The Good Shepherd

 

Much could be said about the "Good Shepherd."  However, the thought that strikes this blogger today is the second verse in John 10; "But He that entereth in by the door IS the Shepherd of the sheep."  Only the true Shepherd comes by "the door."  Because He IS the door. (v9)  "I Am the door:.."  The false shepherd/prophet acts as "thief and robber."  If the door is closed, he finds another way.  Because he has no regard for the sheep, he finds a false way.

The Psalmist pointed out, "The Lord IS my Shepherd..." (Ps 23.1)  How is it the sheep go their way without fear?  Because "...Thou art with me."  (Ps 23.4)  Even in correction via the "rod and staff" there is comfort in knowing He knows the best way.

So many verses could be expounded on when thinking about "The Good Shepherd."  But today this blogger simply wants to meditate on the truth that HE IS Good and wants the best for His sheep.  Praise God, I am one of them!

Rejoice, rejoice.  Praise Him, Praise Him tell of His excellent greatness.  What a friend we have in Jesus. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

A thief AND a robber...

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief AND a robber."  (Jn 10.1)

Webster defines a thief as "one who secretly takes the goods or personal property of another secretly or by open force. One who makes it his business to cheat and defraud."  A robber does the same only by force takes that which he has no right to take.

In the context of John one, who is the thief and robber?

Well, in verse 8 we find "all that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers..."  In verse 10 the only purpose of a thief is to, "kill, steal and destroy..."  Then the Lord begins to talk about Himself as "the door, and "abundant (life-giver)." (Jn 10.10)

It seems clear, the context is talking about false prophets and/or teachers.  Those that "err in the truth" (Jms 5.19, 20)  or "turn the grace of God into lascivousness (lies and false doctrine, Jude 1.4).

Webster's definition of thief and robber is direct.  The definition of each begs the question, "Have I taken something that does not belong to me, directly or indirectly?"  What would constitute stealing, besides the obvious taking an object or money?  How about,

• tithes that belong to God (I Cor 4.2, Lev 27.30, Pro 3.9, Mal 3.8-12)
• time (I Cor 7.5)
• time in prayer
• time in fasting
• faithfulness to church (Heb 10.24-25, Pro 28.20) how many "church members" so-called, use Sunday as vacation, camping time, or claim they are too sick/too tired - let someone else do it...? 
• faithfulness in one's job (Col 3.23, Pro 13.4, 2 Thes 3.10-12) - frittering away time on the job is stealing an honest day's work from one's employer

Each reader of this blog has probably thought of some very specific circumstances that could be called "stealing" in the eyes of God.  If so, that one would fall into the same category of "thief and robber" noted in John 10.

Thus, What is to be done to avoid being a "thief and/or a robber?" 

Well, the Lord goes on in the following verses to describe the behavior of sheep.  It's a known fact that sheep are pretty clueless.  They need direction and constant attention to avoid catastrophes such as being taken by a predator or falling in which case they are completely unable to "right" themselves.

In John 10.3-5, the Lord explains that sheep know the "porter's voice."  They follow Him because they know His voice.  They will not follow a strangers voice.  

The Lord also explains the behavior of a "good shepherd" in verses 11-14.  The "good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." (v11)  The "good Shepherd" never leaves His flock unattended to predators such as the violent wolf.  Quite simply, only the "Shepherd" cares for the sheep.

In answer to the question, "How does one avoid being a "thief and/or a robber?"  One need look no further than the study of the "good Shepherd."  Just follow Him!  Will a "sheep" still wander off or get into trouble?  Of course!  But that is why they follow the "Shepherd and His Voice."  When listening for His voice when He speaks from scripture or directly to a believer's heart, the path is less fraught with such peril as falling down and predators.

Many scriptures address these comments but for now simply work on bearing a good witness of the "good Shepherd."

Pharisee - is this you?

 In reading John 9 about the blind man, this writer is struck again by the proud Pharisee.  Webster's defines the Pharisees as "One of a sect among the Jews, whose religion consisted in a strict observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretended holiness led them to separate themselves as a sect, considering themselves as more righteous than other Jews."  The Greek interpretation of "Pharisees" from  Strong's Concordance reads a bit more lengthy:

"A sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to OT books the Pharisees                recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life.  They sought praise by outward observance    of external rites and forms of piety, such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers...They prided        themselves on their fancied good works.  The believed in a coming Messiah and that there was life        after death in heaven or Hades based on ones works. They fiercly defended their thocracy to the            Roman's and their sect possessed great influence with the common people.  They, of course were            bitter enemies of the Lord Jesus because He preached forgiveness, mercy, love and grace in addition        to good works."

