The desolate, deserted trees,
the world in which you live is totally corrupt and antagonistic towards God? Do you sometimes feel that no one else desires to live a Godly upright life? Noah must have felt that way!
The earth was full of wickedness. Violence was on every hand. How long had it taken the world to get into this condition? Assuming there are no gaps in the genealogies recorded in Genesis it would be 1,656 years from Adam to Noah. Estimates of the world population have been made of between 7 and 9 billion people.
In those years humanity had become incredibly degenerate. All they thought about and imagined was consistently and totally evil (Gen 6:5). Finally, it came to the point that the Lord was sorry he had created humanity in the first place. God determined that he would remove all people from the face of the earth (Gen 6:6-7).
What sort of things had been occurring that brought God to the point of divine indignation? Polygamy (Gen 4:19) a practice which is totally against God's plan for humanity was thriving. There was violence everywhere (Gen 6:13). For example, Lamech was an arrogant murder who displayed a belligerent and callused attitude related to his actions (Gen 4:23-24). There was also some sort of a mysterious but immoral relationship taking place that procreated a group of people described as the "giant Nephilites" (Gen 6:4).
There was however ONE man named Noah who "found favor with the Lord" (Gen 6:8). What a remarkable man he must have been. According to Scripture he was "the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God" (Gen 6:9). One man in 7-9 billion people. What moral and spiritual darkness blanketed the earth in those days!
However, because of this one small light of righteousness, God decided to preserve life through Noah, his three sons Shem, Ham and Japheth and their wives. Scripture does not specifically tell us who helped Noah build the huge boat (450' long, 75' wide and 45' high Gen 6:15). Yet, one would have to surmise it was his immediate family. Who else in those days would want to be associated with the Noah clan!
It is not hard to imagine the vicious words of ridicule, the contemptuous laughter and insinuations of insanity that must have been hurled at the builders as the construction of the boat preceded year after year far from any large body of water.
What was the reward for all the years of ridicule and labour? It was the preservation of Noah’s family through a world wide deluge. It was the opportunity to give humanity another chance to follow in the ways of the Lord. It was an opportunity to experience God's promises first hand and develop a deeper relationship with him.
Noah and his family were certainly counter-culture. They were willing to take a stand for God even though literally everyone was against them. The next time we are confronted with a situation that leaves us feeling totally alone REMEMBER Noah and his resolve to obey God in spite of the incredible opposition. God will not forsake you in the “aloneness’” of your life!
I make a great noise
to broaden your horizons? It can be a time of fear, insecurity, and soul searching. This is especially true if we are crossing into some new area of endeavour. We may fervently wonder: Is this really God speaking to me?
The Apostle Peter had to deal with such a situation in his life. He had been proclaiming the gospel in the seaside town of Joppa. Many had believed in Jesus because the Lord had used him as the human agent in raising Tabitha from the dead (see Acts 9:36-45). However, God realized it was time to broaden the scope of Peter's preaching and teaching activities.
There was a Roman army officer living in Caesarea named Cornelius. He was a devout man who feared God along with everyone in his household (Acts 10:2). An angel appeared to him in a vision instructing him to send messengers to Joppa. These men were told to seek out Simon Peter instructing him to return with them to Caesarea (Acts 10:5). This gentile officer was about to have a divine appointment with Jesus and an apostle was about to experience the broadening of his world view.
God realized that if Peter was to expand his missionary vision some of his major attitudes would require changing. To a Jew Cornelius had two strikes against him. One he was a gentile — Jews would have no dealings with gentiles. Secondly, he was a Roman soldier involved in the occupation of Israel a situation which the Jew's found intolerable.
As Cornelius' messengers were approaching where Peter was staying God gave the apostle a vision. It consisted of a number of creatures that were ceremonially unclean. A voice from heaven then commanded him to kill and eat. Peter's response was: No, Lord, I have never eaten anything that is impure and unclean (Acts 10:14). A response came from heaven instructing him not call something unclean if God has made it clean” (Acts 10:15). Three times this vision was repeated. Peter was puzzled.
Almost immediately the messengers arrived looking for him. The Holy Spirit indicated to Peter that he was to go with the men "for I have sent them" (Acts 10:20). This event clarified Peter’s understanding of the vision.
Willingly, the apostle travelled to Cornelius' house. He entered the gentile home which was against his Jewish tradition because God had divinely revealed to him this was the appropriate attitude. As Peter preached and taught about Jesus and the forgiveness of sins "the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message" (Acts 10:44). This event clearly indicated to Peter that God's message of salvation was not only for the Jew. It was to be universal in scope. This truth perfectly coincided with a promise given to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, many years earlier when God promised that all the nations of the world would be blessed through him (Gen 18:18).
When God widened Peter's horizons it was major in scope. It included crossing cultural, nationalistic and traditional boundaries. For many the new horizons God has in mind may not be nearly a dramatic. We need to be sensitive to God's Spirit as new potential horizons open before us. When God’s ordained opportunities arrive we need, as Peter, to accept the new vista confidently in the power of Christ..
Copyright. Bruce October 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
which biblical characters would you like to sit down with for a good conversation. All believers undoubtedly long to meet Jesus. Beyond that lists would take many forms Let's consider three Old Testament characters who will be fascinating to meet.
First, there are some sailors. These men were on a ship heading to Tarshish with Jonah on board. In dealing with this reluctant prophet the Lord stirred up the sea with a wind that was so strong it threatened to destroy the ship (Jonah 1:4). The sailors cast lots to see who was responsible for bring this disaster upon them. Jonah was identified as the guilty party. To stop the storm he told the sailors to throw him into the sea. The sailors were hesitant to take this action but ultimately they had no choice. Immediately the storm ended (see Jonah 1:11-15).
The sailors response was whole-hearted and spontaneous. They “offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him" (Jonah 1:16). That day those ancient mariners became a part of the household of God.
