Jesus tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. He has achieved "true victory" over sin and death.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Hanging Judge?
The Hanging Judge
In the American “Wild West” a judge who gained a reputation for sending men to the gallows often became known as a “hanging judge”. The intent was to provide a strong deterrent against lawlessness by acting swiftly and decisively with the iron fist of the law. But mistakes were made and more than once the punishment did not fit the crime. Many feel that God is like one of these “hanging judges” who used harsh judgments to frighten people into submission. Fire, brimstone, and eternal punishment are terms that come quickly to mind.
There are those who use this negative stereotype of God as justification for not following Him. But in doing so they may not have taken all the facts into consideration:
a) If God is perfect and has no darkness or sinfulness within Him then it is only logical that he must deal with our sins. He cannot ignore them.
b) A God who is truly good and perfect would offer perfect and fair judgments.
c) For every action there is a consequence. We, as imperfect individuals, do not like to be held accountable. We do not want to pay the penalty for wrong thoughts, words, or actions. But someone has to pay the price if God is to be consistent with His character. He must be true to Himself.
d) To reject God because He is a God of judgment is not logical. We cannot ignore or eliminate this aspect of His character if we desire a truly loving and perfect God as the one we choose to worship.
Let’s use the courtroom as a setting to illustrate what God has done for us:
a) A judge, who was presiding over a particular court case, had finished listening to months of testimony regarding individuals who had allegedly committed various crimes that would carry the death penalty if convicted. He then retired to his chambers for deliberation.
b) After a short interval, He re-entered the courtroom and was about to pass judgment, when His Son, an innocent bystander and observer, interrupted the proceedings. “Excuse me your Honour; I am compelled because of my overwhelming love for these people to willingly and freely accept the full weight of your judgment, on their behalf, if you are willing to pardon them”.
c) “This has never happened before” the judge responded, “but there is a provision for an individual, who is without sin, to freely offer his life in exchange for the lives of others. “As a result, my Son” He continued, “You would be absorbing the penalty they deserve in order to offer them the opportunity of pardon and forgiveness. Do you fully understand what you are about to undertake?”
d) “With the acknowledgement of your full understanding my Son”, the judge concluded, “I declare that your actions will fully satisfy this court and permit a full pardon for the accused provided they freely open their hearts to receive your “life changing” Spirit that was so wonderfully revealed in this courtroom today.
e) As the judge left the Court Building, at the conclusion of the trial, it was reported that he gave a smile to the waiting journalists and proudly declared, “That’s my boy!”
f) In conclusion, I believe God-the-Father has nothing in common with the stereo-typical “hanging judge”. When he is not presiding over his courtroom, he is personally searching and seeking out offenders. The judge of all people, whom some call the “Hound of Heaven”, relentlessly pursues those who do not know Him in the hope they will catch a glimpse or taste of His unique self. He who is truth, love and forgiveness is able to transform our “hearts of stone” into “hearts of flesh” if we invite him to reside within us. God is not trying to make bad people good. God is making dead people live through His Son and His Spirit.
In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 29, King Hezekiah, out of concern for the potential “judgment of God” against Judah, decides to initiate some spring cleaning, to let in the fresh air of God’s Spirit or as Bruce Cockburn sings, “Let the bad air out”. During that time, it is evident that the spiritual condition of Judah was reflected by the condition of the temple. The house of God was full of garbage and debris. It had been closed up and neglected for many years. The people of Judah had filled their hearts with the rubbish of idol worship. “Garbage In! Garbage Out!
The faith and obedience of Hezekiah had led to the cleansing of the temple. Like a baptismal parable, this action helped to prepare both the temple and the hearts of Judah to receive God. This was Judah’s invitation for God to take up residence in the temple once more. True worship in the temple, not practiced since the time of Solomon (over 200 years prior to this time), was restored and produced great joy in Judah. The “Judge”, through Hezekiah, reached out to all the people. They rejoiced and celebrated because God had so suddenly prepared their hearts to receive Him.