Much could be said about walking by "sight rather than faith," (I Cor 5.7).  However, the arrogant, blindness of religion and traditions weighs on this writers heart the most today.

It is interesting that the Miracle workers chose a blind man to make His point.  He said in verse 5 of chapter 9, "I am the light of the world."  Bear in mind, the Lord Jesus NEVER does anything without purpose, plan or meaning. His method of healing this man was also unusual; "spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle."  Huge meaning here. Healing a mortal man made from the dust of the earth with the same dust he came from.  Yet, the Lord added "spittle."  I think a type of the Holy Ghost as He is described using the form of water.  Sorry, I digress.  

The Pharisee's standing by, watching it all.  Obviously, even though they were eager to catch the Lord in some error of words or the law, curiosity lay hold and they couldn't walk away.  They asked the question, "How did He make this man see," three times (v10, 15, 26)!  They WOULD not see the plain Truth in front of them! Why?  What blinded their eyes?

In an aggressive manner they began firing questions that pricked their conscience. 

• Isn't this the beggar? (v8)
• Where is this Man, Jesus? (v12)
• How did He do this? (v15)
• How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? (v16)
• What did you say to Him that He would open your eyes? (v17)
• Talking to the blind mans parents, "Is this your son?" (v19)
• Give God the praise, this Jesus is a sinner! (v24)
• Again, they asked, "What did He do to you to make you see?" (v26)
• We are Moses' disciples, don't accuse us of following this man! (v28)
• Who do you think you are (said to the former blind man), that you would teach us?! (v34)
• The Pharisees said to the Lord Jesus, "Are we blind also?" (v40)

So, religion in its finest form is proud, arrogant, self-willed.  Just like Satan said to Eve from the beginning, "Yea hath God said?" (Gen 3.1) He will continue to question EVERYTHING about the Lord Jesus and who He is.  Same song, second, third, fourth....verse.  It never ends while mortal man exists.

It is agreed that one should judge between "good and evil" (Rom 12.21, Isa 5.20, I Cor 15.33, Prov 3.7, Psa 37.27...).  However, when studied out, this blogger believes one would find 'more' on belief than judging.  

Dear reader, check yourself.  Do you simple "believe" He is who He says or would you, like Thomas continue question what you cannot see? (Jn 10.28)

Faith is the "evidence of things not seen." (Heb 11.1)

Household Salvation

John 34 gives much to meditate and study on.  However, part of my believer's heart is found in verses 46-53.  The Lord heals the noblemans son, at the nobleman's request.  But that is not the best part.  Because the nobleman "believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him," (v50) his "whole house" also believed. (v54).

If the recall is correct, since 2015, the Lord has consistently promised me "household salvation."  There are family members that I pray for almost daily for salvation.  As close as some have been and some are to things of the Lord, still they are "not saved." (Jer 8.20)  I won't say this is a doctrine, per se, but I do believe it is encouraged in the scriptures.  Let's start with Noah.

Noah was told "come thou and all thy house into the ark." (Gen 5.32, 7.1)  Then we see in Hebrews 11.7 that he "prepared an ark to the saving of his house...by faith." 

The jailer who held Paul and Silas, on experiencing the earthquake that thrust open the doors of their jail cell, saw a light and fell down to beg, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"  He was told in Acts 16.30, 31 to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, AND thy house."

So it is that "the God of Abraham," (Exo 3.6) who is also the "God of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph..." is evidence enough that the Lord is interested in "familial salvation." So, while "household salvation" is not necessarily a doctrine, there is evidence of the truth of such a blessing.

The patriarchs of the OT believed and told their children and children's children of their belief and experiences concerning the Lord.  It is quite obvious that if Noah's children and their spouses had not believed the Word of the Lord in the coming judgement, they would not have been saved.  We have the rainbow to tell us of the Lord's promise and His Word to tell us of the account of what happened to nonbelievers!  They died! (Gen 6.21)

The NT ushers in the church and the period of grace.  Yet in Rev 21.8 it is quite clear of the end to all nonbelievers.

