Holy Forever

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, 

"Salvation [belongs] to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 

All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, to our God forever and ever. Amen." (Rev 7:9-12 NKJV)

Last Sunday the worship at my church was simply glorious. We sang songs focused on the holiness of God. When our worship leader introduced the songs, he read from the book of Revelation.

One of my very favorite worship songs is Holy Forever, written and sung by Jenn Johnson here...

As we sung these songs Sunday, I was overwhelmed by some thoughts about heaven.

The first words of the Lord's prayer are "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name." That is our first call and privilege - to exalt His name together! "Let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Those words indicate that the saints and angels in heaven are actively and presently doing the will of almighty God. The will of God is that all beings in heaven and earth worship and adore Him with their whole heart and soul and strength. 

I know my parents were both believers and are now in the presence of God. When I worship God, I am able to join the chorus of heaven singing His praises, as in the book of Revelation. It gives me inexpressible joy to know that my loved ones are worshiping with me as we lift up the name of Jesus. He is worthy of all glory and honor and praise!

The Widow’s Plea

Your rulers are rebels And companions of thieves; Everyone loves a bribe And chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, Nor does the widow’s plea come before them. Isaiah 1:23

Luke 18 starts with a parable about a persistent widow and her plea to an unrighteous judge. Jesus understood the plight of widows in Israel. Widows and orphans were among the weakest and poorest people in that society. God provided laws to protect them, and pledged to avenge their afflictions with great wrath.

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭22‬:‭22‬-‭24‬
You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

Jesus sometimes used widows to exemplify situations that demand justice. For example, when a woman became a widow, it was not uncommon for a scribe or Pharisee to be designated as executor of the deceased husband’s estate. A corrupt executor could trick or defraud the widow out of her property. Perhaps it was this situation Jesus had in mind when he spoke this parable shortly before He entered Jerusalem for the final week of His earthly life.

Luke 18:2-5
“In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’”

The judge in this parable was part of a corrupt legal system. He didn’t care about the widow’s plight but only cared for his own peace. The widow however was at the point of absolute desperation and kept begging for help.

Jesus compared this situation to the plight of believers who cry out to God day and night for justice.

Luke 18:6-8a
And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly.”

In contrast to the unrighteous judge, our faithful God is a defender of the defenseless, who cares deeply for the persecuted and afflicted. He will not delay justice except to give the unrighteous a chance to repent and turn from their wicked ways.

The final question is this: “when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (v. 8)

This question goes back to the purpose of this parable. He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart… (v. 1)

When we are praying desperately for a particular answer, we must remember this:

1. God knows the future and knows what is best for us. He will always cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

2. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. (Psalm 103:8)

3. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬)

We must not lose heart, but keep the faith. God IS faithful. When we are the most defenseless, He is the most compassionate. Thus the question remains…When He comes will He find us faithful to HIM?

God's Plans

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9

One very important attribute of God’s nature is omniscience. God has known me from before time began, and He knows my future just as well as He knows my past. He knows my needs and my prayers before I pray, and He knows what is best for me and for His eternal kingdom.

Compared with this unfathomable wisdom and knowledge-my own understanding is very, very limited. I have very little knowledge of the lives of even those closest to me. I cannot read their minds, understand their background and decisions, much less their unknowable future. I don’t feel their pain, and I can’t do much to solve their toughest problems. But I do know the One who can and does.

Another thing I know more each day is that God has plans for each of us that are nothing like we can imagine. This is why we need faith, to let go of our own plans and seek God’s plans each day.

My Sunday Bible fellowship has been studying the Acts of the Apostles. One thing that is clear from the start of this book is that the apostles of Jesus didn’t have a plan. In spite of years spent with Jesus, they still had a very Jewish worldview when they entered the upper room to wait for the Spirit of God to come. The Lord had a much greater plan than establishing another earthly kingdom in Jerusalem with mortal subjects of flesh and blood.

This plan began to unfold on the day of Pentecost, when the early disciples received the Holy Spirit and began preaching the word of faith in languages that people from other nations could understand. Thousands of people believed the gospel of Christ and received the Holy Spirit that day, but God had even greater plans.