Another character with a fascinating story to tell will be Rahab. Before attacking Jericho, Joshua sent two men to spy out the vicinity. Rahab hid them from the city officials. In return the spies promised her protection when Israel attacked the city (see Josh. 2:1-14).
Her story will be fascinating as she describes life in Jericho before the battle. Scripture tells us that the city and the entire nation were terrified of the armies of Israel (Josh 2:9). It will be interesting to find out what factors motivated her to risk her life to protect the spies. In time she married well and became the mother of Boaz (see Ruth 2:1) making her the great, great, grandmother of King David thereby putting her in the direct line of Jesus.
A third interesting person to meet will be king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He is a person we would never have expected to experience a relationship with God Most High. The story chronicling his journey from a virtual mad-man to saint will be spell binding.
He was a vicious and proud man. Those in his royal court were frightened of him. A chief-of-staff when confronted with a difficult situation admitted that he was afraid of the king (Dan. 1:10). His fear was well founded as on another occasion the king had threatened his astrologers with death and the destruction of their homes (Dan. 2:5) if they didn’t comply with a request of his. Finally, his pride led to God's judgment. Seven years of insanity (see Dan 4:32-33)! Judgment fell as he was proclaiming that the incredibly beautiful city of Babylon was built by his own might to display his own majestic splendour (Dan 4:30).
The seven years of discipline made a profound change in Nebuchadnezzar. When his sanity returned he "praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever" (Dan 4:34). These are the words of a man who has met God. How interesting it will be find out Daniel’s role in turning the king's life around.
There will be millions of people whose “God” stories we will want hear in the heavenly kingdom. It will take an eternity to hear all of them and, come to think about it, that is about the amount of time we will have available.
Copyright. Bruce October 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
by the actions of our political leaders? Their godless moral and ethical positions and so called political correctness often bring a sense of vexation. Many continually act as though God does not exist..
The children of Israel experienced the vicious hand of Pharaoh when they aliens in the land of Egypt. Jacob had taken his entire family to Egypt at the request of his son Joseph who was the second most powerful man in the nation. Over the years the Israelites became numerous and powerful (Ex.1:7).
This became a problem when a new king came to power in Egypt who had not heard of Joseph and his important national contribution. The Pharaoh’s reaction was that Israel’s population most be kept from growing and they must be prevented from joining Egypt’s enemies in a time of war. His solution: Enslavement, crushing labor, thereby making them of no use to the nations enemies (Ex 1:8, 10, 11).
But God had a different plan. He sent Moses to Pharaoh demanding Israel’s release. Pharaoh retorted that he not know the Lord and therefore would not listen to him. Israel would not be allowed to go! Why such a response? The Bible states that God had chosen to make the king’s heart stubborn for the purpose of displaying his miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt (Ex. 7:3). In the final act Pharaoh's army chased the Israelites into the Red Sea and not one Egyptian survived the watery grave God had prepared for them (Ex 14:28). God had accomplished his purpose — to bring his people out of slavery and punish the Egyptians.
Another king --- Nebuchadnezzar --- was also a cruel and proud man. When dealing with rebellious king Zedekiah of Israel he forced him to watch the slaughter of his sons. After this atrocity his eyes were gouged out, he was bound in chains, and led a prisoner to Babylon (2 Kings 25:7).
On another occasion Nebuchadnezzar threatened his personal advisers when commanding them to tell him his dream and its meaning. If they didn’t comply they would be torn limb from limb and their homes demolished (Daniel 2:5). But God had a plan for Nebuchadnezzar. After a number of twists and turns, and the godly influence of Daniel his senior advisor, Nebuchadnezzar met God personally and was able to testify I "looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever” (Daniel 4:34).
God’s plans even at the highest echelons of earthly power cannot be thwarted. To one king and nation he brought destruction. To another king he brought seven years of insanity (Dan 4:25) followed by restoration and a personal knowledge of himself. In his testimony Nebuchadnezzar makes this significant statement: “All the people of the earth are nothing He (God) does as he pleases...No one can stop him” (Dan 4:35). King David supports this view by describing the king’s heart as a stream of water which the Lord guides as he chooses. (Ps 21:1).
Do the words of Nebuchadnezzar and David comfort you? Well they should! These inspired statements are designed to remind us that God has his hand on the affairs of state. He is at work accomplishing his ultimate purposes.Copyright. Bruce September 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
The tree the tempest with a crash of wood
his divine purgative. This relates to all people whatever their rank or position in life wether king or popper.
At the time Abraham was told by the Lord to leave his home land (Gen 12:1) God gave him the promise that he would be made into a great nation (Gen 12:2). Years later he complained to God about the lack of son. The Lord reconfirmed this promise (see Gen 15:4). In a moment of weakness, through an inappropriate plan, Abraham had a child through Sarah’s servant Hagar resulting in a son named Ishamael.
When Abraham was 99 years old he asked the Lord to give Ishamael the privilege of living under God’s special blessing! (Gen 17:18). The request was rejected Abraham was again told "my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year” (Gen 17:21).
Abraham had two sons. One was born of human scheming, that is Ishamael, the father of the Arab nations. The other, Isaac the son of the promise, was born in harmony with the plan of God. He would become the father of the Jewish nation. The Lord, in his divine timing, had exercised his prerogative. As the Lord had planned it was with the son of the freeborn wife, not the slave-wife, that he established an everlasting covenant (Gen 17:19). God's divine prerogative stood firm.
Isaac would in time have two sons of his own. They were twins --- Esau and Jacob. Before they were even born Rebekah had been told by God that the older son would serve his younger brother (Gen 25:23). Esau the older brother is described in Scripture as being immoral and godless (Heb 12:16) because he traded away his birthright. Jacob was also no spiritual giant. Under his mother's influence he deceived his father so he could obtain the blessing that should have gone to Esau (Gen 27:5-10). For his own safety Jacob went to live with his Uncle Labon and these two men spent much of the next 20 years (Gen 31:38) scheming against each other.
