Any way you look at it, the universe is a miracle, and human existence manifoldly so. Evolution or creation are equally miraculous. I have reasonable, logical reasons for believing the latter.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
As explained by a theologian, “God is Love” means that love, other-centeredness, is not just a facet but lies at the very core of His being. Love is God’s Essence. The most astonishing conclusion I reach is that everything that has happened, is happening, or will ever happen, even when we don’t understand, especially when we don’t understand, has been filtered through a proximate God who loved us enough to become Emanuel, God WITH us. Though sin and its sordid results are always with us, we’ve been promised their reign will one day cease. The old song says, “We’ll understand it better, by and by.”
3. I believe there are those who call themselves Christians but live selfishly.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.
But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
4. I believe “Love” is defined as valuing each person as Christ did when He laid down His life.
That sacrifice was not just for the unborn, the White Evangelical, the American. It was made for every person who has ever inhabited this earth. That means Red, Yellow, Black, White, Gay, Straight, Conservative, Liberal, Biden supporter, Trump supporter, WHOMEVER; if I am true to my confession, I must see them all through Christ’s eyes, and His utmost goal is their salvation. HOW DARE I (OR ANYONE ELSE) MARGINALIZE ANYONE CHRIST IS TRYING TO SAVE?
5. I believe Dr. King was right.
“Destructive means cannot bring constructive ends, because the means represent the-ideal-in-the-making and the-end-in-progress. Immoral means cannot bring moral ends, for the ends are pre-existent in the means.”
Excerpt From Strength to Love chapter on Communism., Martin Luther King Jr
To me that simply means you cannot use Satan’s tactics to bring about God’s kingdom. “By any means necessary” is a statement no Christian can ever utter. Only righteous means will ever bring about righteous ends.
6. Finally, I believe in the judgment.
“A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”
People fear the judgment, but that’s unwarranted. In a very real sense, God is putting Himself on the stand, inviting us to examine His dealings with mankind to see if anything but love and justice motivated any of His actions. Those who’ve committed to other-centered living, no matter what their failures may be, will be counted righteous, not because of themselves, but because of the Gift. Only those committed to looking out for number one, doing it “my way,” living self-centered need fear. For me, it’s extremely comforting to know that nobody ever truly gets away with anything.
A predominant word used in today’s politics and legal circles is “tolerance.” Tolerance is defined as:
“the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular, the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.
What does it mean to”tolerate something?” It means to:
“allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.”
To tolerate different opinions should be in the heart and mind of every American who understands that this country arose from the ashes of religious and civil intolerance in Europe. The driving desire of the settlers of America was to create a nation of tolerance and acceptance because of their experience with intolerance and persecution in the “old country.”
During the Reformation era, as the Bible became more and more the source of faith for individual believers, it conflicted with the teachings of the powerful church in Europe, and persecution soon followed. The followers of Jesus and the Bible during these tough times longed for the freedom of conscience and to worship without being claimed a heretic or facing death. But, the ruling class and the powerful Roman Catholic church forbid any thoughts different than its own dogmas and traditions. Throughout its history, the papacy leveraged the power of the state to enforce its will upon the masses. Thus, a forbidden marriage of the church and the political power of the state combined to enforce its religious decrees.
Millions died who were not “tolerated” by the church/state. These people were not “allowed to exist” because of their Biblical views. The history of persecution and death from the papacy over the controversy of who should be the final source of truth (Jesus and the Bible or the Pope and its commentary called the Catechism) is the classic definition of intolerance using the power of the state. Millions of dissenters from the church were destroyed because the Pope did not want them to exist.
“From the birth of Popery in 606 AD to the present time, it is estimated by careful and credible historians that more than fifty million of the human family have been slaughtered for the crime of heresy by popish persecutors, an average of more than forty thousand religious murders for every year of the existence of popery.”
— “History of Romanism,” pp. 541, 542. New York: 1871.
The founders of America wanted a nation without a pope or a king. Why? Because they had come to learn the importance and rights of all to have views and to be allowed to exist, particularly Christian Biblical views.
Of course, to have a nation like this, the Christians would have to live by their own words and “tolerate” other worldviews.
Does Disagreement With Someone’s Religion or World View Necessarily Mean They are Intolerant?
If we understand the word “intolerant” and the history of “intolerance,” we know the answer to this question to be “No.” The deciding factor in turning the answer into a “Yes” are the actions taken by those with the power to force the dissenter to either not exist or to persecute them in some way.
The Christian who believes that Jesus is the only truth and does not accept a different view is not intolerant in their beliefs any more than the Muslim who feels the same way about Mohammed, but it becomes intolerant when one of the groups persecutes the other.
The apostle Paul expressed the concept of “tolerance” in the great love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 when he said,
“Love suffers long and is kind….endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13: 4,7
A follower of Christ must be tolerant and loving even though they are compelled to make known the truth as found in Christ.
“♦…today a new definition of tolerance is systematically being foisted upon the minds of all people. For example, Thomas A Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity states, ‘The definition of new tolerance is that every individual’s beliefs, lifestyle, and perception of truth claims are equal…Your beliefs and my beliefs are equal, and all truth is relative.”
So the modern, historically uninformed college student is encouraged to erase and rewrite “bad history” hope to adopt an exaggerated form of tolerance where all philosophies and world views are equal. I can’t help but think of the words of a classic rock song,
“Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.”-Buffalo Springfield, For What It’s Worth.”
In the context of an equal and relative truth, these lyrics could also read,
Nobody’s wrong if everybody’s right.
But, here is the immediate danger in this new definition of tolerance….the real truth becomes lost or eliminated if we discern truth by our feelings and whatever we desire it to be. Under this thinking of relative truth, everybody is right!
♦The misconception about relative truth assumes that truth is inclusive, that it gathers under its wings claims that oppose each other. The fact, however, is that all truth is exclusive---at least to some degree---for it must exclude as false that which is not true.
For instance, it is true that Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United State of America. This means that no other city in the United States is that country's capital. In fact, no other city on planet Earth or anywhere in the universe can lay legitimate claim to being the capital city of the United States. One city and one only fits the bill and that's Washington D.C.
Simply because just one city is the United States' capital does not mean that the people who affirm this truth are therefore intolerant. They may like scores of other cities and even live in different cities themselves. They may even live in different countries and prefer their country to America. Accepting the exclusive truth claim about Washington D.C. does not make a person tolerant or intolerant---it simply makes him or her correct about what the capital city of the United States is.
The same is true about Christianity. If the claims of the Christian faith are true---and many people accept them as true---these people are no more intolerant for their belief than those people who accept Washington D.C. as the United States capital. They are either correct or mistaken about how God has revealed Himself in the world.
The main problem with the all-inclusive view of truth is that it also stifles the follower of this philosophy from seeking the truth. The Christian will tell you that the source of truth is found in God’s word and in the life of Jesus. To test this or any other claimant of truth, must have a starting place. That origin of entry for truth must be historical with eyewitness accounts and proof that the truth works on a practical plain.
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6
He made many other claims. He clearly stated that the Tanakh (Old Testament) was about Him:
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
John 5:39
He explained to the uninformed and confused and misunderstanding disciples how the Tanakh “testified of Him.”
Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
Luke 24: 44, 45
But many people are afraid to “Search the Scripture” to see if what He claims is true or not. Why? The only reason can be FEAR.
Fear of being wrong. Because of pride, people resist the admission of having the wrong idea, philosophy, or worldview.
Fear of Change or Lifestyle. They reason their life won’t be as fun and enjoyable.
Fear of Accountability. Things they practice may have consequences.
Fear of Losing Friends. Accepting the truth may push away friends and family.
It was these types of fears and misconceptions about tolerance that kept the people of Noah’s time from getting on the boat and saving their lives. In the end, failing to pursue truth regardless of what one might think to be truth will keep many from eternal life as promised by God and Jesus Christ.
Nothing has changed since the days of Noah. People continue to avoid the pursuit of truth because of fear.
And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will also be in the days of the Son of Man:
Luke 17:6
To conclude this short discussion on tolerance and its relationship to truth, an appropriate story (from the book Great Controversy) about the pursuit of truth comes from a man called Gaussen, who was influenced by the prevailing truth of the day (18th and 19th century) i.e., rationalism. It is definedas:
A belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response.
But, as he studied Jesus and the prophecies…his life changed. He wanted to tell the adults in his part of the world about what he discovered in the Bible but found them resistant, so he taught the children to see if they could understand the information. The results were unexpected.
Many today claim to be tolerant and have an open mind. There is no human with a mind more open than a child. Jesus knew this when he said,
“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
♦As he (Gaussen) pursued his investigation of the prophecies, he arrived at the belief that the coming of the Lord was at hand. Impressed with the solemnity and importance of this great truth, he desired to bring it before the people, but the popular belief that the prophecies of Daniel are mysteries and cannot be understood was a serious obstacle in his way. He finally determined—as Farel—had done before him in evangelizing Geneva—to begin with the children, through whom he hoped to interest the parents.
“I desire this to be understood,” he afterward said, speaking of his object in this undertaking. “it is not because of its small importance, but on the contrary because of its great value, that I wished to present it in this familiar form, and that I addressed it to the children. I desired to be heard, and I feared that I would not be if I addressed myself to the grown people first.” “I determined, therefore, to go to the youngest; I gather an audience of children; if the group enlarges, if it is seen that they listen, are pleased, interested, that they understand and explain the subject, I am sure to have a second circle soon, and in their turn, grown people will see that it is worth their while to sit down and study. When this is done, the cause is gained,” I. Gaussen, Daniel The Prophet, vol. 2, Preface
The effort was successful. As he addressed the children, older persons came to listen. The galleries of his church were filled with attentive hearers. Among them were men of rank and learning and strangers and foreigners visiting Geneva, and thus the message was carried to other parts.
The understanding of God’s word is simple— provided the person is willing to pursue the truth no matter where it leads and with an open mind free of preconceived ideas. Fear will be replaced with joy and confidence. But a person will never know unless they start…they will never receive from God if they desire their own pleasures.
You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
James 4:3
The new definition of tolerance (all ideas are equal and true and, therefore, should be accepted) is false, and it is dangerous. To believe the truth found in God’s word and the exclusive claims of Christianity is not intolerance. A true follower of Christ will demonstrate acceptance of the person in love but reject what they know to be false and detrimental to that person. They will encourage the pursuit of truth out of love and no other reason.
In modern America, the country of religious freedom, it is the founders of tolerance (Followers of Jesus) who are now being forced through legal actions to accept the beliefs of people they know to be in error. The courts want to control the beliefs of Christians regarding sex and their worldview. This is persecution. No other religion is being sued and harassed, as are Christians. So, I end with this question. Who are the people who are intolerant? Who hates those who don’t accept their beliefs? Who desires for the other group to not exist?
Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake.
Luke 6:22
The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testifyofit that its works are evil
John 7:7
♦The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell
These last words of Jesus nullified Satan’s plan to take the place of God and rule according to the laws of selfishness. Christ’s prophesied death on the cross ensured that the price of sin (death) had been paid for everyone through the sacrifice of God Himself. Even though the law of sin required death for everyone. The way to eternal life was solidified for any who would accept God’s gift of life.
”Satan and a Roman guard of one hundred men tried to secure Jesus’ tomb, but they were struck down by the brightness of only one angel who rolled back the stone.
An angel, at the empty tomb, told the women, who came to prepare the body of Jesus for burial, that He was not there. They left with different work and mission. Their new goal in life was to tell the disciples and the world that “He is risen!” They were some of the first human eyewitnesses. The guards were the first to understand the power of the risen Savior.
Many, including Thomas, doubted the women, but Jesus appeared to them while they were gathered behind closed doors “for fear of the Jews.” They had not assembled on this first day of the week to worship but rather because of fear for their lives. Thomas was not with them. Perhaps he was grieving alone. But eight days later, he was with the disciples, and Jesus appeared to the disciples again. This time doubting Thomas was invited to touch the nail scars on Jesus’ hands and touch His side to feel where the sword had pierced His side. He fell at the feet of Jesus and proclaimed, “My Lord and My God.” John 20:28
Jesus asked the disciples for something to eat. This indicated that our resurrected body would be real (not a spirit). It will desire food and drink. It is at the marriage feast after Jesus comes again that we will eat bread and drink the vine’s fruit. Jesus has not touched the fruit of the vine since that Thursday night before his death, promising not to do so until he returns and takes us where He is now. Matthew 26:29.
Without the resurrection of Christ, our faith is futile, those we love that had died have perished, and the cross would mean nothing.
“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” 1 Corinthians 15: 17-19
The entire Christian faith and eternal life rise or fall on the resurrection of Jesus. As shown in Paul’s argument for the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, if Jesus was not resurrected, neither will we be. But, praise God, Jesus returned from the dead and will do the same for those who accept His gift of salvation.
Jesus told John that He has the keys to unlock the grave and destroy death forever. He will bring this reward of eternal life when He returns. Like Paul, “those who love His appearing will be given the crown of life when He returns.”
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Jesus will resurrect everyone who ever lived and died on planet earth. In the first resurrection, it will be those who died knowing Him. The second resurrection of condemnation, He will raise all who have ever lived and rejected Him 1,000 years after the first resurrection. But, this lost cursing group stands before the descending New Jerusalem with all the saints therein. They will be deceived by Satan to take the city with the Tree of Life inside. If they can get do that, they will live forever. Satan has so deceived himself to think he can actually do this! What madness!
All of mankind will be together simultaneously to understand their fate: Either eternal life or eternal death. Then, because of the reality of the situation and the beauty of God’s presence, every knee will bow and every tongue of those in heaven and those on earth confess that ” Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.“
Revelation 20:5-6–Blessed are those who are part of the first resurrection. You will never die again! Those who die after being resurrected in the second resurrection 1,000 years after the first resurrection will die forever (The second death).
The Complete Gospel
The revelation of Jesus Christ, given to John in vision, is not just scary symbols and beasts but the complete gospel and revelation of Jesus Christ.
The complete gospel is in the outline of these Three Most Powerful Statements Ever Made. It is the good news of the many prophecies of His first coming; His sinless life;His death for our sins that would have led to eternal death; His resurrection: His ascension to mediate for us; and finally to resurrect us (if sleeping in the grave) and lift us all to Him in the air. Then He will take us to where He is now (John 14: 1-3).