In Revelation, Chapter 15 we see, in heaven, that the “tabernacle” or “temple” is open and full of God’s glory. In this chapter we see God as “Judge” preparing to deliver (by way of the seven plagues) his sentence and punishment to those who continue to reject Him.
Those who have accepted the Judge’s “full pardon” are singing a song of praise and deliverance. The ‘Song of Moses and of the Lamb” rises up like incense to God as they sing, “Who shall not reverence and glorify Your name, O Lord – giving You honour and praise in worship? For You only are holy. All the nations will come and pay homage and adoration to You, for Your just judgments – your righteous sentences and deeds – have been made known and displayed.”
In Chapter 11 of Zechariah we see the “Judge” pursuing His people. He is visiting them, in disguise, as a shepherd with a staff in each hand. One staff, called “Beauty”, represents the promise between God and His people. The other staff, called “Bonds”, represents the brotherhood between the tribes of Judah and Israel. This good shepherd intends to back-up His commitment as “Judge” to (a) keep His promise, and (b) to unify His people.
But the foolish shepherds, leading His people, break the staff of “Beauty” and the staff of “Bonds” into many pieces. They reject the good shepherd and fail to recognize Him as God.
In the fourteenth chapter of John’s gospel, we are comforted by the fact that the “Judge” does not have ”a prison with many cells” but rather “a mansion with many rooms”. A room is prepared for each person who trusts in Jesus because He lives, we also shall live, The good shepherd lived, suffered, died and rose again so that each of us could be raised, with Him, to new life. The Judge, disguised as the good shepherd, accepted on our behalf the death penalty we deserved. He then overcame sin and death itself by being the first dead person to walk away alive!
In the American “Wild West” a judge who gained a reputation for sending men to the gallows often became known as a “hanging judge”. The intent was to provide a strong deterrent against lawlessness by acting swiftly and decisively with the iron fist of the law. But mistakes were made and more than once the punishment did not fit the crime. Many feel that God is like one of these “hanging judges” who used harsh judgments to frighten people into submission. Fire, brimstone, and eternal punishment are terms that come quickly to mind.
There are those who use this negative stereotype of God as justification for not following Him. But in doing so they may not have taken all the facts into consideration:
a) If God is perfect and has no darkness or sinfulness within Him then it is only logical that he must deal with our sins. He cannot ignore them.
b) A God who is truly good and perfect would offer perfect and fair judgments.
c) For every action there is a consequence. We, as imperfect individuals, do not like to be held accountable. We do not want to pay the penalty for wrong thoughts, words, or actions. But someone has to pay the price if God is to be consistent with His character. He must be true to Himself.
d) To reject God because He is a God of judgment is not logical. We cannot ignore or eliminate this aspect of His character if we desire a truly loving and perfect God as the one we choose to worship.
Let’s use the courtroom as a setting to illustrate what God has done for us:
a) A judge, who was presiding over a particular court case, had finished listening to months of testimony regarding individuals who had allegedly committed various crimes that would carry the death penalty if convicted. He then retired to his chambers for deliberation.
b) After a short interval, He re-entered the courtroom and was about to pass judgment, when His Son, an innocent bystander and observer, interrupted the proceedings. “Excuse me your Honour; I am compelled because of my overwhelming love for these people to willingly and freely accept the full weight of your judgment, on their behalf, if you are willing to pardon them”.
c) “This has never happened before” the judge responded, “but there is a provision for an individual, who is without sin, to freely offer his life in exchange for the lives of others. “As a result, my Son” He continued, “You would be absorbing the penalty they deserve in order to offer them the opportunity of pardon and forgiveness. Do you fully understand what you are about to undertake?”
d) “With the acknowledgement of your full understanding my Son”, the judge concluded, “I declare that your actions will fully satisfy this court and permit a full pardon for the accused provided they freely open their hearts to receive your “life changing” Spirit that was so wonderfully revealed in this courtroom today.
