Ecclesiastes is traditionally believed to be authored by the wise King Solomon, ‘the son of David, king in Jerusalem’ (1:1). Some scholars, however, believe that the language and topics discussed are not that of Solomon, but of someone presenting it as if it were from Solomon, who is the great voice of wisdom. Furthermore, the name Solomon is not mentioned, the author refers to himself simply as ‘The Preacher’. Ecclesiastes (Greek), or Qoheleth (Hebrew), as the book is sometimes called, means ‘assembly‘. Thus, the person addressing the assembly is ‘The Preacher‘.
The book is written to God’s people who struggle with what He is doing in their lives and the world around them. All of us can relate to that--life often seems so wrong and unfair. We want to achieve and fall short. Life can become meaningless in our sorrows and even in our successes. We try to make sense of life, but our striving will only leave us hopeless and disillusioned.
The Preacher explores the different ways that people try to overcome and find meaning among the emptiness. Our natural inclination is to leave God out of our searching, and that results in futility. Apart from God, what we have is never enough--that‘s why it results in emptiness and despair. Solomon understands the complexities and frustrations of life ‘under the sun‘ or, apart from God, and makes his point over and over again. He is forthright and gritty--nothing is sugar coated here. If we aren’t rooted, grounded and anchored in God, we will strive but not endure and we will lose hope.
Ultimately, the message of Ecclesiastes is about Jesus, because He tells us that all of Scripture is about Him (Luke 24:27, John 5:39). In this study, we will learn to see Jesus in Ecclesiastes--how it all points to Him.
Chapter 1:1-11 is the thesis statement of the book--it tells us what the book is about.
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?
A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.
The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north;
around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns.
All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.
All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”?
It has been already in the ages before us.
There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.
As I read this passage, I am reminded of the hamster on the wheel--going and going, but nothing is accomplished. It’s leaves me frustrated. God is nowhere mentioned in these verses.
That’s the point. Apart from God, all of our efforts are frustrated. And that’s the message of Ecclesiastes.
The main points of the book are:
Everything is vain (empty or useless) ‘under the sun’ (apart from God)
The cycle of life and nature exemplifies this uselessness--nothing is truly gained
There is no lasting satisfaction
Nothing is ever truly new
Nothing will be remembered forever
If you miss that these statements all refer back to verses 2 and 3, that is, life ‘under the sun’, then you will miss the point of the book and dismiss it as pessimistic. Instead, we should see Ecclesiastes as a book written by a very wise man who, because of his experience, has something to teach us about how we should live.
Verse 1 tells us that the author knows what he is talking about, he is the king, after all--everything is at his disposal. He, along with his father, David, were the kings during the glory days of Israel. God granted him great wisdom and wealth (1 Kings 3:5-14, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12) and Jerusalem prospered under his rule. Some believe that Ecclesiastes was written at the end of his life when he was in a depressed and backslidden state--one who started well, but didn’t end well. If you are one of these people, perhaps this study will change your mind and you will see the book in a new way.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that the cycles of life and nature reveal that nothing is ever really new. The sun rises and sets, the wind blows, the waters fill the sea, but never to fullness--it’s just the same thing, over and over again. In the same way, when we have, we want more. The enthusiast wants the newest and best; the musician wants a better instrument, the jewelry lover wants a bigger diamond, the salesman wants a bigger sale, and on it goes. There will always be something newer and better, therefore, any satisfaction we get is fleeting. We are never truly satisfied.
What is, has been before and will come again. New products and technology lead to new and improved products and technology--it’s never enough. Even this is just another way to communicate or get things done--the basis doesn’t change. People have always communicated, people have always worked, people have always traveled--the modes are always changing, but there is nothing truly new under the sun. It’s all been done before.
The Preacher says that nothing will be remembered forever. You might be thinking that there is remembrance of things that people do- I’m sure you can list some of them. The point is, there will always be someone to take their place, there will always be someone new to be excited about. Celebrities are on the front pages, until someone new comes along--how quickly they become ‘has beens’. Buildings, schools and stadiums are named for great people, until a big corporation pays enough money to remove the name and replace it with their own.
And one day, they are old and torn down. They are just a memory.
Look at the ruins in Rome and Greece, they are nothing like they were when new and bright and filled with life. Imagine the excitement of the Roman Coliseum, which held up to 80,000 people. Built from 70-80 AD, the Coliseum was the symbol of Roman power. The giant statue of Nero, Emperor of the world, towered before it. The statue is long gone and forgotten. The arena, once vibrant, is just a façade.