Conclusion:
All three of these powerful statements rise or fall together. If one is not true, then all is lost, but they are true! Eyewitnesses, time, history, and testimony have provided more than enough proof.
Won’t you believe Jesus today? Confess your sins and weakness and begin to learn of Him through the Bible and other sincere believers. Seek Him every day, and let your requests be known to Him. He will give you rest and peace now and forevermore.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Remember: When Jesus comes with all of heaven emptied to rescue us. He will do the following as we begin eternal life. Lord, we will need it as we consider those we loved who chose the temporary pleasures of sin for a little while rather than eternal life.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
“Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.”
Ecclesiastes 11:1
I am telling this story from memory, as told by a young pastor. I am sorry that I don’t know the exact names and places. It should not distract from the beauty of the message God has for those reading this.
It is a true story. It had a great impact on me as an aging pastor. It demonstrates how God works mysteriously in people’s lives to accomplish His purpose.
Often, as shown in the book of Job, we don’t see the way God works and the mystery of the spiritual battles hidden from our eyes. If we trust God completely, we are not discouraged when we can’t see the fruit of our labors or when our prayers seem to be ignored completely. This is where faith comes into play, knowing that “our ways are not His ways, nor our thoughts His thoughts.”
This story is about the loss of someone’s faith (trust in God) because it seemed God was working against him to bring the gospel to a village in Africa.
_____________________________
A young husband and wife felt God’s calling to go to Africa. It was an irresistible urge from The Lord to sell all they possessed and go to a small village on this large dark continent to tell the people the story of Jesus.
After a long journey of planes, trains, and finally a jeep, they set up camp outside a particular village. Once they settled in, they approached the chief of the village to tell him about Jesus, who cut them off and refused to hear them. Not only would the chief not listen to their story about Jesus, but he also told the village to ignore these strange pale people and their god.
The husband and wife had little supplies, clothes, and the conveniences they enjoyed in the United States. They began to pray for God’s guidance. The chief was kind-hearted enough to supply them with some of their needs, such as water and food. He sent a young boy regularly to bring them things so they could survive in the dense jungle. The boy was not to speak to the couple.
But the wife would tell the story of Jesus to the young boy each time he arrived at their campsite. He said nothing and returned to the village.
After many weeks, the wife became pregnant. The husband suggested they return to the U.S., but as they prayed, they felt they needed to stay. Sadly, the wife died giving birth to a little girl. The husband was heartbroken and so discouraged. He decided to put the young female up for adoption and move back to America.
Feeling abandoned by God, he left the work unfinished, As he thought about his failures, He soon lost his faith in God and began to drink.
The child he left behind became a young lady and wanted to find her birth father and mother. She heard the father had moved to America. After much research, she located his address at prepared to see him. When she arrived at his apartment, she was surprised to walk into a filthy apartment. Her dad lay drunk on his bed as she began to introduce herself and tell her story. The father quickly sat up and heard the sobering words of the daughter he had long forgotten.
The young boy that heard the story of Jesus from his wife began to tell it to the village. Soon the entire village was converted to Jesus. Even the chief was converted, and the story of Jesus began to spread to the other villages! The young abandoned daughter helped in the ministry there in Africa started by this young husband and wife who responded to the calling of God. These words became true for them and will be true for us:
“Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.”
Ecclesiastes 11:1
As I heard this story, I felt the conviction always to trust God regardless of the circumstances. How often do we let our faith in Christ be affected by circumstances we didn’t anticipate? I was discouraged when I planned a series of meetings expecting hundreds of people, but only a few came and sat in a large room filled with empty chairs.
Have you prayed for someone to be healed from a deadly sickness, and then that person died? Are you discouraged when you give your life to God and things start to go wrong? I once met a man whose mother died at age 92. He was so discouraged that God let her die that he left the church and his faith in Jesus.
Are you discouraged and ready to give up on God when you have spent thousands of dollars to repair your car or home…when you’ve lost your job? A few days ago, the motor in our 200-foot-deep well went out. We tried to pull out the pipes and make repairs. But we made mistake after mistake. It will likely cost us thousands of dollars to get running water again. But, praise God, He knows our trials and tribulations. He has a hundred ways and purposes where we can see none.
Many people treat God like the ideal of Santa Clause. Ask, then get precisely what you requested. We expect God to provide just as we want it…with ease, convenience, and no challenges. But wouldn’t we be a bunch of spoiled brats if we got everything we wanted and when we wanted it? I am reminded of Paul’s words:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1: 2-3
Job was known for his patience but also for surviving the testing of his faith. He was so determined to trust God that he said these words:
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
Job 13:15
Knowing all this, I have begun to pray a prayer of preparation and trust. It goes something like this.
“Lord, I praise you for the good life I enjoy now. But when the bad times come, and they are sure to do so, let me trust in you and glorify your name in my spirit regardless of the circumstances.”
This story of the young husband and wife started on a narrow path that seemed to lead to a dead end. But according to God’s own ways, it ended happily in the growth of God’s kingdom in Africa and the restoration of a man’s faith in his Creator.
How is your trust in God today? Does it move like reeds in the wind when things don’t go the way you want them? When things go badly, is your spirit downcast, and do you become irritable and unbelieving?
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thess 5: 16-18
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:25
In 1963, Canton, Ohio, became the shrine’s location for pro-football players coaches, including franchise owners and front-office personnel. In the life of a football player, it is a high honor to be included in the annual class of inductees, which are typically four to eight people. In a way, these fine athletes are made “immortal” in the sports world of football. At the mention of the city, Canton, the faithful know it signifies fame forever. This shrine is called the Hall of Fame.
The class of 2022 inductees is made up of eight people: six players, a coach, and an official. The players include men whose job was to either protect the quarterback (offensive linemen), tackle the quarterback (defensive linemen), or receive a pass from the quarterback (wide receiver). . The position of every defensive player is to stop the quarterback, while the job of every offensive player is to support the quarterback’s leadership in moving forward.
This 2022 class brings the total to 362 Football professionals in the Hall of Fame. All have contributed to the game and reached the pinnacle of the sport. They will receive a yellow jacket and be remembered for many years to come. They are the few. Almost all of us have no chance of ever becoming a professional football player, much less reaching this level. It requires youth, strength, dedication, training, and genes you and I were not born with.
Did you know God has a Hall of Faith made up of many different people over hundreds, even thousands of years? They were ordinary people like you and me! This Hall of Fame, found in Hebrews chapter 11, has at least fifteen “immortalized” people who demonstrated exceptional faith; all were Old Testament characters! But some groups of people also showed great faith in difficult times. The children of Israel crossed over the Red Sea by faith and brought down the walls of Jericho. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.” Hebrews 11: 35
This faith was not in a game but a person: the Lord Jesus. “The Author and Finisher of our faith.” Each person believed in the recorded promises of God, but each one in this Hall of Faith died without receiving the promise of God. “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.” Hebrews 11:39.
What was it they were promised? It was a homeland, a heavenly one.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say, such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And indeed, if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had the opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 12: 13-16
Just as the Football Hall of Famer inspires the football enthusiast, the Faith Hall of Famer inspires each person who has chosen to go all-in for Jesus. This person who says, they are a stranger and pilgrim on earth expresses faith in the promise of a better country. More than likely, each will die before receiving the promise. Nevertheless, a better country awaits those who live by faith. But this is not a spectator life of faith. It is active. It requires dedication, training, and the “measure of faith” that God gives every person who comes into the world. (Romans 12:7). If you are to be in God’s Hall of Faith, Paul gives us this final simple plea.
Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (the Hall of Faith), let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12: 1-2
Will you choose to enter the race today? How do you succeed? Only one way. You look to the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Lord Jesus!
More deadly than COVID is the plague of lies and deception. This fatal disease infects everyone in the world in one way or another. It is not limited to politicians, rulers, and famous people. Marriages and relationships can’t escape this deadly grip. It is in churches, synagogues, and places of worship. It has become the fabric of advertising, documentaries, and entertainment.
People receive phone calls from scammers telling them lies to steal their identity and hard-earned money every day. Husbands and wives tell lies to cover adulterous relationships. The Church and its leaders have not escaped its tentacles. Pastors, preachers, teachers, and followers deceive when the truth is not convenient or cuts across their desires or traditions. Cult leaders weave truth and lies to create false religions. Why is this?
The Anti-Christ-The Ultimate Delusion
Paul reveals why people (including church members) are easily deceived. He addresses the Thessalonian church concerning the last days and the Anti-Christ (son of perdition, lawless one). The Anti-Christ uses lies and deception to fool the people into following Him because they don’t love the truth. The pleasure of sin and convenience sets them up in a mindless state for strong delusion.
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1 Thessalonians 2: 9-12
Sadly, God’s truth is not respected, mainly because it is inconvenient, as one politician put it, concerning the environment.
Both Jesus and His disciples cautioned the church against lies and deception concerning the return of Christ. Jesus had just told the disciples that the temple would be destroyed. They connected the destruction of the massive temple with the return of Jesus. But Jesus was more concerned about deception than brick and mortar. The first words out of Jesus’ mouth were cautions about deception regarding His return. He used the word “deceive” four times. The entire subject of Matthew’s chapter 24 is to provide clarity about the method, signs of His return, and necessary preparation for His return.
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.”
Matthew 24:4,11, 25
Lying and Deception’s Connection to All Sin
Aren’t you tired of those who lie so convincingly only to have the truth come out later? What disappointment! God’s word makes it clear that lying is a serious business and it has serious eternal consequences.
What makes lying and deception so invasive is its connection to many other sins. Lying is often the foundation for sins such as theft, adultery, murder, selfishness, pride, and even the worship of God.
It is no wonder then that God forbids it. It is the ninth commandment. But don’t let its position minimize its importance. It is a sin just as deadly as any other sin you can think of. James tells us:
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
James 2:10
The ultimate fate of those who practice lying and deception is tragic. They will be destroyed by fire. They will die what the Bible calls the second death (eternal death).
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Revelation 21:8
In the last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22), there is a description of those raised in the second resurrection. After a thousand years, Satan deceives them to attack the Holy City New Jerusalem from heaven to earth. The city is surrounded, but God sends fire down from heaven, consuming them forever. This is the second death. Among these lost souls are those who practice lying.
But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Revelation 22:15
The Origin of Lying and Deception
The first recorded lie in the Bible came from the fallen angel Lucifer who was thrown out of heaven. His lie contradicted the plain word of God to the first couple. If only Adam and Eve had believed God and walked away, things would have been different. But they didn’t. They listened and did not hang up on the deceptive call from the one who had only destruction of God’s creation on his mind. God had said they would die; Satan said they wouldn’t. It is the pattern of lies to bring comfort and assurance to its victim initially. Then they are caught in the snare.
And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”
Genesis 3:2
Here is where Eve should have hung up on the call from Satan. She should have walked away and continued tending the garden with Adam. But she didn’t. She listened. Here is a lesson for us all: Listening to lies and considering them is never productive. It is best to hold up your hand and refuse to even hear or consider it!
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3: 4-5
For disobedience, God says death. Satan says, “No!”. The subject of life and death has traveled the course in this world. Their is confusion about the meaning of death. The pagan belief in reincarnation says you never die. Even the Christian church has adopted the idea that a person (soul) never dies. They live in eternal flames or heaven. They claim the soul is immortal, but scripture never once says it is. This first lie explains away the clear passages on death.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Death falls upon all men because all have sinned, but the second death (Perishing) by the lake of fire, as described by John in Revelation 21:8, is death that is eternal. It is the final paycheck for those who refuse the invitation of God and desire to live in sin. These have not trusted in Jesus to give eternal life provided at the resurrection when He comes (See 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18 and 1 Corinthians 15: 51-55). Therefore, only the redeemed will live eternally. The lost will perish.
He who has the Son has [life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:12
The most famous verse in the Bible puts before the reader the two options of life or death (Perish).
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
Belief (trust) in Jesus leads to everlasting life. The opposite (unbelief or not trusting) leads to perishing.
Father of Lies
The self-righteous Pharisees approached Jesus one day and started an accusatory conversation with self-deceived lies about Jesus. Jesus told them how to be free in the truth:
“If youabide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.And you shall know thetruth, andthe truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32
Here is the only way to be free from deception, lies, and ultimately death in the lake of fire. We are to abide (live) by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” regardless of tradition, convenience, or pleasure.
The soft-spoken Jesus told the religious leaders in plain words their condition. He wanted them to be free. They claimed their pedigree of having Abraham as their father. But Jesus contradicted them and claimed they had another father because they wanted to kill Him.
Their temper was roused, and they alluded to Jesus’ apparent illegitimate birth through the fornication of Mary.
They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”
Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.”
Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”
John 8: 40,41
Jesus ignores their nasty assertion. He then asks a great question and provides the answer. It is a vital truth that rings down to our time. It has to do with understanding and believing Jesus. Then he reveals that Satan is the father of all lies, their real father.
Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. (We don’t understand Jesus because we don’t listen) You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.
John 8: 43-47
What Shall We Do?
I am tired of all the lies in our society and in myself. I cannot watch TV without deception and lies from advertisers and Hollywood writers. A friend of mine records all his shows and sports events to skip the commercials. I have tried the same. If the streaming service doesn’t allow it, I simply mute the commercials.
Satan is the father of lies and deception. He desires to deceive even the very elect (if possible) into eternal death. Lies and deceit are dangerous. It can start as a white lie and then get out of control into a forest fire.
The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, sets on fire the course of nature, and set on fire by hell.
James 3:6
If you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, repent from the deadly sin of lying and deception and turn to the truth of God’s word. He will never lie to you, and He will change you. Will you join me in asking God to change us…to make us a new creature where lies do not occupy the temple of God? Would you let this be your prayer today?
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
The following is based pirimarily on Matthew 2:1-18 and Luke 2: 1-18
Inspiration and Timing for our Journey
Our journey from Persia where the great Hebrew prophet Daniel resided many years ago has been difficult. It was the Hebrew prophets like Isaiah , Micah, and others who inspired our journey. We carefully studied their prophecies about the coming Messiah, but it was Daniel, who wrote of the timing of the Savior’s arrival. It was going to be very soon! Micah disclosed the city of Bethlehem as our destination. But Daniel gave us the time of his arrival:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; Daniel 9: 25
We had a place and a start time for the clock of prophecy. We knew from the book of Ezra that the decree to restore and build Jerusalem was given by Artaxerxes the king of Persia to Ezra the priest in the fall of 457 BC. Our careful calculation to the Messiah starts here and moves forward 69 weeks. This is 483 days or years by applying the day to year principal as indicated by the other Hebrew prophets. The timing was tantalizing close to our time. To encourage us even more, we saw a star in the east that beaconed us to start our journey.