The level of trust between them was so low that when Jacob decided to return to his home land with his family and possessions he left secretly (see Gen 31:20). When he finally returned home he told his brother that Esau that he would settle near him at Seir. However, because of fear and a lack of trust Jacob settled in Succoth (Gen 33:14-17).
Even though both brothers appear to be less than honourable the Bible states that God loved Jacob, but had rejected Esau”(Romans 9:13). God had an immutable plan that was governed by his divine prerogative.
In both pairing God made divine choices. He chose Isaac not Ishamael and Jacob not Esau. Do these actions of God seem to be fair and appropriate? Maybe not at first glance. However, he is the creator we are the created. The prophet Isaiah records these words from the mouth of God “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine (Isa 55:8-9).
Are God's ways fair? Certainly for he is God. Does this mean that we will be always able to grasp them? Absolutely not — don’t forget that he is God! As such he has the right to exercise his indiscernible divine prerogative in all things according to his holy nature.
Copyright. Bruce September 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
It was a cord of maple, cut and split
with the position or responsibilities God has given you. Many of us have had that reaction and it is not pleasing to the Lord.
There was a man who understood how to handle his God given role in a manner that eventually brought great praise from Jesus. That man was John the baptizer. His life was remarkable in its total obedience to God.
His parents Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth were well along in years when John was born. The incredible message of his birth was delivered by an angel (Luke 1:18). This heavenly messenger also indicated that even before his birth the boy would be filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15), that his name would be John (Luke 1:13) and that he would function as a prophet preparing the way for the Lord (Luke 1:76).
The Bible tells us nothing about his formative years except that as he grew up he became strong in spirit. At some point prior to his public appearance in Israel he began living in the wilderness (Luke 1:80). John was not the sort of person who would yield to peer pressure or feel the need to conform. Scripture tells us his "clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey" (Mat. 3:4). The message he presented was clear and pointed. He challenged the people to repent of their sins and return to God (Mat. 3:2). When the religious leaders (Pharisees& Sadducees) came to him he denounced them as snakes (Mat 3:7).
In those days Israel was looking for a Messiah. John's uniqueness caused people to wonder if he was that one. His response was to present himself as a voice proclaiming the coming of the Lord (John 1:23). John was the herald for the greater one who was about to break on the scene (Luke 3:16). Finally one day Jesus came to be baptized by John. The baptizer's reaction was that he needed to be baptized by Christ (Mat 3:14) but he obediently did as the Lord requested.
John had amassed many followers. Once Jesus appeared things abruptly changed. Did it bother John to see people deserting him and flocking to Jesus? No, not at all but it bothered his followers. When they voiced this concern his response was "No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven...I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him’...He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." (John 3:27-28, 30).
John's attitude was genuine he understood his role. God sent a message to John (see Luke 3:2-3) and he faithfully proclaimed it. Jesus understood what made John tick. He realized that John was sincere. He knew John was not a phoney. As a result he paid the baptizer the ultimate complement when he said “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist" (Mat 11:11).
Are we like John the baptizer? Are we willing to play the part God has ordained for us? Are we willing to step aside to let another take over at the appropriate time? That is the selfless attitude which Jesus desires to see in all who would serve him.
Copyright. Bruce September 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
My long two-pointed ladder's sticking through a tree
Two Roads Diverged in a wood, and I—
to have lived on earth before sin entered the world. It would have been much different than what we experience today. The Book of Genesis gives us some hints regarding this wonderful life.
Based on the book of Genesis, and assuming that the great flood did not create a difference in geography related to the location of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the Garden of Eden was probably located in what is current day Iraq. It would have been lush with all type of vegetation. In the beginning "The earth was watered by springs (or "mist") which "came up from the ground and watered all the land" (Gen 2:6).
Originally the earth’s vegetation included only good plants. Man's primary responsibility in the garden was "tend and watch over it" (Gen 2:15). His position was that of a caretaker and harvester. Living would have been relaxed and free from strain. God's curse upon humanity because of sin, at the time of the fall, caused the earth to "grow thorns and thistles" (Gen 3:18). Agriculture had all at once become a battle field.
Originally people were strictly vegetarians. They ate of the fruit of the garden (Gen 2:16). After the fall God indicated to Adam that "you will eat of its grains" (Gen. 3:18). Before the flood, both domestic and wild animals, lived in harmony and at peace with humanity. When the Lord blessed Noah after the flood, meat was introduced as a food source. God stated "I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables" (Gen 9:2-3).
From the beginning man was given authority over God's creation. He was commanded by the Lord to "Fill the earth and govern it" (Gen 1:28). This rulership would have been totally wise and godly — considerably different than what we see today.
Obviously, there would have been no sickness or death prior to the fall. There would have been no sadness or sorrow. These realities of life are a result of sin (Gen 3:16-19). Life as God originally intended it to be in Eden would have been constantly vital, productive and eternal in nature. In fact, when Adam and Eve were put out of the Garden, God "placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life" (Gen 3:24) so that they would not be able to eat the fruit that would give them eternal life.
There was one other special thing about life on earth before the fall. God regularly visited Adam and Eve in the Garden. He would have wanted to spend considerable time with his special creation. Why else would he have made them in him image? We can't even begin to imagine the things God told them during those wonderful visits. On the day of the fall God (the pre-incarnate Christ) came to visit "When the cool evening breezes were blowing, (they) heard the Lord God walking about in the garden"(Gen 3:8). This may have been a daily routine.
Today, God does not come in a bodily form to meet with his children. However, we still have the privilege of meeting with the Lord God daily by means of prayer and Bible study. Through these meetings with God we can get to know him in ways that will pay eternal dividends.
Copyright. Bruce August 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
talk about JOY. The following are only a sampling of the things that bring JOY to the believer who is walking in obedience to Jesus Christ.