Likewise, the Parthenon, a temple to the Greek Goddess, Athena, was captured by the Ottoman Empire and turned into a Mosque, no longer to symbolize Greece and its religion. The building, along with it’s magnificent sculptures, was eventually badly damaged by invading armies. It’s magnificence--gone. Two great world Empires are now tourist attractions--the might and terror are gone. The monuments built to display their significance for all time are a shadow of what they were- broken and scattered.
These are just two examples of structures intended to leave a lasting legacy of might and strength. Of the Seven Great Wonders of the Ancient World, only the Pyramid of Giza remains. The rest? Gone. Now, there are new lists of ‘Great Wonders’--they are been replaced by the ‘new and improved’. Nothing remains forever, there will always be something or someone to take its place.
Your children and grandchildren will likely remember you--your great grandchildren? Maybe. Beyond that, it is doubtful that they will know anything about you and your accomplishments. Given enough time and distance, even the greatest legacies will be forgotten, it’s all vanity.
Does this depress you? Good! That’s what the Preacher wants you to realize. The greatest accomplishments are futile, apart from God. He is not referring to joy in accomplishment, he is referring to ultimate meaning. Without this, there is despair, and this is what he shows in the following chapters. There are no quick and easy answers in Ecclesiastes. We must slow down, think pensively and drink deeply of the futility of life ‘under the sun’.
In all the emptiness of life, there is One who brings ultimate meaning--the Lord, Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But, we don‘t need to live apart from Him. Jesus’ words point back to Ecclesiastes, and He is the fulfillment of the vanity in life:
“And He said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (LUKE 12:15-21)
The rich fool lost everything, his barns, his riches, and most importantly, his soul. Jesus’ teachings echo the themes in Ecclesiastes. The one who put all his hope in riches, in the end, had nothing. Living life ‘under the sun’ is ultimately meaningless, regardless of how much we achieve. In the end, it is vanity.
“Therefore, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Ecclesiastes has a very contemporary message for us, for, we too are tempted to live life apart from God--’under the sun’. As Jesus taught, we need to put our hope in Heavenly things, not Earthly things. Our hope is to be in the things will which last, not that which will become corrupt and decay. We need to learn the lesson from the wise Preacher that apart from God, ultimately, nothing is gained and all is vanity. Life will be constant striving with no satisfying meaning.
Jesus became sin so that believers might become the righteousness of God
(2 Corinthians 5:21) Believers are now in union with Him. That’s how we can have ultimate meaning in life, because of what He has done on our behalf and who we are in Him. Solomon understood the futility of life ‘under the sun’ and we too need to understand it. Only in Christ are we able to avoid the fate of the rich man, who gained the whole world, but lost his own soul (Mark 8:36-37).
Monday, September 9, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
The Blessing of Ruth
I have been teaching Ruth, and, in my studies, I learned to appreciate the book in a new way. We all know the love story between Ruth and Boaz, how he became her redeemer and how this points to the final Redeemer, that is, the Lord, Jesus. But, if that is all we learn, we have missed so much.
The account is filled with intrigue and suspense, even cliff hangers. We are left with wondering, What's going to happen next? Where is God? What now? Won't He do anything? The account is filled with 'coincidence'--it just so happens that there was a famine in Israel; it just so happens that Elimelech moves his family to Moab (really??); it just so happens that his sons marry Moabite women; it just so happens there are no children; it just so happens they both die...and so it goes. But, God, who remains silent, is not silent at all. He is providentially orchestrating everything for their good and His purposes. We miss the nuances because we have become so familiar with the story. Read it again, even better, listen to it aloud and you will likely hear things you have missed.
The book of Ruth is an account of hope being brought to those in despair. It takes place during the times of the Judges, a dark time in Israel's history, replete with sin. Naomi lost everything and she was in despair, believing that God's hand was turned against her. But, it is also about 'Hesed', a Hebrew word which has no direct English translation. Hesed is love, compassion, mercy, kindness and goodness in action. It is going the extra mile for another. It is helping another when they are weak. Throughout the story, the giver and receiver of Hesed changes as each of the characters show Hesed to each other at different times. God made us for relationship, and the account of Ruth is a glorious example of what this should look like--how we are to live with one another by helping, providing and caring. And, we need to be willing to receive those things from others. Imagine how the church would be if each of us lived out Hesed!
