Let Us Resolve...

As 2015 draws to a close, and the new year approaches, there is much talk of resolutions. Many people make resolutions to lose weight, to get out of debt, to spend more time with family, or any of thousands of other well intentioned notions which they may or may not see through. Webster's dictionary defines the word "resolve" as "to make a definite and serious decision to do something." This is certainly a noble undertaking, as we all have areas of our lives which need improvement, aspects which we would either seek to minimize, or accentuate, or alleviate altogether. Let's look at a few examples of resolve throughout the bible and examine the process and the outcome of reaching a conclusion, and of making a definite and serious decision to do something... 

The first example we'll look at is found in  Genesis, chapter 6, verses 6-13, as Abraham is told by God that he must sacrifice his son Isaac..."And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. And they came to a place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by its horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son."
  There are many things to be learned from this beautiful example of sacrifice, but let us focus on the incredible resolve of Abraham in this test of his loyalty and trust in God. When Abraham was told that he must sacrifice his only son, he did not question God as to His motives or intentions. He understood that God was all-powerful, and could, if He wanted, raise up another son to Abraham from the dust. He had what could only be described as "blind faith", trusting in God rather than in his senses, his emotions, or his circumstances. May we all develop a faith such as this. Yet, at some point, Abraham had to resolve in his heart that this thing must be done, for God has told me to do it, and whether I understand it or not, or agree with it or not, I must do it.  Abraham's great faith in God was not misplaced. God provided a lamb for the offering, and the sacrifice was completed, as was the test of Abraham's faith. Because Abraham resolved in his heart to do what God had commanded, his faith was rewarded with the answer to his problem. This will work for us just as it did with Abraham, if we will work to strengthen our resolve to do what God would have us to do.

Our next example of resolve is found in the book of Daniel, chapter 3, verses 17-25, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face the fiery furnace after their defiance of King Nebuchadnezzar's demands to bow down to him and worship the golden idol that he had set up..."If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." 
  This is an amazing example of courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Our first definition of the word "resolve" was the verb use of the word, but "resolve" can also be used as a noun, defined as "firmness of purpose or intent...determination." This is certainly a fitting description of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They had resolve, that is, they stood firm in their faith, and in their defiance of the king's attempts to diminish it. They held fast to their convictions in the face of certain death. They did not know whether God would deliver them out of the fiery furnace or not, but either way they refused to compromise their beliefs.

They knew that if it was their destiny to die in the fiery furnace in defense of their faith, that God would have something much greater in store for them. However, they were delivered from the fiery furnace, and in a most remarkable way. Jesus Himself was with them, as Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged, and He delivered them. This is the courage of conviction and boldness that we as Christians so desperately need to reclaim today. As sad as it is to say, there are Christians being killed in our time, just as in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, and though we may hope and pray that we are never faced with this situation, let us also pray for this type of boldness if we ever find ourselves in similar circumstances. The knowledge that we are never alone, that Jesus will always be there beside us, will help us to find this boldness, and to obtain this courage of conviction. 

Though there are many other instances of great resolve throughout the bible, we'll conclude our study with the ultimate example of resolve, which is the resolve shown by Jesus Himself. His determination, courage of conviction, and boldness are unsurpassed by anyone before or since. His willingness to suffer on the behalf of others in spite of the fact that He did not have to do it, is an amazing testament to His resolve. He made the decision to give His life in order to save us all. There were many tests of resolve in the life of Jesus, and one of the most powerful was in the garden of Gethsemane. Let's look at Matthew, chapter 26, verses 36-45..."Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O, my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And He left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh He to His disciples, and sayeth unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." This is a turning point in the life of Jesus. He fully understands the absolute necessity of His sacrifice to the saving of all of humanity. However, the human part of Him, it would seem, is hoping against all hope that, just as in the days of Abraham, an alternative could be found, that God would provide Himself with a lamb for a burnt offering. The first time that Jesus prays in the garden, we see His human side, as He asks the Father if there is any other way for this sacrifice to be made, and yet He defers Himself to God's will. We see this expounded upon as He finds the disciples asleep and then He expresses to Peter the great paradox of the willingness of the spirit in contrast with the weakness of the flesh. As He prays the second and third times, it seems as though He is coming to terms with what is about to occur, with the fact that only His precious blood can atone for the sins of humanity. And so, we see the ultimate display of resolve, as Jesus makes this definite decision, and with firmness of purpose and intent, resolves to give His life to save our souls. 
  
As we enter this new year, let us resolve to spend more time with God's word, and rather than focusing on the superficial changes that we would like to see in our lives, let us rather resolve to take ourselves out of the equation. It is only when we lose ourselves that we can truly be found in Him. Let us resolve to allow His Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct our steps, to transform us into what He would have us to be. 

The Greatest Gift Ever Given

As Christmas approaches, I'd like for us to take a look at Luke's often quoted and very eloquent account of the birth of Jesus, and the bringing of the good news to the people. It is found in Luke chapter 2, verses 8-14, and you may remember it as quoted by Linus in the Charlie Brown Christmas special, a touching and memorable way in which Charles Schulz brought the true meaning of Christmas to millions of children, many of whom might not otherwise have come to know it. It is a beautiful and poignant narrative of the events surrounding the birth of Christ. So, we'll begin by reading these verses, and then we'll look at them in detail...