e) As the judge left the Court Building, at the conclusion of the trial, it was reported that he gave a smile to the waiting journalists and proudly declared, “That’s my boy!”
f) In conclusion, I believe God-the-Father has nothing in common with the stereo-typical “hanging judge”. When he is not presiding over his courtroom, he is personally searching and seeking out offenders. The judge of all people, whom some call the “Hound of Heaven”, relentlessly pursues those who do not know Him in the hope they will catch a glimpse or taste of His unique self. He who is truth, love and forgiveness is able to transform our “hearts of stone” into “hearts of flesh” if we invite him to reside within us. God is not trying to make bad people good. God is making dead people live through His Son and His Spirit.
In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 29, King Hezekiah, out of concern for the potential “judgment of God” against Judah, decides to initiate some spring cleaning, to let in the fresh air of God’s Spirit or as Bruce Cockburn sings, “Let the bad air out”. During that time, it is evident that the spiritual condition of Judah was reflected by the condition of the temple. The house of God was full of garbage and debris. It had been closed up and neglected for many years. The people of Judah had filled their hearts with the rubbish of idol worship. “Garbage In! Garbage Out!
The faith and obedience of Hezekiah had led to the cleansing of the temple. Like a baptismal parable, this action helped to prepare both the temple and the hearts of Judah to receive God. This was Judah’s invitation for God to take up residence in the temple once more. True worship in the temple, not practiced since the time of Solomon (over 200 years prior to this time), was restored and produced great joy in Judah. The “Judge”, through Hezekiah, reached out to all the people. They rejoiced and celebrated because God had so suddenly prepared their hearts to receive Him.
In Revelation, Chapter 15 we see, in heaven, that the “tabernacle” or “temple” is open and full of God’s glory. In this chapter we see God as “Judge” preparing to deliver (by way of the seven plagues) his sentence and punishment to those who continue to reject Him.
Those who have accepted the Judge’s “full pardon” are singing a song of praise and deliverance. The ‘Song of Moses and of the Lamb” rises up like incense to God as they sing, “Who shall not reverence and glorify Your name, O Lord – giving You honour and praise in worship? For You only are holy. All the nations will come and pay homage and adoration to You, for Your just judgments – your righteous sentences and deeds – have been made known and displayed.”
In Chapter 11 of Zechariah we see the “Judge” pursuing His people. He is visiting them, in disguise, as a shepherd with a staff in each hand. One staff, called “Beauty”, represents the promise between God and His people. The other staff, called “Bonds”, represents the brotherhood between the tribes of Judah and Israel. This good shepherd intends to back-up His commitment as “Judge” to (a) keep His promise, and (b) to unify His people.
But the foolish shepherds, leading His people, break the staff of “Beauty” and the staff of “Bonds” into many pieces. They reject the good shepherd and fail to recognize Him as God.
In the fourteenth chapter of John’s gospel, we are comforted by the fact that the “Judge” does not have ”a prison with many cells” but rather “a mansion with many rooms”. A room is prepared for each person who trusts in Jesus because He lives, we also shall live, The good shepherd lived, suffered, died and rose again so that each of us could be raised, with Him, to new life. The Judge, disguised as the good shepherd, accepted on our behalf the death penalty we deserved. He then overcame sin and death itself by being the first dead person to walk away alive!
I will never stop loving you !
I remember saying to my children, "There is nothing you can do that will stop me from loving you". Years later, reflecting on his reaction to my words, my son explained that he felt underserving of such love when he was not behaving as he should. His feelings, at that young age, echo the feelings of so many people who feel that love must be earned. My son learned that our love for him was reflective of God's unconditional love. He learned the he is loved because he is our child not because of what he does.
