90. Christ: Beginning and Ending

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Christ is the Alpha, the first, the One before Abraham, the beginning. Christ is the Omega, the last, the One whom Abraham rejoiced to see, the ending.

At the beginning of His ministry, doubting Nathanael could exclaim, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49). At the end of His life, the centurion could exclaim, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matt. 27:54) and once-faithless Thomas could proclaim, “My Lord, and my God!” (John 20:28).

At the beginning of His ministry, He was hungry. At the end of His ministry and life, hanging upon a cross, He was thirsty. Throughout His ministry, He was tired. He slept in a ship that was tossed with the waves. He sat upon a well of Samaria, being weary. Even in His sleep, He taught a lesson in the storm. Even as He sat to rest, He was witnessing and redeeming the time. When He was hungry, He didn’t blame the Father, nor doubt His providing care. In His death, He did not speak the prophetic words that brought liquid to his lips until the work was fully done. Early in His life, He could speak of the necessity of doing the Father’s will. Finally in death, He could speak of completing that will to perfection.

At the beginning of His life, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. After His death, He was wrapped in clean linen clothes and laid in a tomb. At His birth, men brought costly spices in adoration and appreciation of His person, King of the Jews. At His death, Nicodemus and faithful women did the same.  At the beginning of His life, faithful Anna could speak of Him in anticipation of redemption. At the end of His life, faithful Mary could pour her precious ointment over her Redeemer in anticipation of His death.

At the beginning of His life, His mother cared for Him, holding the Father of Eternity in her arms. Perhaps it was the cross that brought John, Mary (the Lord’s mother) and the Lord together (after a time), and as Jesus looked down upon them, He commended His dear earthly mother to His loved disciple’s care.

At the beginning of His earthly life, the Father sent the Son. After His resurrection, He could say “even so send I you” (John 20:21). His death didn’t change Peter’s calling, and 153 fish soon became 3,000 men.

At the beginning of His ministry, He attended a wedding. There He shewed forth His glory and gave reason for joy. There was no wedding at His death, but there He purchased His bride. He anticipates that day when Bride and Bridegroom will be united in glory together.

Let us love, and sing, and wonder.

89. Prayer for today

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Morning - HDR

Today I am reminded of the words of Psalm 139, and particularly the final two verses:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

O God, search me. You are God of eternity. You created all things. You formed me and knew me before I was born (v16). Before the earth was, You were there. “From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” “Thou knowest all things” (John 21:17; Ps 139:2-4).  You are the Architect and Designer, You are the Fashioner and Maker. There is nothing hid from Your eyes, that burn as a flame. There is nothing hid from Your knowledge, You are all-wise. 

Lord God, lead me. Your presence is everywhere (Ps 139:7); I cannot escape it, and this is a comfort to me. No place is too high, no valley too low, no situation too dark, no ocean too deep, for Your presence. “The darkness and the light are both alike to Thee” (v12). The Son of God loved me, went beneath the waves to the lowest depths of the sea for me. You have been through the darkest hours ever known, on Calvary. Your love has triumphed, and You have the highest place in heaven. Nothing is too hard for You, Lord, and You, the Captain of my salvation, have gone on before.

“I will praise Thee” for Thy works, I wonder at Your thoughts unto me! You, an intimate, personal God, are near unto even me; You lay Your hand upon me, You comfort and support me (v5, 10).  The hand that made the worlds, the God who sustains the universe, upholds me with His right hand. “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.” “How precious are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!”

Lord, Teach me Thy way (Ps 86:11). Teach me Thy Word (Ps. 119:26). Teach me Thy wisdom (Ps. 119:66). Teach me Thy will (Ps. 143:10).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts… and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

88. “God shall all your need supply”

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This poem came to my remembrance for some reason today, and I realized I haven’t posted it yet.

 

Who shall tell our untold need,
Deeply felt, though scarcely known?
Who the hungering soul can feed,
Guard and guide, but God alone?
Blessed promise! while we see
Earthly friends must powerless be,
Earthly fountains quickly dry,
“God” shall all your need supply.

He hath said it! so we know
Nothing less can we receive.
Oh that thankful love may glow
While we restfully believe, –
Ask not how, but trust Him still;
Ask not when, but wait His will:
Simply on His word rely,
God “shall” all you need supply.