Lights,please...

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Let us first notice that shepherds were chosen to receive this news, not the chief priests or elders, as they were not prepared to receive it. The humble shepherds, hard at work keeping watch over their flock through the night, were chosen by God to be the first to hear this miraculous news. Just as Moses and David were shepherds, and were called away to lead God's people, these shepherds were called to bear witness to the unveiling of the greatest gift that mankind has ever received.

"The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid." This was certainly a terrifying event for the shepherds, as the angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone brightly, a heavenly glory, undoubtedly turning the night into day. We are told that the shepherds were "sore afraid", absolutely terrified, as any mortal man, conscious of his own sins and shortcomings, would be in the presence of the heavenly host. But their fear would be short-lived...

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." There is no reason for fear, for the news brought by the angel is most assuredly cause for the greatest joy and celebration, and this news is not only for the Jewish people, but for the Gentiles as well, and for each and every human being born before or since. This is joyous news to be shared with peoples of every nation, every race, every creed, every religion. Those who, in our present day turbulent times, would seek to kill us simply because we are Christians, this news is for them as well. While we must be vigilant in the defense of our nation, our values, and the principles upon which this country was founded, we have to understand that our first line of defense is to "preach Christ, and Him crucified." The joyous and life-changing news of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is to be the battle cry of every Christian, and His love should be reflected in the way in which we conduct ourselves. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44..."Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." So we see, these good tidings of great joy are to all people, and they need to be shared with those who have yet to hear them.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." The angel of the Lord here provides a very complete and detailed proclamation. "Unto you"...the Jews, and then the Gentiles, and then the world..."is born this day"...the day which was appointed since the beginning of the world for the birth of the Savior of mankind..."in the city of David"...just as the time of His birth was foretold, so also the place of His birth was foretold, and all these prophecies have now been fulfilled..."a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." He is born a Saviour, from the beginning, not that He would later become the Saviour. His deity is never in question, from the time of His birth, He is God in the flesh, come to seek and to save those who are lost. 

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." This is certainly not the way that the shepherds would have expected to find the Son of God, to be sure. They might well have expected to find Him in a palace, or in a temple, attended by servants, but this was not the way in which Christ chose to enter the world, or to live His life on this earth. He was "a man of sorrows", of lowly estate, and the only distinguishing factor of His earthly existence was the degree of humiliation that He endured. He chose this degrading life to provide us with the ultimate example of humility, and His willingness to endure it is just another of the myriad of reasons why we should love Him more and more each day. 

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." There suddenly appears a heavenly chorus, singing praises to God, glorifying Him for the manifestation of His good will toward men in the sending of the Messiah. Glory to God in the highest for His kindness, love, and mercy in sending His Son to be our Redeemer. He came to bring us into a state of peace with God by giving His life in order to pay the price for our sins, and we should live in a constant state of gratitude. All glory and thanks be to God, for He has blessed us with the greatest gift ever given!  

Drawing Nigh To God

This week, we're going to look at James, chapter 4, verses 7-10, and examine how our closeness and intimacy with God is dependent on our willingness to let go of self and outside influences and open ourselves up completely to Him.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up."

The first thing that we notice in our reading is that we are to submit ourselves to God. This is an entirely voluntary action on our part. Our submission is dependent on our understanding that, apart from God, and without His Divine intervention, and intercession, we are without hope. We all must come to this conclusion of our own volition. For most people, this realization is reached after many failed attempts at life without God's help. Even people who were brought up to understand God's love and sacrifice for them must fall many times before reaching a true understanding of what it means to submit themselves to God. It is a yielding of the will, of the free will that God has endowed us with. This is what true repentance is about. The understanding that, although God has given us a mind that has the ability to choose its own path, we choose Him, because we understand on the deepest levels that He is the only way. This is the "pearl of great price", the "treasure in the field", the coming to terms with, and acceptance of, our mortality in light of eternity. The understanding that our eternal destiny hinges on the yielding of our will, and our acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus as the payment for our sins. We will find no security in the things of this world. There is no peace of mind to be found in riches, or in the approval of others. It is only through our voluntary submission to the will of God that we can find lasting peace. The knowledge that the price for our sins has been paid, and that we have something so much greater that awaits us is where true peace is found. 

"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This is much more than just a solid piece of advice that James is passing on to us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is a true declaration of war. We should have no misconceptions about the nature and intentions of Satan. His only goal is to ensnare us, to separate us from the love of God for all eternity. He is in a battle that he knows he will not win, and yet his hatred drives him to do all within his power to drag as many of God's people down with him as possible. Again, our actions determine our outcome. We have free will and we have the right to choose whether or not we will be overtaken by the devil's temptations. If we make the conscious choice to resist him, God has assured us that he will flee from us. This is a promise of God. It is our resistance that drives the presence of Satan away. He flees not only because we are not giving in, but also because evil, it would seem, flows just as water, following the path of least resistance. Of course, our resistance to the wiles of the devil must be a constant plan of defense, because though he flees, we can rest assured that he will return. He is very strong, and his hatred for God's people is equally strong. He will continue to tempt and try us at every opportunity. Let us rest in the knowledge that God will provide a way out. As we read in 1 Corinthians 10:13..."There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." So we see that we are never alone in this battle. God will always be there, and will provide a refuge for us in times of trouble.