Back to John 4.  It seems evident that "the nobleman," after experiencing the miracle in his life, "persuaded" his family to the same.  He heard and saw that the Lord did what He said He would do. Jesus said, "...thy son liveth...And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him..." (Jn 4.50) Before he got home, the Lord confirmed by the servants that met him, He had kept His word. (Jn 5.51).  It is also clear that the nobleman was so excited about this experience, he "himself believed and his whole house."    

Thus, by faith, this believer will keep believing and encouraging lost family members to go to church.  This believer will continue to quote scripture as applicable in given situations.  This believer will keep believing and trusting God to bring unsaved family "into the ark."

God bless and keep trusting and believing for your crew!  Ps 57.7

Promises...

 Isaiah 51.3 is rich and full of promises.  Although, they may have been given for God's chosen earthly people, I believe Gentile believers may take them too.  I know I need them today.

"For the Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody."

• comfort waste places - Lord, forgive the time and opportunity I have made "waste."
• wilderness like Eden - Lord, I thank Thee for making my wilderness wanderings like "Eden."
• desert like the garden of the Lord - Father, thank Thee for making my desert like Thy garden.
• joy and gladness shall be found therein - Lord, I praise Thee for restoring my joy and gladness.
• thanksgiving and melody - Sweet Jesus, such wonderful feelings in my heart when you are near.

Simply, Amen.  Ps 57.7

Glorious thoughts from Isaiah...

 The Lord's care for us in Isaiah 40.11:

"He shall 

• feed His flock like a shepherd
• gather His lambs with His arm
• carry in His bosom
• gently lead those that are with young"

The Lord Jesus Christ, the gentle Shepherd of our souls, is so tender in His care for us.  

Recently, a man preached about the awesome, magnificent, unbiased love of God for His children.  It is expressed so plainly sweet in this passage.  

Dear Reader, this believer/blogger would suggest to simply soak, meditate and wonder at the words that express such TLC.

In the Name of our Blessed Shepherd

The price for pride

King Hezekiah was granted 15 years to his life on beseeching the Lord for a stay when sick. (Isa 38.5)  But paid a price when his heart was lifted up by flattery of the king of Babylon.  He was so "moved" by the Bablonian King's attentions (Isa 39.2) that a prophecy was told of "ALL...in (his) house...shall be carried to Babylon." (Isa 39.6)  Neither would he be granted grandchildren, thus "seed" after his name. (Isa 39.7)  Yet, he would live in "peace and truth" the rest of his days. (Isa 39.8)  

The price for pride?  Captivity of a people, no namesake, no joy...

Flash forward about 730 years to the time of Christ.

The disciples of John the Baptist were asking "to whom thou barest witness, (He is baptizing all that come to Him.)" Jn 3.26

To which the preacher replies, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." (Jn 3.27)  John instructs the listeners further about who really gets the glory for all good and blessings. "He must increase but I decrease." (Jn 3.30)  In addition John says this profound thing; "For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure."

The scripture that comes to mind in reference to "...God giveth not the Spirit by measure," (Jn 3.30) is found in (I Thes 5.19); We are commanded, "Quench not the Spirit."   One gets ALL of Him when salvation occurs. (Acts 1.8,  Jn 7.39, Acts 2.33, 2.38, 8.15, 8.17, 19.2, Gal 3.14 John 20:22)

Even though the life of King Hezekiah was prior to Grace that came through the Lord Jesus, what caused the loss of these external blessings? The "quenching" of the sweet Spirit of the Lord he had as King of Israel.  In a word "pride."  He was so elated at the length given his days after his illness that he subjected himself to the flattery of this worldly King of Babylon.

If we are to continue in the Lord's blessings, most of which are indeed spiritual, rather than the "added benefits" of daily living (health, finances, "things"...), how must we proceed?  Humilty of heart, body, mind and soul.  John said "he must increase, but I decrease." (Jn 3.30)

John said that "God (does not) give the Spirit by measure."  One gets ALL of God when one believes.

Paul told the Thessalonians to "Quench not the Spirit." (I Thes 5.19)

Quench (G4570) means "to extinguish of fire or things on fire." It also means "to suppress or stifle of divine influence."  This is a direct result of pride!  A hardened heart.  Look up the verses and the consequences.  It is never good.