The People and Sights Along the Way
We have fought sandstorms, cold, and that never-ending heat! My back aches from the monotonous rocking of my camel’s steps. It is like riding on a slow-moving boat pushed back and forth continually by repetitive ocean waves; perhaps another reason they call them ships of the desert. Despite all this, I am sure our inconveniences will be rewarded! We have put our hearts and time into this journey. We are certain the prophecies from the ancient scrolls are accurate.
The camels have done well, but like us, they enjoy the breaks we often take and the people we meet along the way. When we pass through the many villages, the beasts become the center of attention for the children who try to feed them hay and anything else they can find.
The adults are filled with questions about our journey and our destination. They want to know where we come from. Their wide eyes reveal they are impressed with the distance we have traveled. We are glad to share with them the news of the Messiah and what we know from the ancient scrolls. Some consider us crazy, but many listen and wish they could go with us. They call it an adventure, but we know it is more…so much more.
Night time is my favorite part of the day because of the brightness of the star guiding us and the peace that comes from the quiet; disturbed only by the crackling fire and the occasional snort of a tired camel. Our conversation around the fire is pleasant and lulls me into a deep sleep.
The star is a constant reminder of the accuracy of the scrolls and a confirmation of our journey. Many people we have met have seen the unusually bright star and wondered. They don’t know what it means but are comforted by its beauty and marvel that its magnificence is not diminished by the light of day. When we started, it was low on the horizon, but it is rising and become brighter as we have drawn nearer to our destination, Bethlehem!
I lean back on the saddle I have used as a pillow and enjoy the warmth of the fire. I am warm and content. My journal and mind are filling up with my notes. I make this entry under the light from the twinkling star-lit night.
Now, we are only one day out from Jerusalem. We hope to visit King Herod and celebrate with him the coming of the Messiah. The town is surely busy with activity and celebration even though it has taken us many months to get this far.
Our anticipation grows so much that we wake in the clearness of the so we can arrive in Jerusalem early in the morning to seek audience with the king before we head off to Bethlehem only about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to the south of the capital city.
So I rise with the others, full of energy and anticipation of the day ahead of us. We mount our ships of the desert, who match our excitement to start moving again. This is going to be a good day! I can feel it!
The early morning air is cold and the star brighter than ever! We hear music in the distance! As we approach the outskirts of Jerusalem, we are greeted by shepherds watching over their sheep. With wonder in their eyes, they run up to our caravan and ask us the usual questions about us: our destination and home.
I tell them the story of our journey and our wish to see the new baby king. They are polite and respectful and let us speak first. When we have a pause, they begin to talk fast and together as if they will burst if their words are not heard. Wonder and curiosity force us to quickly dismount our camels and gather around them. They calm themselves and begin to talk one at a time. Then begins their beautiful story of the events when the Messiah was born.
“We were in the field at night when we heard the sound of singing and joy and there was light all around us that lit up the countryside like it was daytime….only brighter.“
Then the next one speaks with equal intensity.“We were afraid! I turned my eyes toward the ground”
A third young man, a little older, says, “The brightness was coming from an angel who told us tofear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
“The angel told us to go to the city of David where we would find Christ the Lord and we would find a babywrapped in *swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” (*See note at the end.)
Another one talks before the older one finishes,”The music continued and many more angels appeared high in the night sky!”
It is starting to come all together for me. The older boy exclaims with confidence, “That star you have followed are angels. They began to sing again as your caravan approached us.”
The youngest one blurts out, “After the angels appeared to us, we left our flocks and raced towards Bethlehem. There we found a woman by the name of Mary and her husband Joseph and there in a manger was the baby they call Jesus.”
My heart pounds faster as I realize we now know the name of the king! His name is Jesus! In the Greek, it means “Jehovah is Salvation.” The Hebrew name is Joshua. His mission is in His Name!
Their eyes are bright and they all nod their heads in agreement when the older shepherd boy slows down his words and says with tears in his eyes. “Our hearts are changed! We can’t stop talking about that night and the baby Jesus. We have told everyone! Even Mary rejoiced at our story!”
The visit with the young men has inspired and energized us! We have also learned the name of the mother and father! It is an easier climb back on my camel. Our strength has been renewed as well as our urgency to get to Bethlehem. The music and praise in the heavens grow louder and brighter even as the yellow and orange of the sunrise pushes us toward Jerusalem and King Herod.
We arrive in Jerusalem by mid-morning. The angel star is quiet. The smell of food awakens our hunger. But, our great desire to see the king as soon as possible overrides all our other senses.
There is a crowd to meet us. It is easy to notice they are not like the excited shepherds. They are curious and seem afraid and worried. Maybe it is our large caravan and the way we look. Our skin and clothes are different.
We finally arrive at the king’s palace and request an audience with him. To my surprise, we are immediately invited in. A few of us go and the others mix with the growing crowd outside telling them of our journey and the new story from the shepherds which they had already heard. And of course, the children ask many questions and try to feed the camels.
We wait for a long time before we are welcomed into the king’s presence. King Herod reflects the same aura as the people outside. He looks concerned. For a moment I wonder if we made a mistake coming here.
I am the first one to speak. In my excitement, I blurt out words without considering that I am talking to a king.
“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
I begin to think this was not a good question and statement…asking a reigning king about a king that will rule the Jews in the future. The king struggles to stay polite and excuses himself. We can hear him calling all his wise men and priests together, who were standing close by. He tries to whisper so we can’t hear, but the cold palace lets his voice carry easily through its halls. Well, we didn’t get off to a good start.
He is angry and demands they tell him where this Christ would be born. We hear them quote the same scrolls we studied before and after we left on our long journey. The word “Bethlehem of Judea” is heard clearly.
We look at each other with the same surprise. They have taken the words of their ancient prophets so lightly. I feel foreboding and regret rising up within me as the king invites us back into his private chambers.
A forced smile appears on his troubled face. He apologizes for not being more hospitable and invites us to have some food and something to drink. I am uncomfortable. The meeting is uncomfortable. We politely eat some of the food even though our hunger is of a different sort.
He asks about our trip and we tell him about our long journey, the star in the east, and the shepherds we met just outside of town. We sense we should not be telling the king anything and look for an excuse to leave quickly.
Then he asks us a question he was eager to know. It seemed to be the main reason for his talking with us hinged on this question.
“When was it you first saw the star and began the journey ?”
Reluctantly, I tell him it has been almost two years. He then says in almost a whisper and an evil voice,
“Go and search for him and when you find him, bring him here to the palace that I might worship him too.”
With a jump and quick turn around, he immediately leaves us and disappears back into the palace.
The attendant escorts us back to our caravan and the crowd that has gathered. We never expected to have such a greeting. I along with my friends have become suspicious and concerned. We are glad to get back on our camels and back to following the star which has turned us south towards the sleepy little village of Bethlehem.