Naomi, who lost everything, was greatly blessed by the Hesed of both Ruth and Boaz. When they marry and have a son, it is with joy that the townspeople proclaim that Naomi has a son--the one who was empty is now filled. If that were the end of the story, it would be enough, but there's more. The account ends with a genealogy--this child would be the grandfather of David, the great king of Israel. And, as we know, David was the ancestor of the King of the Universe, the Lord, Jesus Christ. The one who was in despair became the means of blessings to Israel and ultimately, the whole world. Such is the goodness and kindness of God!
The account is filled with intrigue and suspense, even cliff hangers. We are left with wondering, What's going to happen next? Where is God? What now? Won't He do anything? The account is filled with 'coincidence'--it just so happens that there was a famine in Israel; it just so happens that Elimelech moves his family to Moab (really??); it just so happens that his sons marry Moabite women; it just so happens there are no children; it just so happens they both die...and so it goes. But, God, who remains silent, is not silent at all. He is providentially orchestrating everything for their good and His purposes. We miss the nuances because we have become so familiar with the story. Read it again, even better, listen to it aloud and you will likely hear things you have missed.
The book of Ruth is an account of hope being brought to those in despair. It takes place during the times of the Judges, a dark time in Israel's history, replete with sin. Naomi lost everything and she was in despair, believing that God's hand was turned against her. But, it is also about 'Hesed', a Hebrew word which has no direct English translation. Hesed is love, compassion, mercy, kindness and goodness in action. It is going the extra mile for another. It is helping another when they are weak. Throughout the story, the giver and receiver of Hesed changes as each of the characters show Hesed to each other at different times. God made us for relationship, and the account of Ruth is a glorious example of what this should look like--how we are to live with one another by helping, providing and caring. And, we need to be willing to receive those things from others. Imagine how the church would be if each of us lived out Hesed!
Naomi, who lost everything, was greatly blessed by the Hesed of both Ruth and Boaz. When they marry and have a son, it is with joy that the townspeople proclaim that Naomi has a son--the one who was empty is now filled. If that were the end of the story, it would be enough, but there's more. The account ends with a genealogy--this child would be the grandfather of David, the great king of Israel. And, as we know, David was the ancestor of the King of the Universe, the Lord, Jesus Christ. The one who was in despair became the means of blessings to Israel and ultimately, the whole world. Such is the goodness and kindness of God!
In Essentials Unity.....
...in non essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
Christians can become so focused on secondary issues, that we unwittingly cause deep division and hurt in the Body of Christ. We need to be better at discerning what is essential and what is non essential. What are the things which are a true test of orthodoxy, and what is little more than our own biases and prejudices?
The easiest way to discern these things is, what does Scripture have to say? Is doing a particular thing a sin? Is not doing it a sin? There are plenty of things that we are told to do--encourage, pray, help, care for the helpless, teach sound doctrine and show mercy are just a few examples. Not doing these things is sin. Likewise, there are plenty of things we are told not to do--lie, cheat, steal, show favoritism, gossip, covet--the list goes on. Doing these things is sin. The Scriptures are clear that certain things are to be done, while others are to be avoided. If we are in constant, unrepentant rebellion, our very salvation is to be questioned.
But, what about our beliefs on issues such as election vs. free will? The timing of the Second Coming? Women in ministry? Leadership? Israel and the Church? Tongues? Although not unimportant, these things are not vital to the faith--Christians can disagree and still be Believers with a high view of Scripture. Too many times, we make these secondary issues, primary, and even a test of one's orthodoxy. When we do, we are often guilty of causing division.
But, since Scriptures teaches on them, we would be wrong to disregard them. In my opinion, two good resources to help us are the Apostles Creed, which is a summary of the Apostles' teachings, and the much more recent Fundamentals of the Faith. If they do not mention a specific item, I think we can allow freedom in diversity.
Jesus prayed for love and unity in the Church, so that the world may believe (John 17:20-26). We are like Him when our priorities are in line with His. As a lover of good, theological debate, I know what it feels like to want someone to believe rightly, they will be more secure in their faith because of it. But, if I cross the line and begin to mock and demean someone because they believe differently, who is the one who sins? If I break fellowship with them because of their views on non essentials, again, who is the one who errs?
In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity is a good rule to live by and will go a long way in building up the Body of Christ for His glory, so that the world may believe.