It is quite simple really.  Though this blogger does not labor at any point.  The price for pride is great and not always redeemable in life.  The Holy Spirit whispered to this blogger to "wait" on a big decision in life.  Of course, giving way to the flesh, I didn't.  It took 16 years for  the pride in my heart to bear fruit but it did.  I thought I knew better than the Holy Spirit and so I "quenched" that "still small voice" to my own desire. The price for my pride? Loss of home and a "sword that never leaves my heart."  Was peace, contentment and goodness restored?  Yes, but the price was heavy.

I admit this discourse seems a bit jumbled. Current devotion, however, seemed to bring the two passages together.  King Hezekiah's pride and John the Baptist's teaching on humility.  

Take what you can from these words and God bless.  Ps 57.7

Where did my peace go? (Isa 30.15)

Some years ago, the Lord impressed this verse in my heart and it seems to be beckoning me again.  Of course it is an appeal to Israel to come back to the Lord after much rebellion.  However, it speaks to this blogger in a different way.  The verse:

"In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..."

It's always been clear, as a believer, that worldly pursuits, ideas, ways, keep one from the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  Still, believers get "sucked" into this world, many times, without realizing what it is doing to the peace once known.

That is the case with this blogger.  Without going into detail, my prayer is forgiveness of the things I've yielded in the flesh that cause so much unrest. Satan is "more subtle than any beast of the field." (Gen 3.1) Thus, His intention is to draw the believer's heart from the One who would give rest and peace.  The song was rendered of life; "it's a battlefield, not a recreation room."  True, true, true.

We are to turn to the One who gives such comfort, "The Comforter," promised by the Lord Himself. (Jn 14.26, 15.26, 16.13)

Words like, rest, peace, quietness have been circling my head for a few days.  I feel like a thirsty man in the desert with an ocean of water in view.  It occurs to me from the verse noted today, that "returning" is the way back to rest of the spirit, quietness of soul and confidence in the daily believers walk.  Thereby, giving much needed strength to the soul.

If you are weary today, take thought that it's probably because much of the world and its ways have been allowed into your life.  STOP the technology.  "Return" to "The way" and "walk" in it! (Isa 30.21)

What/Whom do You believe?

 The prophet is permitted to announce the coming of the Lord Jesus.  Read on in the passage of Isaiah 9.2, 6, 7, for the full description of the One whom we are to believe.

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace (there shall be) no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.  (Here's this word again) The ZEAL of the Lord of hosts WILL perform this."

The Lord, in His great love for His people, Jew and Gentile, is eager to share the "way, the truth and the life," with such as the lowly sinner.

Such truth is too wonderful to expound.  Read and examine the heart for yourself.

Amen.

What does it mean to believe?

 Current devotional reading in Isaiah brings the following verse to the forefront:

"And He shall be for sanctuary; BUT for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense...for a gin (trap) and for a snare...And MANY (not all) shall...stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken." (Isa 8.14, 15)

We know, of course, this prophecy is to "the house of Israel."  We also see in verse sixteen of chapter eight that the words are to be "(bound) up...among (the Lord's) disciples." (8.16)  What is this blogger saying?

To follow Christ is to know, "stumbling," offending others, hurt, brokenness, possibly captivity in some way. Peter told us in I Peter 2.6-9, 

    "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;"

In other words, just like the Lord Jesus was crucified on an "old rugged cross," so His disciples will suffer and be misunderstood in this world.  However, take heart.  Peter also told us we are "a chosen general, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, (yes even) a peculiar people..." who have a purpose, to shine the Lord's light in a sin-cursed, dark world.

There is much in the scripture about suffering for the cause of Christ. Read for yourself. (Jn 16.33, I Pet 4.12-19, 5.10, Jms 1.2-4, Rom 8.18, Rev 21.4, 2 Cor 4.8-10, Isa 43.2, 2 Tim 3.12, Ps 34.19).  

There is also much in the scripture about the reward for such suffering.  Our reward is on the other side of life, of course.  But in this life we know that "godliness with contentment is great gain." (I Tim 6.6) We also read that if we "suffer with Him, we shall reign with Him." (I Tim 2.12).  The song was written that said, "the way of the cross leads home."

The life of a believer  has also been stated this way, "prepare to be unappreciated."