Taking Refuge in God
Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,...But what JOY for all who take refuge in him! (Psalm 2:12)
The Commands of Lord
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing JOY to the heart. (Psalm 19:8)
The Joy of God’s Presence
You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the JOY of your presence. (Psalm 21:6)
Seeking God
...All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting JOY (Psalm 22:26)
Experiencing Correction by God
“But consider the JOY of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin (Job 5:17)
Having a Pure Heart
...Shout for JOY, all you whose hearts are pure! (Psalm 32:11)
Trusting in the Lord
Oh, the JOYS of those who trust the Lord,.... (Psalm 40:4)
The Joy of Salvation
I am overwhelmed with JOY in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10)
Doing God’s Will
I take JOY in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” (Psalm 40:8)
God’s Unfailing Love
...Each morning I will sing with JOY about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. (Psalm 59:16)
God’s Righteousness
Everyone will...sing with JOY about your righteousness. (Psalm 145:7)
Finally, We Must Remember That Joy is a Gift From God!
God gives wisdom, knowledge, and JOY to those who please him. (Ecclesiastes 2:26)
Let's not fall into the trap of equating joy with happiness. The Bible teaches that a believer can experience joy even in times of hardship and disappointment. What has your JOY quotient been today?
Copyright. Bruce April 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
in life. He also definitely understood its source. In his letter to the Roman's he raises his pen to a crescendo of praise with the words: "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight" (Romans 4:7). So how far out of sight are they? David answers that question for us. "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west" (Psa 103:12). Since east and west will never meet, when God forgives our sins, they are lost in infinity.
However, to experience a true joy the forgiveness of sins must be beneficial to the one who has been made right with God. That benefit is grounded in the truth that God is the "source of hope" (Roman 15:13). And what is that expectation — it is "our confident hope of salvation" (Romans 5:4). It is important to note that when we talk about "hope" in a biblical sense it does not carry the connotation of "wishing" something will happen. Hope in relation to God is a guaranteed reality.
For the Apostle Paul his primary source of joy, that is beyond the knowledge of his salvation, was directly related to those to whom he was a spiritual father. He told the Thessalonian church that "you are our pride and joy" (1 Thes 2:20). Their response to the message of the good news of Jesus Christ gave him so much joy that it influenced the attitude he had when he came into God's presence for worship and prayer (see 1 Thes 3:9, 10).
Paul spent considerable time in prayer for the churches and his co-workers. He told the church at Rome "Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God" (Romans 1:9). When encouraging his colleague Timothy he told him "Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers" (2 Tim 1:3). Although this particular spiritual activity was demanding he confidently stated "Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy" (Phil 1:4).
Life was difficult for Paul. In his service for Christ he had been among other things beaten with rods, stoned by angry mobs and thrown into prison. However, he had learned that the true source of delight was "living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). Because of the trials of his missionary experiences it is evident his joy did not come from external factors. At one point he described the situation that he and his fellow travellers endured as follows: "Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything" (2 Cor. 6:10).
The Christians joy is produced by the workings of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) within our inner most being. Are there currently some events in your life that are sapping you of your joy? Remember, true joy does not depend upon being happy. Happiness is a fickle emotion that relies totally upon a continuing set of positive and pleasurable experiences. Joy, on the other hand, requires an abiding relationship with the Lord of lords and King of kings. The result is a joy that nothing in the world can take away when we are walking hand in hand with our Lord.
Copyright. Bruce March 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
of the psalmist David was a gift given by God because of personal obedience and devotion to him. This response is motivated by what the Lord has done for us. David exclaimed "You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine" (Psa. 4:7). He realized that the joy of the Lord did not depend on material prosperity or earthly success.
Let's consider some of the ways that God brought joy to the life of King David. They should have the same effect upon us.
First, there is the realization that the Lord provides refuge and protection. The Psalmist states "But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them that...(they) may be filled with joy" (Psa 5:11). Experiencing God’s arms around us gives an eternal reason for joyful thanksgiving.
The Lord's care for us does not infer that we will slip through life without difficulty. David spent many years in the wilderness fleeing from his enemies. In Psalm 59 he describes his enemies as vicious dogs (v. 14) yet two verses later he is proclaiming "But as for me, I will sing about your power... I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge...when I am in distress" (Psa 59:16). What was his joy based upon? Not that everything was going well, but because of the Lord's continual presence and unfailing love in life’s situations.
He also experienced great joy because of the hope of "of living with you (God) forever" (Psa 16:17). Here David goes beyond the joy we experience in the Lord’s presence in the here-and-now and introduces an eternal perspective. Joy for the follower of the Lord is not rooted to life on this earth. He promises to be with us when "we walk through the darkest valley (alternative translation: "the dark valley of death" Psa 23:4). The Lord may go with us through many dark experiences during a lifetime. However, he will also be with us in the darkest valley, which is death, at which time he will usher us into his magnificent residence so that we may dwell "in the house of the Lord forever" (Psa 23:6).
Did David always experience this intense happiness in the Lord? The answer is no. When he committed adultery with Bathsheba his joy was taken from him. Sin had made him miserable. David described it this way. "...I recognize my rebellion it haunts me day and night" (Psa 51:3). The only way he could deal with his sin was to ask for God's forgiveness so that he would be made "whiter than snow" (Psa 51:7) in the Lord's eyes.
One further step was still required to bring full restoration. David had to ask God to "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you" (Psa 51:12). Joy comes from God. It is his gift to those who are his followers.
We all long for joy. However, for many it is elusive. Disobedience can crush and stifle joy. However, it can be restored as we strive by the power of the Holy Spirit walk in close fellowship and obedience to God.
Copyright. Bruce March 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
a rather unique man. According to Jude 14 he lived in the seventh generation after Adam and that he was a prophet of the Lord. Let's now consider several things that made this man special. First, the Scriptures tell us that "Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God" (Gen 5:21). By any ones standard walking consistently with God for so many years would be quite an accomplishment. Then all of a sudden, something quite remarkable happened, "one day he disappeared, because God took him" (Gen 5:24).
Secondly he was the father of Methuselah who lived for 969 years. He is the oldest person ever to live on the earth. The name Enoch gave Methuselah is unusual, in that it means "when he dies judgment" or "when he dies it will be sent." Since Enoch was a prophet we need to ask the question: Does this name have any particular significance? The answer is: Yes it does! To discover its importance we need to do some mathematics.