Through the whole of life’s long way,
Outward, inward need we trace;
Need arising day by day,
Patience, wisdom, strength, and grace.
Needing Jesus most of all,
Full of need, on Him we call;
Then how gracious His reply,
God shall “all” your need supply.

Great our need, but greater far
Is our Father’s loving power;
He upholds each mighty star,
He unfolds each tiny flower.
He who numbers every hair,
Earnest of His faithful care,
Gave His Son for us to die:
God shall all “your” need supply.

Yet we often vainly plead
For a fancied good denied,
What we deemed a pressing need
Still remaining unsupplied.
Yet from dangers all concealed,
Thus our wisest friend doth shield;
No good thing will He deny,
God shall all your “need” supply.

Can we count redemption’s treasure,
Scan the glory of God’s love?
Such shall be the boundless measure
Of His blessings from above.
All we ask or think, and more,
He will give in boundless store,
He can fill and satisfy,
God shall all your need “supply.”

One the channel, deep and broad,
From the Fountain of the Throne,
Christ the Saviour, Son of God,
Blessings flow through Him alone.
He, the Faithful and the True,
Brings us mercies ever new:
Till we reach His home on high,
“God shall all your need supply.”

(Phil. 4:19)
– THE MINISTRY OF SONG

 

87. Who touched Me?

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Luke 8:40-48

The crowds were surrounding Him, jostling Him, constantly bumping into Him. Yet suddenly, the Savior says, “Who touched Me?”  The crowd denies it, though just seconds before they had obviously been coming into contact with Him. Yet this was not the Savior’s interest. Someone had touched the hem of His garment, and she had been instantly healed of her illness. She is unnamed, but singled out in the Word of God as one who had the touch of faith.

Millions today go to church every week. They chatter about this, that and the other thing, and perhaps hardly listen to the message that is given. They crowd into the pews and enjoy the entertaining music. They jostle the Savior and bump into Him religiously, even giving generously. Yet among the crowd, the Lord’s voice can still be heard, centuries after that occasion near the Sea of Galilee: “Who touched Me?”

Many deny it. They deny it in their unholy thoughts, in their daily talk, in their fruitless walk. Yet one by one, the Savior is still saving those who reach out in faith to receive the forgiveness that they have for so long longed for. The church’s doctors couldn’t cure them, the crowd certainly didn’t help them. Only the Son of God could bring light and life into their souls. Yes, still there are those who place their faith in the Great Physician; who simply and solely reach out and receive the gift He has offered, surrendering to His Lordship and acknowledging His grace to an unworthy sinner.

“Who touched Me?”

Have you?

86. God’s plan for me

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Does God have a plan for my life, and will He direct me into it?

I believe a sovereign, Almighty, all-knowing God does indeed have a plan for the life of His children, just as He had a plan for Paul (Acts 9:15). The same God that led Israel through the wilderness with the pillar of cloud and fire (Numbers 9:15-23) is the God that we have today.

Are Christians slaves to the will of God?

Do I need a word from the Lord as to which grocery store to go to today? What believer to visit? Which car to drive? Is every aspect of my life to be a simple adherence to what God places before me? Or is the will of God more than that? I would like to present what I believe is the teaching of Scripture in relation to some of these things– things that I have wondered about in time past.

A Christian is indeed a bondslave of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:6), but he/she is motivated by love, not by forced obligation (1 Peter 5:2, 2Cor. 5:14).

I believe God is more interested in developing His likeness in us than telling us specific things we are to do. Having a heart like His heart produces a life that is fruitful and which delights to fulfill His will. When the Lord brings into our circumstances something He has equipped and exercised us to do, it is the natural thing to do it. Also, God delights in giving us things we ask for that are according to His will (John 16:24, 1John 5:14). If we were robots, He wouldn’t want us to ask. Paul had a longing to see the saints in Rome (Romans 1:10). God granted His request, but it was in His way and time. God wouldn’t want us to ask for wisdom if He didn’t expect us to use it (James 1:5). So God isn’t looking for mindless followers, but for children who know Him, grow in His wisdom, and walk uprightly because they delight in His character and Person.

Doing the will of God is directly related to pleasing God. I can ask myself, “would this please God?” (Ephesians 5:10 NASB). God doesn’t need to give me special guidance for things He has already forbidden in His Word.