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." We come now to our main focus. Closeness with God is something that seems, for many of us, to be a fleeting thing. To remain in a state of intimacy with God can prove to be a very difficult task. This is not because God ever steps back from us, but rather, it is due to our own tendency to step away from Him. God provides us with the ultimate example of politeness, of manners, and of gentlemanly conduct. He will not push Himself upon us. He has given us free will in order for us to learn that we need Him, and when we turn to Him, and submit to Him, He knows that we truly love Him. We have not been forced or coerced into submission, no one can make us turn to God, and so when we do, it is done out of love. Had we not been endowed with free will, this would not be possible. As we study and meditate on God's word, on His love and provision for us, we are drawing nigh to Him, and His intimacy with us is in direct correlation to our devotion to Him. Just as a parent teaching a child to ride a bicycle, we pedal with His hand steadying us, and we ride freely, the wind in our face, and then, we become overconfident, and slip away from the safety of His hand. We begin to wobble, and eventually we fall. Sometimes, we may fall on the grass, and get right back up, only having to dust ourselves off, but at other times, we fall on gravel, or pavement, and we get hurt. We lose some blood and we gain a new respect for the hand that steadies us. And so, to the degree that we are willing to submit ourselves, to surrender our will, and to draw near to God, He is more than willing to draw near to us. Psalm 73:28 tells us..."It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works." Remember in the parable of the prodigal son, when the son was on his way home, after coming to his senses, that his father saw him from afar off, and ran to meet him, and gladly received him back home. This is the nature of our relationship with God. If and when we stray, He is more than willing to forgive us, and ready to run to welcome us back home. What an amazing love He has for His children!

"Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness." On the surface, these statements are somewhat confusing. Does God intend for us to feel sadness, for us not to have joy in our life? Certainly not. These phrases are meant to represent Godly sorrow, or repentance. Tears of mourning over sins committed, and heaviness of heart for the hurt that we have caused God, and for the supreme sacrifice that Jesus gave on our behalf are the first steps on the pathway to righteousness for the sinner and the double minded. We are to do our very best to remove any and all evil influences from our life, to change our minds about the path that we are on, and to allow the love of God to purify our hearts, and to change us in order to become what He would have us to be. This is an absolute necessity for our salvation. Our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior is dependent first and foremost on our understanding that we are broken, that we are beyond repair, and that only the ultimate sacrifice can save us. The blood that Jesus shed on the cross is the only thing that will put us in right standing before God, but before His blood can cleanse us, we must understand our inherent need for cleansing. The simple fact is, we are without hope if we are without Jesus!

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." This is a very powerful statement. So many times throughout the bible we are told how much God resists the proud, how pride goes before a fall, that if we exalt ourselves, we will be brought low. It is impossible for us to be humble if we are unwilling to submit our will, to conform to the will of God. The understanding of our need for a Savior leads us into the realm of humility. As we meditate on the amazing love of God toward us, and of our unrelentingly undeserving nature, of the constant intercession of Jesus on our behalf in spite of our shortcomings, we can't be anything other than humble. If His sacrifice is our focus, there is no longer any room for pride. The heart that overflows with the love of Jesus can no longer contain pride, but rather, from a place of peace and serenity, will humbly seek to share His love.  As long as we keep God's love in the forefront of our minds, and as long as our actions, and our reactions, are based on His will for us, and not our own, we will remain in a state of humility. We can trust in His promises. He will lift us up when we are down, and He will lift us up in glory when this earthly life is over. Let Jesus be your source of inspiration and motivation. May His Spirit lead us into an ever deeper relationship with Him as we are transformed by His love into what He would have us to be.

Hold To God's Unchanging Hand

This week, I'd like to talk about the unchanging nature of God, in contrast with our rapidly changing, and even declining, society. There is a beautiful old song called "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" and I'd like to share the first verse..."Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand."

The only thing that remains the same, and will continue to remain the same, is the nature and love of God. Hebrews chapter 13, verse 8 tells us..."Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." In Psalm 90:4 we are told..."For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." Things around us may change, but God will never change. James tells us that with God, there is "no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Let's think about this...not only will God never change, there is nothing about His divine nature that will even allow for a shadow of turning.