It is easy to love our children when they live up to our expectations but distressingly easy to hold back our love and approval when they fail to measure up. Doctor James Dobson of "Focus on the Family" teaches that parents must deal with the poor behaviour of their children without crushing their spirits. We must never attack their self-worth by saying or indicating that they are stupid, worthless, or unlovable. Crushing others with our words is one of those "diabolical sins", referred to by C.S. Lewis, that makes offenses like prostitution or theft appear to be minor issues in comparison. Lewis suggests that prostitutes may be closer to heaven than the self-righteous prigs who attend church every Sunday.
God never stops loving us. In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 28, He sends his prophet to the "underserving" people of Israel to convince them to free their equally "underserving" brothers from the tribe of Judah, whom they have taken captive.
It is foretold in Revelation, Chapter 14, that God will continue to declare his love right up to the end of this age. He will send an angel to preach the everlasting good news to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Another angel will annouce the fall of Babylon - the broken world system established by those who reject God and drag many down with them. A third angel will give warning that worship of the beast will lead to the same destiny as the beast itself. God has sent, and continues to send, repeated warnings because he loves us. How many times, if you are a parent, do you warn your children before you finally lower the boom? Many criticize God as harsh and judgmental but we see, in both the Old & New Testaments, a God who is forebearing, tolerant, and forgiving. He pursues and reaches out to those He loves even though it is undeserved. How many parents exhibit this kind of patience, mercy and love? Lamentations 3:22 & 23 says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is His faithfullness!
In Zechariah, Chapter 10 there is further evidence that God is the same in both the Old and the New Testaments. He desires salvation for the tribes of Israel and Judah. He says it will be as though He never cast them aside. He will hear them and they will rejoice. Approximately 500 years before Jesus' birth it is Zechariah who prophesies that God will visit His flock. The cornerstone, the tent peg of His salvation will come from the tribe of Judah.
In Chapter 13 of John's Gospel we receive further confirmation of God's perfect love:
a) God-the-Son washes the disciples feet. He is both our Lord and our servant!
b) Jesus loves even those who deny and betray Him such as Peter and Judas.
c) Jesus holds up His own example of selfless love as the kind of love we should have for one another.
My response to His grace, forgiveness, and mercy is summed up with the words from an early Beatles song, "With a love like that I know I should be glad!"
It is easy to love our children when they live up to our expectations but distressingly easy to hold back our love and approval when they fail to measure up. Doctor James Dobson of "Focus on the Family" teaches that parents must deal with the poor behaviour of their children without crushing their spirits. We must never attack their self-worth by saying or indicating that they are stupid, worthless, or unlovable. Crushing others with our words is one of those "diabolical sins", referred to by C.S. Lewis, that makes offenses like prostitution or theft appear to be minor issues in comparison. Lewis suggests that prostitutes may be closer to heaven than the self-righteous prigs who attend church every Sunday.
God never stops loving us. In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 28, He sends his prophet to the "underserving" people of Israel to convince them to free their equally "underserving" brothers from the tribe of Judah, whom they have taken captive.
It is foretold in Revelation, Chapter 14, that God will continue to declare his love right up to the end of this age. He will send an angel to preach the everlasting good news to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Another angel will annouce the fall of Babylon - the broken world system established by those who reject God and drag many down with them. A third angel will give warning that worship of the beast will lead to the same destiny as the beast itself. God has sent, and continues to send, repeated warnings because he loves us. How many times, if you are a parent, do you warn your children before you finally lower the boom? Many criticize God as harsh and judgmental but we see, in both the Old & New Testaments, a God who is forebearing, tolerant, and forgiving. He pursues and reaches out to those He loves even though it is undeserved. How many parents exhibit this kind of patience, mercy and love? Lamentations 3:22 & 23 says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is His faithfullness!
In Zechariah, Chapter 10 there is further evidence that God is the same in both the Old and the New Testaments. He desires salvation for the tribes of Israel and Judah. He says it will be as though He never cast them aside. He will hear them and they will rejoice. Approximately 500 years before Jesus' birth it is Zechariah who prophesies that God will visit His flock. The cornerstone, the tent peg of His salvation will come from the tribe of Judah.