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Bethlehem
The sun has risen fast. It waits for no one. We continue our journey south towards Bethlehem. It is a short distance, but we travel slowly enjoying the final leg of our journey. It will be dark before we arrive.
The excitement of seeing the new king of the Jews comes back to our hearts as we travel along silently contemplating the events of last night and this morning. The crowds have disappeared.
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There before us, lies the twinkling lights of the little city of Bethlehem! The star is just above the peaceful town shining its clear light and casting shadows on the surrounding hillside. How beautiful it is! We feel happiness and express our joy and congratulations to each other. A journey of hundreds of miles has brought us to this moment! A small group of people come to greet us at the entrance to the village. We ask for Mary and Joseph.
The star is almost directly overhead, as a sweet girl escorts us to a tiny house near the edge of town.
Dismounting our camels, we hear the music again far up in the night sky. Mary greets us at the door as we crowd into the small clean home.
Jesus!
We feel the presence of royalty as the young toddler Jesus walks into the room. Emotions overcome us and we fall down and worship the child we know to be the fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy. We have seen him in all the scrolls of the Jews many times. The face of God is in his! We can sense a power that searches our hearts. Many of us weep and then gather ourselves so we can give our gifts.
We bring in our offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and we celebrate our time with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They make our visit enjoyable and pleasant. We spend the night laughing and playing with little Jesus. I take him up in my arms and show him the camels. They are calm and peaceful as Jesus reaches out and touches them. He wants to touch all of them! Never before have I see such a face as the One who looks at me. The others demand their time to hold him, so I pass him to the other men. I still feel his warmth in my arms and on my chest. The journey has been worth every step and more. My heart wants to burst with joy! I feel alive!
The rest of the night is spent talking and eating. Too soon, our time with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus is finished. Before we leave we ask for permission to anoint Jesus with more gifts we brought. It is a special moment when we place the sweet smell upon the head of Jesus as he sits in his mother’s lap. We are content and feel the presence of God in the room and in the sparkling eyes of the little king.
I am in wonder about why more people do not understand, that here before us is Immanuel (God with us)! This little boy will grow up to save the world from eternal death! He will pay the penalty that we deserve and teach us spiritual things about the kingdom of God! It is all in the ancient scrolls!
We wish to stay, but feel we must begin our journey back. We promise to return when the child is older. We know from the writings of the prophet Daniel, that the young child will live to be only about 30 years old and then he will sacrifice himself for the sins of the people and rise on the third day to show his power over the clutches of the grave and death.
Our wish is to return when he is older, but in the meantime, we pledge among ourselves to share, in our homeland, the good news of the birth of Jesus. We will begin to tell our story with those we will meet along the way back to our home in the west.
We say our good-byes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and begin to head back north through the city.
A Detour Home-Danger!
I am stopped in my tracks as I begin to consider our strange visit with King Herod.
An man appears to me and tells me to take a different path home and head due east instead of retracing our journey. The king is up to some evil and we don’t want to help him in any way. We probably made a mistake visiting him and giving him information about the approximate age of the baby Jesus. It is an unfortunate turn of events. We are going to miss the young shepherd boys on the way back. I was looking forward to telling them of our visit.
The star is gone as we begin our travel home. We stop to rest when we feel we have put some distance between us and King Herod. Around the fire, we talk about our great journey and look again at scripture. We come across a disturbing message from the prophet Jeremiah:
“Thus says the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15
Soon the voices and the fire go out and we sleep…exhausted from excitement and the sleep we missed,I can feel the warmth of my camel next to me. The trip home will be long, but it will go fast as we tell the wonderful story of Jesus along the way.
Later, the next day, we hear the news and fulfillment of that passage in Jeremiah that troubled us. King Herod had all the male children 2 years old and younger killed. What a cruel and foolish man!
We also got news that Joseph was warned of Herod’s intention and our friends Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus escaped to the safety of Egypt.
Later, we would learn Joseph took his family to a little town called Nazareth after Herod died.
More fulfillment of the ancient scrolls:
“And out of Egypt, I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1
Our journey to find Jesus was long and difficult, but we have been transformed by it. The scrolls, the star, the shepherds even the evil king Herod has made us wiser. But most of all, it has made us a believer in Jesus.
We will continue to study the ancient scrolls because now that we have seen Jesus ourselves, we can see Him in every story told there.
So many scrolls to read, so little time.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
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My friends, join me in a Christmas worship of the One who gave all that we might have all. Let us fall on our knees this night as we think about the birth of Jesus and the visit of men who were seeking Him. They found Him! Have you?
*Swaddling clothes were strips that were often used to prepare the body for burial. They would wrap (swath) them in linen and then add strips around the head and feet (See John 20:7-Jesus and John 11:44-Lazarus). Jesus at birth was wrapped in the cloth for dead people. His mission from the start was to die!
Have you heard this statement? “So heavenly minded that he (she) is no earthly good.”?
Can we become so concerned about our religious routines, ceremonies, getting to heaven, and acts of worship that we are of little use to those around us….including, sadly, our own families?
Is our religion filled with the Christian dialect that only other religious people understand? Do we earnestly protect and hold fast to denominational arguments in order to feel comfortable and superior in our “religion? Are we more concerned about being right than the needs of others? In other words, are we more religious than real?
Jesus had a lot to say about this. To the clean-looking religious people of His day He said,
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27
These were very religious people who turned God’s royal law of liberty (James 1:25) into burdens to the people Their religion became a list of do’s and don’ts. It was all about the list and not the Lord. Appearances meant every thing to them. Is that still the case today?
But the ones who loved Jesus, loved people and became servants. Why? Because Jesus set the example in His life. He said,
“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,” Matthew 28:20
His followers did things to relieve suffering and shared the path or good news that brings freedom and relief to hurting souls through Jesus. This didn’t get rid of God’s simple 10 commandments, but gave them power to resist the strength of sin and focus on servitude for the Lord. Their focus was on the Lord and following Him to relieve all sorts of suffering rather than being religious. Their story was not about weekly routines of “going to church,” but teaching, preaching and serving people.
The real followers of Jesus are easily identified as is the fruit on a tree. They are doers. They put others before themselves even their religion
Jesus asked, ““But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”Philippians 2:3-4
The real followers of Jesus don’t seek to save their lives, they seek to lose it. They don’t count the costs. They put their hand to the plow and don’t look back! They move forward in faith without worry about the obstacles. If they move forward, they know the Lord will provide the resources.
“No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9: 62
He who looks back is not concentrating on the task at hand.. He is, at best, a halfhearted worker.
Jesus’s brother James gives us the definition of pure religion. It has nothing to do with perfect theology, going to church, the church building, or even your morning/evening devotions. It has to do with servitude and not following the selfish ways of the world.
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
When Jesus returns, He will not look at your church attendance nor the money you gave to keep up a building and pay the bills, Here is what He will say,
Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Matthew 25: 34-36
If we fail to be servants, He will say,
“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Matthew 25: 41-43
Is your religion real? If servitude for Jesus is difficult for you to do, but religion is easy…maybe you have not been reborn. Jesus is knocking at your door. Open it and invite Him in…then become a servant.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
Mathew 2:1-6
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The following is based on Matthew 2:1-18 and Luke 2: 1-18
Our journey from Persia where the great Hebrew Prophet resided many years ago has been difficult. First, as we studied the prophecies of Daniel, we knew that the Messiah and great Savior of the world would be arriving soon…in our own life time!