Before despair sets in, read the verses above about suffering, then read all the verses that can be found about heaven at the end of the way.  

God bless is my prayer for you. Ps 57.7

"His train filled the temple..."

"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple." (Isa 6.1)

In ancient times, the flowing train of a monarch's robe was symbol of glory and splendor. It was the part of the robe that signified majesty and authority. The longer the back hem of the robe, the more powerful the sovereign.  There is no doubt as to the authority and majesty of the One to whom the "train" belongs in this passage in Isaiah.

While there are many other symbols and spiritual applications in this imagery, this blogger would focus on the "train" today.  The meaning of "train" from the Hebrew according to Strongs concordance is: skirt (of robe), such as a high priest's robe, the bottom edge of a robe.  As a noun, Webster's 1818 dictionary describes the word this way:  

• The tail of a fowl. For example, The train steers their flight, and turns their bodies, like the rudder of a ship. 
• A retinue; a number of followers or attendants, My train are men of choice and rarest parts. The king's daughter with a lovely train.
• A series; a consecution or succession of connected things, Rivers now stream and draw their humid train

Breaking the word down into Webster's meaning gives our readers a beautiful view of parts of the Lord's character and what He does for His people.  

1. Like the tail of the fowl or the rudder of a ship, the train is the part that steers the bird or the ship.  So it is with the ways of the Lord, if we walk in the council of His will and way we will be "steered" always in the right direction.
2. Like the train that accompany's the brides garment as she is admired from the back, like minded believers will follow, completely and without hesitation the "beauty of His holiness." (I Chr 16.29, II Chr 20.21, Ps 29.2).  Thus causing them to "walk in His ways." (Deut 8.6)
3. Like the definition of "connected things," believers are united in Spirit as brothers and sisters in the Lord and "fluidly," like the connected rivers and streams, follow the Lord. (Rom 12.5, I Cor 3.9, Gal 6.10)

This train has much meaning. More than this simple minded blogger can comprehend. But make no mistake, it is an important, relevant part of how one is to view the Lord, "high and lifted up."  If His "train filled the temple," then we are to be covered and out of view while He gets all the glory and is all in view.

God bless and keep each reader. Amen..

Purging

 The term comes to mind when meditating on Isaiah, chapter 5.  It is evident that judgment will occur because of the sins of the people.  The chapter starts out very lovingly, "Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard...in a very fruitful hill:..." (5.1) Then, verse 5 turns "sideways." "I will take away the hedge thereof and it shall be eaten...break down the wall...it shall be trodden down."  Why?

Verse 20 notes that it is because God's people, "Israel," "Call evil good, and good evil..." They are "wise in their own eyes and drink "strong drink."  It seems another world is watching this change also.  "Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure...and (they) shall descend into it." (5.14)  You better believe, "the devils believe and tremble." (Jms 2.19)

Yet, because of the Father's great love for His own, "his hand is stretched out still." (5.25)  The Lord never leaves His people in sin.  Judgment and purging must take place.  Verse 24 explains how all will be burned and consumed with fire.  This is God's way.

Much has been preached, taught and said on the subject of "purging." It is the Lord's way of separating the "wheat from the chaff."  Purifying the gold by "burning off the dross" that hides the gold. (Mt. 3.12, Mal 3.3)  This purging in Isaiah 5 is for the good of those the Lord calls His own.

Webster's 1828 defines purging this way; to cleanse or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure.  To clear from guilt or moral defilement.  The Psalmist said He would "purge" away our sins, for thy (His) Name's sake. (Ps 79.9)  The psalmist asked to be "purged with hyssop (so he could be) clean." (Ps 51.7)

My dear, fellow believer, be assured that the Lord applies the principle to His Jew and Gentile bride.  While santification is setting apart, there is no need to "set apart" unless one has been "purged."  So, when fiery trials (I Pet 4.12) come your way, know that your are being "purged."  And remember, it is grace in action because "His hand is stretched out still." (5.25)

God bless you and keep you. Amen

Zeal in times of "leanness."

 Zeal is a powerful term for the believer.  But there are times when a believer is in a mindset such as Isaiah in chapter 24 verse 16; "My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me!.."  

Zeal still seems to be in this bloggers heart but the words "leanness, MY leanness..." leap off the page today.  If Psalm 57.7 were not buried deep in this heart, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed...," I could not go one step further at times.