In Chapter 13 of John's Gospel we receive further confirmation of God's perfect love:
a) God-the-Son washes the disciples feet. He is both our Lord and our servant!
b) Jesus loves even those who deny and betray Him such as Peter and Judas.
c) Jesus holds up His own example of selfless love as the kind of love we should have for one another.
My response to His grace, forgiveness, and mercy is summed up with the words from an early Beatles song, "With a love like that I know I should be glad!"
Rebels without God
The 20th century was the bloodiest one hundred years in human history. Malcolm Muggerich, a famous British journalist, expressed his viewpoint (in the following paraphrased comments) concerning some of the centuries' "Rebels without God" and the declaration by some that "God was dead":
I saw a cracked Austrian who claimed his reich would last a thousand years. I saw a pompous Italian who wanted to restart the calendar based on his rise to power. I saw a Russian brigand who many believed was more humanitarian than Marcus Aurelius.
If God is dead then someone or something must fill the void created by His absence. It will be either: megalomania or erotimania, power or pleasure, the fist or the phallus, Hitler or Hugh Hephner.
In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 26, King Uzziah rebels against God by trying to usurp the role of the priests. He is strong and successful as king but when he enters the temple to burn incense (something only the priests are permitted to do) he is struck down by God with leprosy. He became self-reliant rather than God-reliant. Even the king cannot live above God's law. Look at Richard Nixon who descended into the embarrassment and dishonour of impeachment because he thought the President of the United States was above the law.
We see, in Chapter 13 of Revelation, the profiles of the "Antichrist" and the "False Prophet", two infamous "Rebels against God" who will rise to power sometime in the future.
1) The First Beast (the Antrichrist) is described as: a) demon possessed, b) a vicious killer, c) deceptive, d) intimidating, e) a satan worshipper, f) empowered by the Dragon (Satan), g) a powerful political and military leader.
2) The Second Beast (the False Prophet) is described as: a) similar to the first beast. See Items 1(a) to (f) above, b) a false religious leader, c) a promoter of the worship of the first beast, d) not as powerful as the first beast, e) subtle and manipulative.
In Zechariah, Chapter 9, we see the rebellious pride of the city of Tyre. In rejecting God they rely chiefly on their own strength, riches, and fortifications. They believed their island city was invincible. When all others had failed, Alexander the Great built a causeway to the island conquering Tyre in seven months. God used Alexander as an instrument of judgement against the rebellious people of Tyre.
Jesus states in Chapter 12 of John's gospel that he who loves his life will lose it. A life of pride, self-reliance, and rejection of God will result in an eternity without God. He also says that if anyone hears what He is saying and doesn't take it seriously they should reconsider their position. They are actually rejecting Jesus, not the reverse. Jesus came into the world to save people not reject them. Refusing to comprehend what He is saying is willfully choosing to not be with God. Hell is a monument to free will. God will not compel us to choose Him. He respects our free will.
We are all rebels against God to some degree. It is like spiritual cancer. The pride of a rebellious heart chooses to reject Jesus who is the only cure.
I saw a cracked Austrian who claimed his reich would last a thousand years. I saw a pompous Italian who wanted to restart the calendar based on his rise to power. I saw a Russian brigand who many believed was more humanitarian than Marcus Aurelius.
If God is dead then someone or something must fill the void created by His absence. It will be either: megalomania or erotimania, power or pleasure, the fist or the phallus, Hitler or Hugh Hephner.
In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 26, King Uzziah rebels against God by trying to usurp the role of the priests. He is strong and successful as king but when he enters the temple to burn incense (something only the priests are permitted to do) he is struck down by God with leprosy. He became self-reliant rather than God-reliant. Even the king cannot live above God's law. Look at Richard Nixon who descended into the embarrassment and dishonour of impeachment because he thought the President of the United States was above the law.