The calculation is as follows:
Methuselah became the father of Lamech at 187 years of age (Gen 5:25)
Lamech became the father of Noah at 182 years of age (Gen 5:28)
The flood came when Noah was 600 years of age (Gen 7:11)
Now add 187 + 182 + 600 = 969 the exact age at which Methuselah died. God apparently gave Enoch a revelation concerning the timing of the world wide judgment which was coming upon the earth --- the flood of Noah's day.
A third unique thing about him is a prophecy he made that is recorded in the New Testament. It states "Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on the people of the world" (Jude 14,15). Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Enoch prophesied concerning the still future "day of the Lord" when all wicked humanity will stand condemned before God.
The final event in Enoch's life has yet to take place. In Hebrews 9:27 the following statement is made "each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment." Enoch did not die, he was taken to heaven by God. Therefore, the truth of this statement has yet to become applicable to him.
However, the book of Revelation has what appears to be the conclusion to Enoch's life story. During the period of the Great Tribulation two witness' "will prophesy during (a period of) 1,260 days" (Rev 11:3). Their message will be hated by the world's heathen population. At the end of this time "the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit...will conquer them and kill them" (Rev 11:7). After three and a half days God will raise these two men back to life. Then a loud voice from heaven will command them to "Come up here!" (Rev 11:12) and they rise to heaven in a cloud. Enoch is most likely one of the two prophets placed by God on the earth to predict judgment against an apostate world.
Few would question the statement that Enoch is a unique biblical character. Yet, it is important for us to realize that in God's eyes we are all special --- in fact one of kind. May we constantly seek to express this uniqueness through living in constant obedience to him.
Copyright Bruce March 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
but there are a number of things that God cannot do! At least four of them are mentioned directly in the Scriptures and several others can be legitimately inferred.
The first thing the Bible states is that we cannot say "God is tempting me" (James 1:13). Therefore, we must not claim that God is guilty of tempting us. It is Satan who is 'a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44) who is out to tempt us and lead us into sin. God will allow temptation to come our way so he can see how we will react to it. Temptation in and of itself is not evil it is the giving into the allurements of the forces of evil that is wrong.
A second thing is that God himself cannot be tempted. "God is never tempted to do wrong" (James 1:13). From the vantage point of our fallen nature it is hard to grasp the fact that wrong or evil has absolutely no allurement to God. His holiness and righteousness totally prevents him from having even the slightest inclination to do anything wrong.
Thirdly, as the writer to the Hebrews states "it is impossible for God to lie." (Heb 6:18). God is perfect and complete truth. Because of this we can fully trust the Lord to follow through on everything he has promised to do. The Bible is full of GodÂ’s promises to the human race.
The fourth thing the Bible states is that "he cannot deny who he is" (2 Tim. 3:13). This verse teaches in an all inclusive way that God cannot go against any of his characteristics that make up his divine nature. God must remain totally true to himself. He is totally and completely consistent. Jesus, who is the second person of the God-head" is described this way "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8).
As we consider the nature of God several other things become evident which God is incapable of doing. Some examples would be: he cannot cease to be God; he cannot stop existing; he cannot sin; and he cannot learn anything new. All of these things relate to his eternal nature and character.
Some people like to take delight in asking questions such as: Can God make a circle so big he cannot walk around it or can God make a rock so big he could not move it. We must remember that God is not God of the absurd or ridiculous. God governs himself by his divine nature not by the ludicrous thoughts of those who want to discredit him. For those who trust in Christ there is the great assurance that there are actually some things of which he is totally incapable!
Copyright. Bruce March 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
that people have widely diverging concepts on what constitutes friendship. Some individuals (introverts -- not to be confused with shyness) only want one or two friends. These friendships are often extremely close.
Other people (extroverts) claim to have large numbers of friends. However, upon investigation one normally finds that most of their contacts would be described as acquaintances.
At some point in life all of us become involved in friendships. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what the Bible has to say about this issue. Our longing is that friendship will be rewarding but this is not necessarily the case. Job had such an experience. When tragedy struck three of his friends came to visit him. For seven days they sat silently with him not saying a word (Job 2:13). They then began to give him all sorts of advice based on incorrect hypothesis. In time their visit became such a burden to Job that he complains about them laughing at him (12:4), scorning him (16:20), turning against him (19:13), forgetting him (19:14) and detesting him (19:19). What should have been an encouraging visit only intensified his agony!
King Solomon had some comments to make about the causes of problems between friends. He states that gossip can separate friends (Prov 16:28). He also contends that it is important to forgive each other because "dwelling on it (the issue) separates close friends" (Prov. 17:9). Solomon then graphically compares a so called friend who lies to us with a madman with a deadly weapon (Prov 26:18-19).
Sometimes people make false claims of friendship. King David describes this kind of situation when he says "They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere" (Psa 41:6). In other situations "friends" may turn against us. In the same psalm David states "Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely... has turned against me" (Psa 41:9). In fact there are some "friends" "who destroy each other" (Prov 18:24).
What then are the characteristics of a good friend? First of all they will not speak evil about you (Psa. 15:3). That is they will not divulge inappropriate information. Next, according to Solomon friends will give good advice (Prov 12:26). Beyond that they are incredibly loyal (Prov 17:17). They are always there in time of trouble --- they will never abandon you (Prov 27:10).
Now some may say “I do not have a friend.” If you are a believer in Christ Jesus that can never be the case. David in one of his psalms states "The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. (Psa 25:14). Jesus told his disciples "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me." (John 15:15).
All of us desire good, trustworthy, dependable friends. Hopefully, we will find them although on an earthly level we may be disappointed by so called "friends". Solomon makes a profound statement "Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?" (Prov 20:6). How true! Thankfully though, as believers in Jesus we have a totally dependable friend — one who has promised to always be with us (Mat 28:20).