Guidance from God

That being said, God has directed His people to do specific things in the past. For example:

  • The Old Testament is full of specific commands given by God to individuals, often through prophets.
  • Failure to ask for counsel and direction brought difficulty (Joshua 9:14).
  • God gave direction regarding who to preach the gospel (Acts 13:2) and where to preach the gospel (Acts 16:6-10).
  • God gave instructions in regard to Gentile visitors, Acts 10:9-21. Note that God didn’t give Peter all the information all at once. The will of God was made clear to Peter over time in various ways.
  • Many examples of today could also be given. Norman Crawford speaks of being without the money to be able to drive to meeting, and that day in the post office, though there was no mail, someone (who had no idea as to his circumstances) walked up to him and gave him money that enabled him to get to meeting that night, saying “the Lord told me to give this to you.” D. L. Moody has accounts of answers to prayer by men and women who obviously were led in some way to send the needed help at just the right time. Darlene Deibler Rose tells of how the Lord spoke and strengthened her through her many trials in prison camps (listen). Many similar circumstances could be related (including some in my own life).

God may not speak in the same way today as He did in past days, but I believe He still directs His people. So, God may choose to direct me to a particular grocery store so as to be able to share the gospel with someone there, but I should not be preoccupied over which one to go to if I don’t have reason to believe God is taking me to one or the other. He will see to it that His will is accomplished in my life if my heart is right before Him. It is good to be on our knees before God for direction for the day, and we can trust Him to do His work through us when the time is right, as we meditate upon His word, attend meetings, and receive His instruction. Chances are, if God wants me to talk to someone at a particular grocery store, He will work the circumstances in such a way that what He wants to take place will happen without my even knowing that He’s doing it. I just have to be in the proper condition before Him to be ready to take that opportunity. If someone comes up to you and asks if you’re a Christian, well, you don’t have to doubt whether God wants you to talk to them about the Bible! Be willing and ready and let God work. Consider the example of Esther. She likely didn’t know God was leading her into the position of being queen, but God put her there at just the right time so as to be in a position to save the Jewish people (Esther 4:14). Being in that position, she was faced with a decision and  finally submitted her will and personal fears so as to be a blessing to others (Esther 4:16).

Sometimes circumstances are out of our control, and we have to simply accept them as being the will of God (Acts 21:14). Sometimes things are unpleasant for us, but are still permitted by God for a reason–He is in control of our circumstances (Luke 22:42; 1 Peter 3:17; 4:19).

I do not believe that God wants us to be in constant turmoil over what is His will for me.  Rather, He would have us to understand His revealed will from the Scriptures which is plain and simple to understand. Then if we are open to the Spirit’s guidance in our lives, we will be directed into His will in other areas of our lives as well. We may not even know the Lord is directing us at times, but He is able to work all things out according to His good plan, whether I am aware of the details or not, and whether I do everything “just right” or not (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:28 NASB). Don’t let the concept of being afraid to do the “wrong thing” paralyze your usefulness for God. Do what you believe God has given you the ability to do, and what is beneficial to others, and you will find that as you are actively seeking to live for Him, He will channel that desire and labor into the areas where it will fulfill His purposes.

Scripture selections from the epistles relating to the will of God for all believers:

Perhaps someone says, “The Bible is lengthy. Where particularly can I read about God’s will for me?” It is with this in mind that I have put together a list of verses that should give every believer a good idea of God’s will for them. You may choose to go through them as part of your daily reading.

  • Romans 12:1-13:14; 15:1-7
  • 1Cor. 10; 11:24; 13; 15:58
  • 2Cor. 4:7-18; 5:6-15, 20; 6:14-7:1; 9:6-15; 12:7-10; 13:11
  • Gal. 5:1-6:10
  • Eph. 1:15-23; 3:14-6:20
  • Phil. 1:21-2:16; 3:7-4:9
  • Col. 1:9-12; 2:6-4:6
  • 1 Thes. 4:1-12; 5:12-28
  • 1 Tim 2:1-15; 4:6-6:21
  • 2 Tim 1:6-14
  • Tit. 2:11-3:8
  • Heb. 12:1-14; 13:1-18
  • James 1:27; 4:15; 5:7-20
  • 1 Peter 1:13-2:3; 2:11-3:12; 4:1-11
  • 2 Peter 1:1-11; 3:18
  • 1 John 3:23-24; 4:7-14; 4:21-5:3

Conclusion

Should I be interested about, convicted about, desiring God’s will for me? Yes! Should I be overly worried and preoccupied about His specific, daily plan? As long as I am open and willing, no (Phil. 4:6-7 NASB). We should use the wisdom God has given us and the desires He has instilled in us by His Spirit, while waiting on Him for specific direction when the need arises.