Apostles' Creed
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
1l. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
The Five Fundamentals of the Faith
1. The inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture
2. The deity of Jesus Christ
3. The virgin birth of Christ
4. The substitutionary, atoning work of Christ on the cross
5. The physical resurrection and the personal bodily return of Christ to the earth.
Christians can become so focused on secondary issues, that we unwittingly cause deep division and hurt in the Body of Christ. We need to be better at discerning what is essential and what is non essential. What are the things which are a true test of orthodoxy, and what is little more than our own biases and prejudices?
The easiest way to discern these things is, what does Scripture have to say? Is doing a particular thing a sin? Is not doing it a sin? There are plenty of things that we are told to do--encourage, pray, help, care for the helpless, teach sound doctrine and show mercy are just a few examples. Not doing these things is sin. Likewise, there are plenty of things we are told not to do--lie, cheat, steal, show favoritism, gossip, covet--the list goes on. Doing these things is sin. The Scriptures are clear that certain things are to be done, while others are to be avoided. If we are in constant, unrepentant rebellion, our very salvation is to be questioned.
But, what about our beliefs on issues such as election vs. free will? The timing of the Second Coming? Women in ministry? Leadership? Israel and the Church? Tongues? Although not unimportant, these things are not vital to the faith--Christians can disagree and still be Believers with a high view of Scripture. Too many times, we make these secondary issues, primary, and even a test of one's orthodoxy. When we do, we are often guilty of causing division.
But, since Scriptures teaches on them, we would be wrong to disregard them. In my opinion, two good resources to help us are the Apostles Creed, which is a summary of the Apostles' teachings, and the much more recent Fundamentals of the Faith. If they do not mention a specific item, I think we can allow freedom in diversity.
Jesus prayed for love and unity in the Church, so that the world may believe (John 17:20-26). We are like Him when our priorities are in line with His. As a lover of good, theological debate, I know what it feels like to want someone to believe rightly, they will be more secure in their faith because of it. But, if I cross the line and begin to mock and demean someone because they believe differently, who is the one who sins? If I break fellowship with them because of their views on non essentials, again, who is the one who errs?
In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity is a good rule to live by and will go a long way in building up the Body of Christ for His glory, so that the world may believe.
Apostles' Creed
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
1l. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
The Five Fundamentals of the Faith
1. The inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture
2. The deity of Jesus Christ
3. The virgin birth of Christ
4. The substitutionary, atoning work of Christ on the cross
5. The physical resurrection and the personal bodily return of Christ to the earth.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
To Stay Or To Go?
God uses trials to teach us to persevere, which helps us to grow in maturity (James 2:2-4). But, sometimes, God uses hardship to move us out of a situation or area, such as He did with Abraham (Genesis 12:10) and Jacob (Genesis 41:56-42:2). How are we to know whether to persevere or to leave?
Some basic principles of decision making are:
Does the Bible speak specifically about the issue?
Does the Bible speak about the general principle?
If the Bible doesn’t speak on it, you are free in your decision.
God may want you to persevere, or He might be moving you to do something new or to another place.
Ruth is a wonderful example of someone who endured in hardship. She was faithful and devoted to her mother in law, Naomi, regardless of the sacrifice it required of her. Her perseverance resulted in marrying Boaz who gave protection to both her and Naomi. Ruth and Boaz had a son, an heir to carry on the family name, a great blessing to them. Not only that, but her great grandson was David, king of Israel (Ruth 4:21-22). He will always be known as their esteemed king. Even greater than this, the Lord, Jesus, King of the Universe, is the descendant of Ruth and Boaz (Matthew 1:1-16).
Paul and Barnabas are examples of those whom God moved away from a particular hardship. In Acts 15:36-41, they had such a sharp disagreement over whether or not to take Mark on the journey, that they separated. There is no reprimand or mention of sin in this account. We know that Mark departed after Elymas, the magician, was blinded for hindering the work of the Gospel (Acts 13:4-13). Perhaps, Mark left in fear--the reason isn't clear. What we know is that Paul and Barnabas couldn't agree and decided to separate. The result is that now there were two evangelistic journeys instead of one. So, God used even a disagreement between Christians for His glory and the expansion of the Gospel.
We shouldn't be too quick to leave a difficult situation, but neither should we be reticent to leave if God is moving us out. Perhaps God can use us better someplace else. Scripture, prayer and wise counsel are means that God uses to show us His will, and in that, He is always glorified.
Some basic principles of decision making are:
Does the Bible speak specifically about the issue?
Does the Bible speak about the general principle?
If the Bible doesn’t speak on it, you are free in your decision.