We see, in Chapter 13 of Revelation, the profiles of the "Antichrist" and the "False Prophet", two infamous "Rebels against God" who will rise to power sometime in the future.
1) The First Beast (the Antrichrist) is described as: a) demon possessed, b) a vicious killer, c) deceptive, d) intimidating, e) a satan worshipper, f) empowered by the Dragon (Satan), g) a powerful political and military leader.
2) The Second Beast (the False Prophet) is described as: a) similar to the first beast. See Items 1(a) to (f) above, b) a false religious leader, c) a promoter of the worship of the first beast, d) not as powerful as the first beast, e) subtle and manipulative.
In Zechariah, Chapter 9, we see the rebellious pride of the city of Tyre. In rejecting God they rely chiefly on their own strength, riches, and fortifications. They believed their island city was invincible. When all others had failed, Alexander the Great built a causeway to the island conquering Tyre in seven months. God used Alexander as an instrument of judgement against the rebellious people of Tyre.
Jesus states in Chapter 12 of John's gospel that he who loves his life will lose it. A life of pride, self-reliance, and rejection of God will result in an eternity without God. He also says that if anyone hears what He is saying and doesn't take it seriously they should reconsider their position. They are actually rejecting Jesus, not the reverse. Jesus came into the world to save people not reject them. Refusing to comprehend what He is saying is willfully choosing to not be with God. Hell is a monument to free will. God will not compel us to choose Him. He respects our free will.
We are all rebels against God to some degree. It is like spiritual cancer. The pride of a rebellious heart chooses to reject Jesus who is the only cure.
I did it my way!
There is a famous song by Frank Sinatra which proudly states, "I did it my way!" But doing it our own way, without God at the helm, will ultimately be the wrong way.
In 2 Chronicles, Chapter 25 King Amaziah decides to "do it his way" by worshipping other gods and in the end is defeated and killed.
Satan tries to "do it his way" in Revelation, Chapter 12. As the Dragon he attempts to ruin God's plan for salvation by trying to devour the child - God's Son. In the end Satan is kicked out of heaven and eventually thrown into the lake of fire.
We are told in Chapter 8 of Zechariah that Israel tried unsuccessfully to "do it their way" and became a curse - a negative influence upon the nations around them. Israel is told if they are willing to do it God's way they will be granted a change in status. God will transform them into a blessed nation who will be a blessing to others rather than one that is cursed.
In John, Chapter 11, the Jewish leaders decide to "do it their way" to maintain control, comfort, and conformity but in the process totally miss the point. They fail to recognize that it is the long awaited Messiah who they are plotting against.
Imagine if Jesus had decided to "do it his way" instead of acting in obedience to God-the-Father. Most likely he would have hidden himself to avoid arrest and crucifixion - choosing to save his own life and leave us in our graves.
In 2 Chronicles, Chapter 25 King Amaziah decides to "do it his way" by worshipping other gods and in the end is defeated and killed.
Satan tries to "do it his way" in Revelation, Chapter 12. As the Dragon he attempts to ruin God's plan for salvation by trying to devour the child - God's Son. In the end Satan is kicked out of heaven and eventually thrown into the lake of fire.
We are told in Chapter 8 of Zechariah that Israel tried unsuccessfully to "do it their way" and became a curse - a negative influence upon the nations around them. Israel is told if they are willing to do it God's way they will be granted a change in status. God will transform them into a blessed nation who will be a blessing to others rather than one that is cursed.
In John, Chapter 11, the Jewish leaders decide to "do it their way" to maintain control, comfort, and conformity but in the process totally miss the point. They fail to recognize that it is the long awaited Messiah who they are plotting against.
Imagine if Jesus had decided to "do it his way" instead of acting in obedience to God-the-Father. Most likely he would have hidden himself to avoid arrest and crucifixion - choosing to save his own life and leave us in our graves.
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