God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2). It is God’s best, though it may not seem best to me or be the most enjoyable. God’s will for Christ was Calvary. It meant hardship and suffering, but ultimately infinite blessing to us and infinite glory to Him. Let us seek to please Him in all respects (Col. 1:10 NASB, 2 Tim. 2:4), trusting Him to work in our lives (Hebrews 11:6).

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 (Proverbs 3:5-6).

85. Lessons from vineyards

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Rejected from the vineyard

  • So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others.  (Luke 20:15-16)
  • The Lord Jesus came into a world He had created. That world should have received Him and given Him the fruit of righteousness, obedience and worship. But that world crucified the Son of God.

Respect for God’s vineyard.  

  • “Give me thy vineyard”  (1 Kings 21:2).
  • Naboth was willing to die for what was right. He was unwilling to give away the inheritance he had received from God. Am I willing to hold to the truth that God has given me?

Project of the vineyard. 

  • “She planteth a vineyard” (Prov. 31:16)
  • Am I using the abilities God has given me?

Neglect of the vineyard

  • I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. (Prov. 24:30-31)
  • God would not have us to be lazy! How is my vineyard?

Prospect through the vineyard: “Go work today in my vineyard.”

  • And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?  They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive…. These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.  (Matthew 20:1-16)
    • This is the passage that got me thinking about this topic. I appreciated William MacDonald’s comments on Matthew 20:
      • “The first bargained for a denarius a day and got the wage agreed on. The others cast themselves on the farmer’s grace and got grace. Grace is better than justice. It is better to leave our rewards up to the Lord than to strike a bargain with Him.”
      • Many of us have to admit that it seems a bit unfair to us, too. This only proves that in the kingdom of heaven we must adopt an entirely new kind of thinking. We must abandon our greedy, competitive spirit, and think like the Lord. The farmer knew that all these men needed money, so he paid them according to need rather than greed. No one received less than he deserved, but all received what they needed for themselves and their families.
  • Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? (1Cor. 9:7)
    • The farmer is worthy to receive the fruit of his labor, and our toil is not for nothing in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

“Son, go work today in my vineyard.” (Matthew 21:28)

84. “Faith works”

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— from The Bible Answers by Harold Smith

QUESTION : If salvation is by grace alone and not by works, then couldn’t Christians live any old way they wish?

ANSWER: Salvation is clearly defined in Ephesians 2:8-9 as being by grace (on God’s part) through faith ALONE (on our part) and “not of works lest any man should boast.” The following verse states, “For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” (Ephesians 2:10). Grace alone saves, but grace is never alone. Salvation is not by works BUT IT WORKS.

We have too many professing Christians who have a salvation that DOES NOT WORK. Paul could say, “I am what I am BY THE GRACE OF GOD” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Salvation is like a person that has a plumbing problem. They know nothing about plumbing. They are absolutely incapable of fixing it, but they know a plumber that they believe can fix it. Their confidence in him is so high that through their faith in him they call him to fix it. They do no more. They leave it all to him. If when he is finished the plumbing works then their faith in him produced it, for had they not called him in it would still be the same.

A person has a sin problem. Their life is all messed up. They cannot straighten it out. They are absolutely helpless (Romans 5:6). So they call in a Saviour. They trust in Him to do for them what they cannot do for themselves. He comes in and the life begins to work right. He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25). So the plumber comes in and the plumbing works. The Saviour comes in and the life works.

If you have a salvation that does not work it is NOT THE SALVATION THE SAVIOUR PROVIDED. It is a reflection on the ability of the Saviour to profess salvation and live habitually in known sin. Good works have nothing to do with saving; but it is the evidence that we are saved. Titus 3:8: “…that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12 NASB).