God may want you to persevere, or He might be moving you to do something new or to another place.
Ruth is a wonderful example of someone who endured in hardship. She was faithful and devoted to her mother in law, Naomi, regardless of the sacrifice it required of her. Her perseverance resulted in marrying Boaz who gave protection to both her and Naomi. Ruth and Boaz had a son, an heir to carry on the family name, a great blessing to them. Not only that, but her great grandson was David, king of Israel (Ruth 4:21-22). He will always be known as their esteemed king. Even greater than this, the Lord, Jesus, King of the Universe, is the descendant of Ruth and Boaz (Matthew 1:1-16).
Paul and Barnabas are examples of those whom God moved away from a particular hardship. In Acts 15:36-41, they had such a sharp disagreement over whether or not to take Mark on the journey, that they separated. There is no reprimand or mention of sin in this account. We know that Mark departed after Elymas, the magician, was blinded for hindering the work of the Gospel (Acts 13:4-13). Perhaps, Mark left in fear--the reason isn't clear. What we know is that Paul and Barnabas couldn't agree and decided to separate. The result is that now there were two evangelistic journeys instead of one. So, God used even a disagreement between Christians for His glory and the expansion of the Gospel.
We shouldn't be too quick to leave a difficult situation, but neither should we be reticent to leave if God is moving us out. Perhaps God can use us better someplace else. Scripture, prayer and wise counsel are means that God uses to show us His will, and in that, He is always glorified.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
The Good Shepherd
Pastors and teachers love to tell their congregations that God calls them sheep and sheep are dumb. Yet, the Scriptures are filled with imagery of how God, as the Shepherd, cares for His sheep. He loves them, nourishes them and protects them. He goes after the sheep that stray and even lays down His life for His sheep. Far from an insult, it is a wonderful thing to be called one of God's sheep.
John 10: 27-29 gives a good description of just what it means to be part of God's flock:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
Every phrase is packed with doctrine.
He knows His sheep
His sheep hear Him and follow Him
He gives them eternal life
They will never perish
No one will snatch them out of His hand
His Father gave them to Him
His Father is greater than all
No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand
If these things are true, then the opposite must be false. Spend some time pondering that--what do you really believe about your relationship to Jesus as your Shepherd? Do you comprehend the assurance that He gives to you as His own?
Verses 26-27 imply that we are His sheep even before we believe. The people didn't believe Him because they weren't His sheep. But, those who are His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. We don't become His sheep because at some point we recognize Him--we recognize Him because we are His sheep. God is the author and giver of salvation, we can only respond to His call, which we assuredly will do if we are His. We must learn to rest in this great truth~
John 10: 27-29 gives a good description of just what it means to be part of God's flock:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
Every phrase is packed with doctrine.
He knows His sheep
His sheep hear Him and follow Him
He gives them eternal life
They will never perish
No one will snatch them out of His hand
His Father gave them to Him
His Father is greater than all
No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand
If these things are true, then the opposite must be false. Spend some time pondering that--what do you really believe about your relationship to Jesus as your Shepherd? Do you comprehend the assurance that He gives to you as His own?
Verses 26-27 imply that we are His sheep even before we believe. The people didn't believe Him because they weren't His sheep. But, those who are His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. We don't become His sheep because at some point we recognize Him--we recognize Him because we are His sheep. God is the author and giver of salvation, we can only respond to His call, which we assuredly will do if we are His. We must learn to rest in this great truth~
Friday, July 12, 2013
Cause For Stumbling
Jesus never took a course in 'how to win friends and influence people'. Sometimes, it seems just the opposite. As I am working my way through the Seven Signs of John, it's somewhat astounding how Jesus didn't care if people were insulted by what He said or did. He healed on the Sabbath, knowing that the Jewish leaders of His day would accuse Him of being against God. He spoke to a Samaritan woman, even His disciples were shocked that he would waste His time with a Samaritan, let alone a woman!
Jesus told the crowds that they don't believe Him, but all that the Father gives to Him, will believe. He is straightforwardly telling them that God isn't saving them, for if He was, then they would believe. Jesus tells them that they are listening to their father, but, he is not God, or Abraham or Moses, he is, in fact, the devil. Even more than this, Jesus claimed to be greater than Abraham, greater than Moses, and equal to God, Himself. Jesus was certainly not trying to win their affection.
As a young Christian, I head countless sermons on how Jesus wants to save us, He is waiting and pleading for us to come. Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts, He wants to come in and be with us--will we let Him in? If we would take just one step, Jesus will take the other 99 to meet us. Always the gentleman, Jesus will not go where He isn't wanted.