Copyright. Bruce February 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
that someone was watching you. It may have been in a mall, at a park or on the beach. Sometimes when we discover we are being watched we may feel uncomfortable or even frightened. In these situations this "sixth sense" functions as a defence mechanism. On other occasions having someone watching us may be extremely reassuring.
Theologians refer to God as being omnipresent. This simply means that he is capable of being everywhere at the same time. In the book of Jeremiah the prophet the Lord states "Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" (Jer:23:24).
The psalmist David recognized this characteristic of God when he uttered the words "...I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there, if I go down to the grave, you are there" (Ps 139:7-8). In the same psalm we read "You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do" (Ps 139:3). Job supported David's view when he made the observation "Doesn't he see everything I do and every step I take?" (Job 31:4).
Knowing that God sees everything we do and is intimately aware of all the situations that make up our lives can be either downright distressing or extremely comforting. If we are involved in things that do not bring honour to him it should cause us to feel uncomfortable, convict us of our sin and draw us back to him.
For those walking in obedience to him it can bring incredible comfort. Through Isaiah God said "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you...When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up" (Isa. 43:2).
There is one other aspect related to God's constant presence. It is this, not only does God watch over the believer but through his Holy Spirit he also dwells within them. The Apostle Paul confidently writes that our "body is the temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 6:19).
No one can EVER hide from God. He not only watches the godly man or woman but he keeps "his eye on both the evil and the good." (Prov 15:3). Because of his ability to constantly observe the actions of all his creation, when the day of judgment finally arrives for believers (The Judgment Seat of Christ) and unbelievers (The Great White Throne Judgment) each verdict he renders will be totally just and true. There is no getting away from it, we will have no choice but to take total responsibility for all we have done.
Many years ago, we visited my grandparents home. Most of us were sitting on lawn chairs behind the garage. All of a sudden, I had the sense of being watched. On looking up I discover that my grandmother was looking out of a bedroom window listening to the ongoing conversation. With God we will never "see" him watching us. However, that does not change the reality of the situation --- he is watching us through the "windows" of heaven! Truly, "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth"(2 Chr. 16:9). Oh that we may live our lives in the constant realization that this is a Divine reality!
Copyright. Bruce February 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
God has always existed. He does not dwell in time, instead he abides unceasingly in eternity past, present and future. To think of one living eternally into the future but who had a beginning is a big thought --- however, to try to grab hold of the truth that the Holy One has alway existed is somewhere out there beyond awesome and overwhelming.
The Bible tells us that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen 1:1). This verse is not referring to the beginning of God's existence but the starting of the creative process that established the heavens (note the plural) and earth. At some distant point in eternity past God started the process of creation described in the book of Genesis. It is not without possibility that he had already been involved in some earlier creative processes of which we are not aware.
When Moses was being commissioned to lead the children of Israel out of the Egyptian captivity he wanted to know how to identify the God of their ancestors by name. The Lord's eternal nature is evident in his response of "I AM WHO I AM, Say this to the people of Israel I AM has sent me to you" (Ex 4:14) . Notice, God's name was not "I WAS" or "I WILL BE" but "I AM" the eternal present tense.
The Lord then states, also tell them "Yahweh (often translated Jehovah)...has sent me to you...This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations." (Ex 4:15). The meaning of Yahweh or Jehovah is "the existing one" which reemphasizes the eternal nature of God.
The enduring nature of God is also evident in the gospels. The Apostle John states "In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God" (John 1:1-2). This verse teaches that the Word, (Jesus: see John 1:14) existed before the beginning of creation. One could say that for God he had a beginning that had no beginning.
At the end of the Bible in the book of Revelation Jesus describes himself in this fashion. "I am the Alpha and the Omega -- the beginning and the end,...I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come -- the Almighty One" (Rev 1:8 see also Rev 22:13).
Both the Old and New Testaments testify to the eternal nature of God. This may be a challenge for our finite minds to comprehend. However, it is much easier to believe in an eternally preexistent God who has put everything perfectly in place than to get our mind around the evolutionists position that millions of random accidents have occurred to give us the creation we have today.
Copyright. Bruce February 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
is related to the nature of the personage of God. There is a three-fold eternal God-head made up of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For the most part the Trinity is shrouded in mystery. Our finite minds do not have the capacity to understand such a majestic concept as a three-in-one God. However, Scripture reveals some basic truths about God.
The Apostle John in the introductory verses to his Gospel account when referring to God the Father states that "No one has ever seen God" (John 1:18). The reason for this becomes obvious when one observes Jesus' comment to the Samaritan woman that "God is Spirit" (John 4:24).
Even though we have not seen the Father we are not ignorant of him. John goes on to inform us that the "one and only Son is himself God...(and) has revealed God to us" (John 1:18). Through reading and meditating upon the Scriptures we receive glimpses of the character and nature of God. This is accomplished through observing the actions and studying the teaching of Jesus. One of Christ’s greatest desires, while on earth, was to bring glory to his Father (John 17:4).
There is a tremendous oneness between the Father and the Son. It is incredible to realize that this oneness is being extended to all who are a part of the household of faith. Jesus’ prayer on the night he was betrayed contains these words: "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one -- as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us" (John 17:21).
That same evening the disciples were extremely discouraged because Jesus had indicated he would soon be leaving the earth. As he desires to encourage them he discloses that an Advocate will be sent along side them. They are told that this one who comes from heaven "will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth" (John 14:16). One of the chief responsibilities of the Spirit is to bring glory to Jesus (John 16:13).
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one in nature and character. However, within the Trinity there are differing roles and there is also a chain of authority. The Father is the one who sent Jesus to earth (John 17:3) and it was Christ’s responsibility to complete "the work you gave me to do" (John 17:4). The Father at the request of the Son would shortly send the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) to dwell within the believers (John 14:17).
During our earthly existence we cannot hope to grasp more than the most basic truths related to the nature of God --- the rest will take eternity. Thankfully though he has revealed enough of himself so that we can currently experience a personal life changing relationship with the God of the universe.