God gave the apostles special power to preach the gospel, to cause the lame to walk and the blind to see, even to cast out demons and bring some who were dead back to life. God also gave the apostles boldness and authority in the congregation of believers, such that even the religious authorities feared them. But God had even greater plans.

"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NASB95)

The persecution that arose after the stoning of Stephen was another plan of God that was greater than the plans of men. This persecution caused all but the apostles to be scattered around the Roman empire beyond the walls of Jerusalem and outside the territory of Judea. It also brought the chief persecutor into direct confrontation with the Lord Jesus, and after his conversion to be known as Paul-the Apostle of Gentiles.

In Jerusalem, the regional King Herod had plans to kill the apostles, starting with the beheading of James and imprisonment of Peter. But God demonstrated His greater plan by breaking Peter’s bonds, opening prison doors and leading him past squadrons of guards and soldiers to his freedom. 

After this, the apostles continued to preach and lead the church in Jerusalem, while Herod was consumed by worms and died under the wrath of God. Many years later when Paul made his final trip to visit the apostles and fulfill his vow at the temple, there were tens of thousands of Jewish believers in Jerusalem who were also “zealous for the law”.

Paul ultimately became a prisoner of Rome due to the religious persecution that he himself started. But even in this, God had greater plans to make Paul a prolific evangelist and author of much of what we now call the New Testament. Paul’s ministry in Rome left a community of underground believers there to influence the empire and its ruling families. This underground church in Rome eventually led to the conversion of Emperor Constantine and a remnant of true Christianity in the world that continues to this day.

In my own life there have been a few times when my plans were changed by the sovereign plans of God. I know now that God has still more plans for me, and I’m learning to trust and wait for these to unfold in my life. In the meantime I will seek His presence and the foretaste of glory that brings me hope and joy.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 

Romans 11:33 (NASB95) 

Tending His Sheep

As Jesus prepared for His crucifixion, He appointed Simon Peter to shepherd His disciples, after they were scattered and Peter denied knowing Him. 

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded [permission] to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 (NASB95)

The scattering of the sheep was the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy.

Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.'

Matthew 26:31 (NASB95)

After Jesus' resurrection, John records this threefold call of Peter to shepherd His flock. Many Bible commentators see this as Peter's restoration following his threefold denial of Christ before the crucifixion. The verses illustrate the tender love of the Chief Shepherd for his followers. I want to point out some words you may have missed in these verses.

John 21:15-17 (NASB95)

15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 

• Love Me - agapas me - Do you love me with dedication?
• Love You - philo se - I love you with affection 
• Tend - boske - feed
• Lambs - ta arnia mou- my lambkins

Little lambkins are cute, soft, easy to lead and feed. They are also easy prey and need special attention from the shepherd.

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 

• Love Me - agapas me - Do you love me with dedication?
• Love You - philo se - I love you with affection 
• Shepherd - poimaine - lead, rule
• Sheep - ta probata mou - my sheep

Sheep are not so cute like lambkins; their wool is scratchy and they might be covered with grass stubble and stickers. They can be stinky and not so cuddly too. Sheep need a shepherd to keep them out of trouble and lead the flock to safe pastures of green grass. They need a strong, courageous shepherd to defend them from wolves.

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

• Love Me - philo me - Do you love me with affection?
• Love You - philo se - I love you with affection 
• Tend - boske - feed
• Sheep - ta probata mou - my sheep

Jesus’ third command is most touching, since He asks Peter -as a friend- to tenderly care for those stinky old sheep. That includes the ones that push smaller ones aside to get closer to the Shepherd, the ones that get sidetracked looking for their own greener pastures, even those getting lost and into trouble in the darkness. Not just to rule and lead them, but to care for and feed them.

Peter gives the elders of the early church this advice as he approaches his own prophesied crucifixion:

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NASB95)

The call of Jesus on Peter's life is meant for all shepherds of the Lord's flock, whether the pastor of a large church or the father of a small family. All followers of Christ need an earthly shepherd who models the loving affection of our Lord and Savior Jesus!