With the pandemic nearly one year old next month, church attendance and sickness have kept this bloggers local assembly out of the house of God as before.  For months, we have only been allowed at church on Sunday mornings.  Being kept from family because of COVID19 has been its own burden and struggle. It is agreed, a rest was needed but the "leanness" in this soul is keen today.  

Much of it is this bloggers fault due to filling time with self-serving pursuits, yet the Lord is bringing me around to the next verses in chapter 25.  The way to move out of "leanness" is found in Isaiah, chapter 25 and verses 1, 4 and 8.

The question is "How does one have 'zeal' in times of 'leanness?'"

"O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise Thy Name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth...For Thou has been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat...He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth:..."

Again, How does one have 'zeal' in times of 'leanness?  Worship!

Daily prayer is usually mundane and wooden.  How is life to be breathed into, well, "life?" It would seem the Holy Spirit impresses this thought through His Word this morning, Worship!  By faith, this blogger knows there is coming a day when sorrow, tears and heartache will be gone. (Rev 21.4) By belief in His Word, I know that each step brings us nearer that end. (Jer 29.11-13)

Thus, take heart, weary one!  You are not alone in your lack of "zeal" towards things of God.  Do not give up, give out or give in, just WORSHIP!  The Psalmist said it best when closing the Psalms, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. PRAISE YE THE LORD!" (Ps 150.6)

Zeal for His will

 This morning, it would seem the theme of "Zeal," would go in another direction.  

There is another who is "zealous" to do and to act.  "O Lucifer, son of the morning! art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend...I will exalt...I will ascend...I will be like the most High." (Isa 14.13,14)

The first mention of "will" in scripture is when the Lord God said He would "make an help meet" for the first man on earth.  This was good.  The second mention of will was not good. The Lord God issued a decree to judge the one who caused the man and woman to sin against their Maker.  "I will put enmity between thee and the woman..." (Gen 2.18, 3.15)  Even though the next mention of His "will" is all destruction, be reminded that the promise of a Saviour is given in Gen 3.15.  

The Lord Jesus plainly spoke of why He came;  "Father...not My will but Thine be done." (Lk 22.42)

Because our nature is to do the opposite of everything right and true, we must look to the scripture to follow His will.  Some things are His will without question; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, Honor thy father and thy mother, don't steal, covet...." (Exo 20).  But what about the nuances of life?  Should I work on Sunday? Should I let my child go to this new friends house? Should I answer this lunatic's questions about what I believe?

Jeremiah reminded us that the Lord knows us very intimately and has an "expected end" for us.  (Jer 29.11) We also know that it is His will to "give thanks" for ever thing, good or bad. (I Thes 5.18) But what about all that is in between?

It is the "zealous" belief of this blogger that when one "conforms" to all that is according to scripture (Rom 12.2) and "delights" in "the Lord," (Ps 37.4), His will is mostly made known.  With all the rest we must be patient and wait on the nudging of the Holy Spirit towards one thing or another.

When one cannot know the will of God, it has been the experience of this believer that there are two choices; First, if permitted, wait! Second, if a decision must be made, then choose the one closest to scripture, according to the Spirit's leading.  The Lord knows your heart on every given matter.  Trust Him.

Be "zealous" to do His will and peace will be your reward.

Zeal for destruction...

The last post was given with thankfulness of "the zeal of the Lord"  from a loving, tender heart to give believers His best.  Today, that same zeal will go in the opposite direction.

Nothing disturbs this believer more than the grand statement, "God is love," standing alone among all His other attributes.  It causes one to be misled and perform "those things which are not convenient/Sin!" (Rom 1.28-32).  

It is wonderful to note His love for His children as well as the mercy and compassion that follows.  However, it would be error to preach/teach only that doctrine.  Because He is holy, the only way we can get to Him, of course is through His Son, the Lord Jesus.  Because He is holy, that holiness cannot look on sin in any form.  (1 Sam 2.2,  I Pet 1.15, 16, Isa 57.15, Lev 11.44-47, Lev 19.2, Eph 1.4, Ps 96.9, Isa 6.1-13, Ps 103.1-22)

Let's take a look at current devotional reading in Isaiah 13.6, 9 and 11.