We have fought sandstorms, cold, and that never-ending heat! My back aches from the monotonous rocking of my camel’s steps. It is like riding on a slow-moving boat pushed back and forth continually by repetitive ocean waves; perhaps another reason they call them ships of the desert. Despite all this, I am sure our inconveniences will be rewarded! We have put our hearts and time into this journey. We are certain of the prophecies from the ancient scrolls are accurate.
The camels have done well, but like us, they enjoy the breaks we often take and the people we meet along the way. When we pass through the many villages, the beasts become the center of attention for the children who try to feed them hay and anything else they can find.
The adults are filled with questions about our journey and our destination. They want to know where we come from. Their wide eyes reveal they are impressed with the distance we have traveled. We are glad to share with them the news of the Messiah and what we know from the ancient scrolls. Some consider us crazy, but many listen and wish they could go with us. They call it an adventure, but we know it is more…so much more.
Night time is my favorite part of the day because of the brightness of the star in the east and the peace that comes from the quiet, disturbed only by the crackling fire and the occasional snort of a tired camel. Our conversation around the fire is pleasant and lulls me into a deep sleep. The star is a constant reminder of the accuracy of the scrolls and a confirmation of our journey. Many people we have met have seen the unusually bright star and wondered. They don’t know what it means but are comforted by its beauty and marvel that its magnificence is not diminished by the light of day. When we started, it was low on the horizon, but it is rising and become brighter as we have drawn nearer to our destination, Bethlehem!
I lean back on the saddle I have used as a pillow and enjoy the warmth of the fire. I am warm and content. My journal and mind are filling up with my notes. I make this entry under the light from the twinkling star-lit night.
Now, we are only one day out from Jerusalem. We hope to visit King Herod and celebrate with him the coming of the Messiah. The town is surely busy with activity and celebration even though it has taken us many months to get this far.
Our anticipation grows so much that we wake in the clearness of the so we can arrive in Jerusalem early in the morning to seek audience with the king before we head off to Bethlehem only about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to the south of the capital city.
So I rise with the others, full of energy and anticipation of the day ahead of us. We mount our ships of the desert, who match our excitement to start moving again. This is going to be a good day! I can feel it!
The early morning air is cold and the star brighter than ever! We hear music in the distance. As we approach the outskirts of Jerusalem, we are greeted by shepherds watching over their sheep. With wonder in their eyes, they run up to our caravan and ask us the usual questions about us, our destination, and home.
I tell them the story of our journey and our wish to see the new baby king. They are polite and respectful and let us speak first. When we have a pause, they begin to talk fast and together as if they will burst if their words are not heard. Wonder and curiosity force us to quickly dismount our camels and gather around them. They calm themselves and begin to talk one at a time. Then begins their beautiful story of the events when the Messiah was born.
“We were in the field at night when we heard the sound of singing and joy and there was light all around us that lit up the countryside like it was daytime….only brighter.“
Then the next one speaks with equal intensity.“We were afraid! I turned my eyes toward the ground”
A third young man, a little older says,“The brightness was coming from an angel who told us tofear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
“The angel told us to go to the city of David where we would find Christ the Lordand we would find a babywrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.”
Another one talks before the older one finishes,”The music continued and many more angels appeared high in the night sky!”
It is starting to come all together for me. The older boy exclaims with confidence, “That star you have followed are angels. They began to sing again as your caravan approached us.”
The youngest one blurts out, “After the angels appeared to us, we left our flocks and raced towards Bethlehem. There we found a woman by the name of Mary and her husband Joseph and there in a manger was the baby they call Jesus.”
My heart pounds faster as I realize we now know the name of the king! His name is Jesus! In the Greek, it means “Jehovah is Salvation.” The Hebrew name is Joshua. His mission is in His Name!
Their eyes are bright and they all nod their heads in agreement when the older shepherd boy slows down his words and says with tears in his eyes. “Our hearts are changed! We can’t stop talking about that night and the baby Jesus. We have told everyone! Even Mary rejoiced at our story!”
The visit with the young men has inspired and energized us! We have also learned the name of the mother and father. It is an easier climb back on my camel. Our strength has been renewed as well as our urgency to get to Bethlehem. The music and praise in the heavens grow louder and brighter even as the yellow and orange of the sunrise pushes us toward Jerusalem and King Herod.
We arrive in Jerusalem by mid-morning. The smell of food awakens our hunger. But, our great desire to see the king as soon as possible overrides all our other senses.
There is a crowd to meet us. It is easy to notice they are not like the excited shepherds. They are curious and seem afraid and worried. Maybe it is our large caravan and the way we look. Our skin and clothes are different.
We finally arrive at the king’s palace and request an audience with him. To my surprise, we are immediately invited in. A few of us go and the others mix with the growing crowd outside telling them of our journey and the new story from the shepherds which they had already heard. And of course, the children ask many questions and try to feed the camels.
King Herod reflects the same aura as the people outside. He looks concerned. For a moment I wonder if we made a mistake coming here.
I am the first one to speak.
In my excitement, I blurt out words without considering that I am talking to a king.
“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
I begin to think this was not a good question and statement…asking a reigning king about a king that will rule the Jews in the future. The king struggles to stay polite and excuses himself. We can hear him calling all his wise men and priests together, who were standing close by. He tries to whisper so we can’t hear, but the cold palace lets his voice carry easily through its halls.
He is angry and demands they tell him where this Christ would be born. We hear them quote the same scrolls we studied before and after we left on our long journey. The word “Bethlehem of Judea” is heard clearly.
We look at each other with the same surprise. They have taken the words of their ancient prophets so lightly. I feel foreboding and regret rising up as the king invites us back into his private chambers.
A forced smile appears on his troubled face. He apologizes for not being more hospitable and invites us to have some food and something to drink. I am uncomfortable. The meeting is uncomfortable. We politely eat some of the food even though our hunger is of a different sort.
He asks about our trip and we tell him about our long journey, the star in the east, and the shepherds we met just outside of town. We sense we should not be telling the king anything and look for an excuse to leave quickly.
Then he asks us a question he was eager to know. It seemed to be the main reason for his talking with us hinged on this question.
“When was it you first saw the star and began the journey ?”
Reluctantly, I tell him it has been almost two years. He then says in almost a whisper and an evil voice,
“Go and search for him and when you find him, bring him here to the palace that I might worship him too.”
With a jump and quick turn around, he immediately leaves us and disappears back into the palace.
The attendant escorts us back to our caravan and the crowd that has gathered. We never expected to have such a greeting. I along with my friends have become suspicious and concerned. We are glad to get back on our camels and back to following the star which has turned us south towards the sleepy little village of Bethlehem.
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The sun has risen fast. It waits for no one. We continue our journey south towards Bethlehem. It is a short distance, but we travel slowly enjoying the final leg of our journey. It will be dark before we arrive.
The excitement of seeing the new king of the Jews comes back to our hearts as we travel along silently contemplating the events of last night and this morning. The crowds have disappeared.