 As we watch our society fall into ruin, and the values that it was founded upon are forgotten, left to the ages, the one thing that we can continue to hold onto, and cling to, is the unchanging love of God. We cannot allow the moral and ethical decay that we are forced to endure on a daily basis to shift our focus from the fact that our God is still in control. We are told in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that "there is no new thing under the sun", meaning that the evil that we bear witness to is the same evil that has plagued humanity from the beginning. Same devil, different tactics. Now, we have the internet, social media, television, so many things to steal our focus and so many avenues for evil to enter into our thoughts and minds. Political correctness has permeated the fabric of our society, like a cancer, and has spread the decay of conformity in the minds of formerly God-fearing people. Those who once spoke the truth in love now fear the repercussions that the truth brings, and so silence becomes their veil. We, as God's people, need to reclaim our boldness. Ecclesiastes 1:11 tells us that "there is no remembrance of former things." Just as in days of old, people are quick to forget the values that they were taught. Our nation was founded on Godly principles, and ethical values, and it seems as though now, there is no remembrance of these things. Families are torn apart, and corruption is at every turn. 

The second verse of our song says..."Trust in Him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring. If by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to Him cling." As much as it may hurt us, we must come to terms with the fact that friends and even family can turn their backs on us. Our consolation comes in the knowledge that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. His stability should give us strength. This is the very meaning of leaning on Jesus. Though we are weak, He is strong. We should rely on God with a blind faith, because we are unable to see the bigger picture. God is there, working behind the scenes, ensuring that His will is carried out. As we are told in Romans 8:28, "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." 

Sometimes, we do not understand the reasoning behind the things that happen. When we are in pain, or we see unspeakable evil done to the innocent, we, as human beings, cannot fathom the reasons behind these things. We've all heard the phrase, "why would God allow such a thing to happen?" Much of the evil that occurs in this world is due to the fact that God has endowed us with free will, and evil is simply the choice that many people make, but we must rest in the fact that God is ultimately in control. As we are told in Isaiah 55:9 that God's ways are "higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." We cannot understand, because we have a limited view. God created this world, He holds it in His hand, it is His to do with as He wills, and He knows what is best. Another thought provoking question that we hear is, "why are these people who are living in sin having such an easy time of things, and they never seem to have any troubles?" Satan is powerful, he is called the Prince of this world, and he has a lot of control over situations as well as people. The devil has the ability to make things very easy for people, if he chooses to. We know that Satan hates us, so why would he do this? Simply put, a lot of people will never turn to God as long as they don't have any problems. The devil holds many people right where he wants them simply by keeping them in a cushy situation. He has the ability to fulfill earthly desires, and for many people, this is enough. There are many examples in the bible of people who needed trouble or tragedy in order to push them into the outstretched arms of God. We must learn to rely on God's love and provision in good times as well as bad, knowing that He always has our best interest at heart. Sometimes, seemingly tragic situations are timed perfectly in order to avoid greater tragedy. Sometimes, as an example, we may be running late, and become stressed, lose our patience and our peace, never realizing that, had we not been late, we would have had an accident which may have taken our life or the life of someone else. It is this blind faith in the all-encompassing love and care of God which we must meditate upon and nourish in our minds. If we believe in our hearts that God is truly in control, we should not allow the situations which we find ourselves in to cause us distress. Not only should these day to day troubles not be able to overwhelm us, we should ultimately have peace in knowing that Jesus has paid the price for our sins, and that we can look forward to a home in heaven with Him when this life is over. As the final verse of our song says..."When your journey is completed, if to God you have been true, fair and bright the home in glory your enraptured soul will view. Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand." 

The Mystery Of Melchizedek

This week, I'd like to talk about an obscure and somewhat controversial figure from the Old Testament named Melchizedek. Webster's dictionary defines the word "enigma" as a situation or person that is difficult to understand or explain, and Melchizedek was certainly the very definition of an enigma. We'll begin by reading the only actual account of Melchizedek, and of what he did. We find this in Genesis 14:18-20..."And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." Although this is the only account of Melchizedek's actions, Paul has a lot more to say about him in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews. 

First, a little background on what occurred here. Abram had just returned from battle, after rescuing his nephew Lot, who had been taken captive in the battle of the kings in the valley of Siddim. He was met by Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God, and king of a place called Salem, who brought bread and wine, and then blessed Abram and thanked God for delivering Abram's enemies into his hand. Abram then proceeded to give tithes of all of the spoils to Melchizedek. Let's look at the only other place in the Old Testament where Melchizedek is mentioned, in the 110th Psalm, and let's notice the context, and who David is referring to..."The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning; thou hast the dew of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand will strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall he lift up the head." This Psalm is foreshadowing of Jesus, and it is no coincidence that Melchizedek is mentioned here. So, the question becomes, who was this Melchizedek, and why is he so significant? We can't definitively say who we was, but by looking closely at the facts surrounding him, we can draw our own conclusions. With that said, let's take a look at the 7th chapter of Hebrews, where Melchizedek is discussed in great detail, and where Paul gives critical clues as to the mystery of Melchizedek's identity...

"For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is, king of peace. Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: but he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek:) by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: but this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's; for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore."

Alright, so let's lay the facts out, in order for us to draw our own conclusion as to the identity of Melchizedek. Paul has provided all the clues necessary in order for us to make an informed decision. First of all, the name "Melchizedek", in Hebrew, is translated as "king of righteousness". There is only one king of righteousness. We are also told that he was the king of "Salem", which is the Hebrew word for "peace", which would make him the "king of peace". Next, we are told that he is the priest of the most high God. In our reading in Hebrews, we saw that he abides as priest continually, and we know that there can be only one high priest. Furthermore, he brought bread and wine to Abraham, which was the institution of communion. The first tithe recorded in the bible was then given to him by Abraham. 