Things Worth Pursuing

The Greek word dioko has a meaning you might miss when reading the New Testament in English. It is mostly translated as persecute but sometimes it’s translated as practice, pursue or press on. This makes me think of a law enforcer who doggedly pursues a fugitive until he lays hold of him and delivers him to the prosecutor.

Here are some verses that use dioko in these less common ways:

• Romans 12:13 (NASB95) contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
• Romans 14:19 (NASB95) So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
• 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NASB95) Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
• Philippians 3:12 (NASB95) Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
• Philippians 3:14 (NASB95) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
• 1 Timothy 6:11 (NASB95) But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
• Hebrews 12:14 (NASB95) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
• 1 Peter 3:11 (NASB95) “HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.

The verse that hits me in the heart today is Philippians 3:12. That verse is talking about the continual vigorous pursuit to “know Christ and the power of His resurrection…”

That verse uses another Greek word that completes the inspiration for me - katalambano (lay hold of). When my pursuit of knowing Christ is complete, I will lay hold of the power of the resurrection, just as Christ Jesus laid hold of me! Wow!

My Savior pursued me vigorously, captured me and bound me to Himself - to deliver me, not to judgment, but from judgment to eternal life full of joy and peace!

That my friend is a goal worth pursuing.

Demonstration of Righteousness

At a recent Tuesday night Bible study, some men were wondering if a solar eclipse was the cause of the sun being darkened during the crucifixion of Christ. I doubt that, since solar eclipses don't last for three hours under natural circumstances. I had a thought that maybe it was the great cloud of heavenly witnesses that blocked the sunlight that day, gathered to see this demonstration of God's righteousness.

God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬-26 ‭NIV‬‬

This phrase “demonstrate His righteousness” cannot be overstated. The cross was like a billboard that advertised the power of Rome to all who would rebel. But this cross of Christ advertises God’s ultimate act of righteousness, crossed by the ultimate unrighteous act of mankind.

Because God alone is righteous and the death of His only son completely unjust, all our sins are counted as against Him. David wrote Psalm 51 in repentance for his sin with Bathsheba against her husband Uriah, but he confesses that this sin was against God alone...

”Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The guilt and penalty for all sin ever committed has been stored up and laid upon Christ. As a result, all our sin-debt has been transferred to His account and He alone - who was raised to the right hand of God - has the power to forgive. This is the concept of redemption, in which our debt to the just law of God was paid by the blood of the spotless lamb of God.

But the righteousness of God does not end at the cross. If that were the case, God would have been justified to bring an end to mankind at that very moment. God’s righteousness is much more than judgment and vengeance. The resurrection and enthronement of Christ demonstrates the other aspect of God’s righteousness, His sacrificial mercy and love.

”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!“

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

But there is one more thing to say about this phrase “demonstrate His righteousness”. The cross of Christ stood one day in history, but the demonstration of God’s righteousness goes on through the life of Christ in every believer. It is up to us as the body of Christ, and individually as His disciples, to demonstrate His righteousness by our testimony. It is the cross of Christ that brought us into the presence of God, and the intercession of our resurrected Lord that gives us life and hope for eternity.

”And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Heavenly Father, let our lives testify of your righteousness, your love and mercy. Let the message of the cross and the empty tomb go forth today and every day in my life I pray, in the name of Jesus my Savior. Amen!

The Author and Finisher of Faith

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud
 of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside every encumbrance
 and the sin which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance
 the race that is set before us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand
of the throne of God.

For consider Him who has endured
such hostility by sinners against Himself,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
[Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB95]

I recently memorized these verses of Hebrews and have been considering Jesus...
"so that I will not grow weary and lose heart.”

But my dilemma is this...How can I run with endurance the race that is set before me? Do I have that kind of faith?

This morning the answer came...Jesus writes the law of faith on my heart, and He will finish it according to His will, not mine! I can rest on this promise:

For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. 

[Romans 9:15-16 NASB95]

It does not depend on my will or on my willingness to run, nor does it depend on my speed or endurance. God will accomplish His perfect will in me - in His time and according to His purpose.

All I have to do is continually open my heart to His penmanship!