Scripture contradicts these teachings--Jesus is always there for His own, but there is no begging for people to believe in Him. He states the truth about who He is and what He has come to do and leaves it at that. Jesus has a security which we don't have--of course, He is God and we are not. He knows our hearts, we don't have the privilege of knowing that of others. But, I wonder how we would both think and evangelize differently if we learned to rest in Jesus and not strive to persuade. Speaking the truth, as Jesus did, and leaving the power of change to God.
Jesus told the crowds that they don't believe Him, but all that the Father gives to Him, will believe. He is straightforwardly telling them that God isn't saving them, for if He was, then they would believe. Jesus tells them that they are listening to their father, but, he is not God, or Abraham or Moses, he is, in fact, the devil. Even more than this, Jesus claimed to be greater than Abraham, greater than Moses, and equal to God, Himself. Jesus was certainly not trying to win their affection.
As a young Christian, I head countless sermons on how Jesus wants to save us, He is waiting and pleading for us to come. Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts, He wants to come in and be with us--will we let Him in? If we would take just one step, Jesus will take the other 99 to meet us. Always the gentleman, Jesus will not go where He isn't wanted.
Scripture contradicts these teachings--Jesus is always there for His own, but there is no begging for people to believe in Him. He states the truth about who He is and what He has come to do and leaves it at that. Jesus has a security which we don't have--of course, He is God and we are not. He knows our hearts, we don't have the privilege of knowing that of others. But, I wonder how we would both think and evangelize differently if we learned to rest in Jesus and not strive to persuade. Speaking the truth, as Jesus did, and leaving the power of change to God.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
The Seven Signs of John
The Gospels record the miracles of Jesus--Matthew, Mark and Luke each record over twenty, but John records only seven. But, there is a purpose in his doing so:
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)
You would think that there would be great numbers of people believing in Jesus because of these signs, but, there were not. At the wedding feast, His mother and His disciples believed. When the official's son was healed, he and his family believed. It is unclear if the man at Bethesda believed, even though he experienced Jesus' miraculous powers and was healed. Likewise, when Jesus fed the 5,000 there is no evidence that anyone believed, even though they were fed and saw the abundance of what was left. They even demanded a sign from Jesus to prove his claims the very next day!
Even the disciples didn't believe when they observed this miracle. We know this from studying the parallel accounts of Jesus' next sign, walking on the water. The man born blind believed, but his parents, neighbors and Jewish leaders did not, even though they saw the evidence. After Lazarus was resurrected, many of the Jews believed, but some reported it to the Pharisees, who were hostile towards Jesus.
What struck me is that in our culture, these miracles would be considered a failure, for the most part. Only one in seven indicates that many believed--the others indicate just a few believed, if that many. Since Jesus wasn't concerned with numbers as a measure of spiritual success or of God working, then, neither should you or I.
One must take the long view--these things were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name. Do you believe the claims of Jesus? How many, through the centuries, have life in His name because they believed? Is it possible that God is using us in our everyday doings to bring others to eternal life, even though there are no 'so called numbers' to show our success?
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)
You would think that there would be great numbers of people believing in Jesus because of these signs, but, there were not. At the wedding feast, His mother and His disciples believed. When the official's son was healed, he and his family believed. It is unclear if the man at Bethesda believed, even though he experienced Jesus' miraculous powers and was healed. Likewise, when Jesus fed the 5,000 there is no evidence that anyone believed, even though they were fed and saw the abundance of what was left. They even demanded a sign from Jesus to prove his claims the very next day!
Even the disciples didn't believe when they observed this miracle. We know this from studying the parallel accounts of Jesus' next sign, walking on the water. The man born blind believed, but his parents, neighbors and Jewish leaders did not, even though they saw the evidence. After Lazarus was resurrected, many of the Jews believed, but some reported it to the Pharisees, who were hostile towards Jesus.
What struck me is that in our culture, these miracles would be considered a failure, for the most part. Only one in seven indicates that many believed--the others indicate just a few believed, if that many. Since Jesus wasn't concerned with numbers as a measure of spiritual success or of God working, then, neither should you or I.
One must take the long view--these things were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name. Do you believe the claims of Jesus? How many, through the centuries, have life in His name because they believed? Is it possible that God is using us in our everyday doings to bring others to eternal life, even though there are no 'so called numbers' to show our success?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)