Paul tells us in Hebrews that Melchizedek had no genealogy, no beginning of days and no end of life. Therefore, we know that he was not merely a mortal man. Bear in mind that Paul met Jesus in an unusual way, after His death and resurrection, as Paul was traveling to Damascus. It would seem that Paul was fascinated by the idea of Jesus revealing Himself to other people in unusual ways as well, as he dedicates the entire seventh chapter of Hebrews to drawing out the parallels between Melchizedek and Jesus. 

Was Melchizedek merely a foreshadowing of Jesus, or was this king of peace and righteousness indeed our Savior, sent to bless Abraham, institute the communion, and establish the tithe? May this be among the many questions that we have the privilege of asking Jesus in person once we are given the opportunity to meet Him face to face...

Let This Mind Be In You...

This week, we're going to take a look at one of the most intriguing and mysterious summaries of the life and death of Jesus. This is a brief section of scripture, but it is very profound, and contains indisputable facts which prove beyond a doubt the deity of Christ. So, let's read Phillippians chapter 2, verses 5-11...Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Paul begins in verse 5 by telling us that we are to be of the same mind as Jesus, that is, to model ourselves after His supreme example of humility and meekness. This is an extremely difficult thing for us as humans to do, and Jesus understands this. He does, however, expect us to put forth every effort in order to stay in this mindset, and to practice this humility. 

Verse 6 begins with a very powerful and at the same time very controversial statement...Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:...This simple phrase has been the source of much dispute throughout the years, because it points directly to the deity of Jesus as the Second Person of the Trinity. So much so, in fact, that many other "versions" of the bible have sought to change, reword, rephrase, or remove it altogether. As an example, in place of the phrase "thought it not robbery to be equal with God", the English Standard Version as well as the Revised Standard Version read, "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped." This rephrasing is nothing but blasphemy in its purest form. Satan has entered into the minds of these writers, just as he entered into the mind of Judas, in order to create doubt as to the validity of the deity of Christ. So, what are the differences between the way that the verse was originally written, and the way that these other versions render it? In the King James Version, the phrase is translated word for word from the original Greek text, to read, "thought it not robbery to be equal with God", meaning that Jesus did not consider Himself to be taking any liberties, or taking on a title which he did not have a right to, in order to be considered equal with God, as He said in John 10:30, "I and my Father are one." The other aforementioned versions of the bible re-translate the phrase to read, "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped." This completely changes the meaning of the verse. This phrase is saying that Jesus did not consider Himself worthy to be considered equal with God, in other words, that He was merely human. This strips Christ of His deity. Even if every other word was translated exactly the same as the original text, this one glaring example of heresy should be enough for us to see that these other versions are simply not to be trusted. Unfortunately, however, this is just one of many heresies which these other versions subtly attempt to ingrain into the subconscious mind of the reader. Also, let's look at John 1:1..."In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Remember, also, when all of Thomas' doubt was removed as he touched Jesus' side, and felt the nail scars in His hands. He exclaimed in John 20:28, "...My Lord and My God." Jesus did not correct or reprove Thomas, because what he had spoken was the truth. In fact, Jesus told him..."because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." It would be robbery in the highest degree for any mere mortal to claim equality with God, or to profess himself to be one with the Father. Jesus was the only one who could legitimately lay claim to equality with the Father, because He and the Father are one.  

Verse 7 tells us that Jesus made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Think about the wording here...Jesus made himself of no reputation...we are told in John 1:3...All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made which was made. Jesus chose to make himself of low degree, of no regard. He is the maker of all things, and yet He chose to take no glory upon Himself, as He voluntarily assumed a human form, emptying Himself of all glory in the process, and was born into a human body. The very creator of the universe, born as a helpless baby, and entirely by choice. This is the ultimate example of humility. He lived His life on earth in service to others, seeking to save sinners, and as we are told in verse 8, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. No more humiliating death could be imagined than that of crucifixion.

It was not only the most shameful and demeaning form of execution, but it was also accursed by the law, and it was intentionally made as physically painful as possible. Not only was this a horrific way to die, but Jesus was also made a public spectacle, executed as a common criminal. Again, this was of His own free will, and completely voluntary. Jesus said, speaking of His life, in John 10:18...No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. So we see, not only did Jesus choose this life, He also chose this death. His life was lived in such a way as to supply us with the supreme example of humility, and we are to try our best to emulate His meekness, to be of the same mind. His blood was shed in order to pay the price for our sins, to be the sacrifice that was required in order to satisfy the righteous judgment of God. 