Copyright. Bruce February 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
of The Book of Revelation it conjures up images of God's judgment upon a godless earth. However, a careful reading of the letters to the seven churches, recorded in the second and third chapters, reveal many wonderful promises that the Lord has made to those who are a part of his family.
The following is a list of these promises:
the mercy of God is shown "from generation to generation to all who fear him" (Luke 1:50). From God's perspective mercy is a key element in his plan for humanity. Without his mercy we would be doomed. In God's eyes death is the penalty for sin. At birth we enter the world already spiritually dead and in time physical death will be the reality for every person. If it were not for God's mercy all of humanity would spend an eternity in the terrors of hell away from the presence of the Lord. However, for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ he extends mercy.
From the moment of Adam and Eve's fall into sin (Gen 3:6) God's mercy has been evident. It was initially displayed when God did not immediately put them to death for their disobedience. Several verses later the first veiled reference to the redemptive work of Christ is recorded: "I will cause hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head and you will strike his heel" (Gen 3:15). Satan would sense victory but Christ would strike the fatal blow to the head of the evil one.
God's mercy is seen throughout Scripture. The Israelites had been forced into slavery in the land of Egypt for many years. They were constantly mistreated by their task masters. One day, while Moses was working as a shepherd in the wilderness of Midian (Exodus 3:2) God appeared to him in a burning bush. The Lord indicated that he was aware of Israel's suffering "so I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians" (Exodus 3:7-8) and Moses, you are my chosen one for the job. In his perfect timing the Lord was about to extend mercy to his chosen people.
Jesus often showed mercy to those he came in contact with as he walked throughout the land of Palestine. For example a man approached Jesus asking for the extension of mercy towards his son who was troubled with seizures (Matthew 17:15). On another occasion 10 lepers cried out "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" (Luke 17:13). In both cases mercy was extended as healing was given.
God's extension of mercy in practical day to day issues is only of value in terms of time and space --- the here-and-now. His greatest mercy is extended in relation to the spiritual dimension of our existence. This is his willingness to extend salvation to those who believe upon the name of Jesus. The Apostle Peter brings this truth home in a powerful way when he states "It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead...and we have a priceless inheritance...that is kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Does the Lord extend his mercy to all people? The answer is no! God said to Moses "I will show mercy to anyone I choose and I will show compassion to anyone I choose" (Romans 9:14). Jesus makes it very clear that God's mercy is only extended to those who are elected when he stated "no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me and at the last day I will raise them up" (John 6:44).
When humanity fell God was not under any obligation to extend mercy to any of his creation. Everyone deserved the punishment of external separation and damnation. The remarkable thing is that the Lord has seen fit to extend his mercy to even the few who have believed.
Copyright. Bruce January 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
and reflected on how it should affect the way you look at life? Mary in her song of praise in Luke 1:49 refers to God as being holy. Holiness is at the very centre of the nature of God. Yet it is something that we seem to take so much for granted today. Many are willing to acknowledge the love and compassion of God. It is, however, no longer politically correct to focus on his holiness because it has the potential to make us feel uncomfortable.
The problem with this perspective is that refusing to think about it does not negate the reality of this central characteristic of God. We are to stand in awe of the holiness of God. It is to have a powerful effect upon how we live our lives.
During their years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses and Aaron were commanded by the Lord to tell the Israelites that they "must be holy because I am holy" (Lev 11:45). God gave them no room for compromise in this regard. This truth is also taught in the New Testament by the Apostle Peter. In his first letter he tells his readers "you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy" (1 Peter 1:15).
The Bible paints a picture of how people in biblical times experienced and reacted to God's holiness. Moses, when confronted by God from the burning bush was told to "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground" (Exodus 3:5). When the commander of the Lord's army (the pre-incarnate Christ) approached Joshua before the battle for Jericho, the leader of the Israelites' reaction was to "fall with his face to the ground in reverence" and ask "What do you want your servant to do?" (Joshua 5:14).
Scripture teaches that God's holiness, reflected in the brilliance of his being, was something that was to be feared. Moses, at one point, asked God to show him his glorious presence. The Lord responded by indicating that "...you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live" but I will "let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen." (Ex. 33:20,23). God lives in and radiates incredible holiness and glory.
God's holiness is also the central theme to the angelic hosts. We experience a glimpse of this in the book of Revelation as the angels are involved in heavenly worship. The angelic beings who are serving before the Father are presented as constantly saying "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty --- the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come" (Rev. 4:8).
Why do we feel so uncomfortable regarding God's holiness? It is because holiness is incompatible with sin. This means that God's holiness ultimately demands judgment.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden they were expelled from the garden and were cursed by God for their disobedience (Gen 3:16-19). When sin became so great in the time of Noah, God determined to destroy all life by a great flood except for those in the ark. One day in the future, God's judgment will fall upon all of unregenerate humanity during the time of the Great Tribulation. An angel describes God in relation to this Divine wrath as being "just...because you have sent these judgment...your judgments are true and just" (Rev. 16:5,7).
When one finally comes to grips with God's holiness we are confronted with the true essence of his divine nature. The result is a revolutionized understanding of God and how we must relate to him if we are to become more conformed to his holiness.
Copyright. Bruce January 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
feel like praising and rejoicing in the Lord God Almighty? If you are like the average follower of Christ this attitude is as changing as the rushing of the ocean tide. As she reflected on the great honour of becoming the mother of God's own Son, Mary, in her hymn of praise, indicated that she knew what it was like to rejoice "in God my Savior!” (Luke 1:47).
As Jesus grew up and she had to struggled with the insinuation that Jesus was illegitimate (John 8:41) and as later on she witnessed his crucifixion there must have been times when she found it virtually impossible to praise and rejoice in her God. The inspired words she spoke under the direction of the Holy Spirit at the time of the Lord's miraculous promise did not make her immune to such future struggles.