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There before us, lies the twinkling lights of the little city of Bethlehem! The star is just above the peaceful town shining its clear light and casting shadows on the surrounding hillside. How beautiful it is! We feel happiness and express our joy and congratulations to each other. A journey of hundreds of miles has brought us to this moment! A small group of people come to greet us at the entrance to the village. We ask for Mary and Joseph.
The star is almost directly overhead, as a sweet girl escorts us to a tiny house near the edge of town.
Dismounting our camels, we hear the music again far up in the night sky. Mary greets us at the door as we crowd into the small clean home.
We feel the presence of royalty as the young toddler Jesus walks into the room. Emotions overcome us and we fall down and worship the child we know to be the fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy. We have seen him in all the scrolls of the Jews many times. The face of God is in his! We can sense a power that searches our hearts. Many of us weep and then gather ourselves so we can give our gifts.
We bring in our offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and we celebrate our time with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They make our visit enjoyable and pleasant. We spend the night laughing and playing with little Jesus. I take him up in my arms and show him the camels. They are calm and peaceful as Jesus reaches out and touches them. He wants to touch all of them! Never before have I see such a face as the One who looks at me. The others demand their time to hold him, so I pass him to the other men. I still feel his warmth in my arms and on my chest. The journey has been worth every step and more. My heart wants to burst with joy! I feel alive!
The rest of the night is spent talking and eating. Too soon, our time with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus is finished. Before we leave we ask for permission to anoint Jesus with more gifts we brought. It is a special moment when we place the sweet smell upon the head of Jesus as he sits in his mother’s lap. We are content and feel the presence of God in the room and in the sparkling eyes of the little king.
I am in wonder about why more people do not understand, that here before us is Immanuel (God with us)! This little boy will grow up to save the world from eternal death! He will pay the penalty that we deserve and teach us spiritual things about the kingdom of God! It is all in the ancient scrolls!
We wish to stay, but feel we must begin our journey back. We promise to return when the child is older. We know from the writings of the prophet Daniel, that the young child will live to be only about 30 years old and then he will sacrifice himself for the sins of the people and rise on the third day to show his power over the clutches of the grave and death.
Our wish is to return when he is older, but in the meantime, we pledge among ourselves to share, in our homeland, the good news of the birth of Jesus. We will begin to tell our story with those we will meet along the way back to our home in the west.
We say our good-byes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and begin to head back north through the city.
I am stopped in my tracks as I begin to consider our strange visit with King Herod.
An man appears to me and tells me to take a different path home and head due east instead of retracing our journey. The king is up to some evil and we don’t want to help him in any way. We probably made a mistake visiting him and giving him information about the approximate age of the baby Jesus. It is an unfortunate turn of events. We are going to miss the young shepherd boys on the way back. I was looking forward to telling them of our visit.
The star is gone as we begin our travel home. We stop to rest when we feel we have put some distance between us and King Herod. Around the fire, we talk about our great journey and look again at scripture. We come across a disturbing message from the prophet Jeremiah:
“Thus says the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15
Soon the voices and the fire go out and we sleep…exhausted from excitement and the sleep we missed,I can feel the warmth of my camel next to me. The trip home will be long, but it will go fast as we tell the wonderful story of Jesus along the way.
Later, the next day, we hear the news and fulfillment of that passage in Jeremiah that troubled us. King Herod had all the male children 2 years old and younger killed. What a cruel and foolish man!
We also got news that Joseph was warned of Herod’s intention and our friends Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus escaped to the safety of Egypt.
Later, we would learn Joseph took his family to a little town called Nazareth after Herod died.
More fulfillment of the ancient scrolls:
“And out of Egypt, I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1
Our journey to find Jesus was long and difficult, but we have been transformed by it. The scrolls, the star, the shepherds even the evil king Herod has made us wiser. But most of all, it has made us a believer in Jesus.
We will continue to study the ancient scrolls because now that we have seen Jesus ourselves, we can see Him in every story told there.
So many scrolls to read, so little time.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
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My friends, join me in a Christmas worship of the One who gave all that we might have all. Let us fall on our knees this night as we think about the birth of Jesus and the visit of men who were seeking Him. They found Him! Have you?
This morning, I was reminded of my daughter’s prayer when she was only 5 or 6 years-old. Some things in your memory just stay with you. This is one of them.
On a bright fall day, before my children were born, I was finishing up a bicycle ride that started at my Grandmother’s house and meandered through a local park. As I stopped at a four-way stop sign, I heard the weak sound of a kitten. I looked around and saw nothing until I heard the “plop” of a little black kitten fall from a small tree growing in the median of the two-lane parkway leading to Shelby park.
The desperate meowing grew louder as she came towards me. Her little skinny body and the pitiful sounds melted my heart! When I picked her up and cradled her in my hand next to the warmth of my body she began to purr loudly. I rode the last mile to my Grandmother’s house with the little furry sweetheart close to my heart in my left hand and the other hand on my handlebars. A very dangerous situation that prohibited me from shifting gears.
We feed her. She lapped up the milk and anything else we pulled from the refrigerator. Once she was feeling better, she showed-off her tree climbing skills. We were impressed that such a little kitten could race up the big oak tree so fast! She seemed at home in the tree.
From that day forward, Puss (from the story of Puss N Books) became a member of our little family. She grew to become a sleek athletic cat who preferred the outdoors. She was there waiting when we brought home all three of our children. She was always curious and protective of the new babies. As they grew older, the girls would dress Puss in doll clothes and push her around in a baby buggy. She endured her role as their infant for a while but eventually would jump out and run off…The girls would giggle and laugh as Puss shook her legs to kick off the remaining doll clothes!
During any holiday requiring fireworks, we kept Puss indoors because fireworks would frighten her, but on one 4th of July, she escaped to her beloved outdoors early in the day and we couldn’t find her as the day grew darker and the fireworks began. But, we didn’t worry because she always showed up.
The next morning, Puss did not scratch on the front window of the living room wanting in as was her usual custom. Sadly, one day turned into a week and a week into a month. My heart sank as I imagined a hawk or coyote snatching her up!
I was surprised that my oldest daughter said nothing about her missing furry sister. Almost three months later, I gave up and decided to put away Puss’s food bowl that was left out just in case she came home. Her food had long since been thrown away.
As I was thinking about this, my 5 or year-old daughter asked,
“Daddy, where is my cat?”
“I don’t know. Sweetheart. I think she may have found a new home.”
“Well, I”m going to pray she will come home.”
So she, her Mom, and I knelt at the foot of the floral-design living room couch where my doubting heart heard the simple precious words of my sweet little girl petition the God of the universe to send her little cat home. As she prayed I wondered how to tell her that Puss would probably never return. But then I thought I heard a familiar desperate meow. My heart jumped as the scratching at the back door began, accompanied by another weak meow. My wife and I looked at each other in unbelief, but my daughter jumped up and exclaimed as she ran, “My cat is home!”
We fed the skinny cat who lapped up the milk and anything else we could find in the refrigerator, just like the first time I brought her home!
Coincidence? I think not. Had the cat been living in the woods off mice or fed at someone else’s home? Probably. But, God in His great wisdom anticipated the sincere prayer of a little girl and sent Puss home.
God’s omnipotence is a hard thing for us to understand, but examples of the simple faith of a child demonstrate He knows our desires and needs before we ever ask for them.
“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