In verses 9, 10, and 11 we see that because of Jesus' willingness to humble Himself in this way, that God has highly exalted Him, so much so that His name is above every other name. At the name of Jesus, all manner of evil must flee. All disease, all sickness, oppression, addiction, sadness, all poverty, must flee. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Those of us who have believed and have been saved will gladly bow and confess His name, but what about all those throughout history who have refused His salvation? The bible tells us that they will also ultimately bow and confess the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord. When they reach the end of their days, they will be faced with the horrible realization that their lives were wasted chasing things that simply didn't matter. All of their efforts to gain fortune, fame, and popularity were for naught. Nothing else matters except for our belief in, and reliance on, the precious blood of Jesus. We need to pray for those who are lost, that we would be an example of  His light, so that those who don't believe might see something in us that makes them question, makes them wonder, what it is that we have that others don't. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. May His Spirit always lead us in the paths of righteousness, keep us in the will of God, and help us to have the mind of Christ.

Paul's Blueprint

I'd like for us to take a look at Ephesians chapter 4, verses 17-32, where the Apostle Paul lays out a blueprint for our transformation from darkness into light. He also explains the distinct differences between the mental states of a person before and after they are exposed to the love of Jesus. We'll begin with verse 17, and read a few verses, then try to expound upon their meaning...

Ephesians 4:17-19...This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Paul is here outlining the idea for our transformation, laying the groundwork for the changes that are to come. Keep in mind, although this epistle was written to Gentiles in the first century A.D., it applies to us just as directly in the 21st century, because as we are told in Ecclesiastes 1:9, there is no new thing under the sun. Evil is just as prevalent now as it was then, and the same devil that plagued the people of the first century is still working today to keep us apart from God. This is what Paul means by being alienated from the life of God. The ignorance that Paul speaks of is original sin. It seeks to darken our understanding, and to blind our hearts to the love of God. As our understanding becomes darkened, the light of God's love is pushed further away and our hearts are blinded, the inevitable conclusion being that we become, as Paul says, past feeling, and we give ourselves over to darkness, to uncleanness. Note here that it is a voluntary action on our part, however. We are the ones giving ourselves over, we are not being taken over by Satan, and we are not being relinquished by God. It is only after this voluntary turning over of ourselves, this pushing away of the light in order to embrace the darkness, that God turns us over to a reprobate mind, as we see in Romans 1:28. Paul warns us that we are to retain the knowledge of God, and to walk in His light. We'll pick back up with verse 20-24...

Ephesians 4:20-24...But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

We see here that we have a definitive role to play in this change. Once we see the light, we must begin to step out into the light, no longer walking in darkness. Renewing the spirit of our minds, we put away our old ways, the deceit and corruption giving way to a new way of thinking, a new way of looking at ourself and others, no longer looking through worldly eyes, but rather truly seeing for the first time through the eyes of Jesus.  

Ephesians 4:25-27...Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

Here at the beginning of Paul's blueprint, we see that truth is first and foremost. In order for us to be like Christ, we must esteem others better than ourselves, and, just as Jesus taught, we must love our neighbour as ourself. We are all members of the same body. Notice here that Paul does not tell us that anger has no place in our life. There are times when anger is appropriate, and even necessary, but anger becomes sin when it is allowed to fester. This is the reason that Paul tells us not to let the sun go down upon our wrath. Jesus dealt harshly at times with the Scribes and Pharisees, and certainly with the moneychangers in the temple, but He used anger effectively, and then let it go, always ready to forgive. There are times that anger is a powerfully effective tool, and righteous indignation is something that we all need to have, especially in this politically correct society.  We should never have to fear speaking the truth. The final thought of verse 27 is really the pivotal statement of Paul's blueprint...do not give place to the devil.

Regardless of how much power and influence that Satan may have, it is ultimately up to us whether or not he has control over us. Our free will is at the same time both a blessing and a curse. While we are free to choose whether or not we will follow the commandments of God, we are also free to decide whether or not we will be influenced by the devil. Satan does not have the power to force his will upon us. God wants our obedience to be based on love, and this is the reason that He endowed us with free will from the beginning. Let's look at the final five verses of the chapter, where we see the implementation of Paul's blueprint...

Ephesians 4:28-32...Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

In allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our path, we are transformed, and we become what we were meant to be. This is the central theme of Paul's blueprint. The evil that has darkened our hearts can be washed clean by the blood of Christ, to make us whiter than the snow. We must simply be willing to be changed, to turn from the darkness, and to embrace the light. This is what repentance is all about. As we shift our focus from our own desires, and begin to look on the needs of others, the hardness of our hearts will melt away, revealing the kind and gentle nature of Jesus, living in and through us. May the Holy Spirit lead us into this state of peace with God, with others, and with ourselves. 

The Tongue Is A Fire

This week, I'd like to discuss the power of the tongue, the damage as well as the good that it can do, and the great responsibility that we are faced with in regards to the use of our tongue. Our main text will be the third chapter of James, but we'll also look at several other verses throughout the bible which have application to the use of the tongue. So, we'll begin with James, chapter 3, looking at a few verses at a time, and discuss their meaning...v.1,2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. James warns us here of the greater responsibility that a teacher, or a preacher, has in regards to the leading of God's people, and the fact that speaking the truth, even when it is done in love, is going to be offensive to many. We all, no matter how pure our intentions may be, will slip from time to time, and say the wrong things, or fail to say the right things, and a teacher faces stronger repercussions for these very human failings. v.3-5 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! The horse, though a very powerful animal, is controlled by man when he places a bit in its mouth, thereby forcefully rendering void the will of the animal, and taking control over its actions. The same applies to a ship. Though massive in size, a very small rudder is used to steer and guide the ship where the captain wants it to go. These principles are applied in a very fitting analogy to the tongue, and to the fact that although it is a small member, its power cannot be overstated. James further poetically states, "how great a matter a little fire kindleth!", and to continue the thought, even a raging forest fire begins with a single spark.