"Howl ye; for the DAY OF THE LORD is at hand it SHALL COME as a destruction from the Almighty...Behold, the DAY OF THE LORD cometh cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and HE SHALL destroy the sinners thereof out of it...And I WILL punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I WILL cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease and WILL lay low the haughtiness of the terrible."

If we would understand some of His nature, we must allow that His holiness must be justified.  All the scripture references noted above testify of His holiness.  We cannot come near Him because of that.  Our sinful flesh, even those that have been washed by the blood of the Lamb, would defile His holiness and that cannot be.  So then, how are we to escape such fiery judgement and destruction?  In John 14.6 the Lord Jesus tells us plainly that "(HE) is the way, the truth, the life and NO MAN cometh to the Father but by me."  We are saved from eternal destruction, through Him.  We pray in the Holy Spirit, by Him.  We CANNOT get to God apart from Him!  He lived a sinless, perfect life when we could not.

The old preacher pointed out that to go to God apart from the Lord Jesus is destruction.  We are not sinless and perfect and apart from the Lord Jesus never could be. It is indeed sobering to think of One so powerful as to destroy "sinners for their iniquity." (Isa 13.11)  

This destruction is complete.  Scripture also points out in references too numerous to mention, the destruction that will be the "lake of fire" when this life is over.  Bear in mind this is eternal damnation. No turning back once it is done.  Look it up. There are 54 verses in 17 of 66 books of the Bible that tell of that awful place.  Among others, the "UNBELIEVING" (Rev 21.8) are of the number that will end up in this dark, sad place where "the worm dieth not."(Mk 9.44-48)

How does one escape the "zeal" of the Lord to also perform destruction on the unbelieving?   Again, look it up!  Salvation, escape from eternal damnation.  A few verses to back the truth of the Lord Jesus.  Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"

(Eph 2.8-9, Rom 10.9, Mt 7.21, Jn 14.6, Acts 4.12, 6.44, Jn 15.1-27, Acts 16.30-33, Ps 3.8, Ps 37.39, Acts 28.28, Rom. 6.14, Jn 3.16-18, Ps 60.5, Gal 2.21, Jn 3.17-21, Acts 2.1-47)

To gain perspective for any truth presented in scripture, it is paramount to get the "WHOLE" truth.  ALL scripture is relevant and "is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God (any believer) may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim 3.16, 17)

New Year...what's next? "Zeal"

The year 2020 is gone and 2021 has arrived.  The pestilence named "COVID-19" is still with us. Church attendance is still minimal to prevent the spread of said pestilence. This heart struggles for the good feelings and emotions of days gone by.  Days of joy in the Lord and lightness of spirit.  

As a believer, it is understood that burdens are always a part of the life of faith.  However, because of recent national events it is apparent the Lord's coming is closer than ever.  With those thoughts in mind, this heart has been directed to begin reading in the prophetic books, beginning with Isaiah.  

To begin this New Year of increasing faith thru the scriptures, the following verse leaps off the page; "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isa 9.6)  Perform what?  

In the chapters preceding this proclamation, sinful Judah is brought to bear. Chapter one yields a positive note regarding sin, "...though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;...IF ye be willing and obedient..." (Isa 1.18.19)  Then, there are prophesy's of things to come brought to light. "...neither shall they learn war any more." (Isa 2.5) The day of the Lord is a fierce thing. (Isa 2.19-21).  To read from chapter two until the chapter nine, verse six is to note judgement, judgement, judgement.  Until the promise given in  9.6.

These thoughts would compare with Lamentations 3.22, 23, " It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness."  His holiness demands perfection.  This is why judgement must prevail. Yet, because of "the son" that is "given," compassion also shows evidence. Thus, yielding to "the zeal of the Lord of hosts..."

 To comprehend a bit more of the passage being discussed, one must define "zeal."  Zeal in the Hebrew (H7068) is "passion, jealousy to move."  Zeal from Webster's 1818 dictionary is described as "passionate ardour in pursuit of a thing. Eagerness of desire to accomplish something. 'The blind conductor of the will. In other words, "The zeal of the Lord..." was the rush to send us "a son...Wonderful, Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Though never at the expense of His Holiness, God Himself in compassion and tender mercy sent a Deliverer for His people.  There are no words to express this great love.  Just believe.

To make practical application of "zeal," every believer practice the passion to follow hard after His will and His way.  "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2.14)

God bless you all and Happy New Year!  Ps 57.7