When thing are going great there is the tendency to be so focused on "what we have accomplished" that one often forgets to thank God and praise him for those wonderful and positive things that are taking place in our lives. It is easy to become incredibly self-satisfied and feel that God owes us whatever we personally desire. This kind of thinking will lead us into a similar trap that the disciples of Jesus' experienced.
One day James and John the sons of Zebedee brought their mother with them to make a request of Jesus. Simply put, their mum asked that her "two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left" (Matthew 17:21) when the Kingdom of God is established. The Scripture does not tell us who came up with the idea. However, one thing is certain the substance of the subject matter was unacceptable in the eyes of their fellow disciples and in the eyes of Jesus himself. Praise and rejoicing had been replaced by personal greed and pride.
The other disciples are described as being "indignant" about the self-centred request (Matthew 20:24). Most likely this was not a righteous indignation based on an attitude of selflessness but rather a response based on jealousy. Probably they had been secretly harbouring the same desires!
Jesus' two fold response was direct and to the point. First, "You don't know what you are asking" (Mat 20:22) and secondly "I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen" (Mat 20:23).
Remarkably, when things are not going well we often find it easier to praise God. Testing has its own way of opening our spiritual eyes and drawing us into a closer communion with God. In the book of Job we read about a man who was going through incredible suffering. His physical tribulations were so great that "he cursed the day of his birth" (Job 3:1) and wailed "Why wasn't I born dead? Why didn't I die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11).
However, in his distress, Job though struggling greatly proceeded to make one of the greatest statements of confidence and praise recorded in the Old Testament Scriptures. Responding to the critical comments of a man named Bildad Job stated "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" (Job 19:25-27).
Our soul regularly needs to praise and rejoice in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We need to develop and maintain the attitude of thankfulness when things are going well. We also require the discipline to develop the affinity to rise above our troubles and give glory to God in times of bleakness. Unfortunately, neither of these disciplines come naturally to most people and therefore they need to be carefully cultivated within our lives.
Copyright. Bruce January 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
or "What Could Have Beens." Have you ever asked yourself "what if" or "what could have been" questions? If you haven't you are quite unusual. Maybe at times you have wondered "what would my life have been like if my family had been more affluent?"
In times of contemplation you may have mulled over the thought "what if I had gone further in school or pursued a different major at the graduate level?" Occasionally, many are given over to considerations related to "what if I had made a different choice at one of the major cross-roads in my life?" It is also possible that you have even wondered what the impact on your life would have been if your ancestors had handled their lives differently.
This last question is one that Joseph the husband of Mary the "stepfather" of Jesus might have asked himself. He could track his ancestors right back to King David (Luke 3:23-32). How different his life might have been if the kings of Judah had been God-fearing men. The line of David may still have been sitting on the throne in Joseph's day experiencing the blessings of God. If that had been the case Joseph most likely would not have been a poor carpenter living in places such as Bethlehem, exile in Egypt and the disreputable town of Nazareth.
The decline and fall of Judah is recorded for us in the biblical account of 1st and 2nd Kings. During the reign of Jehoiakim, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded the land of Judah for the first of three times. He did the same thing during the times of King Jehoiachin and King Zedekiah (See 2 Kings chapter 24). In the end all the people of Judah except the poorest had been taken captive to Babylon (2 Kings 25:12). In Joseph's day Rome had replaced Babylon as the oppressor of the people.
But God had a special plan for Joseph. It was better than being a part of an earthly kingly family. He was entrusted along with Mary to raise in his household the one who would eventually become the "Lord of all lords and King of all kings" (Rev. 17:14). In Joseph's life the earthly "could have beens" was replaced with the divine "appointment".
There is nothing wrong in musing about the "what ifs" of life. However, it is more important to focus on and be sensitive to the leading of Jesus Christ in our lives through the working of the Holy Spirit. If we have had disappointments in life related to the "could have beens" we must be able to say like the Apostle Paul "...Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14). When this is the case we like Joseph can view the events of our lives as "divine appointments".
Copyright. Bruce January 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
to have a perfect child? Joseph and Mary had such a child! Mary was the mother of Jesus and Joseph was the man God the Father entrusted to function as Jesus' earthly "stepfather".
Mary and Joseph realized from the very beginning that Jesus was an unusual child. Mary was told by an angel that she, while still a virgin, would have a child by the power of the Holy Spirit and that he would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).
On three separate occasions an angel spoke to Joseph. The first time was to advise him that he should "not be afraid to take Mary" as his wife because the child she was carrying had been conceived by the Holy Spirit (Mat 1:20-21). The second time was after the visit of the magi when he was told by an angel to "Get up! Flee to Egypt" because King Herod wants to kill the child (Mat. 2:13). The final time was when Herod had died and an angel told Joseph it was safe to return to Israel (Mat 2:19-21).
Then there were the words of the shepherds (Luke 2:16-20) followed by the prophecies of Simeon and Anna at the time Jesus was taken to the temple to be circumcised (Luke 2:25-39). All these things showed that the son that had entered into their family was no usual child.
It must have been quite something to have a child who came every time he was called, who did his homework without having to be constantly pushed and who was only too happy to do any chore promptly and without complaining. His brothers and sisters must have found these traits absolutely annoying.
At the same time much of his development would have been typical of other boys. He would have undoubtedly grown at a normal rate. Gradually, he would have developed his skills and abilities in the practical areas of life. It is fascinating to ponder how quickly he attained to a high level of competency as a carpenter.
As he became more knowledgeable in the various aspects of life his wisdom would have continued to develop. Similarly, as he became more familiar with the Scriptures his understanding of God would have grown deeper and richer.
We have no idea when he realized for the first time that he was the God-man. However, by the age of 12 he was able to state to his parents while in Jerusalem that "I must be in my Fathers house". Even though he realized his unique nature he continued to be subject to his parents while continuing to grow "in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and all the people" (Luke 2:49-52).
For a unique child like Jesus, his parents must have been quite unique themselves --- certainly one of kind! God would not have entrusted his son to just anyone!
Copyright. Bruce January 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
Copyright. Bruce January 2006
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