This analogy of the tongue to a fire is continued in v.6...And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Here, James strongly asserts just how powerful and deadly the tongue really is, that it is a world of iniquity, that is it the one member of our body that can defile us, and has the power to set fire to any good thing that we may have done or said with one single harsh word. v.7-10...For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. James here further proves his point by contrasting the taming power of mankind over the animals with his inability to tame his own tongue. Here, the tongue seems to take on a life of its own, as James tells us that it is an unruly evil that no man can tame. We have to understand that we will never, as human beings subject to frailty and weakness, be able to fully control our tongues, and that we must do all within our power to limit the damage that this deadly poison incurs on others. James told us in verse 2 that if any man did not offend in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body. We know that we cannot hope to attain this level of perfection as long as we are in this earthly body. Proverbs 21:23 tells us...Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Psalms 34:13 says...Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Ah, if only it were that easy! Psalms 52:2 says...Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. And Proverbs 18:21 tells us...Death and life are in the power of the tongue...1 Peter 3:10 says...For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Certainly solid advice, although quite impossible to follow. Let's continue our reading in James, chapter 3, with verse 11 and read the rest of the chapter...Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness and wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. These verses bring to mind James' warning in chapter 1, verse 8...A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. How many times I have thought of that verse, and how it is so inexplicably applicable to me. Though I want to do good, to say good, to BE good, I know in reality that I am the double minded man that James was speaking of. And, just as this verse applies to me, so do the verses we've just read, in that the good that I would like to do, and try to do, seems to me to be in many ways nothing more than hypocrisy, when I consider my many frailties and weaknesses, my judgmental thoughts, and negative attitudes. But perhaps this is just what James is trying to convey to us here. Let us not consider ourselves to be wise, for we are yet carnal. Our best intentions belie an innate leaning toward darkness, because we are born under, and bound by, original sin. It is only through the precious blood of Jesus that we can ever hope to be cleansed, purified, and sanctified. Only through the grace of God can we be reconciled back and be acceptable in His sight, and only His Spirit can lead us into the paths of righteousness. Let us pray for God's guidance, for His help with our weaknesses, for His mercy in our failings, and for His strength to help us control the natural inclination to use our tongues for evil, that we would speak kindness, and peace, and show His love to the world around us.

Be Not Conformed...

I'd like for us to take a look at Romans chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, which are some of the most profound words ever written by the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 12:1&2...I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

Verse 1 begins with Paul's admonition to the church at Rome, and to us as well, as he very passionately implores us that that through God's mercy, we sincerely present ourselves to God just as we are, but ready and willing to be changed by Him, in any way that he sees fit. To be a living sacrifice means that we must give up all of our self, in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Our self indulgent impulses, negative thoughts and actions, and self serving tendencies must be brought under subjection to the will of God. We can never lay claim to any holiness of our own, or ever hope to attain it by our own works. However, we must be willing to rid ourselves of anything which might prevent us from becoming all that God would have us to be. This is what is acceptable in His sight, and this is the reasonable service which Paul speaks of. Verse 2 goes one step further by sharing with us how to go about making these changes in our life. First of all, we must not conform ourselves to this world. This would include not only keeping ourselves away from the myriad of evil influences which bombard us on a daily basis, but also means not yielding ourselves to the will or influence of others. Peer pressure can be a very powerful influence not only on young people, but it can also affect people of any age. We all have a desire to fit in, to be popular, but when the desire for worldly acceptance overrides our longing to be what God wants us to be, it becomes a problem. Conformity to this world also includes the desire to have the latest thing, the newest car, the biggest house, or just to have something better than our neighbor has. These are not to be the priorities of a child of God. We are to be content with what we have, knowing that God will supply all of our needs. So, how do we avoid the dangers of conformity? Paul tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. What does he mean by this? God's word constantly renews our minds, and it keeps us in His will. By reading, studying, and meditating on His word, we are transformed into what God would have us to be, and thereby we can prove what the good, and perfect, and acceptable, will of God is for our life. 

Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown

Heavy is the head that wears the crown...I saw this phrase on a t-shirt the other day, and I think it was an NBA shirt or something, I don't know exactly, but the phrase stuck in my head. Just think about it for a minute. Heavy is the head that wears the crown...I think about David and all that he had gone through before he ever became king, and then once he assumed the throne the terrible sin that he committed with Bathsheba, and then the fact that he murdered Uriah, her husband, by sending him into the hottest part of the battle and then having his troops pull back so that Uriah would be killed...David may just as well have drawn the sword and thrust it through him himself. David knew how wrong this was even before the act was committed, but he still went through with it. As king, he had the power to make it happen. This was a very displeasing thing in the sight of the Lord, and eventually David repented of the evil that he had done, and God did forgive him, although it cost David his son. Heavy is the head that wears the crown...I think about Solomon and the fact that he prayed to God for wisdom, and because he asked for wisdom, God not only gave it to him, but gave him riches beyond measure also. Sadly, Solomon was eventually corrupted by his riches and power. Kings, Pharaohs, Roman rulers, governors, Pharisees, we see throughout the bible, and throughout history, that power breeds corruption. The simple fact is, we as human beings were never meant for power, or glory, or honor. We were only meant to give it away, or rather, to reflect it back to God. Not only can we not rule over others, we can't even rule ourselves. In Proverbs 3:5-7 we are told...Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. And so, we see that we are not qualified to direct our own path, nor are we qualified to direct the paths of others. We have to lean on the Lord for guidance, for direction, and for wisdom. We have to look to Jesus, to submit ourselves to Him, because He is the only one who has ever been qualified to be King. Heavy is the head that wears the crown...you know, Jesus wore a crown of thorns for us, and we should consider that crown more glorious than any crown made of gold, encrusted with jewels, or anything else made by human hands. That crown was worn, or rather it was suffered, out of the purest love for us. None of us, no matter what we do, or how we live, could ever be deserving of the sacrifice that He made for us. He is the one true King, and He is worthy of all glory, honor and power. And so, the question comes to us...who rules our life? Who really has the control over our day to day decision making, who or what do we live for? If we are trying to be in control of our own life,

to wear our own crown, to be the king of our own life, then we are destined to fail. Heavy is the head that wears the crown...only Jesus is strong enough to direct our path, to hold onto our hands and still be ready and willing to pick us up when we fall. May we never fail to give Jesus the glory, to live for Him, to let Him live through us, and to let Him wear the crown.

Sorcery and Witchcraft

As Halloween approaches, we see and hear a lot more about sorcery, witchcraft, the occult, and evil spirits. I'd like to take a look at what the bible has to say on these issues. There are many instances in the bible where sorcery is mentioned, and always with negative connotations, and severe consequences. Several times God commanded that those who practiced witchcraft or sorcery were to be put to death. We'll begin in Exodus, chapter 7, verses 8 thru 12...And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you; then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. It is very interesting that the sorcerers and magicians of Egypt were able to turn their rods into serpents, but it says a lot that the rod of Aaron swallowed them up. Next, we'll look at 1 Samuel chapter 28, verses 5 thru 19, as king Saul is about to go into battle, and he seeks out the assistance of a witch...And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then Saul said unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said,I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. Therefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? For thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid; for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul,  I saw gods ascending out of the earth. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore have I called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me:for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hands of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hands of the Philistines. So we see here the consequences of Saul's disobedience and of his turning to witchcraft. A very intriguing point here is that the witch of Endor was actually able to conjure up Samuel, proving that there is very real power in sorcery and witchcraft, but where Satan's power is strong, the power of God is far stronger. Our next example is found in the book of Acts, chapter 13, verses 6-12...And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a jew, whose name was BarJesus, which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation,) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul (who is also called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, with thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness, and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. There are several noteworthy points in this example. First of all, the deputy of this country sought out Paul and Barnabas, because he wanted to hear the gospel, but there was a sorcerer with him. Isn't this just like the devil, always right there, ready to steal the word out of our hearts? This is the first mention of the changing of  Paul's name from Saul, and it comes as he is filled with the Holy Ghost, and speaks boldly on behalf of God. As the hand of  the Lord strikes this sorcerer blind, the deputy is amazed at the power of God, and becomes a believer. This is yet another example of the power of God overcoming the powers of darkness, further proving the point that, although there may be power in witchcraft or sorcery, it is not worthy to be compared with the mighty power of God. Our final example comes from Acts chapter 16, verses 16-18...And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel posessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. This incident shows us that even evil spirits recognize the existence of God, and are subject to His almighty power. We read in James 2:19...Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well; the devils also believe and tremble. So we see that these evil spirits are very much aware of God, even though they are working against His people and His cause. This is difficult to comprehend, since we know that they understand God's power and His Sovereign authority. These "familiar spirits" are nothing more than evil spirits, sent to do Satan's bidding. These same familiar spirits are in the earth today, in the same capacity, as liaisons between Satan and the practitioners of witchcraft and sorcery, along with psychics, mediums, and any who would seek to use the powers of darkness to further their own causes.

     

Nothing about this arrangement has changed since biblical times.  Not only can these examples be seen as cautionary warning, but they also reveal a lot about Satan's character. Even though he realizes that he is in a battle that he will never ultimately win, his arrogance compels him to continue to wage war against God, rather than to come under subjection, and his hatred drives him to do all that he can to ensure that he drags as many of God's precious children down to the pit with him as he can. Yes, there is real power in witchcraft, and in sorcery, and there are evil spirits in this world, whose job it is to possess and to control those whose minds are open to them. Thanks be to God for the gift of  His Holy Spirit, which fills us, guides us, and protects us from all evil. We never have to fear these things because we are God's children, and He holds us in the palm of His Mighty hand.